The latest craze in female full-contact sports has come to Weyburn in the form of roller derby.
The South East Saskatchewan Roller Derby Association is bringing the sport to the city and league president Breck Harris says it's open to anyone over the age of 18 regardless of size, lifestyle or athletic ability.
"It will surprise you to see who comes out," said Harris. "I'm a florist. There are bookkeepers, pharmacists...pretty much everybody."
Harris said the league is forming the Weyburn area team in order to expand the sport in the southeast and to have competitors for her Estevan team, Hillbilly Hurt, to play against.
The South East Saskatchewan Roller Derby Association (SESRDA) held their first practice for the Weyburn area team in Midale on August 9. They will be holding another practice for anyone interested in participating on August 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Midale Rink.
Harris said they had eight participants at the first meet and are hoping to see even more come to the second practice.
"We need a minimum of 14 to a maximum of 20 for a team," said Harris. "If we get 30 or 40 we'll break into two teams.
Anyone interested in participating must bring a helmet. Skates and protective gear will be available for beginners.
Harris said there are plenty of opportunities for men to get involved as well. Coaches, trainers, referees and volunteers are still needed for the Weyburn team. There is even talk of an all-men team being started in SESRDA.
Women's flat-track roller derby is played on quad roller skates. Players wear elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, helmets and mouth guards.
Five players from each team are on the roller derby surface at one time - four blockers and a jammer. The blockers will attempt to knock down the opposing team's jammer. The jammer will try to lap the opposing team's blockers. For every blocker the jammer laps, the jammer earns a point for her team.
It's a full-contact sport, but elbows, trips and hits from behind are not allowed. Physical contact is to remain above the knee and below the shoulder.
Harris said that players will train six months to a year before competing in an actual game.
"Everybody has to pass certain benchmarks before playing a game," Harris said.
Harris explained what players can expect in their first six months as "fresh meat." After the first month players will have completed a beginner skate course taught by training chair Kurt "Skate Fink" Hanson and members of Hillbilly Hurt. Beginners will be taught correct skating form/stance, acceleration, stopping and proper falling techniques.
After three months, Harris said that beginners will be able to skate in a two-hour class without taking excessive breaks, participate in a scrimmage and have a limited understanding of the rules of the game. Within six months, players will be able to teach recruits some basic skills and know the rules well enough to ref a game with assistance.
Harris said there are two types of derby skaters - competitive skaters and recreational skaters. Whereas a competitive player will train to compete in games, a recreational player trains with the team for exercise and to have fun.
Team members have fun by assigning a nickname to each member and dressing the part for competitions. Harris is known as "Billy Rock."
"It's super fun," said Harris. "It's something for women in rural areas to do who are sick of ringette and hockey. It's just another outlet for full-contact sports."
Many of the players on Hillbilly Hurt are from Carnduff, like Harris, but interest has been expressed across southeast Saskatchewan.
Derby leagues in the area include Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Saskatoon, Rocanville and Brandon, Manitoba.
"Our team helped get the Brandon team started," said Harris.
Harris also helped form a team in Red Deer, Alberta before moving to Carnduff.
Harris said SESRDA is seeking a venue for games and practices in Weyburn. All that is needed is a flat cement or hardwood floor. An ice-free rink or school gymnasium would be perfect, according to Harris.
The regular derby season starts in April and goes until September or October, when the ice is back in the rinks. Practice takes place throughout the year.
As a non-profit organization, all skaters must pay dues. Skaters pay $25 per month plus $50 per year for skater insurance.
Anyone who cannot attend the practice on August 23 is encouraged to go to the Estevan Roller Derby Fresh Meat Recruitment at the Estevan Leisure Centre on August 28 at 1 p.m. Members of the Pile 'O Bones Derby Club from Regina will also be in attendance.
More information can be obtained at SESRDA's Facebook page and the "Weyburn and area Roller Derby Practice" Facebook page.
