Rocktown Rollers vs. Mason Dixon Roller Vixens Bout Recap

Yes, we realize that this happened a couple months ago, but did we mention that we are busy? So here it is...the recap of the Rocktown Rollers bout with Mason Dixon Roller Vixens on April 11th at Funky's Skating Center here in Harrisonburg. Everyone was ready for this, Rocktown's first bout of the season in front of a home town crowd and the two teams delivered the hard hitting derby action that everyone came to see.

The bout started with Xena Whompher and Bite-Size Bruiser on the jammer line and our esteemed mayor, Kai Degner, blowing the first whistle. Xena came out of the gate ready for action with a 11-2 first jam putting Rocktown in the lead. A lead that Rocktown would not give up for the entire bout. Xena Whompher and KILLnitzki traded off jamming in the first half, with a little help from Betty Crasher and Grim Nemisis. Mason Dixon mixed up their jamming pool a little giving Bite-Size Brusier, Liz Dexic, ThrashQuatch, Fanny Harmher, and Poison Princess all turns on the line. Janna-cide controlled the pack for Rocktown taking the majority of the pivot action, while Liz Dexic and Fanny Harmher wore the stripe the most for Mason Dixon. Afro-Die-T and Vitamin V also rocked the pivot position for Rocktown. While Bite-Size Bruiser and Poison Princess took a break from jamming to lead the pack as pivots. The score going into the half was Rocktown 87 and Mason Dixon 47.

Mason Dixon started strong in the second half with a 4-0 jam by Bite-Size Bruiser. The hard hits continued into the second half, including some jammer on jammer action between KILLnitzki and Bite-Size Bruiser. Both teams had amazing hits from blockers including Snakelegs, Bam Bam Brawler, SuperCharger, Blue Steele, Knasty Knitter, and Anayaphylactic Shock, skating in the first bout of her career, for Rocktown and Pink Medusa, India Tango, and Lezzie Lou for Mason Dixon. The bout ended with a spectacular 15-4 grand slam jam by Betty Crasher. The final score was Rocktown 167 and Mason Dixon 84.

Now for the awesomely geeky statistics. There were a total of 38 jams in the bout (19 in each half). Rocktown had the lead jammer 49% of the time and Mason Dixon had lead 38%. KIILnitzki was lead scorer with 73 points, Xena Whompher was second in points with 50, and Bite-Size Bruiser was third with 41 points.

Both team kept the refs and penalty trackers busy with a total of 85 penalties called during the course of the bout. Rocktown had 49 while Mason Dixon only had 36. Liz Dexic lead the Vixens with a total of 11 penalties (all minors). Xena Whompher and Vitamin V had the most penalties for Rocktown. Xena had 8 minor penalties and 1 major, while V sat in the box for 7 minors and 1 major. A special shout-out to the refs that helped keep the skaters safe and the coaches crazy. Representing Rocktown was Bishop, Gunshow, and Glider and from Mason Dixon was Serial Kilter, Hariball, and Hellvis Presley.

The Rocktown Rollers were happy to be able to donate $310 to the Collins Center, a local sexual assault advocacy group, and $105 to the Gus Bus, a local childhood literacy program, from the sale of tickets to this bout.

A huge thanks goes out to all of the fans, friends, and family that attended, as well as to the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens for a wonderful bout.

Don't forget about our next home bout at Funky's Skating Center on July 18th!

RockTown Rollers vs. Charlottesville Derby Dames: Bout Review

A little behind on schedule for posting, but at least it is up! We are trying to get back to weekly post. So, with out further delay..

Harrisonburg, VA – On Sunday, October 18th the RockTown Rollers hosted the Charlottesville Derby Dames (CDD), in a rematch bout, at Funky’s Skate Center. The Rocktown Rollers and CDD had bouted each other earlier in the season on April 22nd, this time around it was an intense rematch, but teams were extremely excited to play each other once again, with a final score of 92 to 74, Rocktown held off the Dames once more.

With approximately 350 enthusiastic fans, many new faces and many returning Rocktown fans, both teams started off the line with speed and hard hitting! Betty Crasher and B-One Bomber faced off, Betty and Rocktown start on a 4-0 lead in the first jam. Xena Whompher and SparKills lined up for jam two and the Dames answered with a 4-0 jam. In jam three first time jammer Nilla WasteHer on the Dames out ran Rocktown’s KILLnitzki with a 5-1 jam. The first half was a battle back and forth between the Dames and Rocktown, jam eleven, KILLnitzki and Nilla WasteHer faced off once more, with KILLnitzki scoring 5-3 for Rocktown. At the end of the first half, Rocktown held the lead at 47-20.

The second half opened with even more energy, speed and excitement! B-One Bomber for the Dames lined up against Rocktown’s Bam Bam Brawler taking a 4-0 lead in the first jam. Jams two through five saw both teams battling back and forth putting points on the board for both teams. Jam six B-One Bomber scored a 10-0 jam on Rocktown! Immediately following in jam seven Rocktown’s Betty Crasher answered back with a 12-0 jam. The intensity continued to the last whistle blast of the bout, finishing with Rocktown Rollers 92 and the Charlottesville Derby Dames 74.

Also skating for the Rocktown Rollers: Snakelegs, Super Charger, Knasty Knitter, Janna-cide, Grim Nemesis, Ramsey McDirtbag. Afro-Die-T and Vitamin V. Rounding out the Charlottesville Derby Dames’ lineup were: Bruta Liza, Mad Mountin’ Mama, Violet Renegade, Dyslexi, Amberetta, Little Miss Pissed, Miss Teaza, and Kitten Vicious.
Both teams skated 184 laps with 17 jams in the first half and 15 jams in the second half. The average jam time was 1:17. in the first period and 1:30 for the second period. The highest-scoring single jams were skated by Betty Crasher with 12 points for Rocktown and B-One Bomber with 10 points for the Dames. B-One Bomber also earned the honors as highest scoring skater, pulling in 37 points (50% of the Dames total score) and scoring an average of 3.4 points per jam. Rocktown’s leader was Xena Whomper, who racked up 36 points (39% of all Rocktown points) and averaging 3.3 points per jam. Overall the Dames scored an average of 2.3 points per jam to the Rocktown Rollers average jam earning 2.9 points. Out of the 32 total jams, the teams kept it tight with Rocktown taking lead jammer in 16 jams. KILLnitzki and Xena Whomper both earned lead jammer status for the Rollers in 19% of all jams, to B-One Bombers’s lead jammer status of 22% for the Dames.

It was an overall clean bout with the referees calling a total of 60 penalties. Rocktown pulled in 25 minor and 7 major penalties, while the Dames were called for a total of 24 minors and 4 majors. The skaters with the highest number of penalties were Rocktown’s Afro-Die-T and KILLnitzki each with 6 total penalties (5 minors, 1 major for Afro-Die-T and 4 minors and 2 majors for KILLnitzki) and the Dames’ Dyslexi and Mad Mountin’ Mama, with 7 penalties each (7 minors for both Mad Mountin’ Mama and Dyslexi). Elbows accounted for the greatest number of penalties called; 47% of all Rocktown Roller penalties and 61% of the Dames penalties.

The Rocktown Rollers and the Charlottesville Derby Dames, played a great bout and welcomed a crowd of approximately 350 people and donated 15% of all ticket sales to the our friend Dwight Brown, for a total donation of $300!

RockTown Rollers vs. Jaded Misfits

RockTown Rollers vs. Jaded Misfits

Harrisonburg, VA – On Saturday, August 22^nd the RockTown Rollers hosted the NRV Jaded Misfits, in a rematch bout, at Funky’s Skate Center. The Rocktown Rollers had lost to the Misfits, in Bluefield, WV, in their initial meeting this past March, but this time the Rocktown Rollers defended their home turf, in a tight match, with a final score of 115 to 102.

With approximately 300 enthusiastic fans in attendance, both teams came ready to leave it all out on the track. With the city’s mayor blowing the first whistle, two old rivals, Xena Whomper and Cha Cha Slammer were the first jammers on the line. Rocktown opened up the bout strong, shutting the Misfits out in their first jam 10-0. But the Misfits had a trick or two up their sleeve. With new Misfit jammer, I.M. Pain, in her very first bout taking on Rocktown’s tiny favorite KILLnitzki things were kept tight in a 4-4 jam. The teams continued to trade for lead jammer as Rocktown held a tight lead over the Jaded Misfits. Then, in the eighth jam I.M. Pain broke through Rocktown’s defense and passed KILLnitzki 10-4, bringing the Misfits to within striking distance. At the end of the first half, Rocktown held the lead at 59-47.

The second half opened with the new-found rivalry, I.M. Pain jamming against KILLnitzki. In a hard fought, extremely physical jam I.M. Pain took a four point lead, closing in on Rocktown’s advantage. The battle for points continued as new Rocktown Roller, Bam Bam Brawler, earned a 4-3 lead over Cha Cha Slammer in the very next jam. Two of the next three jams found Rocktown shut out and the Misfits coming to within just a few points. With Rocktown feeling the heat, in jam seven Grim Nemesis muscled her way around the track scoring 5 unmatched points, while the Misfits suffered a saddening event. Two skaters, Free State Bomber and Cha Cha Slammer both suffered injuries. Free State continued to skate in the bout, after being treated by EMTS, while Cha Cha Slammer was sent to the hospital with a sprained vertebrae and pulled neck muscles. A deafening silence fell among the crowd and skaters alike, waiting for Cha Cha to be wheeled from the rink. With a tight fist, Cha Cha raised her hand to everyone cheering her name and the crowd went wild. Despite the injuries, both teams continued to battle for crucial points. In the end, Rocktown’s Bam Bam Brawler scored 4-0 over the Misfits’ ¼ Pounder, finishing the bout with Rocktown 115 to the Jaded Misfits’ 102.

Also skating for the Rocktown Rollers: Jannacide, Six5onSkates, The Negotiator, Ramsey McDirtbag, Betty Crasher, Vitamin V, Scarrs & Barrs, Super Charger, Demabrat and Knasty Knitter. Rounding out the Jaded Misfits lineup were: Bad Apple JamN, Fishnet Starlet, House of Tear-Her, KitKat Kalamity, Seam Ripper, Carmeliscious, Final Destination, Slingin Gritz, Speed Junkie, and Miniature PincHer.

Both teams skated 148 laps with 16 jams in each half. The average jam time was 1:15. The highest-scoring single jams were skated by I.M. Pain with 12 points for NRV and Xena Whomper with 10 points for Rocktown. I.M. Pain also earned the honors as highest scoring skater, pulling in 58 points (57% of the Misfits total score) and scoring an average of 5.3 points per jam. Rocktown’s leader was Xena Whomper, who racked up 45 points (39% of all Rocktown points) and averaging 5 points per jam. Overall the Jaded Misfits scored an average of 3.2 points per jam to the Rocktown Rollers average jam earning 3.6 points. Out of the 32 total jams, the teams kept it tight with NRV taking lead jammer in 17 jams. KILLnitzki and Xena Whomper both earned lead jammer status for the Rollers in 13% of all jams, to I.M. Pain’s lead jammer status of 25% for the Misfits.

It was a hard-found bout with the referees calling a total of 87 penalties. Rocktown pulled in 38 minor and 8 major penalties, while the Jaded Misfits were called for a total of 34 minors and 7 majors. The skaters with the highest number of penalties were Rocktown’s Betty Crasher with 14 total penalties (13 minors, 1 major) and the Misfits’ Bad Apple JamN and Free State Bomber, with 8 penalties each. Elbows accounted for the greatest number of penalties called; 33% of all Rocktown Roller penalties and 41% of Jaded Misfit penalties.

The Rocktown Rollers welcomed a crowd of approximately 280 people and donated 15% of all ticket sales to the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA, for a total donation of $300!

Derby Derby Derby!

It has been TOO long since we have posted anything! We've been busy!

1/18/09 To start the month off right, we had our first ever Meet & Greet in house scrimmage! A private invite event for friends and family to see what these ladies are all about. A 100 invites were given out, and arounf 80 of them came to watch! We would like to that all of our friends and families for thier support in helping us get to were we are and to get were we plan to go.

We'd like give a big thanks to Funky's family skate center for being our second home, and to the Artful Dodger for printing the invites and serving us good food and drinks! Do help us by helping our sponsors!

1/24/09 Some of went to DC to see the DC Roller Girls Expo Bout, very exciting, 2000 fans came out to show some derby love.

Click the Image to visit the DC Roller Girls page, love those ladies.

1/25/09 Some others of us went to Raleigh NC to see the Carolina Roller Girls vs Naptown Tornado Sirens -and- the Carolina Boot Leggers vs The Dutchland Derby Rollers for an action pack double header!

Click there to visit the Carolina Roller Girls's page:

We, meaning me, are working on keeping the readers, meaning you, up to date with everything Derby. We will try to get new post up here every weekend, about events with us, other teams, and anything derby related!

Questions or comments? Let us know!

Troch

Head coach of RTR

Derby Talk: Aug 27

Tuesday Practice:
We had a great turnout at Tuesday's practice. A few new drills were introduced to help endurance and skills. Thom reminded everyone about the 45 degree stance we should be skating in AT ALL TIMES. One new drill is 10 20 30 of sprint, and then hold the 45 degree stance. Each set is equal time; i.e. 10 second sprint, 10 second hold. This works the skating muscles needed to improve endurance and skills. The second new drill was weaving to improve your passing and balance abilities. Everyone skates in a line while the last person weaves through everyone 'till they reach the front. Basic skills are still needed no matter what skill level you are at. We practiced falls, hops, stance, weaves, blocking, and group skating. Some members are meeting tonight (Wednesday) at the Dodger at 6:30 to discuss the new layout of this organization. Others who can't make it will be meeting at Aprils on Friday to do the same. The goal is to have a new organization layout along with the start of a Standards guideline by next week.

Dates to remember:
September 13th – Car wash fund raiser. Info via email/text to followSeptember 14th – Charlottesville Derby Dames will be practicing with us.

September 20th – Sock hop at the Dodger. Brook will be the main contact for this event

Commotion by the Ocean Review:
As you all know Thom, Janna, Paressa, Brook, Kevin, and I took a journey to Virginia Beach to participate in Commotion by the Ocean. Between the 6 of us we learned a lot, represented the TEAM, and made a lot of great contacts. Below is a small review of what we learned and experienced.

Please note:
the following is just that, what we learned and experienced. Not necessarily what anyone believes should be done. The first part of the morning was spent watching scrimmages that P participated in.
She kicked ass by getting out there and representing the TEAM. We were able to observe other TEAMs, their tactics, and skills. It was easy to see who was a TEAM player and who played for themselves. This made us realize how important it is for everyone to play as a TEAM, watch each other's back, and help each other improve. It's not how well you skate; it's how well your TEAM skates and how well you skate with your TEAM.
To close the conference there was a scrimmage between random players chosen out of a hat. Sure enough, P was picked to kick ass! She had some good hits and took a good fall. The bout was great to watch as the crowd grew larger to watch the main event; Dominion vs. Dairy Land. It was a fast paced, hard hitting bout that everyone could learn from.

Bi Laws and Standards:
Multiple TEAMs stressed that we should start writing our bi laws now (attendance, expectations, etc...). We can change and add policies as we go, but to start and have one to hand out to fresh meat is always good. Once we feel comfortable with one, we can then review it on a yearly basis.
One TEAM said new policies would start at the beginning of the month to make it easier on everyone. We want to bring fresh meet to the TEAM; HOWEVER, providing standards will eliminate people who aren't as serious as we need them to be. People can get burned out very easily. If we work on the structure now, there is a less chance that will happen in the future. The Bi Laws are intended to go hand in hand with the skills assessment.

Information Packets:
I will be working on the Rock town Rollers packet to provide for sponsors, fresh meet, vendors, etc... This will include our history, our mission statement (which we need to build), bios of each player, our organization structure, etc... To build the Bios, I will hand out a questionnaire for everyone to complete. After the Bio is complete, I will ask you to review for approval. Committees: Every TEAM member must be on at least one committee. A few TEAMs suggested we start with about 4-5 committees with one lead board member and however many support members for each committee. This way everyone is starting out focusing on one committee at a time. The more players we get, the more we can spread. There isn't one person with everything on their shoulders, making all decisions. Meetings are held monthly to discuss needs, wants, progress, etc… Committee examples Dominion used:

Coaching and ReffsAdministration and FinancingMarketing and SponsorshipVolunteer and Fundraising Coaching Workshops:

The Coaching workshop went over practice drills, skill assessments, bouts, TEAM standards, etc. After speaking with Thom, it seemed he was able to learn an overwhelming world of knowledge. As you saw last night, we will be adding a few more drills to work on endurance and try to spice things up for everyone. It is VERY important we still work on skill assessment. TEAMs, who have been together for years, still practice their skill assessments. And yes, they made the comments, "No matter how boring it is or how repetitious it is, you have to do it. The best skaters skate as a TEAM and practice the fundamentals."

Track Set Up:
Thom and Kevin found out a killer way to set up the track that takes ½ the time. Other than the tricks of the trade, they were up to speed with what was being reviewed. Sponsorship Workshop:It was amazing to hear how much donations these TEAMs received; money, time, swag (free stuff). The sponsorship workshop stated when people donate time (like a gym membership) they are still writing that off.
We have to know how much people are claiming to donate and make sure we are donating to counter act for taxes. Dominion said they didn't realize that and had to owe money at the end of the year. Anything we are getting for free/discounted (gear, money, time, etc...) is a write off. We have to keep track of what's going in and going out. If you are not on a committee, it is very important NOT to make any decisions without speaking to the board member.
Being a WFTDA Class A or B TEAM:Class B TEAM is a 6 month "trial period" to assure you are committed to what is needed to be a part of the WFTDA. Once you pass the trial period, you are then a Class A TEAM. This is going to take us a long time to achieve so I hope no one has their dreams set on in now.
This is an extremely long process that requires the following (summary form): Being a know TEAM to other WFTDA TEAMs (practicing, playing, chilling, getting to know the TEAM)3 letters of recommendation from WFTDA TEAMs (the above requirement follows with this letter)Following their code of conductCommitting 2-3 people as a WFTDA committeePlaying at least 2 bouts per season with WFTDA TEAMs in your regionFilling out ALL the paperwork… Needless to say, we need to make sure we keep a good code of conduct with each other and other TEAMs to achieve this goal.
Comments and Contacts:Each TEAM I spoke with is more than willing to share their experience. If you have questions for your committee, look their info up on line and contact them. Everyone has a different situation and is more than willing to help. The PA TEAM has about 40 active skaters plus staff! AND they are about to purchase their own venue!!!! They are for real serious and a kick ass TEAM!

Charlottesville Derby Dames were EXCITED to meet us and are ecstatic to practice with us on September 14th. They do not have a rink to practice at and now only have 7-8 players. Star City Roller Girls in Roanoke, VA are a bit more serious. They practice 3X per week and would love for us to visit and/or practice.
Richmond has opened their arms to whatever help they can provide.

Closing Statement:
Everyone is here for their own reasons but it wouldn't be possible without the TEAM. Everyone is improving greatly in different ways, at different speeds. It's easy to forget you were once slow, clumsy, and lacked skills you have now. We have to stay together as a TEAM, supporting each other and helping each other stride to success. When someone improves, cheer them on. When someone falls, cheer them on. If you have a suggestion, politely share it.
CONSTRUSTIVE criticism is truly needed for everyone at ever skating level. I've heard a few people say this is a great experience and an awesome sport. We can succeed to higher levels as long as we stick together as a TEAM. I'm truly honored to be a part of this TEAM because not everyone has the time or ability to do so.
Everyone is very different in their own ways; let that be known that is what makes a great diverse TEAM. Where one person lacks, the other person is strong. WE as a TEAM can't go any further without each other. Stay strong and stay positive!

Derby Talk from Aug 11

Sunday's Review:

Hello Everybody!
We worked on the 1st half of the skill assessment, endurance, and ref signals.
The floors are being sanded on a weekly basis. This gives it time to breath and expand as necessary. Once they feel they have done the best they can, they will coat the floor. The owners stated it would be about a month before that happens. It is all ready a lot nicer than before.

Coaches:
Paressa decided to stick with her passion of skating and step down to assistant coach with Janna. Thom is now our coach. We all know P is a great skater who's skills will help us all improve individually and as a team.


Equipment:
The new owners offered to order equipment for us at a cheaper price. Please direct all orders to April. She is in the process of getting the final details as to what is needed; i.e. Payment due, minimum quantity to order, etc. April would like to place an order this week, so please e-mail her what exactly you need.


New Schedule:
Mandatory practice will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Funky's Skate Center in the 'burg. It is very important everyone attends Tuesday practice to improve as a team.
Once Bingo starts, we will no longer have Sunday evenings available.

With that being said...
Until we are able to schedule a second set practice, you have the following options to choose from:


Open skate is available in WOODSTOCK for:Wednesday night 6 – 9pm
Open skate is available in HARRISONBURG for the following times:
Friday 7:30 – 11:00pm $6
Saturday 1:00 – 4:00pm $5 including skates
Sunday 12:00 – 3pm $5 or $12 / Up to 5 Family Members, Skates included


A second practice of choice is mandatory to work on your skill assessment. Please review what would work best for you to discuss who can make what 2nd practice. The goal would be to work on skills with other gals for positive feedback and assistance on whips, pushes, etc... A sign up sheet will be provided with either an individual who will be able to commit to a specific day or the skating rink (further details to follow).


FINAL NOTE:
As we all know, this is a working process that is finally coming together. We all have to continue working together to keep the progress moving forward. Support each other and push each other as a team to help improve on and off the court. And as always, keep kicking ass!

Past Post by the Negotiator