The Roller Derby always seemed like one of those things that you heard was so awesome but you were never quite sure if it was just “that” awesome or if it even existed. Maybe it was just something that people talked about but had anyone ever seen a live Roller Derby? Kind of like unicorns, right?

First, you envision these rough looking women with the old school, four-wheeled skates, skating around a ring with fishnet stockings, high socks, short shorts, tank tops/t-shirts, tattoos, wild hair and crazy ass names. Definitely have to have crazy names. Have you seen the movie ‘Whip It’? (If you haven’t, you should….) But is it really that awesome?…

Last August, I came across an ad for the Championship Roller Derby for DFW at NYTEX in North Richland Hills, TX. We HAD to go. When we arrived, it was amazing how large the following is for these gals. The place was absolutely sold out. Every seat in the bleachers were filled, you could bring your own chairs to place around the ring (packed) – standing room only. Here’s to hoping that you’re not short!

The ring was different than I had pictured. I always pictured the elevated oval ring, but in this league the ring was flat and smaller than I had anticipated. We didn’t know the rules of the roller derby – (obviously this was new to us) but with helpful fellow fans, we picked it up pretty quickly. Long story short, one person from each team has to try to get thru all the other people, each person they lap, they get a point. (I’ll let you research this further, no sense ruining all the fun!) And the names are just as amusing – “Venus Thightrap”, “Jackie O’Nice Ass” and “Amazon Assassin” to name a few.

Soon enough we saw ladies flying around the ring on their skates! The game was intense. Pushing gals aside, jumping over people, just barely squeezing in between to get ahead. Fast paced, intense and entertaining as ever! Unfortunately for us, it was the last name of the season (…hense ”championship”…) and we left praising the latest, coolest thing that we had found and couldn’t wait up until the season started again (and Sy begging me to join). 

Now the time has come! It’s Roller Derby time in DFW ladies and gentlemen! The season kicks off this weekend with the 2011 Clover Cup Tournament in Dallas. If you have time, check it out for sure. If not, keep an eye on their schedule and make sure you catch a game (if not in the DFW area, in your area). It’s more popular than you think. Final determination: Roller Derby is kick ass. Check it out! You won’t be sorry.  

Here is the link to the Dallas Derby Devils and the Assassination City Roller Derby.

Be sure to check out other teams in your area.