their own health insurance, purchase Flat Track Derby coverage for an annual fee--out of pocket. Each skater pays league dues, signs liability waivers. Though only recommended, MOAB believes in wearing a protective bite-guard and hard-shells on her wrists. When a student raises her questioning hand in my wife’s class, pearly whites flash out at all the brilliance, while a strong scrawl writes PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE on the board. She goes over the Rules: it’s a game of positioning, timing, engagement, assists, target zones and blocks; their history’s always been about moving fast to avoid, but handling the trips, impacts, and the arguable penalties. The voice of experience tells them: once you’ve mastered communication and entered the revolutions of the game, nothing can truly knock you over the rails—if somebody busts you, you get back on that track. Doesn’t matter if you’re a blocker or a jammer in this life--if you want a piece of the action, gear up--get ready for full contact. Don’t let anyone keep you from the goal. It’s called winning. It’s a good way to roll.
The Wayne Literary Review: Escapism
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