Get Down and Derby
by Rowan Beck
June 17, 2010, page 10.....

Looking for something different to do with your kids? Take them to the Champlain Valley Expo for a bout of Roller Derby. The days of brutal fighting, foul language and sexual innuendos are history and a new more-focused athletic sport has emerged. Burlesque outfits and tattoos still seem to be a must, but the derby has become family friendly.
I was nervous once I had decided to take my daughters. I wondered if I should actually be there when we were greeted at the door by a tattooed, body-pierced, stringy young woman. Our hands were stamped with skull and crossbones, allowing us entry. I clearly thought I had made a mistake as we walked in to find a seat. The seating is open around the flat oval track and the best seats are in the corners, in the chairs as opposed to the bleachers. This is where it is easiest to see the pack and the female skaters are forced out of bounds. There is no barrier between you and the skaters.
Roller derby is a full contact sport. Women can force one another off the track by hitting from the side with shoulders, torso or from the hips. There is no elbowing, pushing, tripping or fighting. The object of the game is for the jammer to pass as many opponents as possible in a two-minute jam. She can end the jam at any time by repeatedly hitting her hips. Luckily this is all explained at the beginning and is easily figured out.
Do not be fooled by fishnets and schoolgirl skirts. These women are strong athletes and quite good role models for young girls. A portion of the bout’s proceeds go to charity. Derby women play a clean sport, and must be in shape to sprint for 30 minutes. The beginning of the bout starts out slowly, but as the skaters warm up, so does the pace. By the end of 30 minutes the sweat begins to drip and you can see the jammers gulping for air. Blockers for these teams tend to be larger women but they are in just as good shape as any football linebackers. My daughters loved it! My middle daughter loved it so much that we went again with a bunch of her friends. All of the Derby Dames gave them their autographs and were thrilled to see so many little girls there. It was inspirational for any mother or athlete.
For information about the Green Mountain Roller Dames, either for events or joining the fray, go to gmderbydames.com. The next home bout is scheduled for August 14 at the Champlain Valley Expo.