They seem like ordinary women, mothers and, in some cases, grandmothers, with workaday jobs and ordinary names.
But when they strap on the roller skates, helmets, uniforms and pads, they become the South Simcoe Rebel Rollers — and anything but ordinary.
And this Saturday evening, starting at 6 p.m., they’ll be showing their stuff at the Holly Recreation Centre, in a roller derby doubleheader pitting the Ghoul Guides against the Nickel City’s Sudbetties, followed at 8 by a contest between the Boneyard Betties and the RDD Bombshell Battalion.
The concept of roller derby is simple: two teams of four blockers and one jammer — the point scorer, like a running back in football — jockey for position, before the jammer can break from the pack, skate a lap and then try to pass players on the other team, notching a point for every opponent she does pass.
The jammer may continue to race and score points for two minutes or until the lead jammer calls off the jam (by tapping her hips twice). Generally, a jammer scores four points each time she makes it through the pack within bounds and five points if she laps the other jammer. It goes without saying, but, the team with the most points at the end of the night wins.
But like any sport, roller derby has many detailed rules, penalties and strategies, and while the play can get kind of rough at times, it’s not intended to injure the other player.
Local graphic designer Julie Bateman – who goes by the alias of Annie Asskicker — emphasizes the friendship and fun aspect of the game.
“Instead of big, hard hits, our training focuses more on things like strategic blocking. Unfortunately, players can still get injured because it's a full contact sport but it's never the intention.”
And when they do, says Bateman, players on both sides call a halt to the game to drop to one knee while that player is treated.
“The skater’s team-mates will surround the injured player, partly to show respect but also to shield them from the spectators and give them privacy.”
Players are brought along and trained to skate properly through various “boot camps” which Bateman and her mates consider like one big family.
“Many of my best friends are women I met in boot camp ... three of us are even going to Vegas next month for a roller derby convention. Four other girls took a road trip to Philly last weekend for another derby event.”
When they get back home, the players all share in setting up and promoting each individual event, organizing boot camps, bringing new talent along.
The next boot camp, by the way, is set for Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, Sept. 1, at Orillia’s ODAS Park.
Many of the players go by assorted pseudonyms — Tinkerhell, Breakneck Bellsey , Gear Slayer, Assault and Pepper — giving the impression of mild-mannered female undergoing one tough transformation.
Another Bateman, errr, Annie, offers is that roller derby would like to hear from women of all walks of life, and not just to play the game.
“If you're interested in the sport but not sure that playing is your thing, we're always looking for volunteers too. We need referees, non-skating officials and other volunteers to help out at events.”
Once again, game time is 6 p.m. at Holly Recreation Centre, 171 Mapleton Avenue. Doors open at 5. Tickets are $15.00 at the door, or $12.00 in advance (children under age nine get in free), and can be purchased at Donaleigh’s Irish Pub (28 Dunlop East) or Rumbling Rage Derby Shop (274 Burton, Unit 17). They are also available on their website here.
