My 1st Junior Roller Derby Bout

Two Perspectives: Joan Of Argghh and Biff Break-It

By: JOAN OF ARGGHH

Playing for her home team The Knicker Kickers of Toronto Junior Roller Derby

My first roller derby game was a really cool experience. It’s a completely different feeling when you’re playing, which I had never felt just watching and practicing. To play girls that you have never met was a real challenge. You don’t know their names, personalities, or even strategies. When we played the Mad Missfits, it was really hard because all of their players were very, very good at derby, but I also knew that we had the skills to challenge them. 

photo: Jeff Hayward

At the beginning of the game, we were behind by a few points, but then we caught up. For a bit we were ahead of them, but then they brought out one of their jammers, auti-mobile, and it got more challenging. When the other team brings out a good player, it becomes really hard, but also fun. It’s fun to see the player’s techniques, especially if you haven’t seen them train. When you first see them, you notice all of the small things, you make a first impression. You also notice all of their signature moves.

I was a pivot for the Knicker Kickers, and I had to realize that every player had different styles and strategies, which meant that for each player, I had to get our team to use their skills to block the Missfits. It was really challenging, but really fun!

Photo: Greg Russell Photography

It seems that derby girls all connect somehow, that they have some strange chemistry about them that some others don’t, and they just instantly make friends with each other. I made a bunch of friends in one day, which I have probably never done. I also learned a bunch of stuff from the other girls, like strategies and moves, but I also learned something from everybody else in the room. Pivots have to project their voice!!!! If your team can’t hear you, then it’s no use! If the crowd can hear you, then you’re doing a good job, and obviously your team can hear you, it’s just a matter of their listening skills. Every girl is different and I think that my first derby game was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.

-Joan Of ARRGH! #1337

BIFF BREAK-IT

lent to The Mad Missfits of New Hampshire for the bout

Before the bout I felt nervous but excited. It was our first bout and I was hoping that I wouldn’t mess it up. I was a little disappointed that my debut as a player involved me being on the other team. When we started I just pretended I was at a practice and that we were scrimmaging against each other.

Biff Break-It

At the start of the bout I was embarrassed because I fell while doing plough stop, but I quickly recovered and got back into game mode.  I wasn’t sure if the team I played for (the Mad Missfits) would win because we had no experience working with New Hampshire’s players. We ended up working quite well together even though we only met that day.

Photo: Jeff Hayward

After the bout I was happy, we won and it was a great experience for me to be able to meet and get to know the Mad Misfits. Overall I think this was a great chance to meet new people and learn about how they play

-Biff Break-It #14BC

A Junior Rollergirl’s Perspective by: Madzilla, Guest Blogger

Toronto Junior Roller Derby has been so much FUN! Me and many other girls and guys enjoy the sport. The guys can be referees. It teaches us  team work and patience. Personally I like it because I’ve met so many girls and guys and we’ve learned to get along together. I also just love the thrill of skating. I heard about it from my step mother Christy AKA Coach Mouth. I learned a lot from her.

Speaking of the coaches they’re all amazing! They’re nice, fun and help us with so much! I think that they are the reason all of us are having so much fun. They arrange everything and make TJRD possible. So thank you to Coach Vader, Coach R’effin, Coach T-Ref, Coach Robber, Coach Mouth, Coach Lou and of course BDI. It was BDI’s idea to have Junior Roller Derby in the first place so thanks!

Toronto Junior Roller Derby is a year-round sport except for December, which is our little break and than we start again in January. We have about 40 girls and guys all together and more are welcome! We have a scrimmage at almost every practice and soon we plan on taking on some girls from the U.S.A. If you come to any Toronto Roller Derby game there’s always some TJRD skaters there. We also hold events like car washes, garage sales and we sell 50/50 raffle tickets at ToRD games.

In all Roller Derby you get to pick out your own name and number so you’ve got to be creative! You’ll also need to get your own gear like a helmet, skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, mouth guard, etc. Toronto Junior Roller Derby practices go from 2:00-4:00 every Sunday. Our practices are full of drills and they’re all really fun! They’re hard though so be ready! The Coaches always suggest you bring lots of water to every practice you’ll need it believe me! The Coaches also give you homework to do every week don’t worry it’s easy! The Coaches send out e-mails too to keep everyone updated. It’s good because if you miss a practice then you know what happened! We just did our WFTDA test to make sure we know all the rules.

Toronto Junior Roller Derby also helps to keep you very fit and active too. It’s a good way to get exercise in every week. TJRD age limits are 9-18 because when you’re 19 you could join adult Roller Derby if you wanted too. If you do end up joining us I promise you’ll make lots of friends and meet great people! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join Toronto Junior Roller Derby. That’s what I’ve learned so far.

By:
Madzilla #5 1/2