Growling, clashing, punching, knock outs, and broken bones – No, I’m not talking about MMA – I’m talking about women’s rollerderby with the Lonestar Rollergirls (TXRD). Walking into the convention center, the roars of the fans gave me a wave of nostalgia. If there is one thing that you need to do in Austin, this is always my first suggestion.
Before we started traveling, I used to be a referee for these ladies. My rollerderby name? Scare-ica.
This time I was on a completely different job. With a few emails and pleading eyes I snatched up a prized press pass, allowing me to hang out with the girls in the middle of the track in the third quarter. Sure, I had been there many times before but it is a bit different when I’m involved with my camera instead of the game itself.
The contenders – The pink-clad Hellcats versus the black and red Putas del Fuego.
The bout was intense from the start to the very last minute. Beginning with some bad luck, Train Wreck broke her tibia in her introductory lap around the track at what was the first bout of her career. The on-hand Medics rushed the stage as her bent leg was splinted and she was taken out of the hall on a stretcher.
Many people don’t realize that these girls skate at their own risk. They aren’t insured by the league. Some of them don’t have insurance – period. This isn’t a paid gig. These girls do it for the love of the sport.
One of the reasons I love TXRD in particular is that they don’t follow the official Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s (WFTDA) rules – which opens it to shenanigans. Did someone get a penalty? Send her over to the penalty wheel in which a spin determines the team’s fate. If they lose, they lose a point. If they win, they keep it. The mini-games include arm wrestling, tug-of-war, two lap duels, long jump, and the obvious fan favorite – PILLOW FIGHTING.
I mean, who doesn’t want to see scantily clad women in fishnets beating each other to a pulp? It is spectator sports at its finest.
The most depressing thing about being there is that, for a while, I was starting to mess around with my skates in hopes of one day becoming an official bada** rollerderby girl. As I watched legs fly every which way around the track, I became acutely aware that it just isn’t in my cards right now. With my injured knee (a floating patella that likes to move out of place randomly), I cringed at the thought of my knee giving out in the middle of a jam.
More than anything I miss the camaraderie. While the girls shout out expletives at each other and screams of “SUCK IT REF!” can be heard around the track, when all is said and done – everyone goes home happy. The girls party together, support each other, and treat one another as family.
…one hell of a family, indeed.
Thank you TXRD for allowing me the opportunity to take up some space on the track for some pictures. I had the time of my life!
I can TOTALLY see you being a derby girl. You seem like the epitome of one with your bada$$ demeanor and all your tats =)
I wish I could be. Some of those ladies are awesome and frightening at the same time.
I never even thought about the insurance! Scary, but awesome that they skate at their own risk! I’ve still never been to a derby, on my to do list this year.
Crazy right? That is one major reason I can’t even look into it. Being a starving artist is bad for the body!
I agree with Kristin!!!!! Love the proposal.
It was the cutest thing EVER.
What a totally rad thing that would be to do on holiday! I dream of being on a roller derby team one day. Seriously. It’s on my bucket list. Nice work on the photos!
Being ON a team is on your bucket list? It is one mine too.
Seems dangerous! Thanks for sharing all those photographs Erica!
It is but I love it dearly. I have seen some of the most gnarly injuries EVER.
I wrote a front page feature about women’s roller derby for a Florida newspaper a few years back, so I know how hard it is to get good photos. Yours are spectacular!
Thank you Barbara! It was a bit difficult at times (I trashed about 600) but I am glad they let me in the middle due to my previous history working with them.
So what’s your favorite – banked or flat track? Mine is flat.
Used to be a huge fan and pseudo groupie of the Holly Rollers!!!
All that Catholic School stuff came flooding back and yes, I can wear a plaid, pleated skirt like no one else! HAHAHAHA
I will always be a banked track girl!
One of the most unique proposal places I’ve ever seen so far.
Very cute!
So awesome you used to ref! I was a ref for women’s and men’s soccer leagues. I still maintain that you need to be an actual derby girl, though!
Reffing is REALLY HARD. I gained new respect for anyone who does it.
My knee disagrees with you on being a rollerderby girl. Maybe after I get a new one… one day?
Putas del Fuego? HA! This looks insane!
Insanity probably isn’t the right word for it either lol!
I just found out we have a women’s roller derby team in my hometown — I was DEVASTATED that the season corresponds completely with me traveling! I want to see this for myself — awesome photos!
That is the reason why I had to stop reffing – I couldn’t keep up with my schedule. Granted, the girls are super proud of what I have done… but still.
Looks like a lot of fun. We have have it here in Vancouver, but never been to watch. I think I’ll have to check out a bout sometime!
You should! The girls are working really hard to make it an Olympic sport.
I’ve always wanted to do this. We have a roller derby league in Columbus, but I’ve never gone. Will have to remedy that this year.
I am nowhere near hardcore enough for this…it sounds terrifying, but I do think the pictures look fun!
It is such an awesome thing to watch though. No need to play – just cheer everyone on!
I went to my first event last night in Toronto and had SO much fun. If I could stay in one place for a while I’d love to try it.
…and I have to say – you looked cute as a bug! <3