Orlando Roller Derby:
If you live or travel to Orlando, then you know that there is a ton of stuff to do! Orlando has theme parks, concerts, special events, sports, and more! Well a little known sport also has a home here in Orlando and that sport is Roller Derby! Roller derby is something that I personally had limited knowledge of. I had been to a match or two in Atlanta but didn’t understand the rules or just how the derby ran! Jason went to a match a few weeks ago and is bringing you all the information!
League Information
The league here in Orlando is skater ran and skater operated. The ladies in the league are strong, motivated women who spend more time training for the sport than actually playing. The league was founded in 2009 and currently there are 3 different teams that play each other throughout the season. The three teams are : The Arkham Assailants, The Serial Thrillers, and Sunnyland Slammers. There is also a travel team made of the best players called The Straight Jackettes. This team travels throughout Florida and plays other teams.
Roller Derby 101
So what is Roller Derby and how is it played? Roller derby is played by two teams of five members simultaneously skating counterclockwise on a circuit track. Each team designates a scoring player (the “jammer”); the other four members are “blockers.” One blocker can be designated as a “pivot”—a blocker allowed to become a jammer in the course of play. The jammer wears a helmet cover bearing two stars; the pivot wears a striped cover; the remaining members’ helmets are uncovered. The bout is played in two periods of 30 minutes. Point scoring occurs during “jams”: plays that last up to two minutes. During a jam, points are scored when a jammer on a scoring pass (every pass a jammer makes through the pack after the initial pass) laps members of the opposing team. Each team’s blockers use body contact, changing positions, and other tactics to assist its jammer to score while hindering the opposing team’s jammer. Certain types of blocks and other play are violations; referees call penalties and require violators to serve time in a penalty box.
Upcoming Bouts:
All of the bouts take place at the Semoran Skateway located in Castleberry, FL. For most bouts, the doors open at 430, and the match begins at 5. Seating is limited so most people bring a chair with them. (Do not bring a chair with a metal bottom as it is not allowed due to it scratching the skate floor) A list of upcoming bouts and the links to the Facebook event is located below:
July 20 – Sunnyland Slammers vs Arkham Assailants (X)
Aug 17 – Serial Thrillers vs Sunnyland Slammers (X)
Oct 19 – 2014 Season Closer (X)
Orlando Fun and Food would like to thank the ladies of the derby for having us out! We had a great time, and cant wait to come back and see you all again! Make sure you go check out these ladies for a fun evening. They work hard for their sport and it was fun to watch. Afterward, they even have a cool after party where you can mix and mingle with the roller derby ladies! We had a great time and can’t wait to do it again!
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
