#banked track roller derby

[arcan6yo]

anyone wanna be friends at rollercon this year?

[marie-kitty-kat]

Love is...

...lying in bed next to my girlfriend and watching roller derby together on tiktok 💕

[charliegearhart]

Welcome to Minnesota!

Bobby of the legendary Dwyer racing family has shown up to a home race of his, the FARC Bummin' Beaver Tornado Alley Tour at Cannon Falls, Minnesota! Bobby's own take on the Blue 72 is fielded by his parents, Darrin Craig and Becky Dwyer, the proprietors of a handful of Dwyer's Speedway Laundromat locations across Minnesota. How fitting of a presence, since Minnesota Motorsports Park looks like a superspeedway that shrank in the wash; one mile of high and wide banking that is expected to produce pack racing for the FARC late models.

Here are the points standings coming into this race:

I'm probably definitely not allowed up here. FARC Lowe Dollar Series regular and Minnesota native Samantha Mason couldn't resist entering tonight's race and returning to the cockpit of a late model. Mason brings her familiar Simplease colors aboard the No. 27 Tonare owned by Mike Buttke. Mason is seen here dueling in practice with Andy Anderson's No. 21 Grease Burger machine, fielded by AnderSend-It Racing. The son of car owner and former FARC competitor Jared Andersen is hoping to build momentum on his second top 10 of the season, a ninth place finish at the caution-free LaCrosse race, but he's been frustrated that he doesn't have more to show for his speed this season, thanks to multiple mechanical failures keeping the pole winner of the opening race in Ishpeming out of better finish.

Despite the tie being broken between championship co-leaders Gordon Tanner (No. 26) and Mindy Gunn (No. 35), the two veteran-aged rookies remain close, with Gunn trailing Tanner by only two points entering tonight. Gordon Tanner may be new to the FARC ranks but he brings with him an extensive background of racing around his home of Iowa, and it showed when he dominated the first two points races at Ishpeming and the Quincy qualifying race. However, he tripped in his point-collecting spree by crashing early in the Quincy feature and struggling in Grundy County, which allowed Mindy Gunn to close up to a tie by winning the latter race. Gunn has enjoyed unexpected breakout success in FARC racing alongside the Mint-Berry Berserkers, the roller derby team-turned-pit crew that she captains. Unlike her championship rival, she did not turn her first laps on a short track until after she was 30 with guidance from crew chief and fellow Berserker Nikki Brillon, but she has learned quickly and taken great advantage of the support from Lynxe this season.

[areyoudreaminof]

Per the rules of the ask/tag game, I am here to humbly request a snippet of "Val-Kill-Ries (Valkyrie roller derby AU)" 👉👈 😘

I'm hoping to have this finished for Valkyrie Week! It had started as a Nessian thing, but I like the idea of just the girls. Though Cassian and Az may make a cameo.

Their derby names are all literary puns:

Nesta: It's a toss up between Stone Cold Jane Austen or Pain Eyre

Emerie: Agatha Crushdie

Gwyn: Killbo Baggins or Luna Shovegood

Nesta Archeron was many things during the day. To her coworkers, she was the coldest copy editor and technical writer on the whole floor, putting the fear of gods into most of the male writers she had the misfortune of having to edit. To her sisters, she was their strict protector who didn’t quite know how to express her love towards them. To her friends, she had the driest sense of humor and the dirtiest taste in books. But at night, Nesta Archeron was the most terrifying jammer that the Velaris Roller Derby League had ever seen.

With all her might, Nesta hurled herself into the shoulders of the opposing jammer, throwing her off the track and into the rails. Through the gap she had created, Gwyn whizzed by the last of the pack scoring another point for the Val-Kill-Ries.  Nesta's thighs were on fire as she swept her feet up the track bank. She could sense Emerie approaching her left as the buzzer sounded, ending the jam. Coasting on her last breath, she sped down to the benches and snatched her water bottle. Coach Clotho looked up form her clipboard with a huge grin.

[aroaceascension]

so i have learned about the banked tracks and how some very old fans from the 80's and such are calling it boring if its on a flat track and such.

Also not really for player safety? I don't know much but im continuinng the 2018 Gotham Girls Roller Derby V DEnver Roller Derby and there is a lot of hate comments and its just disheartening despite me not knowing the history of it. Because from my understanding there is not a lot of banked tracks because they're expensive so flat tracks are more common nowadays

But still damn Scald eagle is such a badass from what i seen on the field, like so awesome

but if anyone who knows more about this let me know!!

[therealvalkyrie]

Idk what you are talking about but I am looking at you like this

omg Jas!! pls allow me to elaborate!!!

so I’m currently learning how to play Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby, which you might know as the sport where women put on roller skates and hit each other while skating around in a circle. it’s really fun!! I’m still very bad at it lol

women’s flat track derby is the most common type of roller derby played worldwide, but there’s also men’s flat track and both men and women’s BANK track roller derby. You might know bank track roller derby from movies like Whip It (2009, with Elliot Page!) and that one episode of Psych.

The fundamental difference between bank track and flat track derby is, well, the track. A banked roller derby track looks like this:

whereas a flat roller derby track looks like this:

(fun fact, under the red tape that marks the boundaries of the track, there is a rope so that players can feel when they’ve skated out of bounds!)

Bank track derby is more commonly portrayed in pop culture, but flat track derby is actaully more popular in real life because a flat track can be set up anywhere in a relatively short amount of time. A bank track is expensive to build and maintain, and so are therefore less common!

They are also different sports in terms of rules, but I’m not familiar enough with bank track to tell you the differences haha

Anyway thanks for letting me infodump:))

[effortless23]

How Exciting is Roller Derby to Play in 2024?

Roller derby, with its blend of speed, strategy, and sheer intensity, remains one of the most electrifying sports to play in 2024. This year, the sport continues to grow, attracting players from various backgrounds and skill levels. Here’s a deep dive into why roller derby is so exhilarating and how the current Roller Derby Rules contribute to the excitement of the game.

1. Fast-Paced Action

Roller derby is celebrated for its fast-paced and dynamic gameplay. The sport is played on a flat or banked track where two teams of five skaters compete in periods of high-speed action. The objective is for the jammers—identified by star helmets—to lap members of the opposing team to score points. The blockers and pivots work to protect their jammer and disrupt the opposing team’s jammer. The rapid movements, strategic blocking, and exciting scoring plays make every game thrilling.

2. Strategic Depth

One of the most captivating aspects of roller derby is its strategic complexity. The Roller Derby Rules emphasize both individual skills and team coordination. Teams employ various strategies such as offensive and defensive formations, power jams, and effective communication to outmaneuver their opponents. The ability to adapt tactics on the fly and anticipate the opposing team’s moves adds a layer of strategic depth that keeps the game engaging for players and spectators alike.

3. Physical and Mental Challenge

Roller derby is a full-contact sport that demands both physical and mental prowess. Players need to be agile, strong, and resilient to navigate the high-speed collisions and strategic blocks. The sport also requires quick thinking and decision-making, as players must assess situations rapidly and adjust their strategies accordingly. The physical exertion and mental challenge create an adrenaline rush that is hard to match in other sports.

4. Inclusive and Empowering Community

The roller derby community is known for its inclusivity and empowerment. Players of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds come together to support and challenge each other. Roller derby leagues often emphasize the importance of camaraderie, self-confidence, and personal growth. This supportive environment enhances the overall excitement of the sport, as players feel a strong sense of belonging and motivation.

5. Evolving Rules and Innovations

The Roller Derby Rules continue to evolve, adding new elements and innovations to the sport. In 2024, there have been updates to rules that enhance gameplay, such as adjustments to penalties, points systems, and game flow. These changes ensure that the game remains fresh and exciting, offering new challenges and opportunities for players to showcase their skills.

6. Spectacle and Showmanship

Roller derby games are not just about competition; they are also a spectacle of showmanship and entertainment. Players often embrace unique team names, colorful uniforms, and elaborate skater personas. The combination of athletic prowess and theatrical flair creates a visually engaging experience that adds to the excitement of playing and watching the sport.

Conclusion

Playing roller derby in 2024 is an exhilarating experience that combines fast-paced action, strategic depth, and physical challenge with a supportive and inclusive community. The evolving Roller Derby Rules and the sport’s emphasis on spectacle and showmanship further contribute to its excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, roller derby offers a thrilling and dynamic environment where every game is a new adventure.

[aly-cat-universe]

Howdy i saw in you bio you play roller derby and i wanted to know how someone would get started in the sport

It’s something ive always wanted to do but growing up there wasnt olace to skate but now i live in city with possibly opportunities.

Idk just asking how does a person get into this where to look what i need to know etc

Thank you for any advice you may have

Good news is roller derby is a friendly community that likes newcomers.

If you are in a large city there is a good chance there is a local team, at least in the US, which is where my experience is based. The first thing to do is locate your nearest team. Google will help you with this, but you can also ask around at local skating rinks or event centers, the types of places that might host a game or practice or tournament. Make sure the team you contact accepts your age and gender. There are all women teams, rare all men teams, and coed teams. For underage skaters, you can play on any junior team if you are under 18, or 18 but have not yet graduated high school. Players under 9 years old may only play on positional (non-offensive contact) lines. For transgender skaters, most teams I am familiar with will accept you without issues.

Most teams either allow a potential new skater to either schedule a time to come watch a practice and speak to a coach, or alternatively host nights dedicated to newcomers. If you can find the local teams website or a recruitment flyer it should list how to get in contact. Depending on the team they may accept you even if you have zero skating experience and will teach you, or some of the competitive teams require tryouts. Most competitive teams have local beginner "B" teams though.

For your first time meeting with your local team, you won't usually be asked to bring gear. The first time you practice however, you will need some. This is your quad roller skates, helmet, mouth guard, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Some teams have spare safety gear, but most do not. You will need your own mouth guard no matter what, since they need to be molded to your teeth and for sanitary reasons. I recommend "Sisu" brand since they mold closely to the teeth, allowing you to still speak clearly and drink water without having to remove it. Your beginner skates do not need to be super nice if you don't have a lot of money. You can save up for a nice set after your first season once you really know whether you like the sport. If you are good at it some teams or skaters get sponsored help to buy nicer skates. A local skater should be able to advise you on where to best buy skates in your area

Wear leggings or something else for fitting closely enough to go under kneepads and that allows flexibility for practice. You likely will need to pay for a team jersey once you are trained enough to play in a game or scrimmage. Depending on if you have skating experience, you may be able to play early in your first season, or you might just attend practices and get trained for a good while first.

To play in competitive games you may need to get insurance. I had mine through USARS when I was playing. It was not expensive. Your local team should be able to give you better advice on whether or not they require it and what to get.

There are 2 major flat track leagues, USARS (USA roller sports) and WFTDA (women's flat track derby association. The rulesets used are slightly different between leagues. I've played both types. I liked WFTDA better, but did enjoy both. Some teams actually play with both leagues, but I wouldn't recommend this for beginners who may struggle to differentiate between the subtle differences. Banked Track is also an option, though you may not have a local banked track team because those tracks are expensive and far more difficult to move and set up. Banked track is a lot of fun though if you get the chance. What you join is all personal preference though I believe WFTDA is more widespread.

If you have never used quad skates before, I recommend visiting a skating rink a few times before you reach out to a team to see if you enjoy it, where you can rent skates before you shell out money to get your own stuff.

This is a full contact sport. If you have health issues consider whether or not skating could make it worse. You can ask a doctor if you are unsure.

I think I might compile a few separate posts this month discussing the basics rules and game format, popular roller derby history, and skating fashion, since if I Infodumped all of my advice on this one answer it would get super overwhelming. That being said I would gladly answer any further questions you might have that I did not answer here. If you struggle to find your local team and are willing to let me know your general location (county you live in or city) I might be able to offer further advice on the local area, either from my own knowledge or by reaching out to other skater friends of mine more familiar with the area. I am most familiar with the USA's west coast teams, but I have done a decent bit of traveling and have friends who are more familiar with the east coast or international teams as well.

[boutbetties]

The last weekend before boxes get shipped! If you haven’t already, get yours today! *link in profile to sign up. There are still full boxes, the Lite version and Junior boxes available, but not for long 😲

[happyduckie23]

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A post shared by Jammit Janet✨ (@happyduckie23) on Jul 31, 2020 at 1:47pm PDT

Missing Rollercon.... and the banked track ❤️✨

[derbyamerica]

Derby & Drinks: 2019 MRDA Champs Pairings

Derby & Drinks: 2019 MRDA Champs Pairings

What’s up, Roller Derby?

I haven’t written too much this year (it’s been an interesting ride), and I am sorry for that. After my second ACL surgery I dove into studies of a Sommelier. In the past 7 months I have achieved certification of WSET2, Level 1 from the Court of Masters Sommelier, and my Cicerone Certified Beer Server. All those notecards left little time for writing. 

I was seeking…

[rulesforthedance]

Carrie Fisher told you that you can stay afraid but do it anyway, and now I am here to tell you that you can keep crying but do it anyway.

[pettyprocrastination]

i would love to know your very specific eddie thoughts!!

HEHEHEHEH >:D

partial inspiration credits goes to @ofstarsandvibranium for THIS lovely post talking about cute dates with Eddie, one of which being roller skating. But also ever since I started playing derby I've been looking to do roller derby aus for literally every character under the sun so!

Eddie dating a derby girl!

You play banked track roller derby for the local league: The Hawkin's Derby Dolls!

Now realistically: banked-track derby had died out in the late 70′s and wasn't truly revived until the early 2000's in Austin, Texas, but for now we will pretend that roller derby was still a bustling sport in the eighties for my own little heart

Eddie thinks it’s the coolest thing in the fucking world

You’re slamming into other girls on a floor with an incline while roller skating? It’s the most badass thing he’s ever seen. 

You guys met because you were always skating in town. On the sidewalk, the road, even in the mall, cackling away while some fucking mall security chased after you but you would always leave them in the dust. He was fucking obsessed with you.

You’re walking home from practice, when his van drives by and slows down to match your pace. He stick his head out of the window and smiles. 

“Hey speedracer, you need a ride?” 

During the drive you talk to him about roller derby, and he talks to you about music, turns out you guys like a lot of the same artists!

mans is literally on cloud nine: as if you could be any more perfect. 

Drops you off and calls out to you “Maybe I’ll come by some time, watch you do your thing, yeah?” 

“I’ll be looking for you, Munson.” 

and he was done for. 

Supportive boyfriend supreme right there, nobody can top him. 

Has cancelled postponed hellfire so he can go see you play. 

Never gives them a set reason though. He likes to make them wonder because he’s a dramatic son of a bitch. 

“Sorry boys, but the oh-so mysterious dungeon master has more important plans for the evening. You go find somebody else to squawk at tonight.” 

Cheering your derby name (Spawn of Skatan) so loud you would think he was performing a song. 

“That’s my fucking girl! You got this!” 

Gets the team shirt and everything. 

At half time he’s jogging up to the team bench and pressing a kiss to the top of your helmet and “you’re kicking ass, babe. Just one half left and you ladies take home the win, alright?” 

Definitely moments of anxiety watching you up there because holy shit do you get bruised up and the risk of injury is for real. 

If you ever get knocked down and don’t get back up? He’s sprinting and jumping onto the track before anybody can say a work and taking you into his arms. Let them fucking try and stop him and he’ll swing. 

When the bout is over though? Oh he’s cheering loud as hell. Win or Lose.  

“That’s fucking right! That’s my girl right there!! fuck yeah!!” 

running over and cupping your sweaty face in his hands and kissing you while your teammates hoot and holler. 

“you're fucking amazing, baby-” “Eddie! I’m all sweaty and gross-” “Never stopped me before >:)” “eddie NO” 

After you both sit down in a boot at your favorite diner, eating greasy burgers and dipping your fries in a strawberry shake as you remark on what went well and what didn’t, with some feedback from Eddie of course. 

“It was hot as fuck when you slammed that one chick down, babes.” 

he tries his best.

Afterwards you take a hot shower at his trailer and slip into bed where he holds you with gentle hands as he presses kisses to the bruises and scrapes that lines your body, soft praise being whispered between each one. 

You're sore as can be the next day, but waking up in his arms makes it feel a big sweeter. 

[judysupremus]

Maribat Daminette December 2021

Day 1- Grumpy Cat

I miss writing so much but I do it all from my phone.

Anyway, I'm going to pick and choose prompts to write for this month.

They will all be Roller Derby verse unless stated otherwise.

Love you all ❤️

--------

It started out innocently enough - a small joke here and a short prank there - but enough was enough.

Marinette had tried, for many years, to be a calm level-headed individual. One did not wield the ladybug miraculous on instinct alone.

There was only so much a person could take.

Jason had 'borrowed' the book she was in the middle of and returned it to the highest shelf in the Manor's library.

Dick, sincere as he was, would always refer to her as short and sweet.

Tim would hide the strong coffee in the upper cabinets.

Even Bruce would go out of his way to reach things for her that she could very well get on her own, thank you.

Someone would adjust the bar rack for her height every training rotation. Or pair her up with Red Hood, the tallest, on a rare patrol. She was the smallest skater, even if it did make her the best jammer.

And on and on it went. All the time Damian would watch, waiting for the moment when she'd snap.

It was so rewarding.

The bank track was absolute carnage that night, even by renegade match standards. Every jab lead to a split lip. Every split lip earned a clothesline. Every clothesline made the crowd cheer louder and louder.

With the Brawlers so low on points, they weren't going to win, but they could hit the Sirens hard enough to take them down a notch. Take out their little star jammer.

Damian took a deep breath. He needed it more from Dick half-strangling him with his hand fisted in his collar than nerves.

"She's gonna do it, Damian! We can't let her!"

"I am not going to be the one to tell Marinette she can't skate." Damian ground out as he wrestled Dick out of his personal space. Dick immediately turned to plead with Jason only to see him leaning over the boards arguing with Harley.

The ref, bless them, tried to tear the two apart but only ended up being a spit shield between them.

"What's the problem?!" Marinette shouted, shoving her way in.

"Your sweet big brotha' wants ya out of the game!" Harley roared as she tried to shove Jason back into the bleachers.

Marinette threw her hands skyward. "But we're winning. If we beat the Brawlers hard enough they won't bounce back for semifinals!"

"Let someone else jam, Pixie!"

"Listen to Jason, short stuff! You're one hit away from a bad night. Those ladies are out for you." Tim tried to reason with her.

But it was a mistake.

Marinette turned her mightiest Ladybug stare at all three of them and put her mouth guard back in. Harley gave a whoop and slapped her shoulder.

"That's my girl! Let's skate!"

As the pack took off and Lady Bruiser waited for the second whistle, Jason rounded on Damian.

"Why the fuck didn't you talk her out of it?!"

"It wouldn't have mattered. She can take care of herself and you all keep insulting her." Damian shoved them out of the way as he answered.

They all watched as the Brawlers biggest skater made to check Lady Bruiser into the boards, only to wipe out completely. Marinette had ducked beneath the elbow and quickly jabbed the other skater without losing momentum.

"You can't keep calling her short."

[graymatters]

i’ve been thinking about wizarding roller derby? idfk

For @drarrymicrofic​‘s prompt, Guess I’m Jaded, but I mostly was inspired by the lines in the song with profanity 😂

Lee needs to take it easy on the Sonorous next time, Harry thinks as the pre-game announcements echo loudly in the enclosed arena. The static of the anxious crowd is a constant undercurrent as Lee Jordan thanks the teams’ sponsors and begins his run through the starting line-ups.

When Lee calls Harry’s name as the final starter for the Bombarding Banshees, the crowd roars, igniting neon lights at the tips of their wands raised above their heads. The lights flash pink and purple and orange in disorienting waves around the darkened arena. Harry can only roll his eyes before he turns to Dean as he laces up his skates on the bench beside him.

“You’d think I could catch a break from all that worshipping shit here… Who the fuck cares about roller derby?”

“You’re a professional athlete now; no chance, mate,” Dean snorts. “There’s talk of making derby the national sport.”

“Guess I’m fucked, then,” Harry says before turning to the opposite side of the arena. In the middle of the Thrashing Thestrals’ huddle, a flash of white blond hair, dusted with pink neon powder, catches Harry’s eye.

“Something got your attention?” Dean asks with a cheeky grin. “Or someone? You’re a Banshee first, tonight, Harry.”

“Shut the fuck up, Dean.”

“Captains to the floor,” Lee announces overhead. Harry tilts his neck back and forth, coaxing several cracks of cartilage before taking awkward steps on his skates to the break in the barrier around the banked track.

From the opposite side of the rink, Draco gracefully skates to join Harry at the center of the rink, neon pink hair glowing under the bluelight charm that coats the rink. His pointed face is exaggerated with the skull-like face paint that creates deep, black hollows at his cheeks, under his eyes, and at his temples. But he somehow still manages to look attractive through the thick smear of paint. It almost makes Harry feel silly with his own bright orange and purple stripes over his cheeks. Almost.

“Harry.” 

“Draco.”

“Your paint is smudged.”

“Wonder whose fault that is.”

“Hope it was worth it?” Draco asks with a playful lift to his brow.

“Oh, it most definitely was…” Harry smirks, crossing his arms over his chest and sinking into his hip.

“Ready to give them a show?”

“Always,” Harry smiles. He leans onto the tip of his skate to whisper in Draco’s ear. “Someone conveniently left my jersey in the wash this morning.”

Draco leans back, feigning dismay with an elegant hand splayed across his chest. “Is that an accusation, Mr. Potter?” He holds his left hand between them, making a show for the audience as he removes his wedding band and hands it to the ref who stands beside them. The roar of the crowd vibrates in Harry’s chest.

“A fact, Mr. Potter,” Harry smirks, dramatically following Draco’s lead in handing his ring to the referee. “No holding back.”

“Have you ever known me to go easy on you?” Draco drawls as he reaches forward to shake Harry’s hand. He puckers his lips in a mock kiss before releasing his grip. With a flourish of his wrist, Draco conjures his helmet and skates backward towards his team as they enter the rink. Through it all, Draco manages to hold Harry’s eye in a way that still makes Harry’s chest flutter like he’s on a first date.

The ref doesn’t wait for Harry to move before she blows her whistle to summon the starters from both teams. With the flick of her wand, the referee paints neon stars on Harry and Draco’s helmets before proceeding to distribute Fizzing Whizbees to each player. Officially marked as the jammers, Harry and Draco take their spots behind the already-jostling pack.

“Pop!” The ref yells at the line of players, each of them obeying by tossing the sherbet-flavored candy into their mouths. Harry disregards the extended-release coating on the candy, crunching down hard and feeling the fizzy carbonation tickle his tongue. His roller skates immediately lift to hover several inches off the ground.

“Behave back there, gentlemen,” Dean yells over his shoulder from his place in the center of the pack.

“Mind your own business, Thomas,” Draco shouts back. “First night as the pivot, hm? Think you can handle it?”

“Piss off, Malfoy.”

“Oy, it’s piss off, Potter, please,” Draco says. “Show some respect.”

“Set!” The ref calls.

Harry can only roll his eyes, heart thrumming in his throat as he anxiously waits for the signal to start.

In the split second before the final whistle, Draco leans over to ghost his breath over Harry’s ear. “You look hot tonight, by the way. I left your jersey in the wash so you’d have to wear the tighter shirt,” he whispers with a mischievous lilt to his voice. “Loser does the dishes tonight?”

Harry reaches to brush his fingers over the gauzy fabric at Draco’s waist before settling into his starting position. As the starting whistle sounds, he flashes a smile in agreement and drives ahead of Draco to begin his violent fight through the pack.