I remember watching roller derby on TV as a kid growing up. It was fun, but I don’t think I ever really understood the game, the rules, or what was going on. It was just…. fun.
I know roller derby has been growing in popularity again, especially here in Austin. I was talking with my buddy W about it as he’s gone a few times and really enjoys it. Plus, Daughter got wind of it and thought it looked pretty cool. So, last night W, a friend of his, myself, and Daughter went to check out the Texas Rollergirls.
Oh man, that was fun!
The rules and basics of the game are simple enough, but it still allows for competition, strategy, and a load of excitement. I think that’s what I liked the most was the constant action: the game is designed to move and keep moving.
I was impressed with the endurance and toughness of the ladies. No question it’s a tough and demanding sport, but you could also tell everyone out there was loving what they did. I think that must have been evident to Daughter because she was so excited and loved every minute of it. She even got to get a picture with and talk with Acute Angel after the bout. Angel told Daughter about the Derby Brats, and Daughter is interested in checking it out! I have no problem if she wants to do it, tho Wife is a little unsure. Next session isn’t until Fall, so I guess the meantime it’s buy her some rollerskates and safety gear and see if she falls in love with skating.
Oh yes. I’ll be going back. Take the whole family too.
Stuff From Hsoi 
I’m more a fan of Lone Star Rollergirls (aka TXRD). They do banked track, so it’s higher speed awesomeness. They were the ones featured in the show they made a few years back.
I’ve heard of them too. The kicker for me? My Daughter. Explaining “Putas del Fuego” wasn’t something I was in the mood for. Texas Rollergirls strive to keep it PG-13, and I’d say it wasn’t even pushing the “13” part all that badly. Lots of kids around.
How would you put the TXRD show? family friendly?
Not having kids, I never thought of it before now. Probably not completely kid-friendly, now that I think about it. I seem to recall some one-finger salutes going on at some point. Depending on your opinion of appropriate clothing on a lady, that may be a concern to you as well.
I got a gig doing some photography for and exhibition match (which was a miracle in itself, as they’re VERY stringent on media rights), via someone doing video work, so I have some photos up, if you’re interested in looking. They’re usually more costumed for normal matches, with short-skirt catholic school girl outfits (the Holy Rollers), or naughty trailer park getups (the Rhinestone Cowgirls), etc. This match combined members of several teams against some team from California, so the outfits were more generic. There also tends to be beer at the events, and generally a whole lot of people around.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncongrunt/sets/72057594087956866/
For your situation with kids, Texas Rollergirls is probably a better choice. It’s a shame about that, as banked-track roller derby is very high-speed/low drag, which makes for some awesome gameplay.
Of course, that looked to be a SXSW exhibition show, so is that indicative of their normal shows or something “one-off” for SXSW? Hard to say, but probably not too far from their normal mark. That’s the main thing here is while I totally acknowledge the breadth of how roller derby can be, I just have to be mindful of how my kids get exposed into it…. especially yes, if Daughter gets interested enough to do it herself.
Nice pictures BTW.
Yes, as I recall it was a SXSW exhibition show. Everything seemed pretty par for the course for them, aside from the lack of costumes. I’ve been to their matches on several occasions, though none in about the past 2 years. My wife enjoys going as well, we’ll have to hit up a match at some point in the near future. Perhaps we could coordinate and we could try out a Texas Rollergirls show and meet up there.
Pingback: Is roller derby a professional sporting event? « Stuff From Hsoi
Just found your site because of this post! I play for the Hell Marys and just wanted to say thanks for coming out to see us play! We look forward to seeing you and your family out there again!
Texas Rollergirls set the time of our Sunday bouts with families in mind – they start at 5 and are over by 8 – I love this, so that my husband can bring our almost-three-year-old.
Thank you for posting! We had a fantastic time and I’m planning on bringing the entire family next time. I do like that it’s a lot of fun that doesn’t cost a fortune, and the family can enjoy together.
Y’all keep up the good work!
I thought you looked familiar..You were one of my instructors from my Pistol II training. Small world!
Yes, that’s me! Earlier that evening I ran into your boyfriend/husband (apologies… I don’t recall his exact relation to you) over at the merch stand. We talked for a few minutes and he told me who you were on the team. I wanted to go over after the bout to say hello, but wasn’t able to.
Next time! 🙂
Oh, and in answer to your topical question, I don’t believe them to be professional sporting events. Roller Derby (at least in its modern incarnation) is considered an amateur sport, in light of every applicable aspect of Texas law I could find. I had the same question when I started going and did considerable research for likely the same reason you do are wondering.
But, we aren’t lawyers… and as I mentioned in that other post, who is willing to become the legal precedent and all that would involve? To me, that’s not right. It’s not right to burden good people.