Are you a male or female? A stickler for enforcing rules? A safety enforcer and strive for fair game play? Become a Roller Derby referee as it has your name all over it! Our next beginners course starts on the 20th July.
What is your derby name? please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name.
“Gravity Worx” The late Robin Williams in a stand-up routine was describing his hangover after drinking too much Jack Daniels the night before. As he stood up he fell down and shouted “Whoa Gravity does work!” I find that gravity does work, especially on roller skates.
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
9.81mss - The acceleration of gravity on a falling object (Newton’s apple springs to mind) near the surface of the Earth is 9.81 meters per second squared.
Quote & Why?
“Don’t argue with Gravity because Gravity always wins”. Firstly, arguing with referees is always fruitless although people persist in doing this in all sports. “But Gravity always wins” is also a line from Radiohead, my favourite band of all time.
“Gravity Worx” The late Robin Williams in a stand-up routine was describing his hangover after drinking too much Jack Daniels the night before. As he stood up he fell down and shouted “Whoa Gravity does work!” I find that gravity does work, especially on roller skates.
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
9.81mss - The acceleration of gravity on a falling object (Newton’s apple springs to mind) near the surface of the Earth is 9.81 meters per second squared.
Quote & Why?
“Don’t argue with Gravity because Gravity always wins”. Firstly, arguing with referees is always fruitless although people persist in doing this in all sports. “But Gravity always wins” is also a line from Radiohead, my favourite band of all time.
What advice do you have for men or women who are considering roller derby to become a referee?
Referees are well respected by leagues such as Bay City Rollers. After all if you don’t have a referee (or seven) you can’t play. Referees are well supported in what they do by the league. i.e. financial incentives such as free freshmeat training, petrol vouchers at each bout refereed, free travel for away games, uniform supplied, etc. In my experience with adults and with the young people that I coach, is that it is an extremely empowering sport. It certainly has been empowering for me to become a referee in this sporting environment.
So, my advice is that you should not be afraid to jump in the deep end (there are plenty of experienced “lifeguards” to look after you), have confidence in yourself and be persistent. I haven’t regretted it and I don’t think others would either, it is a blast!
Referees are well respected by leagues such as Bay City Rollers. After all if you don’t have a referee (or seven) you can’t play. Referees are well supported in what they do by the league. i.e. financial incentives such as free freshmeat training, petrol vouchers at each bout refereed, free travel for away games, uniform supplied, etc. In my experience with adults and with the young people that I coach, is that it is an extremely empowering sport. It certainly has been empowering for me to become a referee in this sporting environment.
So, my advice is that you should not be afraid to jump in the deep end (there are plenty of experienced “lifeguards” to look after you), have confidence in yourself and be persistent. I haven’t regretted it and I don’t think others would either, it is a blast!
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller derby has made a big difference in my life. I have been training up to twice a week with BCR, and referee bouts as often as possible since starting out two years ago. I also frequent the local skate parks up to twice a week to practice and spend time on skates. I am physically fitter now than I have ever been in my 56 years on this planet. My agility, endurance and stamina are something I am very proud of. Roller derby is more than just the sport itself. I have always felt welcome by the BCR “girls” and other teams that I have reffed. Roller derby is a sport that welcomes people of all shapes, sizes, gender and gender identification and there are many sub-cultures in this sport. Roller Derby has also been therapeutic for me in terms of my own mental health. Strapping on skates takes your mind off everything else because you are focussed on fighting gravity!
Roller derby has made a big difference in my life. I have been training up to twice a week with BCR, and referee bouts as often as possible since starting out two years ago. I also frequent the local skate parks up to twice a week to practice and spend time on skates. I am physically fitter now than I have ever been in my 56 years on this planet. My agility, endurance and stamina are something I am very proud of. Roller derby is more than just the sport itself. I have always felt welcome by the BCR “girls” and other teams that I have reffed. Roller derby is a sport that welcomes people of all shapes, sizes, gender and gender identification and there are many sub-cultures in this sport. Roller Derby has also been therapeutic for me in terms of my own mental health. Strapping on skates takes your mind off everything else because you are focussed on fighting gravity!
Describe your first Bout?
Home game, Iron Maidens vs Northland Nightmares 22nd August 2015 - Literally a blur! I was completely freaked out at the expectations of me by others and myself. It was all over in what seemed like 5 minutes!
What is your Referee position of choice?
Outer pack referee (OPR). I have taken this position since day one. It is the most challenging physically, referees skate every jam! And OPR’s skate further than the players as we are on the outside of the track.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I always have objectives set pre-bout. For example, I might be focussing on “cutting” penalties so visualise these as I get prepared.
What has been your best derby moment?
Calling my first penalty “RED – 351 – ELBOWS! This was my third bout. My first two bouts were all about being in the right position and keeping up with the pack and as I said earlier were a bit of a blur.
Home game, Iron Maidens vs Northland Nightmares 22nd August 2015 - Literally a blur! I was completely freaked out at the expectations of me by others and myself. It was all over in what seemed like 5 minutes!
What is your Referee position of choice?
Outer pack referee (OPR). I have taken this position since day one. It is the most challenging physically, referees skate every jam! And OPR’s skate further than the players as we are on the outside of the track.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I always have objectives set pre-bout. For example, I might be focussing on “cutting” penalties so visualise these as I get prepared.
What has been your best derby moment?
Calling my first penalty “RED – 351 – ELBOWS! This was my third bout. My first two bouts were all about being in the right position and keeping up with the pack and as I said earlier were a bit of a blur.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
One of the librarians at work suggested it to me. I had been power walking for the previous 8 years and was starting to find it boring and less of a challenge. As I used to roller skate as a teenager, I had been considering starting to skate again so the suggestion from my colleague was quite timely.
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Initially, it was the fear of the unknown. Roller Derby is a full contact sport and when I saw it for the first time I was in awe. The challenges I find now are of the physical and mental kind. However, these challenges are positive as they force me to set goals and then strive to meet them! However, the biggest challenge for me is understanding the rules of Derby as there are many.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat course and how you learned to play roller derby?
Referees are like any other skater in that they must successfully complete a “freshmeat” course to ensure that they are safe on skates. Learning how to skate, stop, fall safely, skate in a pack, take and give “hits” and many other skills were a part of this process. I have learned how to play roller derby by watching, attending trainings, and using “youtube”. I am still learning today.
One of the librarians at work suggested it to me. I had been power walking for the previous 8 years and was starting to find it boring and less of a challenge. As I used to roller skate as a teenager, I had been considering starting to skate again so the suggestion from my colleague was quite timely.
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Initially, it was the fear of the unknown. Roller Derby is a full contact sport and when I saw it for the first time I was in awe. The challenges I find now are of the physical and mental kind. However, these challenges are positive as they force me to set goals and then strive to meet them! However, the biggest challenge for me is understanding the rules of Derby as there are many.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat course and how you learned to play roller derby?
Referees are like any other skater in that they must successfully complete a “freshmeat” course to ensure that they are safe on skates. Learning how to skate, stop, fall safely, skate in a pack, take and give “hits” and many other skills were a part of this process. I have learned how to play roller derby by watching, attending trainings, and using “youtube”. I am still learning today.
Who are your derby heroes?
The BCR team members (but don’t tell anyone because as a referee I am expected to be unbiased!).
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Roller Disco’s at Windsor Park in the 1970’s. I also used to street skate as a teenager in the 1970’s.
What tips would you share with skaters and referees looking to improve their skills?
Be committed to your sport, attend as many coaching / training sessions as possible. When you are at these sessions, pay attention to the wealth of knowledge that coaches are willing to share. This knowledge is priceless. As a referee, I have learnt much about rules and strategy which helps my understanding of the game and makes me a better referee. Keep your fitness levels up by doing your own thing outside of regular training – e.g. skate park sessions, gymnasium, yoga, etc. Whatever rocks your boat, but don’t rely on two training sessions a week to get you to your peak performance. Also, learn the rules!
The BCR team members (but don’t tell anyone because as a referee I am expected to be unbiased!).
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Roller Disco’s at Windsor Park in the 1970’s. I also used to street skate as a teenager in the 1970’s.
What tips would you share with skaters and referees looking to improve their skills?
Be committed to your sport, attend as many coaching / training sessions as possible. When you are at these sessions, pay attention to the wealth of knowledge that coaches are willing to share. This knowledge is priceless. As a referee, I have learnt much about rules and strategy which helps my understanding of the game and makes me a better referee. Keep your fitness levels up by doing your own thing outside of regular training – e.g. skate park sessions, gymnasium, yoga, etc. Whatever rocks your boat, but don’t rely on two training sessions a week to get you to your peak performance. Also, learn the rules!
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
My first trip away with the BCR team, which is to Whangerei in a couple of weeks. I was told how brave I was to be the only male to travel with 16 female BCR team members. I was offered a space in a dormitory with the girls or my own room. My response was that “I am not that brave” and I have elected to have my own room.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
Yes, it has. I hip check members of my family regularly! Anything anyone shows me or tells me that they have done I tell them that I can do that on roller skates! Roller derby has given me the opportunity to be involved in a sport and this is not something I thought I would be doing at my time of life. I am also involved in the coaching of our younger skaters The “Guns N’ Roses” and love helping these young people to “grow” into this sport.
My first trip away with the BCR team, which is to Whangerei in a couple of weeks. I was told how brave I was to be the only male to travel with 16 female BCR team members. I was offered a space in a dormitory with the girls or my own room. My response was that “I am not that brave” and I have elected to have my own room.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
Yes, it has. I hip check members of my family regularly! Anything anyone shows me or tells me that they have done I tell them that I can do that on roller skates! Roller derby has given me the opportunity to be involved in a sport and this is not something I thought I would be doing at my time of life. I am also involved in the coaching of our younger skaters The “Guns N’ Roses” and love helping these young people to “grow” into this sport.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I am a registered nurse and work as a nurse educator at the local institute of technology. I seem to be “doomed” to be involved with women in all aspects of my life, however this is not a bad thing as I actually prefer the company of women to men (mostly). I think my experience as a nurse has helped me in the communication with derby players. One of the roles of any referee is to maintain safety in the environment. This is, of course, one of the main priorities of nurses also. Nursing has also taught me to remain calm in stressful situations and that certainly helps with Roller Derby.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
All the referees that have shared their knowledge freely and knowledgably with me. The Bay City Rollers girls who have welcomed me and who are serious in what they do, but maintain a sense of fun and humour underneath it all. “DERBY BABY!!!!”
I am a registered nurse and work as a nurse educator at the local institute of technology. I seem to be “doomed” to be involved with women in all aspects of my life, however this is not a bad thing as I actually prefer the company of women to men (mostly). I think my experience as a nurse has helped me in the communication with derby players. One of the roles of any referee is to maintain safety in the environment. This is, of course, one of the main priorities of nurses also. Nursing has also taught me to remain calm in stressful situations and that certainly helps with Roller Derby.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
All the referees that have shared their knowledge freely and knowledgably with me. The Bay City Rollers girls who have welcomed me and who are serious in what they do, but maintain a sense of fun and humour underneath it all. “DERBY BABY!!!!”
