Let the games begin.
If you are a female that has been looking for something new to try, now is your chance. Organizers are hopeful that the July 10 meeting and derby will result in the development of a league for the area.
The sport comes from extensive roots and is a phenomenon of North American popular culture that has swept the nation. The games most often occur on a flat oval track where two teams comprised of five players compete. The teams each send out one 'jammer' (scorer) and four 'blockers' (defense). When the referee blows the whistle, the jam formation is signaled with the pack moving counterclockwise.
During the two-minute period, the players can move positions in an attempt to have the jammer score points. Points are scored when the jammer laps an opposing skater, with the blockers assisting by putting themselves in front of opposing players. Additionally, the blockers attempt to prevent the opposing jammer of scoring.
At the end of each jam, there is a 30 second break, during which time the players can change positions. Penalties are given to skaters that block or skate illegally. Elbow, heads, hands, knees, feet and forearms are prohibited, with any contact required to occur above the mid-thigh and below the shoulders and only to the front of sides of a players.While the above offers a brief description of the sport, there is plenty more to know. Breck Harris, organizer of the league, is hopeful that there will be enough interest in starting a league in the area. They are looking for men and women 18 years of age and older to join. While the sport is a women's league, men can join as officials, non-skating officials and volunteers. The meeting will be held at the rink in Redvers on July 10 at 1 p.m.
Experience or no experience, everyone is welcome. For those that do not have equipment, there will be a few quad skates, helmets and pads available. Those with equipment are encouraged to bring their own. For more information, contact Breck Harris at carlylerd.info@gamil.com or take a look at their facebook page at Carlyle-Redvers Roller Derby.
