Roller derby in New Zealand is growing in popularity. The profile of both unconventional sports and roller derby specifically has been boosted by recent movies such as Whip It and Dodgeball.
The rules are simple. Roller derby involves a team of five members of two teams competing against each other. One member of each team is a jammer whilst the remaining four are blockers. The aim of the game is for the jammers to get past the blockers of the other team. The jammers race each other to be the first to pass all of the other team’s blockers, and then for each subsequent time a jammer gets past a blocker from the other team, a point is scored.
Blockers can only use their bodies to block the jammers. Blockers cannot punch, push, trip or intentionally knock jammers out of the way. However, the fun part is watching the carnage as jammers and blockers trip over each other in their efforts to fulfill their functions.
Roller Derby is Unintentionally Violent
For anyone that craves a little competitive violence, roller derby is particularly exciting. As jammers attempt to move past blockers, they either succeed or they don’t. When they don’t, they are either pushed outside the bounds of the game – often into spectators, are pushed back and forced to try again, or trip and fall.
Roller derby is one game where it’s actually ok for a team to gang up on the other. The blockers effectually band together to prevent the jammer of the opposite team from getting past. It’s exciting when the gang succeeds but it’s also exciting when they fail. It’s particularly entertaining to watch girls competing because it’s not often that one gets to watch girls be aggressive in a situation where body contact is encouraged.
Interesting Crowds at Roller Derby Matches
I’ve been to two roller derby matches in my short history as a fan of the sport. And one thing that stands out in the crowd, is the crowd. If the spectators in the U.S are anything like the spectators in New Zealand, you’ll get just as much entertainment from watching the crowd as you will from the roller derby.
Spectators get behind their favorite teams by dressing up but not in the usual way. Fans wear colourful wigs, joke glasses, tutus, fishnet stockings, and any and all ranges of unusual and eccentric outfits. If you are a closet eccentric, then you can dress up or down to your heart’s delight because you will definitely blend in with this crowd.
Festivities at the Roller Derby
The roller derby appeals to both singles, couples, first dates, and families. There is no need to worry about the competing teams breaking out in fights. The New Zealand roller derby league teams all appear to be very friendly with each other before and after the games.
In New Zealand, beer, wine, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at games. If you don’t fancy having to wait in line at the bar, you can wait until the drinks cooler comes around during the games.
At finals matches, there is likely to be a band that plays at half time. When the band isn’t playing, 50’s rock’n’roll music seems to be the jukebox order of the day. It is a refreshing break from the modern music that is more common at conventional sporting events.
Talented jammers at roller derbys rack up huge numbers of fans. After the game, it’s common, at least in New Zealand, for both players and spectators to mingle and get photos taken together.
Roller Derby is a Great Way to Spend a Saturday Night
If you are looking for something a little different to do next Saturday night, find out where your closest roller derby match is being played. It’s entertaining, festive and a great spectator sport.
Sources
New Zealand Roller Derby website
Join the Conversation