DASH, BASH AND CRASH---IT'S THE DERBY GIRLS!
"It's the best sport ever," said the younger of the white-shirted, name tagged missionaries; a feeling obviously shared by rinkside cheering spectators ranging from those in black-lipped Goth dress, biker regalia, soccer mom clothing, redneck overalls, mohawks, dreadlocks, many tattoos, and some fans of dubious gender who watched the Death Dealers squeak by Leave It To Cleavers, 95-80, in the season opener May 19 at the Olympic Oval in Kearns.
Roller Derby, or just "Derby," as it's known, is growing phenomenally, not just in Utah, but across the U. S.
"It's skyrocketing. There are more than a hundred leagues all over the country. There's even a new team starting up in Davis," said a skater for the Bomber Babes, who goes by the name "Sophonda Pain" ("So-fond-a pain," get it?).
In fact, it's that mixture of retro Roller Derby, with its scripted dramas, and the Wide World of Wrestling alter egos, that lend the sport its modern day appeal. Not to mention the fish net stockings which the athletes each wear.
Many skaters build a fan base who come to every competition, or bout, to scream for their favorites. The women are known only by their alter ego names, such as "Lady Shatterly" "Cruel Intentions," "China White," "Miss Discipline," and other mothers of invention.
The Cleavers uniform consists of skating skirts and aprons. There were many panty shots, which were recorded on cell phones, as the Cleavers bent over for the start of each jam.
There are goons in the sport, but Pain says, "Anytime you do an intentional elbow or a punch or a full on push, you're going to get a penalty."
That is, if the ref sees it. Sometimes, the girls themselves take care of an overly aggressive skater.
"If you know a girl's playing dirty, you don't feel bad about hitting her extra hard," said Pain, grinning.
There are about 65 skaters in the league, with more training to make it. The Salt City Derby Girls are always looking for new skaters.
Pain says, "We've got skaters as young as 20, and some in their 40's. You can come out and skate with us if you would like to try it. We have tryouts at Hollywood connection, and also we have "Skate With A Derby Girl" day. Even if you don't think you can skate, come on out and we'll show you the basics."
The skaters don't get paid yet, but they do get insurance. And some are highly placed career women who skate for the love of the game---and the chance to let out a little aggression. The popular "Lady Shatterly" of the Death Dealers, for example, is the editor of the Weber State Communications office.
The sport is played on a regulation rink outlined by a taped-down oval of lights. A bout consists of two minute shifts, each one called a jam. The many jams during a bout require a great deal of endurance and physical strength.
Derby is played with two teams of five skaters. Each team has subs on the sidelines ready to fill in. There are three positions in Derby: one pivot, three blockers and one jammer. Pivots lead the pack, and set the pace for the skating. Like a football quarterback, they direct the game. Blockers are the main bulk of the pack; it is their job to keep opponents from getting by them to score points. Blockers are the main source of um---physical activity, during the jam. Jammers are the only skaters who can score points. They do this by making their way through the blockers, past the pivots and around the rink to lap the pack. Once the jammer catches up to the pack, she scores one point for each skater she passes on the opposing team, while the blockers try to stop her. If she makes it through the pack, she becomes the lead jammer, and the referee follows her around the rink, pointing at her to indicate that she is the lead jammer, while the other jammer is also trying to get through the pack and overtake her.
The lineup starts with the two pivots in front, the blockers behind the pivots, and the two jammers behind the pack. The ref blows a whistle to start the jam, and the pack begins skating. When the entire pack is 20 feet ahead of the jammers, the ref blows the whistle again, and the jammers take off.
Skaters can check or block an opposing player with a shoulder or hip, but it's illegal to use elbows or hands. No tripping is allowed.
For more info on upcoming bouts and "Skate With A Derby Girl" days, go to the league's web site: SLCDerby.com