Fishnet stockings, tattoos, raunchy names, bruises, hip checks, blood, sweat, and tears. These are just some of the words used to describe the tough ladies of Boston Derby Dames. How about PhDs, lawyers, engineers, bio-entomologists, authors, scientists, wives, and mothers? There is a whole other side of these brawling broads and they carry a heavy arsenal of impressive lifestyles. Besides brawn and beauty, they’ve got brains. Total package!
If you haven’t heard of Roller Derby till now, you are in for a treat. Check out this video.
Statement from their website:
We are Boston’s first and only all-female, DIY, skater-owned and -operated flat track roller derby league and proud members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).
The Boston Derby Dames have been getting their blocks off since May 2005 when the first intrepid rollergirls began training at rinks and hockey courts throughout greater Boston. The league now boasts more than 50 active skaters on three home teams: the Cosmonaughties, Nutcrackers, and Wicked Pissahs. Our all-star travel team, the Boston Massacre, has been in action since October 2005 and has traveled to play teams in Las Vegas, Columbus, Madison, and Seattle. We’ve hosted Charm City (MD), Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dominion (VA), Maine, and more. As of April 2009 the Massacre stand at #8 nationally in Derby News Network’s power rankings and #5 in the east in WFTDA’s four-region rankings.
What’s roller derby? A game is called a bout. Bouts are divided into two 30-minute periods with an unlimited number of jams, which can last up to two minutes. Two teams on the track with 5 skaters each: a pivot (striped helmet), three blockers, and jammer (the one who scores the points, star helmet). From both teams the Blockers skate together in a pack and are continuously lapped by the jammers. Jammers are fast skaters, and score points each time they pass an opposing teammate. The lead jammer (whoever gets through the pack first) can call off the jam whenever she wants, usually to prevent the other jammer from scoring points.
As you know, there are all sorts of rules when it comes to blocking, fighting, and plain ole’ dirty business. BDD runs their bouts to be family friendly, though you may hear some PG-13 language, and the occasional scuffle. They’re fun, they’re entertaining, and you get to watch some strong female athletes plow into each other, all for the love of the game.
I’ve had the pleasure of being a Derby girl myself and was proud to call the Boston Massacres and The Nutcrackers my team! Practices are no joke, and neither is league participation. Since it is all derby owned and operated they rely on participation of everyone involved. Between 3-5 practices a week, cross training, volunteering for the community, league meetings, press kits, fundraising, recruiting, coaches, playbooks, line-ups, and travel arrangements, Roller Derby quickly becomes a full time job. But it is absolutely worth it. The ladies do this willingly, with love in their hearts and brusies on their bums. I’m amazed to see how much the league has grown, and with that, how many people come to recruiting. A couple hundred attempt try-outs but only a select few make it on the team. If you’re interested in being involved, just go to their website and they will tell you when skating clinics and try-outs are available, usually around the end of the summer.
It looks like I’ve kept you interested this long, and if you don’t want to join, then you can just attend a bout and cheer on your favorite Dame! The tickets usually go quickly, especially at the door, so buy early!
Here are their up coming 2011 Bouts!
[UPDATE] And we now have a winner! Congrats to our commenter Patch on the win!
How freakin’ awesome is this? I’m throwing my name in the hat for the free tickets. Game on!
The last bout of the 2010 season was my first. I thought it was AWESOME!!! I’m in for free tix. Looking forward to the opener.
My sister skates for the Wicked Pissahs and the Massacre. I love derby, and am definitely going to be at the March bout! I’m broke and bringing an entourage of other broke college students, so I’m totally down for trying to get free tickets! Sign me up!
I have a cousin that skates for the Pissahs. I have t-shirts and other supportive gear, but with two small children, I haven’t made it to a bout just yet. But this is the season,….. free tickets or not,….I’ll be there. Go Pissahs!!!!!!!