I remember that!  I was so happy about the story, that I only noticed
a little about the Roger Clemens comeback story came before the derby
story, and the tennis story which I think was in Houston, came after
the Houston Roller Derby story.  There was HRD right in the middle of
the sports cast, treated as a mainstream sports feature.

This by the way is one of the reasons I think Houston has such a
great potential for supporting roller derby big time.  That, and the
fact that there are a lot of very imaginative, hard working skaters
that are able to take advantage of some of the media opportunities.

Phil




--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Private BeenJammin"
<blonde_h2oskigirl@...> wrote:
>
> You know what I just realized?  On that second media clip I sent
him (at
> the bottom of my letter below) the HRD piece is sandwiched between
> stories on the Houston Astros and a world-class tennis tournment
(which
> featured Roger Federer) that aired during the SPORTS segment of the
news
> during our 2006 season.     Yeah, we're really "lowbrow" and not at
all
> legitimate.   Sheesh.   [#-o]      --- In
roller_girls@yahoogroups.com
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roller_girls/post?
postID=I3R9fep1xNkqgeG6\
> d_Mtho6Mzz8EVAKZnB-lncQdGQ-
qmycwb6kIuVMDOsyJRMle7btSj_BRY6vRI8gbNMOGEcXr\
> PDUn> , "Private BeenJammin" <blonde_h2oskigirl@> wrote:   My
$.02...
> Including a response from an editor, and my reply:
>
> PBJ - Houston Roller Derby <blonde_h2oskigirl@> wrote:   Date: Fri,
> 30 Mar 2007 09:26:25 -0700 (PDT)
> From: PBJ - Houston Roller Derby <blonde_h2oskigirl@>
> Subject: RE: You have no clue...
> To: Bob Fryer <bfryer@>
> CC: Jroberts@, mseate@
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roller_girls/post?
postID=kHjn9roX3riwhsuO\
> bdx8oXxgPShV873O051mFwHXHe47gK4o4LNIuDBK1O0a9mUMIF0>
>    Sure, I agree on having "diversity of opinion."  Except the
opinions
> should at least be based upon current and factual information, not
40 yr
> old stereotypes or misconceptions. It's completely irresponsible to
> publish an opinion chock full of ridiculous and rude insults about a
> sport that the writer hasn't even bothered to observe for
himself... So
> until he does, he is simply not qualified to comment on it one way
or
> the other.   pbj
>
> Bob Fryer <bfryer@> wrote:   Newspapers (this one included) publish
> many columns and other opinion pieces knowing not everyone
(sometimes,
> almost no one) will agree. We give columnists a license for
diversity
> of opinion, and that is as it should be. Feel free to write us a
letter
> to the editor in rebuttal. You may email it to me or to Josie
Roberts
> Jroberts@
> <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roller_girls/post?
postID=D6lNms3THYZZjWgK\
> fxeOS-M7OJ6bzPkJiH-KljcuJXRNUNfWT1OyB0NVZQyBhSxEbnIyTbPTSW-tmA>
(the
> story editor). We'll give you your say, in reasonable length of
> approximately 250 words.   Bob Fryer   -----Original Message-----
> From: PBJ - Houston Roller Derby [mailto:blonde_h2oskigirl@]
> Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:28 PM
> To: Mike Seate
> Cc: frontdoor; Frank Craig; Bob Fryer
> Subject: You have no clue...
>
> ...What derby is about these days.  It's NOT the staged, "lowbrow"
sport
> that you remember from the 70s.  The women who play this sport
today are
> strong, competitive ATHLETES that train extremely hard and are very
> serious about it.  Most leagues are skater "owned" and operated
and, as
> far as I know, do not pay their skaters to participate. We do it
solely
> for the love of the sport, which is more than I can say for most
> professional athletes these days who are more concerned with
> multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals than they are
> sportsmanship.     Furthermore, most rollergirls have to hold down a
> full-time profession (I'm a sales coordinator for a high-tech firm,
and
> we also have two teachers, two attorneys, a chemist, and a geo-
physicist
> on my team as well) in addition to their derby responsibilities,
which
> often require more attention and effort than their day jobs.  And
don't
> forget the vast majority of leagues donate a good portion of their
> proceeds to various charitable organizations in their areas in lieu
of
> receiving paycheck... How many players in the NFL, NBA, or MLB
would be
> willing to do that?   You are certainly entitled to your opinion,
but it
> should be based on actual experience and knowledge of the game, and
not
> preconceived notions of what you THINK the revival of derby is all
> about.  I noticed in your article that you say you were invited to a
> bout, but never mention actually going... So have you?  Have you
ever
> bothered to interview a roller derby team or make an effort to
learn the
> rules and strategy of the game?  Based on your article, I suspect
you
> have not.     I would like to personally challenge you to come to
one of
> our practices (or if Houston seems a bit too far for you, check out
the
> local league your friend keeps inviting you to go see - most leagues
> welcome the press at their practices) strap on some skates, and see
if
> you can keep up.  (Based on what I can see of your physique in the
pic
> on your by-line, you don't stand a chance.)  Most folks, even those
who
> aren't necessarily derby fans, would agree that publicly bashing a
sport
> that you haven't done any legitimate research on and obviously don't
> know anything about (or just outright don't personally enjoy) is not
> only inappropriate and disrespectful, but downright rude.     Shame
on
> you, and shame on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review for allowing such a
> blatently inadequately researched story to be published.     Private
> BeenJammin' Machete Bettie #AK47 Houston Roller Derby
> <http://www.houstonrollerderby.com/>      Oh, by the way, here are
a few
> examples of what GOOD reporters do before spouting off at mouth...
It's
> call first-hand RESEARCH.  You should try it sometime.
> http://www.click2houston.com/video/11289047/index.html
> <http://www.click2houston.com/video/11289047/index.html>
> http://www.houstonrollerderby.com/upload/khwbclip_2721.wmv
> <http://www.houstonrollerderby.com/upload/khwbclip_2721.wmv>
> http://209.235.213.52/upload/ktrkinterview31306_28089.wmv
> <http://209.235.213.52/upload/ktrkinterview31306_28089.wmv>
> http://houstonrollerderby.com/public/pag136.aspx
> <http://houstonrollerderby.com/public/pag136.aspx>
> http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/RollerDerbyIsSport/message/1400
>
<http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/RollerDerbyIsSport/message/1400>
>

Why are the first words an injured rollergirl says to her doctor "How
soon can I skate in a game again?"

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> I have a question for you.  Considering the amount of time roller derby
> takes in training, and the potential and real injuries that are
> experienced, why do you skaters skate?  What is it that makes it worth
> it?
>
> Maybe I shouldn't ask this question, because I'm so glad you do skate.
> But I am also curious.  What is it that makes it worth all the hard
> work and the potential injury to skate in roller derby?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Phil
>

I love the speed. I love the exercise. I love being around like-minded
people. I enjoy knowing I can do something if I apply myself. It seems
people appreciate me, within derby and amongst fans & friends. I really
like to hit people. So what's a few operations, a plate, and some
screws between good people? >;o/
DBC

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> I have a question for you.  Considering the amount of time roller
derby
> takes in training, and the potential and real injuries that are
> experienced, why do you skaters skate?  What is it that makes it
worth
> it?
>
> Maybe I shouldn't ask this question, because I'm so glad you do
skate.
> But I am also curious.  What is it that makes it worth all the hard
> work and the potential injury to skate in roller derby?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Phil
>

Sunday @ Roller Magic, 60 Harvester Road in Waterbury, CT, CT
RollerGirls will have their first Regular Season bout, as The Widow
Makers take on The Iron Angels. Tickets  are $12 in advance, $15 at
door, with VIP seats going for $25, which includes a goodie bag. Bout
starts @ 6:30 pm with the doors opening @ 5:30



--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> It appears to me that there is fairly limited action this weekend
in
> roller derby.
>
> On the West Coast Rat City will hold an event that includes the
> Muenecas Muertas of Duke City Derby in Albuquerque, New Mexico
going
> against league team the Sockit Wenches and Rat City Rolllergirls
> regulars Grave Danger (1-0) versus the Throttle Rockets (0-1).  The
> bout will be held at the regular Rat City venue at Magnuson Park,
> Hangar 27, 7400 Sandpoint Way NE in Seattle.  Doors open at 4 p.m.
> with the start time scheduled for 5:30.  Tickets are $15 and $20 in
> advance and $20 and $25 the day of the event.  For more information
> please visit the web site at http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/.
>
> The Mad Rollin Dolls will hold their semi-final this Saturday in
> Madison, Wisconsin.  The Quad Squad (1-2) will play the Vaudeville
> Vixens (2-1).  The Reservoir Dolls (3-0) will play the Unholy
Rollers
> (0-3).  Winners will qualify for the championship bout to be held
> April 28th.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at 7:00
> o'clock at Fast Forward Skate Center, 4649 Verona Rd, in Madison.
> Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door.  For more
> information visit the Mad Rollin Dolls web site at
> http://www.madrollindolls.com/.
>
> The Dallas Derby Devils will compete in their second event of the
> year at Forum Rollerworld, 1900 S. Great Southwest Parkway, in
Grand
> Prairie, Texas starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The defending
champion
> High Seas Hotties will take on the Wrecking Crew and the
Slaughterers
> will play the Death Row Rumblers.  Tickets are $12 in advance and
$15
> at the door.  Proceeds benefit Scottish Rite Hospital.  For more
> information visit the DDD web site at http://www.derbydevils.com.
>
> Previously scheduled for Saturday night and previously sold out was
> the Bay Area Derby Girls, but the fire marshal closed down their
> venue in Oakland, California.  If anyone happens to know of a
> potential venue in the Bay Area, please contact the Bay Area Derby
> (BAD) Girls through their web site at
http://bayareaderbygirls.com/.
>
> Sunday evening, the Dominion Derby Girls will open up their season
> with the Femmes Fatales playing the Dirty Diesel Darlins.  The
action
> will take place at the Haygood Skating Center, 1036 Ferry
Plantation
> Road, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the
bout
> is scheduled to start at 8 o'clock.  Tickets are $10 in advance,
$12
> at the door, and $20 for VIP.  Form more information visit the
> Dominion Derby Girls web site at
> http://www.varollergirls.com/tickets.htm.
>
> The Texas Rollergirls will hold their second bout of the season
> Sunday as the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers host the Las Tejanas
> interleague skating team from the Alamo Rollergirls.  The second
bout
> will have the Hotrod Honeys (1-0) skating against The Hustlers (0-
> 1).  Doors open at Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann, in North
> Austin.  Action should get underway around 7:15 p.m. IV Thieves is
> halftime band.  Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the door.
For
> more information check out the Texas Rollergirls web site at
> http://www.txrollergirls.com.
>
> As usual, if you know of any other derby action that I've missed,
> please don't hesitate to post it.
>
> Phil
>

Thanks so much for posting sugar!!!

xoxo
Made'n Texas
Dallas Derby Devils



--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, Phil Arnold
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> The Dallas Derby Devils will compete in their second event of the
year at Forum Rollerworld, 1900 S. Great Southwest Parkway, in Grand
Prairie, Texas starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
>
>   Last seasons un-defeated champions, the High Seas Hotties will
take on The Wrecking Crew.  Both teams have lots of new talent, while
HSH only has half it's last season roster.  All star caliber
performers include G-Town Butcher, Hot For Teacher, Barooski,Wicked
Bitch of the West, Razen Kane, Lickity Split Tail, and Rumblin Rose.
However, the Wrecking Crew will counter with all star jammers Ali
Gorey and Anita Riot, plus some very strong blockers.
>
>   The second match-up is between the aggressive skaters of the
Slaughterers led by power house blocker The Shocker, and the newest
team to DDD, the Death Row Rumblers.  At the season opener on March
3rd, the Death Row Rumblers lost by a substantial margin to the
Suicide Shifters, but they keep working to improve their game, and
have been working on a few tricks and will give the Slaughterers a
run for they're money.
>
>   Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.  Proceeds benefit
Scottish Rite Hospital.  For more information visit
http://www.derbydevils.com.
>
>   Team Rosters:
>   High Seas Hotties:  G-Town Butcher, Hot For Teacher, Barooski,
Wicked Bitch of the West, Rumblin Rose, Razen Kane, Lickity Split
Tail, Juicy J, Sera Femme, Lil Miss Bad Manners, Die Rhea Dez, Gogo
Commando, Crashlee Simpson, Electra Cute, Cheatin' Chong, Wallbanger,
Marymassacre, and Cherrypoptart.
>
>    The Wrecking Crew:  Ali "Tuna" Gorey, Anita Riot, Ingersoll
Rand, Lea Havoc, Corporal Punishment, Dar 2 D2, Heike DeSkirt, Chilly
Villian, Abbey Urenema,
>   Jodi Von Rotton, Mae Q. Scream, Lucky Lou, Wheelie Mean, Ms. Ric
O'Shea, Stef Leppard, Eve L. Brawler, and Wendelicious.
>
>   The Slaughterers: Rex Herface, High Jinx, Death by Dawn, Pummela
Slamderson,
>   Keltic Kamikaze, Pushin Daisies, Krazy SK88, Dirt E Girl, Cold
Ethel, Irish Scream,
>   Ann R Key, Clay's Pride, Hard Drive, Scary Cherry Bang Bang,
Buster Cherry,
>   Leather Locklear, and The Shocker.
>
>   Death Row Rumblers: Debbie Downer, Marilyn Monroll, Boston
Massacre, Professor Kaos, Pippi Broadstalker, TicTic Boom, Uma
Vermin, Fire Kracker, Roxy Star, Delta Blow, Desi Deck Em', Bunny
Snatcher, Filmore Pain, Cyanojen, Blue Monday, Suture Sally, Brittany
Fierce, and Holy Tara.
>
>   Phil Arnold,
>   Austin, Texas
>

It's fun.  I like to go fast.  It's adrenaline.  It is a completely
natural high.  I think these are some of the reasons people play any
sport at an amateur level, though.  Not necessarily unique to derby.

I love the game, too.  I am fascinated by its complexity.  It keeps
my mind sharp, like crossword puzzles and Risk.

I'm getting kind of sad writing this, though, because I'm out with
an injury. *sigh*  And, damnit, I miss skating through a pack.

Callous Lily
Tallahassee Rollergirls

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> I have a question for you.  Considering the amount of time roller
derby
> takes in training, and the potential and real injuries that are
> experienced, why do you skaters skate?  What is it that makes it
worth
> it?
>
> Maybe I shouldn't ask this question, because I'm so glad you do
skate.
> But I am also curious.  What is it that makes it worth all the
hard
> work and the potential injury to skate in roller derby?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Phil
>

I have a question for you.  Considering the amount of time roller derby
takes in training, and the potential and real injuries that are
experienced, why do you skaters skate?  What is it that makes it worth
it?

Maybe I shouldn't ask this question, because I'm so glad you do skate.
But I am also curious.  What is it that makes it worth all the hard
work and the potential injury to skate in roller derby?

Thanks!

Phil

Tonight! Friday!
Sac City Rollers vs. Port City
Stockton, CA
http://www.saccityrollers.com/html/schedule.html

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:

>
> As usual, if you know of any other derby action that I've missed,
> please don't hesitate to post it.
>
> Phil
>

Tonight! Friday!
Sac City Rollers vs. Port City
Stockton, CA
http://www.saccityrollers.com/html/schedule.html


--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:

>
> As usual, if you know of any other derby action that I've missed,
> please don't hesitate to post it.
>
> Phil
>

It appears to me that there is fairly limited action this weekend in
roller derby.

On the West Coast Rat City will hold an event that includes the
Muenecas Muertas of Duke City Derby in Albuquerque, New Mexico going
against league team the Sockit Wenches and Rat City Rolllergirls
regulars Grave Danger (1-0) versus the Throttle Rockets (0-1).  The
bout will be held at the regular Rat City venue at Magnuson Park,
Hangar 27, 7400 Sandpoint Way NE in Seattle.  Doors open at 4 p.m.
with the start time scheduled for 5:30.  Tickets are $15 and $20 in
advance and $20 and $25 the day of the event.  For more information
please visit the web site at http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/.

The Mad Rollin Dolls will hold their semi-final this Saturday in
Madison, Wisconsin.  The Quad Squad (1-2) will play the Vaudeville
Vixens (2-1).  The Reservoir Dolls (3-0) will play the Unholy Rollers
(0-3).  Winners will qualify for the championship bout to be held
April 28th.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at 7:00
o'clock at Fast Forward Skate Center, 4649 Verona Rd, in Madison.
Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door.  For more
information visit the Mad Rollin Dolls web site at
http://www.madrollindolls.com/.

The Dallas Derby Devils will compete in their second event of the
year at Forum Rollerworld, 1900 S. Great Southwest Parkway, in Grand
Prairie, Texas starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The defending champion
High Seas Hotties will take on the Wrecking Crew and the Slaughterers
will play the Death Row Rumblers.  Tickets are $12 in advance and $15
at the door.  Proceeds benefit Scottish Rite Hospital.  For more
information visit the DDD web site at http://www.derbydevils.com.

Previously scheduled for Saturday night and previously sold out was
the Bay Area Derby Girls, but the fire marshal closed down their
venue in Oakland, California.  If anyone happens to know of a
potential venue in the Bay Area, please contact the Bay Area Derby
(BAD) Girls through their web site at http://bayareaderbygirls.com/.

Sunday evening, the Dominion Derby Girls will open up their season
with the Femmes Fatales playing the Dirty Diesel Darlins.  The action
will take place at the Haygood Skating Center, 1036 Ferry Plantation
Road, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the bout
is scheduled to start at 8 o'clock.  Tickets are $10 in advance, $12
at the door, and $20 for VIP.  Form more information visit the
Dominion Derby Girls web site at
http://www.varollergirls.com/tickets.htm.

The Texas Rollergirls will hold their second bout of the season
Sunday as the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers host the Las Tejanas
interleague skating team from the Alamo Rollergirls.  The second bout
will have the Hotrod Honeys (1-0) skating against The Hustlers (0-
1).  Doors open at Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann, in North
Austin.  Action should get underway around 7:15 p.m. IV Thieves is
halftime band.  Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the door.  For
more information check out the Texas Rollergirls web site at
http://www.txrollergirls.com.

As usual, if you know of any other derby action that I've missed,
please don't hesitate to post it.

Phil

I sent him this reply:

While there definitely is a lowbrow aspect to roller derby culture,
and one that I think most roller derby players and enthusiasts embrace
whole-heartedly, I would argue that there is an equally athletic side
as well. One which is more comparable to football or hockey, than
wrestling. It is part of the sport to knock your opponents down to get
them out of your way. I fail to see how this is unlike tackle
football. And there are occasional fights, but there are bench
clearing brawls in even in that most civilized sport: baseball. It is
part of creating a strong team identity to watch the backs of your
team mates and occasionally a fight can turn the tide of a game by
strengthening the resolve of a team to win.

I urge you to give the modern day DIY roller derby gals a chance to
show you that they are true athletes. I also think you might notice
that the  today's roller derby audience is pretty highbrow. All of the
people I know involved in the sport today have their fair share of
brain cells at any rate. As an example I refer you to the blog of
Charm City Roller Girls referee <a
href="http://textureslut.livejournal.com/">Justice
Feelgood Marshall</a>. His coverage of the recent Dust Devil
tournament in Tucson is erudite, while describing in detail the
athletic acumen of the participants. We too enjoy antiquing and
Masterpiece Theatre.
  Sincerely



-
-- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "minajford" <mina.ford@...>
wrote:
>
> Have a read.  I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself.  I urge
> anyone else to do so who feels like it.  I kept it civil, explained
> the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his local
> team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work put into
> it.
>
> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.html
>
> That's just so rude.  meh.
>
> Callous Lily
> VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls
>

OAKLAND -- March 29, 2007 -- The B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls' March 31
bout between the Richmond Wrecking Belles and the Oakland Outlaws has
been canceled. Just two days prior to the bout, Dry Ice, the primary
event venue for the B.A.D. Girls, has been deemed unsafe by Oakland's
Fire Marshall. While the dubious state of the venue was apparent to
any loyal fan, Dry Ice will no longer be allowed to host events of
any capacity.

"This is a real disappointment to both the league and our fans," says
Diane Rott, the B.A.D. Girls Events Director. "We know our fans are
not comfortable at Dry Ice. We know it's not the ideal venue. But
until this point, it has been our only option in the Bay Area. We now
have even more reason to look for a better space." Since their 2006
season, the B.A.D. Girls have been scouting the Bay Area for a place
to call home. However, due to soaring rents and high occupancy rates,
the league has had few options.

"While we have had generous sponsorships from great local businesses
such as Amoeba, we have yet to find a true patron saint of derby to
help us secure a space of our own," says Miss Moxxxie, the league's
Sponsorship Director. Like many roller derby leagues, the B.A.D.
Girls are a volunteer run organization, dependent on donations and
community support.

All online ticket purchases for the March 31st bout will be
automatically refunded. For prompt paper ticket refunds, please write
to info@... or mail your tickets to B.A.D. Girls, PO Box 328,
Alameda, CA 94501. A new venue for the B.A.D. Girls' April 28th bout
is currently in the works. Please stay tuned for more information.
###

Thanks to Bay Area Derby Myspace for the press release and bulletin.
Phil

(I followed-up by sending him this message:)

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Private BeenJammin" <blonde_h2oskigirl@...> wrote:
>
>
> I wrote him as well, and cc'd the editors too. Not sure how "civil" I
> was, but I think I made my point.
>
> Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:23:32 -0700 (PDT)
> From: PBJ - Houston Roller Derby blonde_h2oskigirl@
> To: mseate@
> CC: opinion@, fcraig@, rfryer@
> Subject: You have no clue...
>
> ...What derby is about these days. It's NOT the staged, "lowbrow" sport
> that you remember from the 70s. The women who play this sport today are
> strong, competitive ATHLETES that train extremely hard and are very
> serious about it. Most leagues are skater "owned" and operated and, as
> far as I know, do not pay their skaters to participate. We do it solely
> for the love of the sport, which is more than I can say for most
> professional athletes these days who are more concerned with
> multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals than they are
> sportsmanship.
>
> Furthermore, most rollergirls have to hold down a full-time profession
> (I'm a sales coordinator for a high-tech firm, and we also have two
> teachers, two attorneys, a chemist, and a geo-physicist on my team as
> well) in addition to their derby responsibilities, which often require
> more attention and effort than their day jobs. And don't forget the
> vast majority of leagues donate a good portion of their proceeds to
> various charitable organizations in their areas in lieu of receiving
> paycheck... How many players in the NFL, NBA, or MLB would be willing to
> do that?
>
> You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but it should be based on
> actual experience and knowledge of the game, and not preconceived
> notions of what you THINK the revival of derby is all about. I noticed
> in your article that you say you were invited to a bout, but never
> mention actually going... So have you? Have you ever bothered to
> interview a roller derby team or make an effort to learn the rules and
> strategy of the game? Based on your article, I suspect you have not.
>
> I would like to personally challenge you to come to one of our practices
> (or if Houston seems a bit too far for you, check out the local league
> your friend keeps inviting you to go see - most leagues welcome the
> press at their practices) strap on some skates, and see if you can keep
> up. (Based on what I can see of your physique in the pic on your
> by-line, you don't stand a chance.) Most folks, even those who aren't
> necessarily derby fans, would agree that publicly bashing a sport that
> you haven't done any legitimate research on and obviously don't know
> anything about (or just outright don't personally enjoy) is not only
> inappropriate and disrespectful, but downright rude.
>
> Shame on you, and shame on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review for allowing
> such a blatently inadequately researched story to be published.
>
> Private BeenJammin'
>
>
> --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold" philar_72@
> wrote:
> >
> > Roller Derby is Strategic and Athletic
> >
> > As you might expect from a columnist who proclaims himself
> > a "Masterpiece Theater"-watching, in-bed-by-11, Sunday-morning-
> > antique-shopping" type, historical references to roller derby may not
> > quite be correct. Contrary to some historians' beliefs, the heyday
> > of roller derby was not in the `70s. It was in the 1950s and 1960s,
> > when places like Madison Square Garden used to regularly sell out as
> > roller derby barnstormed across the country. Teams like the New York
> > Chiefs, the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, and San Francisco Bay Area
> > Bombers became immensely popular in different time periods.
> >
> > There was no doubt that roller derby as it developed was an
> > exhibition more than a sport and eventually it became virtually a
> > wrestling event on wheels. But the popularity was undeniable. The T-
> > Birds in Southern California used to have a spot on weekly television
> > and when they weren't having their matches taped at Olympic
> > Auditorium would make skating appearances through various Southern
> > California cities drawing thousands of fans and making the promoter-
> > owners a hefty profit.
> >
> > The Bay Area Bombers were syndicated in the `60s on television
> > stations across the United States and when they weren't skating in
> > Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, they were barnstorming across
> > America making appearances at venues like Comiskey Park in Chicago.
> > As the `70s rolled around, perhaps because of the cultural shift
> > during an unpopular war, roller derby died out.
> >
> > When the new flat track roller derby came around in 2002 and started
> > developing in Austin, Texas, the skaters did not realize that roller
> > derby was supposed to be an exhibition, and developed real rules for
> > a real sport. Yes many of them had tattoos and came from an
> > alternative rock cultural scene. But as they worked out and skated,
> > they became more skilled and athletic.
> >
> > Since the formation of the first flat track league and teams in 2003,
> > Women's Flat Track Roller Derby has grown to a world wide scope of
> > nearly 200 local leagues and over 6,000 skaters. Crowds of over
> > 2,000 derby fans are not uncommon in cities like St. Paul, Minnesota,
> > Seattle, Washington, Denver, Colorado, Portland, Oregon and Columbus,
> > Ohio. Last year in a national tournament under the auspices of the
> > Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) a national champion was
> > crowned, the Texas Rollergirls. This year the WFTDA western
> > regionals have already been held with the Rat City (Seattle)
> > Rollergirls winning that tournament and qualifying along with the
> > next top three seeds for the National Finals tournament to be held in
> > Austin in late September. The Eastern Regional Tournament will be
> > held in Columbus in August 17-19 .
> >
> > Actually, the level of sports strategy in roller derby is quite
> > complex, and because it is an evolving sport, it changes often.
> > While each team has five members on the track at one time, four of
> > them have to play offense and defense at the same time. They get to
> > decided whether they will help their jammer (the only skater that can
> > score points on the track) by blocking for them, or try to stop the
> > opposing jammer by blocking them. In many ways it is like a rapidly
> > moving chess game.
> >
> > The sport has become extremely quick and skilled, and as more skaters
> > and leagues become competitive, athleticism becomes a premium for
> > skaters and teams. "Beating the snot out of other women" has become a
> > vanishing stereotype left for newspaper columnists who really haven't
> > seen the 21st Century version of roller derby.
> >
> > Phil Arnold,
> > Austin, Texas
> >
> > Feel free to edit, use or anything else if this helps send a message
> > to Mr. Seate. Of course, that's why I sent it, which no doubt is way
> > too long.
> >
> > Phil
> >
> > --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "minajford"
> > mina.ford@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Have a read. I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself. I urge
> > > anyone else to do so who feels like it. I kept it civil, explained
> > > the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his
> > local
> > > team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work put
> > into
> > > it.
> > >
> > >
> > http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.htm
> > l
> > >
> > > That's just so rude. meh.
> > >
> > > Callous Lily
> > > VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls
> > >
> >
>

This was my response:

"Mad Mike",

Thank you for your negative article on roller derby!  Any publicity
is good publicity!  Maybe you just helped us get a bigger venue since
we have sold out ALL of our bouts so far!  Bigger venues mean more
revenue which means larger charitable donations!


Pam Ellis
a.k.a. Wham Bam Pam











--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Private BeenJammin"
<blonde_h2oskigirl@...> wrote:
>
>
> I wrote him as well, and cc'd the editors too.  Not sure
how "civil" I
> was, but I think I made my point.
>
> Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:23:32 -0700 (PDT)
> From: PBJ - Houston Roller Derby <blonde_h2oskigirl@>
> To: mseate@
> CC: opinion@, fcraig@, rfryer@
> Subject: You have no clue...
>
> ...What derby is about these days.  It's NOT the staged, "lowbrow"
sport
> that you remember from the 70s.  The women who play this sport
today are
> strong, competitive ATHLETES that train extremely hard and are very
> serious about it.  Most leagues are skater "owned" and operated
and, as
> far as I know, do not pay their skaters to participate. We do it
solely
> for the love of the sport, which is more than I can say for most
> professional athletes these days who are more concerned with
> multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals than they are
> sportsmanship.
>
> Furthermore, most rollergirls have to hold down a full-time
profession
> (I'm a sales coordinator for a high-tech firm, and we also have two
> teachers, two attorneys, a chemist, and a geo-physicist on my team
as
> well) in addition to their derby responsibilities, which often
require
> more attention and effort than their day jobs.  And don't forget the
> vast majority of leagues donate a good portion of their proceeds to
> various charitable organizations in their areas in lieu of receiving
> paycheck... How many players in the NFL, NBA, or MLB would be
willing to
> do that?
>
> You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but it should be based
on
> actual experience and knowledge of the game, and not preconceived
> notions of what you THINK the revival of derby is all about.  I
noticed
> in your article that you say you were invited to a bout, but never
> mention actually going... So have you?  Have you ever bothered to
> interview a roller derby team or make an effort to learn the rules
and
> strategy of the game?  Based on your article, I suspect you have
not.
>
> I would like to personally challenge you to come to one of our
practices
> (or if Houston seems a bit too far for you, check out the local
league
> your friend keeps inviting you to go see - most leagues welcome the
> press at their practices) strap on some skates, and see if you can
keep
> up.  (Based on what I can see of your physique in the pic on your
> by-line, you don't stand a chance.)  Most folks, even those who
aren't
> necessarily derby fans, would agree that publicly bashing a sport
that
> you haven't done any legitimate research on and obviously don't know
> anything about (or just outright don't personally enjoy) is not only
> inappropriate and disrespectful, but downright rude.
>
> Shame on you, and shame on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review for
allowing
> such a blatently inadequately researched story to be published.
>
> Private BeenJammin'
>
>
> --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Roller Derby is Strategic and Athletic
> >
> > As you might expect from a columnist who proclaims himself
> > a "Masterpiece Theater"-watching, in-bed-by-11, Sunday-morning-
> > antique-shopping" type, historical references to roller derby may
not
> > quite be correct. Contrary to some historians' beliefs, the heyday
> > of roller derby was not in the `70s. It was in the 1950s and
1960s,
> > when places like Madison Square Garden used to regularly sell out
as
> > roller derby barnstormed across the country. Teams like the New
York
> > Chiefs, the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, and San Francisco Bay Area
> > Bombers became immensely popular in different time periods.
> >
> > There was no doubt that roller derby as it developed was an
> > exhibition more than a sport and eventually it became virtually a
> > wrestling event on wheels. But the popularity was undeniable. The
T-
> > Birds in Southern California used to have a spot on weekly
television
> > and when they weren't having their matches taped at Olympic
> > Auditorium would make skating appearances through various Southern
> > California cities drawing thousands of fans and making the
promoter-
> > owners a hefty profit.
> >
> > The Bay Area Bombers were syndicated in the `60s on television
> > stations across the United States and when they weren't skating in
> > Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, they were barnstorming across
> > America making appearances at venues like Comiskey Park in
Chicago.
> > As the `70s rolled around, perhaps because of the cultural shift
> > during an unpopular war, roller derby died out.
> >
> > When the new flat track roller derby came around in 2002 and
started
> > developing in Austin, Texas, the skaters did not realize that
roller
> > derby was supposed to be an exhibition, and developed real rules
for
> > a real sport. Yes many of them had tattoos and came from an
> > alternative rock cultural scene. But as they worked out and
skated,
> > they became more skilled and athletic.
> >
> > Since the formation of the first flat track league and teams in
2003,
> > Women's Flat Track Roller Derby has grown to a world wide scope of
> > nearly 200 local leagues and over 6,000 skaters. Crowds of over
> > 2,000 derby fans are not uncommon in cities like St. Paul,
Minnesota,
> > Seattle, Washington, Denver, Colorado, Portland, Oregon and
Columbus,
> > Ohio. Last year in a national tournament under the auspices of the
> > Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) a national champion
was
> > crowned, the Texas Rollergirls. This year the WFTDA western
> > regionals have already been held with the Rat City (Seattle)
> > Rollergirls winning that tournament and qualifying along with the
> > next top three seeds for the National Finals tournament to be
held in
> > Austin in late September. The Eastern Regional Tournament will be
> > held in Columbus in August 17-19 .
> >
> > Actually, the level of sports strategy in roller derby is quite
> > complex, and because it is an evolving sport, it changes often.
> > While each team has five members on the track at one time, four of
> > them have to play offense and defense at the same time. They get
to
> > decided whether they will help their jammer (the only skater that
can
> > score points on the track) by blocking for them, or try to stop
the
> > opposing jammer by blocking them. In many ways it is like a
rapidly
> > moving chess game.
> >
> > The sport has become extremely quick and skilled, and as more
skaters
> > and leagues become competitive, athleticism becomes a premium for
> > skaters and teams. "Beating the snot out of other women" has
become a
> > vanishing stereotype left for newspaper columnists who really
haven't
> > seen the 21st Century version of roller derby.
> >
> > Phil Arnold,
> > Austin, Texas
> >
> > Feel free to edit, use or anything else if this helps send a
message
> > to Mr. Seate. Of course, that's why I sent it, which no doubt is
way
> > too long.
> >
> > Phil
> >
> > --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "minajford"
> > mina.ford@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Have a read. I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself. I urge
> > > anyone else to do so who feels like it. I kept it civil,
explained
> > > the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his
> > local
> > > team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work
put
> > into
> > > it.
> > >
> > >
> >
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.htm
> > l
> > >
> > > That's just so rude. meh.
> > >
> > > Callous Lily
> > > VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls
> > >
> >
>

I wrote him as well, and cc'd the editors too.  Not sure how "civil" I was, but I think I made my point.

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:23:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: PBJ - Houston Roller Derby <blonde_h2oskigirl@...>
To: mseate@...
CC: opinion@..., fcraig@..., rfryer@...
Subject: You have no clue...

...What derby is about these days.  It's NOT the staged, "lowbrow" sport that you remember from the 70s.  The women who play this sport today are strong, competitive ATHLETES that train extremely hard and are very serious about it.  Most leagues are skater "owned" and operated and, as far as I know, do not pay their skaters to participate. We do it solely for the love of the sport, which is more than I can say for most professional athletes these days who are more concerned with multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals than they are sportsmanship. 

Furthermore, most rollergirls have to hold down a full-time profession (I'm a sales coordinator for a high-tech firm, and we also have two teachers, two attorneys, a chemist, and a geo-physicist on my team as well) in addition to their derby responsibilities, which often require more attention and effort than their day jobs.  And don't forget the vast majority of leagues donate a good portion of their proceeds to various charitable organizations in their areas in lieu of receiving paycheck... How many players in the NFL, NBA, or MLB would be willing to do that?

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but it should be based on actual experience and knowledge of the game, and not preconceived notions of what you THINK the revival of derby is all about.  I noticed in your article that you say you were invited to a bout, but never mention actually going... So have you?  Have you ever bothered to interview a roller derby team or make an effort to learn the rules and strategy of the game?  Based on your article, I suspect you have not. 

I would like to personally challenge you to come to one of our practices (or if Houston seems a bit too far for you, check out the local league your friend keeps inviting you to go see - most leagues welcome the press at their practices) strap on some skates, and see if you can keep up.  (Based on what I can see of your physique in the pic on your by-line, you don't stand a chance.)  Most folks, even those who aren't necessarily derby fans, would agree that publicly bashing a sport that you haven't done any legitimate research on and obviously don't know anything about (or just outright don't personally enjoy) is not only inappropriate and disrespectful, but downright rude. 

Shame on you, and shame on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review for allowing such a blatently inadequately researched story to be published. 

Private BeenJammin'

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold" <philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> Roller Derby is Strategic and Athletic
>
> As you might expect from a columnist who proclaims himself
> a "Masterpiece Theater"-watching, in-bed-by-11, Sunday-morning-
> antique-shopping" type, historical references to roller derby may not
> quite be correct. Contrary to some historians' beliefs, the heyday
> of roller derby was not in the `70s. It was in the 1950s and 1960s,
> when places like Madison Square Garden used to regularly sell out as
> roller derby barnstormed across the country. Teams like the New York
> Chiefs, the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, and San Francisco Bay Area
> Bombers became immensely popular in different time periods.
>
> There was no doubt that roller derby as it developed was an
> exhibition more than a sport and eventually it became virtually a
> wrestling event on wheels. But the popularity was undeniable. The T-
> Birds in Southern California used to have a spot on weekly television
> and when they weren't having their matches taped at Olympic
> Auditorium would make skating appearances through various Southern
> California cities drawing thousands of fans and making the promoter-
> owners a hefty profit.
>
> The Bay Area Bombers were syndicated in the `60s on television
> stations across the United States and when they weren't skating in
> Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, they were barnstorming across
> America making appearances at venues like Comiskey Park in Chicago.
> As the `70s rolled around, perhaps because of the cultural shift
> during an unpopular war, roller derby died out.
>
> When the new flat track roller derby came around in 2002 and started
> developing in Austin, Texas, the skaters did not realize that roller
> derby was supposed to be an exhibition, and developed real rules for
> a real sport. Yes many of them had tattoos and came from an
> alternative rock cultural scene. But as they worked out and skated,
> they became more skilled and athletic.
>
> Since the formation of the first flat track league and teams in 2003,
> Women's Flat Track Roller Derby has grown to a world wide scope of
> nearly 200 local leagues and over 6,000 skaters. Crowds of over
> 2,000 derby fans are not uncommon in cities like St. Paul, Minnesota,
> Seattle, Washington, Denver, Colorado, Portland, Oregon and Columbus,
> Ohio. Last year in a national tournament under the auspices of the
> Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) a national champion was
> crowned, the Texas Rollergirls. This year the WFTDA western
> regionals have already been held with the Rat City (Seattle)
> Rollergirls winning that tournament and qualifying along with the
> next top three seeds for the National Finals tournament to be held in
> Austin in late September. The Eastern Regional Tournament will be
> held in Columbus in August 17-19 .
>
> Actually, the level of sports strategy in roller derby is quite
> complex, and because it is an evolving sport, it changes often.
> While each team has five members on the track at one time, four of
> them have to play offense and defense at the same time. They get to
> decided whether they will help their jammer (the only skater that can
> score points on the track) by blocking for them, or try to stop the
> opposing jammer by blocking them. In many ways it is like a rapidly
> moving chess game.
>
> The sport has become extremely quick and skilled, and as more skaters
> and leagues become competitive, athleticism becomes a premium for
> skaters and teams. "Beating the snot out of other women" has become a
> vanishing stereotype left for newspaper columnists who really haven't
> seen the 21st Century version of roller derby.
>
> Phil Arnold,
> Austin, Texas
>
> Feel free to edit, use or anything else if this helps send a message
> to Mr. Seate. Of course, that's why I sent it, which no doubt is way
> too long.
>
> Phil
>
> --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "minajford"
> mina.ford@ wrote:
> >
> > Have a read. I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself. I urge
> > anyone else to do so who feels like it. I kept it civil, explained
> > the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his
> local
> > team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work put
> into
> > it.
> >
> >
> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.htm
> l
> >
> > That's just so rude. meh.
> >
> > Callous Lily
> > VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls
> >
>

Roller Derby is Strategic and Athletic

As you might expect from a columnist who proclaims himself
a "Masterpiece Theater"-watching, in-bed-by-11, Sunday-morning-
antique-shopping" type, historical references to roller derby may not
quite be correct.  Contrary to some historians' beliefs, the heyday
of roller derby was not in the `70s.  It was in the 1950s and 1960s,
when places like Madison Square Garden used to regularly sell out as
roller derby barnstormed across the country.  Teams like the New York
Chiefs, the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, and San Francisco Bay Area
Bombers became immensely popular in different time periods.

There was no doubt that roller derby as it developed was an
exhibition more than a sport and eventually it became virtually a
wrestling event on wheels.  But the popularity was undeniable.  The T-
Birds in Southern California used to have a spot on weekly television
and when they weren't having their matches taped at Olympic
Auditorium would make skating appearances through various Southern
California cities drawing thousands of fans and making the promoter-
owners a hefty profit.

The Bay Area Bombers were syndicated in the `60s on television
stations across the United States and when they weren't skating in
Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, they were barnstorming across
America making appearances at venues like Comiskey Park in Chicago.
As the `70s rolled around, perhaps because of the cultural shift
during an unpopular war, roller derby died out.

When the new flat track roller derby came around in 2002 and started
developing in Austin, Texas, the skaters did not realize that roller
derby was supposed to be an exhibition, and developed real rules for
a real sport.  Yes many of them had tattoos and came from an
alternative rock cultural scene.  But as they worked out and skated,
they became more skilled and athletic.

Since the formation of the first flat track league and teams in 2003,
Women's Flat Track Roller Derby has grown to a world wide scope of
nearly 200 local leagues and over 6,000 skaters.  Crowds of over
2,000 derby fans are not uncommon in cities like St. Paul, Minnesota,
Seattle, Washington, Denver, Colorado, Portland, Oregon and Columbus,
Ohio.  Last year in a national tournament under the auspices of the
Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) a national champion was
crowned, the Texas Rollergirls.  This year the WFTDA western
regionals have already been held with the Rat City (Seattle)
Rollergirls winning that tournament and qualifying along with the
next top three seeds for the National Finals tournament to be held in
Austin in late September.  The Eastern Regional Tournament will be
held in Columbus in August 17-19 .

Actually, the level of sports strategy in roller derby is quite
complex, and because it is an evolving sport, it changes often.
While each team has five members on the track at one time, four of
them have to play offense and defense at the same time.  They get to
decided whether they will help their jammer (the only skater that can
score points on the track) by blocking for them, or try to stop the
opposing jammer by blocking them.  In many ways it is like a rapidly
moving chess game.

The sport has become extremely quick and skilled, and as more skaters
and leagues become competitive, athleticism becomes a premium for
skaters and teams. "Beating the snot out of other women" has become a
vanishing stereotype left for newspaper columnists who really haven't
seen the 21st Century version of roller derby.

Phil Arnold,
Austin, Texas

Feel free to edit, use or anything else if this helps send a message
to Mr. Seate.  Of course, that's why I sent it, which no doubt is way
too long.

Phil

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "minajford"
<mina.ford@...> wrote:
>
> Have a read.  I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself.  I urge
> anyone else to do so who feels like it.  I kept it civil, explained
> the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his
local
> team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work put
into
> it.
>
>
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.htm
l
>
> That's just so rude.  meh.
>
> Callous Lily
> VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls
>

Have a read.  I wrote a letter to this gentleman, myself.  I urge
anyone else to do so who feels like it.  I kept it civil, explained
the athleticism and skill involved, and urged him to contact his local
team for an interview so he can get a better idea of the work put into
it.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_500000.html

That's just so rude.  meh.

Callous Lily
VP, Tallahassee Rollergirls

Here's what happens to sports fans.  We love rankings!  We debate
rankings.  You can read yahoo sports articles where an author will
rank NBA teams or MLB teams.  And then the debate begins.  Just look
for a top ten, bottom of the barrel type of sports article, and fans
just eat it up.

So it stands to reason that when a sports and roller derby fan finds
the rankings the WFTDA top five there's not much controversy.  The
sixth team, the beloved Carolina Rollergirls, may be debatable by
fans of Kansas City.   Seventh is Arizona!  For a fan, and especially
a fan who was at Dust Devil, that is a ridiculous ranking (because
Kansas City beat Arizona) and the question has to be why is the
ranking that way?

Well, without knowing why they may have not been ranked, Kansas City
and Bay Area Derby girls, possibly a top ten team nationally, are on
the inactive list and are not ranked.  You won't see that in any
other sport.  And while you might say this is a way to get those
teams to get their required paperwork or dues (the put a flame under
the butt approach), or whatever they are lacking in; I would say for
fans who are mainly interested in rankings, you have just burst their
analytical sports bubble.

I dont' like it one bit as a sports fan, just like I didn't like the
nonstandard tournament seeding that went on at Dust Devil.  And as a
sports fan that has been attending sports for probably 45 years or
so, that kind of ranking and inactive list on a web site is just not
done in mainstream sports.

But I'll give WFTDA some leeway here, assuming the issues are
legitimate as to why members aren't on the active list.  But I also
don't consider the rankngs legitimate at this time.  And as a
courtesy to those leagues that have gotten their requirements
updated, and there seems to be an indication that at least one has
done so, those completed leagues need to have their names taken off
the inactive list in my opinion.

Thanks for the opinon Cheap Trixie, and see you Sunday at the bout.

Phil



--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Cheap Trixie"
<cheaptrixie13@...> wrote:
>
> I will first say I DO NOT KNOW THE WHOLE STORY BEHIND THE IN ACTIVE
> MEMBERS RANKINGS.
>
> But from my OPINION (not that of the Texas Rollergirls or WFTDA
just
> little ol' me) I think putting active leagues as inactive on the
> website might light a little fire under their butts to get the
> things done that they need to get done in order to be a member
> league.
>
> I have been around rollergirls for almost five years and been an
> Event Director for the league for much longer than anyone should so
> I know sometimes you have to go to the extremes of scare tactics in
> order to get things done.  Just sayin'.
>
> -Cheap
>
>

I will first say I DO NOT KNOW THE WHOLE STORY BEHIND THE IN ACTIVE
MEMBERS RANKINGS.

But from my OPINION (not that of the Texas Rollergirls or WFTDA just
little ol' me) I think putting active leagues as inactive on the
website might light a little fire under their butts to get the
things done that they need to get done in order to be a member
league.

I have been around rollergirls for almost five years and been an
Event Director for the league for much longer than anyone should so
I know sometimes you have to go to the extremes of scare tactics in
order to get things done.  Just sayin'.

-Cheap


--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@...> wrote:
>
> Uh huh!  Let me tell you somethng about the fans.  They are who
the
> leagues and hopefully the WFTDA market to.  They are the consumers
of
> the leagues who run roller derby matches and pay the costs of
those
> matches. And while I might be a fan, I am certainly not a typical
> fan.
>
> Strident, your dern tootin!  And if I'm too strident, fine.  Fans
in
> America are often strident.  But here is the deal.  As a marketing
> person which I have been, you don't post rankings on a web page
and
> then publicly post an inactive list with leagues like that because
of
> the reaction fans will take to defend their leagues, it skaters,
and
> their friends.  I am defending four leagues right now and patting
two
> on the back.  But that situation probably should not be occuring.
> But don't ask me not to be curious.
>
> If I were the WFTDA I would take those rankings down off the web
site
> (speed is their strength) so people like me who read the rankings
> don't raise logical questions like why is a team that qualified
for
> the WFTDA national tournament on the inactive list?  And maybe
that
> situation has been remedied, but they're still not getting ranked
> probably for another quarter.
>
> Don't you see the roll of sports fans in publicizing a sport?  In
> Hollywood they used to say concerning bad publicity, "Did they
spell
> the name right?"  And look how many shots Major League Baseball
fans
> have been taking at the owners and the players for years.
Sometimes
> adjustments even get made by the players and MLB on issues like
> steroids after a public outcry.  But that's 40,000 seats a game,
81
> home dates per year, 30 Major League Basebal franchises per season
of
> trying to get fannies in the seats on a paid basis.  And as much
as I
> prefer roller derby to my former love baseball, attendence is
still
> at an all time high in that sport.
>
> In the NFL or any of the major sports, this would be a public
> relations nightmare.  But I would say, don't slit your throat by
> alienating your own members and skaters.  And then secondly, watch
to
> make sure that you don't have a condescending tone towards the
> fans...uh me included although you don't have to count me as a fan
if
> you don't want to.
>
> I  would say to any leagues if they want to, and the WFTDA in
> general, you can always ban me from your venues.  But if you would
> like me to continue attending, and continue buying merchandise,
> please don't forget about the fans and general, and possibly even
me
> in particular.
>
> Do we have any other fans out there that want to comment?
>
> Thanks Phil
>
> P.S.  Thanks Zombie for your kind reply!
>
> --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Chris 'Hurt Reynolds'
> Seale" <hurtreynolds@> wrote:
> >
> > I wouldn't say it's "beat up the fan" time, so much as
> maybe "remind the fan
> > that the sky isn't falling".  There are times when you come
across
> just a
> > little bit strident over issues that others may feel are less
than
> > emergencies.  I for one am not trying to pick on you, more I'm
just
> saying,
> > jesus, Phil, don't panic!
> >
> > ~ hurt
> > ______________________________________________________
> > Chris "Hurt Reynolds" Seale >> rat city >> rollercon >> roads
less
> traveled
> > http://www.havederbywilltravel.com >> travelogue updated March 25
> >
> >
> > On 3/28/07, Phil Arnold <philar_72@> wrote:
> > >
> > >   How did I get hung up on stats? (obvious criticism) It is my
> > > understanding that there may be association minimum statistical
> > > requirements for bouts and leagues. Some leagues are able to
> handle
> > > that and some aren't depending on the amount of detail
required
> and
> > > the amount and ability of volunteers. My guess is that is not
the
> > > main issue, but maybe people or members or skaters or refs or
> whoever
> > > should be careful in this area. My guess is it could be a dues
> issue
> > > or a minimal paperwork issue and I have previously stated if
> such, it
> > > would be good for the leagues to take care of this matter.
> > >
> > > Secondly, as a management technique, the publication of
inactive
> > > leagues is something that might be considered a heavy handed
> method,
> > > something that skater-reps can decide to do if they want to,
but
> > > nothing I would ever suggest doing because you are potentially
> > > embarassing members and the skaters of those leagues. This has
the
> > > potential to create resentment amongst the members and some
> skaters,
> > > nothing I would ever suggest doing in a democratic
organization.
> > >
> > > I also don't think I would publicly criticize either members or
> > > league fans on this issue in public. It is enough to know that
> some
> > > requirements haven't been completed. But it is also enough to
know
> > > that making such lack of requirements-status known in such a
> public
> > > manor may lead to resentment amongst leagues, and fans. I am
not
> > > sure this is the best way to promote roller derby.
> > >
> > > As you might say Zombie, 'Why Phil you are just a fan, and the
> > > skaters run the leagues.' And I might say I love skaters to
death,
> > > but if you dis (dismiss or discredit) the fans of the leagues
or
> of
> > > roller derby in general, you will have leagues going broke from
> > > alienated fans. Sorry I'm a roller derby fan and sometimes I
feel
> > > like low-person on the totem poll even though I actualy buy
> tickets
> > > and merchandise.
> > >
> > > Phil
> > >
> > > --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com<RollerDerbyIsSport%
> 40yahoogroups.com>,
> > > zombielicious@ wrote:
> > > >
> > > > How did you get so hung up on stats being THE issue? Its not
all
> > > about stats--there are many other pieces to the puzzle.
> > > >
> > > > WFTDA is made up of skaters, so its up to the SKATERS how
much
> they
> > > want to include in what is needed. Nobody is making it too
> > > bureaucratic but the Skaters themselves. These leagues are run
by
> > > the skaters, so yes there is a little bit more than "wanting to
> > > skate". That's the beauty of these leagues. If it were all
handed
> > > off to a manager/owner, it wouldn't be the same and someone
would
> > > always be questioned if they had the skaters best interest at
> heart.
> > > >
> > > > And, I think it should show the applicant leagues that
you've
> gotta
> > > hold up your end of the bargain to be considered active. If
> leagues
> > > like KC and BAY can be deemed inactive, then it shows that
nobody
> > > gets a pass and that ups our integrity as an organization.
> > > >
> > > > zombie licious
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

You could even break it down to the minimal level as well. If you
were a league of 30 skaters and 2 of those skaters were not putting
in there dues, the league would ultimately penalize them, not just
for there own bad behaviors, but to show other league members that
if you do not comply and get your shit done, you will not be able to
skate, and if there were no limitations, well im sure in the end
there would be no league.

This is the same situtaion on an upscale level. WFTDA would not be
where it is today, if member leagues were not required to have any
input into the running of the organization.

Captain Morgan
LI Roller Rebels

--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, zombielicious@... wrote:
>
> How did you get so hung up on stats being THE issue? Its not all
about stats--there are many other pieces to the puzzle.
>
> WFTDA is made up of skaters, so its up to the SKATERS how much
they want to include in what is needed. Nobody is making it too
bureaucratic but the Skaters themselves. These leagues are run by
the skaters, so yes there is a little bit more than "wanting to
skate". That's the beauty of these leagues. If it were all handed
off to a manager/owner, it wouldn't be the same and someone would
always be questioned if they had the skaters best interest at heart.
>
> And, I think it should show the applicant leagues that you've
gotta hold up your end of the bargain to be considered active. If
leagues like KC and BAY can be deemed inactive, then it shows that
nobody gets a pass and that ups our integrity as an organization.
>
> zombie licious
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "Phil Arnold" <philar_72@...>
> > Thanks Justice! I hadn't considered the possibility that
leagues may
> > not have paid their dues. Now I will go off on a tangent. As
much
> > as I love stats, WFTDA needs to understand something about
stats.
> > Some leagues don't have the support personnel to do the same
kind of
> > statistical work that others do. Hopefully a league will not be
taken
> > down and ruled inactive because they haven't submitted extensive
> > enough statistical work from the bouts to qualify.
> >
> > And there is a certain issue about paperwork in that area.
Skaters
> > want to skate, not become bureaucrats. As a professional
bureaucrat
> > I would encourage the WFTDA to not be legalistic on paperwork
except
> > as applies to the bare minimum amount necessary. Dues I
understand.
> > Making sure that all skaters are insured I understand. I even
> > understanding requiring that league reps participate in the
> > Association governing process.
> >
> > But I'll tell you something. Other leagues are watching and
asking,
> > should we become a part of WFTDA? For there to be teams like
Kansas
> > City and BAD, not to mention several of my Texas favorites,
> > considered inactive does not look good to other leagues.
Conversely
> > to the "inactive" leagues: if it is a matter of a few things
like
> > insurance paperwork and dues, it would sure look better if you
were
> > listed as active so solve those problems if possible.
> >
> > Phil
> >
> > --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Justice Feelgood
> > Marshall" <sleepofswords@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Official response from the WFTDA website is as follows:
> > >
> > > "Member leagues maintain active membership status by paying
yearly
> > dues,
> > > completing mandatory membership paperwork, and having active
> > > representative(s) engaged in WFTDA business and committees.
Leagues
> > that
> > > are catagorized as "inactive" are not eligible to play in WFTDA
> > > tournaments, their bout statistics are not displayed, and they
are
> > not
> > > eligible for ranking until they regain active status."
> > >
> > > Unofficial response from me, who does not speak for WFTDA in
any
> > > concievable way, shape or form: I agree with you, Phil, not
ranking
> > KCRW
> > > et al. was pretty lame. I understand WFTDA's desire to make
sure all
> > > member leagues are contributing to the organization, and I can
> > > understand barring an "inactive" league from participating in
> > > tournaments, but sheesh, pretending they don't exist is kinda
> > pushing
> > > it.
> > >
> > > Justice Feelgood Marshall #1954 - America's Referee
> > > Head Ref, Charm City Roller Girls
> > <http://www.charmcityrollergirls.com>
> > > | Head Ref, Rollercon 2007 <http://rollercon.com/>
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
> > <philar_72@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Teams that just participated in the Dust Devil Tourney in
Tucson
> > were
> > > > actually listed as inactive and not eligible for rankings.
What's
> > > > going on with that?
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

For quintuplet postings!  Crimony!  I'll keep deleting extra posts, and
I'll try not to post for a while until this mess gets straightened
out!  Thanks for the input Captain, Private, Hurt, Zombie, Justice,
Voodoo and anyone else I missed.

Phil

(HRD gals correct me if I'm wrong...)

I think I remember a discussion earlier this year about Houston
sending in all of the required paperwork, dues, etc. on time, but
WFTDA somehow managed to allow a few of our things fall through the
cracks. (hey, it happens *shrug*)  I know our league manager has been
working diligently to get it all resolved, and I believe our
membership status was recently re-instated as active.


--- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Justice Feelgood
Marshall" <sleepofswords@...> wrote:
>
> Official response from the WFTDA website is as follows:
>
> "Member leagues maintain active membership status by paying yearly
dues,
> completing mandatory membership paperwork, and having active
> representative(s) engaged in WFTDA business and committees. Leagues
that
> are catagorized as "inactive" are not eligible to play in WFTDA
> tournaments, their bout statistics are not displayed, and they are
not
> eligible for ranking until they regain active status."
>
> Unofficial response from me, who does not speak for WFTDA in any
> concievable way, shape or form: I agree with you, Phil, not ranking
KCRW
> et al. was pretty lame. I understand WFTDA's desire to make sure all
> member leagues are contributing to the organization, and I can
> understand barring an "inactive" league from participating in
> tournaments, but sheesh, pretending they don't exist is kinda
pushing
> it.
>
> Justice Feelgood Marshall #1954 - America's Referee
> Head Ref, Charm City Roller Girls
<http://www.charmcityrollergirls.com>
> | Head Ref, Rollercon 2007 <http://rollercon.com/>
>
>
> --- In RollerDerbyIsSport@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Arnold"
<philar_72@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Teams that just participated in the Dust Devil Tourney in Tucson
were
> > actually listed as inactive and not eligible for rankings.  What's
> > going on with that?
>