The Hillbilly Hurt are hosting their second night of roller derby in Estevan on Saturday.
Southeast Saskatchewan's roller derby team will play the NorSask DiefenBreak-Hers from Prince Albert in an event dubbed "Necessary Roughness." It will be the first bout for that club.
Doors open at the Icon Centre at 6:30 p.m., with the game starting at 7:30. Tickets are $10 at the door and the event will be licensed, meaning minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Hillbilly Hurt member Lorelei Lachambre explained a few things for those who aren't familiar with the current-day sport.
"Picture women rocking killer outfits with wicked roller skating skills and sporting nicknames like GhostBustHer and Arson Fire, and you'll get the idea," she said.
"There are hard hits and big blocks, tough attitudes, and an abundance of aggression. The sport has once again become a phenomenon and the women of the Hillbilly Hurt want southeast Saskatchewan women to know the fun and fulfilment of the sport they are dedicated to and passionate about. It is the most inclusive, adrenaline-pumping, and empowering sport there is."
Lachambre said derby has been revived in many areas and that it is a welcoming sport.
"The sport incorporates athleticism and competitiveness in a team environment, while at the same time encouraging individuality and self-expression. Roller derby is for everyone and all body types are welcome. Both large and small are assets to the team, as you need them all to block, to jam, to play."
Roller derby is a full contact sport. A game, or a bout, is comprised of two 30-minute periods, in which the teams skate as many two-minute jams as possible in the time limit.
The objective of a jam is to score as many points as possible, done only by the jammer from each team. That person tries to breach and pass through the pack, which includes a pivot and three blockers from both teams. A point is earned for each opposing player passed.
Safety is a priority in roller derby. Mandatory gear includes a helmet, mouthguard, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads.
Each woman also must pass comprehensive written and on-track testing to ensure they are fully ready to get on the track.
Penalties are called by up to seven officials and can land a skater a minor or major penalty. A minor penalty sees the team skate one player short until the one-minute ban is served.
Any males or females interested in officiating in the future are asked to attend to get a better picture of what the sport involves.
