In The Eyes of The Crowd

After being introduced to the world of derby in January this year, it took me almost another full year to go and see my first game! I blame it on university work taking over my life, because living in Christchurch sure gave me plenty of opportunities to see some derby action with two leagues – Dead End Derby and Otautahi Roller Derby – having plenty of bouts during the year on their home turf. But I am glad that the first game I saw was Swamp City Roller Rats season final, with my best friend Jessie – AKA Sunflash – in the ranks.

To be honest, I was nervous and excited at the same time about watching derby! Sunflash had taken me out skating a couple of times at the start of the year whenever I came home, and being a longboarder myself I love anything on wheels! Throughout the year I literally studied the Wikipedia entry on roller derby in order to understand the game, and whenever I caught up with Sunflash, I would ask her to explain certain parts of the game that I didn’t quite understand (and I could never get her to shut up about derby either!).

I was surprised at how easily I began to understand the game as I watched which is probably thanks to my enthusiastic research of the game.

 I found myself explaining the game to my friend I had dragged along. I absolutely loved every minute of it; the speed, agility and manoeuvrability of the players was amazing to watch (I may have developed a bit of a girl-crush on some of the players, their skill is incredible!).

Although roller derby is a growing sport in New Zealand, I believe it is limited knowledge of the game is something that I think puts a lot of people off going to watch bouts. Many people believe it to be a violent, novelty game, and are not enticed to watch what they think is a game of women beating up one another on wheels. Watching my first game opened my eyes to the incredible amount of skill that these women have. Although there is a fun, novelty element to the game, it is an incredibly serious sport that is so intense to watch.

So from a relatively new spectator of the sport to those of you who are considering going to watch some derby action in the New Year – don’t be afraid to embrace it! You may find yourself falling in love with this action-filled sport, and perhaps wanting to don a pair of skates as well…

Contributor: Alison Grant