Roller Girls of the Apocalypse: Skating with a vengeance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The words, "Bridge! Bridge! Bridge!" rings in their ears as the bout begins, immediately they get into formation and brace themselves.

The opposing jammer tries to sneak through the pack of girls who are dead set on keeping her out. Elbows fly, girls are shoved and penalties are called.

The smell of burnt rubber stings their noses as the whistle blows to stop the jam.

The Roller Girls of the Apocalypse roller derby team, originally the K-Town Derby Girls, is a non-profit, sports club for anyone looking for a little recreation.

"There are five skaters on the track from each team; four blockers and one jammer," said Michelle Richart. "The jammer is the one with a star on her helmet."

Once the whistle blows, the jammers try to make their way through the blockers without receiving a penalty. The first one through is declared the lead jammer.

"On each pass through the pack, the jammer scores points for each blocker from the opposing team she passes," said Tamsyn Medina, one of the founders of the original team. "A jam lasts two minutes unless called off by the lead jammer. A bout consists of two 30 minute halves."

It can get loud with all the yelling however, that's how the team communicates, said Medina.

"Communication is crucial in roller derby," said Richart. "Everything happens extremely fast and each skater has to be able to communicate with their teammates. Everyone needs to be able to rely and depend on each other."

Roller derby is open for anyone who wants to join, with opportunities to volunteer as well.
"I saw a poster in the dorms for one of their bouts and found them on Facebook," said Airman 1st Class Sharon Kahl, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator. "It's great being on the team, it is a great way to get the stress out."

Not only is it a great stress reliever, roller derby has also been growing in popularity here in Europe and the U.S. and it's exciting to get involved, said Richart.

"Getting into roller derby in Europe in these early stages allows an immense opportunity to influence the direction of the sport," said Richart. "We have skaters from the United States, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and France."

The Roller Girls of the Apocalypse play teams from all over Europe including Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and France.

Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in the league as long as they are in the local commuting area.

Getting started can be expensive, as all the gear needs to be purchased, plus there is a monthly fee of 20 euro.

In order to skate, members need quad-speed skates, a helmet, mouth guard, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.

"Roller derby is a bigger commitment than most realize," said Richart. "Our 'fresh meat,' rookie skaters, must go through the rookie training sessions prior to actually joining the team."

Roller derby is a complicated sport, said Kahl. Having the "fresh meat" sessions really helped. They break the sport down and make it more understandable.

"Being on the roller derby team helps with stress relief but most of all it helps with my physical training," said Kahl.

Practice for the Roller Girls of the Apocalypse is two hours at a day, three times a week.

"I have had the chance to meet other people in the Air Force who are on the team. It creates a sense of camaraderie and it's a great way to network," said Kahl.

Not only is roller derby a great way to get any aggression out, but it's a great way to meet new people, said Richart. Skaters come from all backgrounds and walks of life and some of my best friends are fellow skaters.

"Whether I feel happy, sad, overwhelmed or tired," said Richart. "I always leave derby practice feeling better than when I arrived."

The next "fresh meat" rookie training program is scheduled to begin March 2 for inexperienced skaters and lasts three months.

For more information on training programs or bouts visit the Roller Girls of the Apocalypse at www.rgaderby.org/ or those who are interested in playing, officiating or volunteering, email recruiting@rgaderby.org.