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Atlanta Roller Derby league seeking more girls

No fad is ever gone forever and proof of that is the resurgence of Roller Derby. Skating rinks around the country have welcomed teams of hard-skating girls and the crowds that come to cheer them on, hoping to see mayhem on wheels. Though there are leagues around the country, until recently Atlanta has been absent from the scene. A local league is now forming, with practice three days a week and recruitment parties as the league tries to grow into a force to one day be reckoned with.

The Atlanta Rollergirls began forming in October last year and interested women attended parties where they could learn about the sport and sign up to form the inaugural league. The idea for the league came from Angela Ward, an Atlanta resident, who was introduced to the sport in Texas. Ward, 34, has lived in Atlanta since 1995 and instead of uprooting her husband and relocating to join a team, she decided to start a league here. Having no set place to skate, the team soon found a home at Dazzles Skating Rink in Fayetteville where owner Gina Prince has allowed the team to skate for free in the off hours. On Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights, the girls take over the rink, blaring bands like The Distillers while learning the fundamentals of Roller Derby competition.

In Roller Derby, five girls skate around the rink. There are three blockers, one jammer (in a star helmet) and a pivot (striped helmet). The pivot starts at the front of the pack and tries to help the jammer out of the pack. The jam and jam clock begin and after two short whistles the two jammers try to get out of the pack and get lead jammer status. Once a lead jammer has been established the jammer has two minutes to catch the rear of the pack and pass opposing skaters to score points. Jammers receive one point for every member of the opposing team she passes. There are more complex rules, involving penalty boxes and the Doors of Discipline (more serious penalties), but boiled down it is basically a way for girls to skate around the rink and pass others while trying to avoid getting blocked.

The girls take safety seriously. In addition to all members being required to have insurance, they are also required to wear knee pads, helmets, wrist guards and elbow guards during all practices and bouts and mouth guards are strongly recommended.

“Safety is our biggest concern,” said Ward, a Creative Services Director for The Weather Channel. “We don’t want anybody to break any bones.” Ward admits the sport can get a little rough but adds that she feels both hockey and football are both more physical. “There is some checking and tackling in Roller Derby, but we are all trained to fall correctly so that we can get around most injuries.” Ward also adds that this is not pretend like wrestling on television and that tempers do occasionally flare up.

The Atlanta Rollergirls have about 25 solid members thus far, ranging in age from 20-40, which Ward feels is about right. “We will allow girls to participate if they are at least 18 years old though,” she added. The girls are receiving instruction from coaches Gerald Beckham, a hockey coach and Chris Holloway. Prince also gave the girls a lesson in skate maintenance at a recent practice. The team will continue practicing with hopes to start bouts in July and ending in November. Ward hopes to have an exhibition bout scheduled in June. While the hope is that eventually there will be enough girls skating to field several teams, Ward thinks that there may only be enough for two teams this year. She believes that number will grow though as more people are introduced to the sport and see what she sees.

“I was never very good at most sports and I liked the idea of doing something that I could do really well,” said Ward. “I enjoy being able to get my aggressions out and the friendships that I have made have been a huge bonus.”

It is very clear that the Atlanta Rollergirls are having a blast. Many of the girls hadn’t skated in years but find it is coming back to them quickly. They also have enjoyed adopting their skating names which are meant to instill fear in their opponents. Some of the names of skaters on the Atlanta Rollergirls include Susan B. Agony, Rollerhate, Betty Boot, Tanya Hyde and Pearl Reckless. The bouts themselves should be lots of fun as local bands are expected to play between matches.

If you would like to learn more about the Atlanta Rollergirls and possibly join the league, they are having a recruitment party on Friday, Apr. 1 at the Brewhouse Cafe in Little Five Points. There is also a wealth of information on their web site, www.atlantarollergirls.com.