What To Wear To Practice

You see it with almost every newbie. They show up for there first practice in their finest roller derby duds. Usually consisting of a cute shirt, jean shorts, tights, neon knee highs, And lots of makeup.

Now I can understand that your meeting people for the first time that you want to look nice and stuff. But It will not impress anyone. At least on my team when newbies dress like that my teamates find it annoying and even a little insulting. We work hard to be treated like serious athletes. So don't dress like some "roller derby barbie" dress like a athlete cause that is what we are.

What I recommend to wear to practice is simple get your self a pair of leggings (i like the ones that go to the knee) or compression shorts.

 

 

For a top grab any shirt you have and that's all you need!

 

 

As far as hair goes i usually go with a low bun, side pony, or braided pig tails. they all fit under your helmet and keeps it out of your eyes. And for makeup you can wear either very minimal makeup or none at all.

 

Alright this has been my post on "What To Wear To Practice". I know it was short but i hope you liked it!

 

Alright BYE!!!

 

 

 

                           -Verruca Assault

 

 

 

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Roller derby names

Due to my thespian side one of my favorite parts of roller derby is the tradition of roller derby names.
I love to put on a character! But i don't think of Verruca Assault as being a different person then Zoe I just think of her as 100% Zoe plus more. So many newbies come to practice with out a name not really "getting" the point of these stage names, but with most by the end of there first month there being called Slam Cake or PinaKillada or even something simple like Evanna Jam. A Lot of leagues nowadays are opting out of names feeling that they want to be taken as serious athletes. They think that this goofy tradition is prohibiting them from doing so. Although i respect there right to do so I would never get rid of having a name! It would be like changing my identity! If you Choose to Have a derby name here are some guidelines on how to choose one. Aswell as some information on Opting out of derby names.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A NAME

 * A roller derby name should be something witty, tough, and funny there is no right way to come up with a name but I can give you a few guidelines!

 

  * Some of my favorite names are ones that play off of famous people or characters. like mine Verruca Assault which plays off of the character Verruca Salt from the children's book Charlie and the Chocolate factory, or my teammate Loretta Limb hers is a homage to the country artist Loretta Lynn.

 

  * Another way is to think of words that you can break up to have another meaning. You could use the word tsunami and be Sue-nami or elemental could be Ellie-Mental.

 

   * A lot of people like to use "hard" or "tough" words when they come up with names like kill, slam, or pound.

 

  * Your name doesn't have to be linked to your real name! you could be Sue-Namee even if your real name is Angelica!

 

  * Your name doesn't have to mean anything it can just mean... you.

 

  * Your name doesn't have to be permanent. Even I haven't always been Verruca (Yes i used to be a Quick wit!) so don't stress it! Its supposed to be fun!

 

  * You don't even have to have a name a lot of leagues are opting out of derby names now just to go by their legal names!

 

OPTING OUT OF A DERBY NAME

 

In 2009 some roller derby girls began giving up derby names, choosing to compete under there legal names rather than stage names. Some examples are Team Legit, a pick up team of "star skater" from the northwestern USA flat track leagues. Also in 2010, Race City Roller Derby of Charlotte, NC announced that all of its players would compete using legal names. Not to mention many more leagues and individuals in the recent years. Unless you league says what you have to do one way or another, choosing to have a derby name or to opt out is up to you.

 

 

RECOURSE'S

 

 

There a couple of website that have derby name generators. I Advise you to not use a name from one of these, unless you find one you really like. it just takes some of the fun out of it. I think they are mostly silly and a fun ways to get your mind thinking!

 

Fresh Meat Name Generator

Mia Psycho's Roller Derby Name Generator

Another website you need to check out is the International Rollergirls' Master Roster it has all the names from all the leagues. Even though I hear that it can be a little unreliable I still check here before I pick a name. (unfortunately it doesn't include Junior teams).

 

International Rollergirls' Master Roster

 

 

 

NUMBERS

 

Im not going to say much about numbers just a quick tid bit. If your league allows you to choose your number a good way that is interesting is police codes. This is how I chose my number (the police code for assault) and you can find these all over the world wide inter web!

 

 

 

 

 

Alright guys thanks for reading my post on Roller derby names! I hope it helped you! Please share my blog with you derby sisters! and as always comment and follow! if you have any requests make sure to tell me and I will try to write it for you!

 

 

- Verruca Assault

 

 

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Email me at 2DerbyGirls@gmail.com

 







(guest post) How To Clean Your Wheels/Barrings

Ok this is the seccond guest post by my teamate slam cake and todays is on "how to clean your wheels/barrings" thank you Slammy :)

-- Veruca Assault

How to clean your wheels--
First, make sure all of your bearings are out of each wheel. Then, take rubbing alcohol and pour some of it on a rag. Scrub your wheels with the rag till all the dust and grit rubs off. You may have to "put your back in to it" to get the grit off. If you're still having trouble removing grit out of your wheels, you can place them in a bathtub and soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes. After this, take a tooth pick or use the end of a match to scrape the chunks out of your wheel.

How to clean your bearings--
First, take all of your bearings out of your wheels. Get a small bowl or a container with a lid and place all of your bearings in it; then pour either nail polish remover or carbon cleaner (you can buy this at the Dollar Store) into the bowl till the bearings are covered with the liquid. Shake your bearings around a bit in the bowl and let them soak for a couple of minutes. Afterwords, take an old tooth brush and scrub the bearing. You will know when it's clean when the bearing spins fluidly. To test this, gently hold the hole in the middle of the bearing between your fingers while placing your other finger on the outside of the bearing; then stroke your finger down to spin it. Spin the bearing in both directions. If it spins fluidly, then the bearing is clean! If the bearing suddenly stops to spin or feels as if something is tugging, then you need to soak the bearing a little longer and scrub it more. Once the bearing is clean, place it on a paper towel to dry. After the bearing is dry, take gun oil (makes sure it's not machine oil!!!") and only pour one drop on each side of the bearing. Spin the bearing. Place the bearing back into the clean/dry wheel and you're done!


--- Slam Cake

(PS dont forget to follow for more bloggy goodness!)

(Guest post) How To Clean Your Pads

 

 

hey guys its Veruca! today we have a quick guest post by my team mate and mentor Slam Cake!!!!

I want to say thank you so much to Slam for writing this post "How To Clean Your Pads", and the post that is going to be out tommrow "how to clean your barring/wheels". I love you slam!

 

- Veruca Assault

 

 

"Ugh, what's that smell!?!" Said Slamcake with a disgusted look on her face. "Well it's not me....I think it's you!" Said Coach Crush with a slight grin. "No it's not me.....oh my gosh, it's my pads!!!"-Said Slamcake in disbelief. Coach Crush then said, "You need to wash those things!". "How?" "Don't you know?" "NO! No one ever told me!"

I have not only gone through this myself, but I have heard this conversation so many times with other skaters. No worries though, there's a simple solution!
There are two ways to wash your pads--

1. Take all of your pads, (knee, elbow, wrist, ezee fits, and helmet pads) and throw them in the clothes washer. Set the temperature on cold and set the load to medium. Remember, don't set it to a small load; a small load won't allow the pads to move around. And always set the temperature to cold because warm water will damamge your pads overtime. Depending on how bad the stench is, I either pour a medium amount of laundry detergent or enough detergent for a large load of clothes in the washer. I like to set the washer on "regular" which is about ten minutes.

2. If you want to wash your pads with a load of clothes, then all you have to do is put your pads into a pillow case (or a mesh bag), tie it tightly, and stick it in the washer. Make sure you set the temperature on cold and if you have a small load then you will need to set the washer to medium. If it's a medium load then set it to large. That way, the pads can move around. The "small = medium, medium= large" concept also applies to how much detergent you put in the washer.

 

 

-- Slam Cake

 

 

 

(PS make sure to follow me to get more "bloggy" goodness! and comment!)

Hand Signals part 1

In derby the refs (or "zebras" as some call them) as in any other sport job is to monitor the plays and to make sure there is no "dirty" play. can you imagine if we didnt have refs? hahah. So i guess learning these ref signals is kinda inportent? Anyway here is my list of ref signal and the scenarios in which they would be used!

Im gonna start with one of the first ref signals i learned.

 

 

Elbows. Elbows is called when somone uses there elbow keep a opposing player away (AKA; elbow jabbing).  A minor penalty for hitting somone with your elbow and them stumbling but NOT falling over. A major penelty if they fall to the ground.

WFTDA says...

                                       6.4 USE OF ELBOWS

                                 6.4.1 When engaging another skater, elbows may not be swung with a forward/backward

                                 motion.

                                 6.4.2 When engaging another skater, elbows may not be swung with upward or downward

                                 motion.

                                 6.4.3 The elbow must be bent while blocking with that arm.

                                 6.4.4 Contact may not be made exclusively with the point of the elbow (i.e. jabbing).

                                 6.4.5 Elbows may not be used to hook an opposing skater in any way (e.g. by wrapping one’s

                                 arm around an opponent’s arm).

                                 No Impact/No Penalty

                                 6.4.6 Incidental or temporary contact with the elbow that does not force the opponent to adjust

                                 her skating stance or position in any way.

                                 Minor Penalty

                                 6.4.7 Any illegal contact with the elbow or swinging motion of the elbow that forces the

                                 receiving opposing skater off balance, forward and/or sideways but does not cause her to

                                 lose her relative position.

                                 Major Penalty

                                 6.4.8 Any illegal contact with the elbow or swinging motion of the elbow that lands above the

                                 shoulders.

 

 

 

 



Forearms is very similar to Elbow the same basic rules that apply to most peneltys. if you stumble or trip and DONT fall it is a minor penelty, but if you fall down it is considered a major

WFTDA says...

                                   

                                6.5 USE OF FOREARMS AND HANDS

                                6.5.1 Forearms or hands may never be used to grab, hold, or push an opponent.

                                6.5.2 Incidental forearm contact between skaters is acceptable.

                                6.5.3 During forearm contact between skaters, the following are indications that a push has

                                occurred:

                                6.5.3.1 The initiating skater extends her arm during contact.

                                6.5.3.2 The receiving skater is propelled forwards or sideways.

                                No Impact/No Penalty

                                6.5.4 Incidental or temporary contact of forearms or hands that falls within legal target zones

                                that does not force the opponent to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.

                                6.5.5 Contact made with the forearms when forearms are pulled in to the body to absorb a hit.

                                6.5.6 A block initiated with the shoulder in which there is forearm contact to the opponent but

                                no observable push with the forearm.

                                Minor Penalty

                                6.5.7 Illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opposing skater

                                off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause her to lose her relative position.

                                This includes:

                                6.5.7.1 A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.

                                p6.5.7.2 A block initiated with the shoulder, in which there is either a simultaneous or

                                subsequent push with the forearm. A push is indicated by the initiating skater

                                extending her arms while making contact with the forearms, resulting in the

                                preceiving skater being propelled forward or sideways.

                                6.5.8 Extended touching (lasting three seconds or more) with the forearms or hands to an

                                opponent’s legal and/or illegal target zone.

                                Major Penalty

                                6.5.9 Any illegal contact with hands or forearms above the shoulders.

                                6.5.10 Any illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opposing

                                skater off balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes her to lose her relative position.

                                This includes:

                                6.5.10.1 Contact with hands or forearms, as indicated by the initiating skater extending

                                her arms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forwards or

                                sideways.

                                6.5.10.2 Use of hands or forearms to grab or hold an opposing skater, either impeding

                                pthat skater’s mobility, causing that skater to lose advantage, or forcing that

                                skater to the ground.

 

 

 

 

 



Another hand signal i am going to talk about is Back Blocking. Back blocking occurs when a player hits or shoves a opposing player in the back (the same minor major rulles that apply to elbows and forearms apply here). This happens a lot when jammers are coming up to the back of the pack and dont slow down this is called "Coming In Hot"

WFTDA says...

                               6.1 BLOCKING TO THE BACK

                               Hitting an opponent in the back of the torso, back of the legs, or back of the booty is prohibited

                               p(see

Section 5.2.2 for Illegal Target Zones). Hitting an opponent with a legal blocking zone into a

                               legal target zone while positioned behind said opponent is not blocking to the back and is not

                               illegal.

                               No Impact/No Penalty

                               p6.1.1 Incidental contact to the back of an opponent that does not force the receiving opposing

                               skater to adjust her skating stance or position in any way.

                               Minor Penalty

                               6.1.2 Any contact to the back of an opponent that forces the receiving opposing skater off

                               balance, forward, and/or sideways, but does not cause her to lose her relative position.

                               Major Penalty

                               6.1.3 Any contact to the back of an opponent that forces the receiving opposing skater out of

                               pher established position. This includes forcing a skater down, out of bounds, or out of

                               position.

 

The fourth signal is Low Blocking. Low blocking is when a skater trips another skater. this can be either A: a skater sticks there leg out infront of another skater or B: a skater falls directly infront of another play and does NOT fall small.

WFTDA says...

                             6.3 LOW BLOCKING

                             pSkaters may not trip or intentionally fall in front of another skater. Any contact which lands on an

                             opponent’s feet or legs, below the legal target zone, that causes the skater to stumble or fall is

                             considered tripping and/or low blocking. Downed skaters re-entering the track are subject to

                             tripping/low blocking penalties even on the first instance, and even if the downed skater has fallen
                             small.
                             No Impact/No Penalty                             6.3.1 Contact between skates and wheels that is part of the normal skating motion.
                             6.3.2 A skater who "falls small" in an effort to avoid tripping.                             Minor Penalty                             6.3.3 Any contact outside of the normal skating motion which lands below the legal target zone
                             that causes an opposing skater to stumble but not fall or lose her relative position.
                             6.3.4 Contact between skates and wheels that is not part of the normal skating motion that
                             causes an opponent to stumble but not fall or lose her relative position.
                             6.3.5 A downed skater re-entering the track that causes an opposing skater to stumble but not
                             fall or lose her relative position.                             Major Penalty                             p6.3.6 Any contact outside of the normal skating motion which lands below the legal target zone
                             that causes an opposing skater to fall or lose her relative position.
                             6.3.7 Flailing and sprawling skaters that trip an opponent, regardless of intent.
                             6.3.8 Habitual contact, three or more times during the course of a bout, between skates and
                             wheels that is part of the normal skating motion that causes an opposing skater to
                             stumble or fall or lose her relative position. The intent is to penalize skaters whose
                             normal skating motion is dangerous to her opponents. A single skater who repeatedly
                             trips other skaters, even with her normal skating motion is adversely affecting game play
                             and safety.
                             6.3.9 A skater who habitually, three or more times during the course of a bout, falls in front of
                             opponents, causing them to lose relative position, even if she "falls small." The intent is
                             to penalize a skater who repeatedly falls because she is a danger to her opponents. A
                             single skater who repeatedly trips other skaters, even when "falling small" is adversely
                             affecting game play and safety.
                             6.3.10 A downed skater re-entering the track that causes an opposing skater to fall or lose
                             relative position.

 

 

 



Finally the fifth and last hand signal, High Blocking. High blocing is when a player hits a opopsing player above there shoulder. So you cant hit someone in the face!

WFTDA says...

                              6.2 BLOCKING TO THE HEAD OR HIGH BLOCKING

                              Hitting an opponent above the shoulders is prohibited (see

Section 5.2.2 for Illegal Target Zones).

                              pNo Impact/No Penalty

                              6.2.1 Not applicable.

                              Minor Penalty

                              6.2.2 Not applicable.

                              Major Penalty

                              6.2.3 Any block with initial contact landing above the shoulders.

Alright guys that was my first post on hand signals im going to do a couple more  with the signals this is just the first five i thought of!

Bye!

-Veruca Assault

                             

 

   

What To Keep In Your Skate Bag

Hey


When I first started derby I had no idea what to bring to practice.  I really wish I would've known because I could have made my life so much easier. I want you guys to have a easier (and less smelly) start to your derby life. so to help you guys out here is my post on "What To Keep In Your Skate Bag".

The first thing you are going to need is a bag to keep it all in. You have a couple of options the first one is a duffel bag. This is what I use and my favorite option and also probably the easiest to find.

Another option you have is the Riedell skate bags. A lot of girls in my league use these and can be kinda expensive but i hear they work really well.

After you have your bag picked out you are going to want to have your skates and all you pads.  Make sure you have a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and a mouth guard.

You are also going to want to keep a can of Lysol or disinfecting spray so you can spray your pads and skates after every practice to keep your skates a little less smelly.

You definitly want to get a skate tool from Riedell to make sure your wheels are tightened and your toe stops wont fall out.

one of my favorite products for getting rid of bruises is arnica! I perfer the gel formula but the oral or creme works well to!

I also recommend keeping a extra pair of socks in your bag you never now when you might forget to grab some socks on your way out the door.

If you are at a high enough skill level to scrimmage then you want to definitely keeps some black and white shirts in your bag.

You should also keep a hairbrush and some hair ties in you bag you never know when you might need one and helmet hair is the worst!

And of course lots of water and a healthy snack for after practice!

                        

OK so these are my essential things to keep in your skate bag if you have any ideas that i missed make sure to tell me in the comments!

 P.S if you have any requests for us to make youtube videos or blog post ons tell me!

                                         

                                                 ----- Verruca Assault (level 3 skater)