Hear ye, hear ye - Reigning Chaos is back! After a three year break our regal English import is heading to the Top 10 Champs this month in Christchurch to represent Bay City Rollers. There is an ongoing joke at BCR that we are like the Hotel California, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Does Chaos’s story inspire you to make your way home again? Well you have been summoned to join us in 2019. Freshmeat intake is February 2019 - make contact and start mentally preparing yourself.
What is your derby name? Reigning Chaos, I chose the Chaos part because that's how the first game of derby looked to me when I watched, just absolute total chaos! The reigning part is because I'm the Queen's niece (joking) but it is because I'm British and I'm a closet royalist. But shhhh don't tell anyone. What is your derby number and why? 52. I know derby is not about size and I'm only 5ft 2 but I’ve never let that get in the way. Quote & Why? "I’m not so good with the advice… can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?" ( Chandler from Friends). Meet me and you’ll understand why. |
Describe what Roller Derby means to you? Roller derby has been a roller coaster of emotions for me over the last seven years. Being this involved with such a diverse group of people… it's like we are just one big dysfunctional family. I have made some amazing lifelong friends along the way and met some fantastic people. How long have you been involved with Roller Derby? Since November 2011 - derby has evolved a lot since then and keeps evolving. It feels good to be a part of the derby evolution. The rules and strategy change a lot too so it keeps it fresh and interesting for me. Describe your first Bout? My first bout was against ARDL at the ‘Nationals’, they went on to win that tournament and I think we managed to score a whole 9 points against them. That’s how it was back then. Numbers were low and our development team wasn’t in action to season our skaters the way it is now. Nothing like being thrown in at the deep end! |
Which team do you play for Twisted Sister/Iron Maidens?
I play for both teams at the moment - Twisted Sisters and Iron Maidens. I started back training at the beginning of this year after a 3 year break, this was longer than I planned, but that's how life rolls sometimes. So getting my groove back with the Twisties has been a great way of getting game time and the team is so supportive. I’ve also had a few games with the Maidens now and loving the intensity of these games as well.
I play for both teams at the moment - Twisted Sisters and Iron Maidens. I started back training at the beginning of this year after a 3 year break, this was longer than I planned, but that's how life rolls sometimes. So getting my groove back with the Twisties has been a great way of getting game time and the team is so supportive. I’ve also had a few games with the Maidens now and loving the intensity of these games as well.
What is your position of choice? I prefer blocking. I don’t mind Jamming, but purely on a social level these days at trainings when ideally there are only 2 blockers on the track or a power jam haha. Do you have a pre-bout ritual? I get really nervous before a game, so my pre-bout ritual is to try and stay calm and to not freak everyone else out with my ‘uncalmness’. What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates? I think… how is this gonna go, what's the other team gonna be like, what kind of game am I gonna have? |
What has been your best derby moment? My best derby moments are when I’m doing something good on the track, I’m in the right place, I’m doing the right thing… it just feels right and it feels good. How did you get involved with roller derby? I had a friend who played and she suggested/convinced me to give it a try. I had never seen or heard of roller derby before and didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I loved it from the beginning. What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport? Organising life (work and children) so I can attend trainings and games. It's been hard getting back into it, but I have changed work shifts and found babysitters, so I am able to come to trainings and get stuck back in. It's not always easy but where there's a will there's a way and derby is great to have an outlet for me. It's not just the physical but the social and emotional support is incredibly valuable in my life. |
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby? I found a pair of quad skates in Kmart and bought them. I hadn’t skated since being a kid and didn't really know if I could. Once on skates I found I had the balance and know how, to put one skate in front of another. I was amazed at how easily it all came back to me. Initially I had my sights on jamming and did jam for those early games but somewhere along the way sense kicked in and I realised I didn't have what it takes. Kudos to all the jammers out there. Its tough! What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby? Try it, why not! Get into the Freshmeat courses we run and see if it’s a click for you. Who are your derby heroes? Happy Killmore, naturally. |
How would you describe your derby playing style?
My playing style hahaha, hmmmm I dont really have one. I just like to keep my eye on the jammer and block. They are pesky little things that like to sneak through but not on my watch.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Does going to the gym count? I have never played a team sport but would probably give anything a go, oh except maybe for squash now that's just crazy!
My playing style hahaha, hmmmm I dont really have one. I just like to keep my eye on the jammer and block. They are pesky little things that like to sneak through but not on my watch.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Does going to the gym count? I have never played a team sport but would probably give anything a go, oh except maybe for squash now that's just crazy!
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills? Practice, practice, practice. What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track? When I don't get any penalties, there has been some games over the years when I have been penalty free. Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why? I get excited about all upcoming games. I am looking forward to getting back on track with the Iron Maidens at the Top 10 champs in Christchurch in October this year. |
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby? I am a Prison nurse. I use my skills when needed as a medic for injuries. We have four nurses in our league so we’re very lucky. How do you find a balance between your derby life and your ‘real’ life? I don't!! LOL, it’s a battle every single week. Anything you would like to add? Yes, if you're thinking about coming back to derby, just do it. It’s like riding a bike. The strategies change, but the fundamentals are the same. I didn't have to go back through a beginner course and was bouting again within three months. Best decision I made in 2018! |
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
My family for looking after the children and allowing me the time to do something for me. I’d also like to thank Dr Slaughter for being the second funniest person in the league, you're welcome!!
My family for looking after the children and allowing me the time to do something for me. I’d also like to thank Dr Slaughter for being the second funniest person in the league, you're welcome!!