roller d e r b y with jet city
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Derby Basics • A Brief History • Derby 101 • Common notions • Why We Skate •
Jet City Roller Derby • • • •
Jet City History The New Jet Jet Cadets & Gear Requirements Skater interviews
Derby Extras • • • • • •
The Roller Derby Skate Shop Leagues of Washington Junior Skater Interviews Picking your Skate name Special Thanks Derbylistings.com
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derby basics 5
a brief history The history of roller derby traces the evolution of roller skating races into a unique sport which underwent several boomand-bust cycles throughout the 20th century. Although it was a form of sports entertainment for much of its existence, a grassroots, early 21st century revival spearheaded by women, has restored an emphasis on athleticism. Today, not even 15 years after roller derby’s reinvention, there are nearly 2000 roller derby leagues, spread across 53 countries, and 100,000 women play the sport regularly, as do many men and juniors. Roller derby has become a sport for the entire family, for every body type, and for everyone.
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In the early 2000s, modern women’s roller derby got its start in Austin, Texas. Starting with the Texas Rollergirls, these new leagues formed as businesses run by the athletes themselves. The flat track version of the sport spread like wildfire in subsequent years, as the ability to mark track boundaries on a skating rink floor or other venues, rather than building and storing a large banked track, made it possible to play the game just about anywhere. By 2010, there were more than 450 flat track roller derby leagues worldwide.
One reason for roller derby’s rapid and continues expansion is that, while older sports, and the powerful corporatestyle organizations that run them, have been getting into trouble — roller derby remains a player-owned and operated grassroots movement. Derby athletes don’t just play their sport; they run it too.
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roller derby 101 the line up
Jammer
Pivot
the track
Flat track roller derby is played on a modified ellipse to simulate a tilted track feel and to aid in the speed of the skaters. The game pits two teams of 14 players against each other, skating anti-clockwise around the track. Each team has 5 players on track at a time, 4 blockers and 1 jammer.
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Blocker
Blocker
Blocker
basic vocabulary jammer: Scores points for their team and wears the star on their helmet. lead: The first jammer that legally makes it through the pack on the initial pass earns the ability to call off a jam. Lead jammer is signaled by the ref’s arm in the air. blocker: Plays offense and defense at the same time.
They block the opposing jammer from scoring while attempting to aid their own jammer through the pack. pivot: A blocker who can switch positions with the jammer to score points. They wear a stripe on their helmet. They are magic. pack: The formation of all blockers and both pivots on the track. jam: A two-minute shift during which each of the 2 jammers attempt to score all the points! period: A thirty minute session of unlimited jams. bout: A game lasting one hour or 2 periods.
main objective Today’s roller derby is essentially a race between jammers of opposing teams through a pack of blockers. The first jammer to make it through the pack legally is designated the “lead jammer” and must lap the pack again to start scoring points. Most points wins. Everytime. 9
common notions Is it real? One of the most common questions derby skaters get asked is simply “IS IT REAL?� It would seem the general population has been damaged by the Derby of the 70s and the generally pre-planned matches of the wrestling world. If you were wondering, Yes it is 100% real, no fake injuries, no planned endings and absolutely no locker room story lines.
Do you punch people? No. Skaters are prohibited from hitting any skater with forearms or fists. Hips and shoulders in the designated contact zones only.
Do only women play Roller derby? While Jet City is an all female league there is indeed a male derby association with mens derby leagues all across the country. Visit MRDA.org for more information. 10
I could never play derby!
Roller derby is a sport for everyone. There is a place for everyone and everyone has a place. The initial thought you may have is that you have to be an athlete to play, and while Skaters are indeed athletes, not many of us started out with a strong athletic background. Many have never played sports before. Roller derby is for every size, shape and type of body. You are made for Roller derby. I promise. If high impact game play isn’t for you, maybe think about finding your place in a referees jersey or recording stats and running the scoreboard as a Non-skating official. It takes all kinds to build a community and it takes everyone to run a roller derby league.
Everyone has a place in Roller derby.
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why do we skate? Many come to find this sport through simple happenstance, through friends or in some cases physically running into a skater on the street and striking up a friendly conversation. We all start out like Bambi on ice, eventually becoming addicted to the speed and “hurt-sogood” thrill of bouting. Some skaters complete 3-4 seasons and retire peacefully. Then you have some skaters who stick around for years, with no intention of ever leaving. Despite all the things derby can be, no matter how we found it, no matter how long we have been skating, we still get asked
“Why?”
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this is why.... To see yourself do things you never thought you could ever do. for the Athleticism. Putting in work and finally being able to do something new. Exercise and to be a part of an empowering movement with other women. Hard-hitting fast-paced hella enjoyable sport. For the exercise, since I’m a SAHM I like to remain involved in organizations to maintain a “resume”, and because I enjoy meeting new people. The exercise is so intense I love it!! The competition is awesome also! It’s a workout that I love doing. I enjoy playing a competitive team sport. The friends I’ve made here are rad. I’ve learned that it helps keep me accountable for my workouts even off skates. I play roller derby because it is a healthy competitive outlet. Roller derby also allows me to value my body for its strength and size despite the current negative body culture in society. 13
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jet city 15
past In 2005, a group of gals from Dockyard Derby Dames in Tacoma, got together with an exciting idea. They wanted to start their very own roller derby league in the city of Everett. Nova Payne, Ruby Ruckus, and Sassy Pants began Jet City Rollergirls at the Everett Skate Deck during the summer of 2006. The early days of Jet City was more entertainment and less athletics; as many women were just learning to skate and promoting events took place at biker rallies and tattoo shops. Fishnets and short skirts were the usual attire on the track, and bar nights that included jello wrestling were not uncommon. There were many leagues springing up in the northwest and across the country, and by 2009 the sport of roller derby had made it to the big screen with the movie Whip It. The films release sparked a huge influx of people wanting to join their local derby league. Jet City’s original four home teams (Hula Honeys, Camaro Harem, CarnEvil and Pink Pistols) were regularly holding public intraleague bouts that brought in hundreds of fans eager to see this new sport. Jet City’s all-star team, the Bombers, were competing at a high level in WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) and began traveling to other states to play in tournaments for regional ranking and playoffs.
present In 2017, Jet City restructured and re-branded to reflect the more athletic and competitive nature of roller derby. The home teams were dissolved and reshuffled into two league teams: the Aviators and the Skyraiders. The Bombers continue to be a WFTDA team that competes regionally and nationally. 16
what we do Jet City Roller Derby (previously and originally the Jet City Rollergirls) is Snohomish County’s only all female, flat track roller derby league. Established in 2006, and based out of Everett, WA, JCRD is run by the skaters for the skaters. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We train at the Everett Skate Deck and hold our bouts (games) at the Seaview Gymnasium at Edmonds Community College. • • Compete locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in the sport of roller derby • • Provide education, and high intensity training to prepare our athletes for serious competition • • Have fun and believe in promoting fun! • • Support community charities • • Help empower women of all ages with athleticism and teamwork • • Commit to being positive role models to our younger fans • • Host fun off-the-track events such as music events, fund-raisers, fun-runs and auctions!
the jet city mission Jet City Roller Derby provides a positive environment for training and competition in the sport of women’s roller derby. We strive to improve Snohomish County by developing athletes, promoting healthy lifestyles, providing community service, and partnering with local charities. 17
the new jet In 2017 our league restructured and changed its name. The league went from Jet City Rollergirls, with 4 home teams and 1 travel team to Jet City Rollerderby with 2 home teams and one all star-team. We did this for a few reasons. We wanted a name that encompasses everyone involved in our league, skaters, volunteers, Fans and officials included. We also wanted to highlight our athleticism and avoid being called girls. We are women, not girls. Restructuring the league allowed us to focus on playing other leagues more often, rather than always playing ourselves. When the sport first started we had to skate against each other. Now there are so many leagues in this region, there really isn’t a reason to compete against each other within the league anymore. Bottom line we wanted to be more competitive.
League logo 2006-2017 18
League logo 2017 and beyond
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jet city roller derby presents
the jet cadets Jet City Roller Derby is proud to present our comprehensive training program for aspiring derby players! This exciting program will train you from the ground up to become the best derby player you can be!
The 2018 Jet Cadets showing off some pace line skills at halftime.
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The 2018 Jet Cadets. Photos by Danny Ngan Photography.
gear requirements: Whether you join for fitness, to become an all star skater, or to just learn something new, there are a few items you will need before hitting the floor. You can always borrow gear your first few practices but be sure to bring a water bottle and your own mouth guard. Also arrive in comfortable fitness clothing for the best experience.
the price of awesome: Drop in at any practice for $10 per practice or pay $50/month to join and attend all the practices each week!
Practice is currently held twice a week; Saturdays from 7:45am-10am Wednesdays from 9pm-11pm
Check out jetcityrollerderby.com for more info
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#5 ivana hercha
1. What attracted you to this sport? When I first saw it I knew it was a sport I had to play. Bad-ass women on skates knocking each other around? Yeah, I knew right away. 2. The most challenging maneuver to learn in derby? Any move that you haven’t done yet is challenging ….Until you do it. 3. Hardest thing you had to learn in this sport? (Mentally) To get over the fact that I’m in my 40s and play this sport. I had to learn that I’m not to old to play derby. I’m too old to play the minute I think I am. 4. What came naturally to you? Skating. I love skating and started playing ice hockey as an adult, so I started with good skating skills. 5. Do you now, or have you ever, played any other sports? I played soccer as a kid, and started playing ice hockey as an adult. 22
6. How long do you see yourself playing this sport? Not sure~ I always said I would stop playing this sport when it’s no longer fun. It’s been 12 years and it’s still fun. 7. If you controlled the rules, what would you change? Less stopping, more skating and more hitting! 8. Who was your first coach? Big Poppa taught the whole league to skate and love derby. 9. Did they teach you anything that you still value as a skater today? How to dance on my skates. We would dance every practice. 10. What gear do you prefer and why? The kind that I never have to change. I’m a creature of habit and once I get a particular item, I’ll keep wearing it or buying it. Good knee pads are essential. 11. One thing you wish for the future of derby!? That Jet City remains a sustainable, viable, competitive and fun league for ALL people.
Preferred Position: Jammer
Beginning date: August 2006
Favorite food: Mexican!
Occupation: Middle School Art Teacher
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#03 mary cotrary
1. What attracted you to this sport? The community of strong, accepting women. Also, cute girls and the bragging rights of being a “derby girl”. 2. The most challenging maneuver to learn in derby? I could not for the LIFE of me figure out how to transition from forward skating to backwards. I still have trouble with fancy spin moves! 3. Hardest thing you had to learn in this sport? Determining when it’s time to push through pain or a mental block or exhaustion, and when to step away & recover first. 4. What came naturally to you? Hitting! I can smash into my friends pretty fearlessly. 5. Do you now, or have you ever, played any other sports? Yoga was as close as I got. 6. How long do you see yourself playing this sport? As close to forever as is physically possible! 24
7. If you controlled the rules, what would you change? Unsure... 8. Who was your first coach? Jet City gave me a whole team of coaches from day one! Illah Smashya was and continues to be a great friend and first mentor. 9. Did they teach you anything that you still value as a skater today? I was always inspired by the huge smile on Illah’s face when she jammed! I’m always reminding myself in tough games how FUN this sport is! 10. Who is your derby crush? I’m obligated to pick my girlfriend, Crash Smashum 11. One thing you wish for the future of derby!? Continuing to grow the athleticism and reach of the sport, while not forgetting our fun roots!
Preferred Position: Jammer
Beginning date: March 2015
Favorite food: Sushi!
Occupation: Nanny
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#18 mytai smashya
1. What attracted you to this sport? It was a contact sport that didn’t have any age limit. 2. The most challenging maneuver to learn in derby? Taking a hit while skating backwards. I was always worried I would fall, hit my head and get a concussion. 3. Hardest thing you had to learn in this sport? Some people pick skills up faster than others. Taking time to develop a skill is not a personal flaw. 4. What came naturally to you? Playing aggressively as a blocker, I’m not afraid of contact. 5. Do you now, or have you ever, played any other sports? Previously I ran track, did gymnastics and 3M board driver. 6. How long do you see yourself playing this sport? Until I am physically unable to. 26
7. If you controlled the rules, what would you change? Lead jammer should change if the other jammer takes the front from the initial lead jammer. 8. Who was your first coach? Chuck “Hollywood� Hendrick 9. Did they teach you anything that you still value as a skater today? Sore does not mean injured. You can still practice sore. 10. Who is your derby crush? Scott Slamilton, He has insane footwork as a jammer but is still humble and sweet. 11. One thing you wish for the future of derby!? I hope there is more coed derby and acceptance of men playing the sport.
Preferred Position: Blocker
Beginning date: 2007
Favorite food: Chicken!
Photo by: Chris Springer Photography
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derby extras
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The Roller derby Skate Shop is a full service shop located in Edmonds Washington specializing in roller derby equipment and are here to serve skaters of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels! They have everything you need to get started, plus more! From socks and hot pants to skate maintenance and gear upgrades you will be jamming in style before you know it.
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Phone: 425-697-6979 Email: Contact@rollerderbyskateshop.com
Address: 23830 HWY 99 #116B Edmonds, WA 98026 Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday: 12PM-6PM Friday/Saturday: 12PM-6PM Sunday: 12PM-4PM CLOSED Mondays & Thursdays
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Mob City Misfits is a co-ed youth sports league dedicated to bringing the thrilling, fast-paced, full-contact sport of junior roller derby to Everett, Washington. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and supportive environment for young athletes, ages 5–18, where they can come together and play this highly exciting sport of speed, strategy, and teamwork. Mob City Misfits helps empower skaters with self-confidence, leadership skills, and helps develop athletic abilities while improving overall fitness. We achieve this by providing a place where skaters learn to play roller derby in a framework built around trust, respect, friendship, and athletic competition. Mob City Misfits is an equal opportunity league and does not discriminate on gender, race, creed, color, or sexual orientation.
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The Mob City Misfits have three teams of different levels to provide derby to kids of all skill sets. New skaters start on the Goons which is a no contact team that plays positional derby only, from there skaters will work thier way up to Punks which is a modified contact team. The Misfits is the full contact team, kids of any age can be on it if they meet the minimum skills requirments and abilities as specified by the JRDA.
Roller derby is fun for the whole family! To the right you can see Bad Mommie with her two daughters, who play for Mob City’s Junior team. Bruno Scars and Toe Jammer both enjoy playing derby with and against their mother. Bad Mommie is a league coach for Mob and a bomber on Jet City.
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#23 Afro interview
afro jamurai
1. What attracted you to this sport? The ability to be aggressive and fierce without the fear of being told I’m not acting “lady like”, Not only that, but I get to celebrate it. 2. The most challenging maneuver to learn in derby? PLOW STOPS!! My actual worst enemy. I still struggle with them to this day and that’s one of the first moves in derby. 3. Hardest thing you had to learn in this sport? Being overly hard on yourself and actually making healthy steps to becoming better are two very different things. 4. What came naturally to you? I would say hitting. I can’t take all the credit because I had (and still do) many great coaches who have taught me Everything I know. 5. Do you now, or have you ever, played any other sports? I played roller hockey for a short period of time (more training for derby really). 36
6. How long do you see yourself playing this sport? Until I physically can’t 7. If you controlled the rules, what would you change? I would make it so we could have an instant replay during official reviews. 8. Who was your first coach? Selma soul and Lisa Lawless. 9. Did they teach you anything that you still value as a skater today? The Basics 10. Who is your derby crush? My love is for the game, got no time for other people. 11. What do you believe everyone starting out, should know? Roller derby is an amazing sport but you need a support system. Trust your team, they’re your family. They (and your real family) get you through wins, loses, injuries, and so much more
Photo by Anthony Floyd
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#17 Afro interview
turbo charged
1. What attracted you to this sport? I got attracted to Roller Derby friends of friends who had mentioned that there was a league starting up so I decided I would try it out since I like competitive sports. 2. The most challenging maneuver to learn in derby? It would have to be the Plow Stop. To this day I continue to struggle with it. 3. Hardest thing you had to learn in this sport? Determining when it’s time to push through pain or a mental block or exhaustion, and when to step away & recover first. 4. What was the hardest thing mentally to learn? I’m going to say was my first National championships in Florida because we had to compete in championship game while most of us were exhausted. 5. What came naturally to you? I’m going to say listening to coaches, my willingness to learn new things, and the motivation to succeed were all natural things that came to me. 38
6. Do you now, or have you ever, played any other sports? I played baseball from 2004 to 2008 but then soccer took over for the 9 years as I played rec, club, premier, and high school. I also cycle with my dad & the Cascade Cycling Club. 7. How long do you see yourself playing this sport? I hope to continue to play roller derby as long as I can. 8. If you controlled the rules, what would you change? If I controlled the rules I would want to add instant replay or the ability to show proof of a penalty that had not occurred. 9. Who was your first coach? My first coaches were Cory, Star and Snack Size 10. Did they teach you anything that you still value as a skater today? I value everything because they taught me everything I know. 11. Who is your derby crush? I look up to such as all my coaches I have had over the past 5 seasons.
Preferred Position: Utility skater
Beginning date: March 2012
Favorite food: Mac and Cheese Job: Skate Deck employee
Photo by Anthony Floyd
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derby names list Derby names usually have minimal to no rules, speak with a seasoned skater at a league near you for more info. Just pick a name you love. Weather it is funny, clever, bad-ass or simply your last name, Your Derby name is important and will be a part of the new you, So choose wisely.
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thank you! This book has been entirely too fun to make and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my friends in the derby community. I want to give a special thanks to the photographers who shared their work with me, the skaters who gave their time to be a part of this project, Most of all I want to thank them for being a part of this amazing world of derby and doing what they do for others. This is one of the best communities I have ever been apart of and I don’t plan to leave anytime soon.
I hope to see you on the track someday Bring your friends!
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Danny Ngan Photography Deb Carlson Photography R.L.Robertson Photography Anthony Floyd Photography Mob City Misfits Ivana Hercha Ruby Rough-and-Tumble the Rollerderby Skate Shop
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find a league There are tons of leagues popping up all over the country every day. You can find any league in any city, in any state, using Derbylistings.com Derby Listings lets you search by the city, state, status, and shows competition level of any given league to assist you in your search for home. Whether you are transferring or trying something new, Derbylistings.com can help.
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Established in 2006 46