What is roller derby

In terms of demographics, roller derby participants are predominantly but not exclusively white, and the social class of skaters varies, but most come from working-class or middle-class backgrounds Beaver The average skater is in their late 20s or early 30s and has participated in the sport for approximately three years Beaver While some participants have histories of athletics, in some cases roller derby is the first organized sport with which they have been involved.

Skaters often form close bonds with their teammates that provide camaraderie and support both on and off the track. Resistance and Reinforcement. Roller derby skater Roxxi-Revolver competes in a bout. Roller derby grrrls both resist and reproduce gender stereotypes Parry The theatrical parodying of these stereotypes is one of the factors that first attracts many skaters and fans or supporters Parry , At derby bouts, skaters flaunt traits and characteristics considered both traditionally feminine and masculine with pride.

A pin-up style illustration of a roller derby grrrl. By making a mockery of convention and transforming it into a caricature, roller derby is resistive Finley , Gieseler later goes on to describe how roller derby can empower women,. On the track, women indulge in fantasies of identity, sexuality, and spectacle. Beaver emphasizes the importance of taking into account the social context. Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on quad roller skates.

The jammer must pass each opposing blocker upright and in-bounds in order to make a legal lap. After the initial lap, jammers accumulate one point for every opposing blocker they pass.

Skaters may not hit other skaters with their hands, head, or feet. Additionally, skaters may not hit others in the head, back, or feet. After their initial pass they can start scoring points.

The jammer will score one point for every blocker they legally pass. Roller derby games are called bouts , and each bout is broken down into jams. Topanga Maulrats. Events Upcoming Bouts and Events. Past Bouts. Community Service. Join Us. News Skater of the Month. What exactly is roller derby? Aw, yeah! Like the Thunderbirds on TV? Wait, So it's like "Whip It"? Why don't you skate on a banked track?