Roller Derby is Alive in Tahoe

We spent a good part of our day at the 3rd Annual Deep Blue Derby Tournament hosted by our own Tahoe Derby Dames.

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups ("jams") in which both teams designate a scoring player (the "jammer") who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to assist their own jammer while hindering the opposing jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously and man are these gals tough.

When we were kids, bouts were scripted and it was all show. This gratuitous showmanship largely ended with the sport's contemporary grassroots revival in 2001, although player pseudonyms and colorful uniforms stayed. I loved the names of today's players: Demanda Rumble, Michelle Odrama, Miz Demeaner, Corndog...

Even the referees had great names. I loved this one proclaiming that he is "calling them fairly".
At times, our rink side seats were a little scary as the conjoined mass of skaters would come towards us. It was very exciting to watch.

This is athleticism at its finest with a whole lot of camp thrown in. They play for the glory and these trophies. Oh and they play for the adoration of the fans... which we are now.

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1 comments:

Four Points Bulletin said...

That looks fun! It is a beautiful backdrop. :) Gotta love Tahoe! I heard there is roller derby in Orange County. It must be one of those things you have to seek out, but once you find it there is a whole little community. Like Ren Faires. :)

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