Typically the National Roller Derby Association (NRDA) only posts pertinent
information and news regarding the proceedings of the LA Tbirds. However, we
feel it is our position to state the true facts of this past weekend's Capital
Punishment's Battle of the Bank Track, in Austin, Texas.

The NRDA was there and in attendance for all the games and events. Those who
have posted about the event and were not there have not captured accurate
information. The NRDA believes it is hurting the sport when individuals post
information that is not true, harmful, and inconsistent or contains bashing.

The NRDA sponsored the Las Vegas Renegades in the tournament. The team consisted
of "Sweet" Stephanie Garcia, Lali O, Lena Wright, Janet Rovang, Portland Flat
track superstars "Sweet" Thunder, Taffy, Melissa "Assaulted" Peanut, Trish
Trash, and Seattle Flat Trackers Sally Scum, and Switch Blade. The team was
managed by Mizz Georgia Hase.

It is important to note the objective of the team. The Renegades of course
would have liked to performed better, however, our intent was to actually skate
their game with their style of rules, meet their skaters, and begin to squash
all the bashing that exist like "our game is better than yours or your game is
not derby etc.!" Our sole purpose is to begin to unite. I think we accomplished
that!

If you take a look at the pictures posted under "Derby Unites" you will see the
fun we all had with each other. Some one posted that they didn't see the women
shake hands after the game or any camaraderie. That is totally FALSE!! After the
game each team made a line on the track, and shook hands. Some even hugged and
placed a kiss on the cheek. Also there were only 2 locker rooms so there were 4
teams in one and 4 in the other. And yes you shared a locker room with the team
you played against and there was NO bashing only love.

Both the traditional derby skaters and the "new" style skaters went to dinner,
partied together and had drinks. TXRD did a great job of providing an itinerary
for the entire weekend of fun events that assisted in joining everyone together
in fun. There were ABSOLUTELY no name calling, bashing or any negativity of any
kind by the skaters. TXRD as well as the other teams welcomed us with love and
open arms. SO those who posted girls didn't get along or didn't see hand shakes
YOU ARE WRONG!

We got along so well and had so much fun that the 3 of the teams are in
conversation with me about a game skating our traditional rules. We will make
that happen.

Attendance at the event was at best 200 people at a given time. As they do in
WWE and other TV Shows, they asked the crowd to move to one side where the
cameras were shooting to give the appearance of a huge crowd so those that
watched via the web it appeared to be 1,000 but in fact the crowd never reached
more than about 200 or so a day.

The style of the game resented was a bit confusing, however we can appreciate
the fact they are awesome athletes and their love for the games certainly
surpasses those that skate traditional. I say that because these ladies do it
for free and actually have to pay out of their pocket for EVERYTHING and they
don't receive a dime. Some risk injuries and there were several this weekend
including a broken collar bone, leg and serious arm injuries. I am not certain
the traditional skaters of today would do this out of their pocket.

Sweet Stephanie, Lali O and Mizz Georgia Hase were met with ovations and hugs
from a lot of the skaters upon their arrival. They were also involved in lots of
autograph signings, picture taking and local on camera interviews.

Sweet Stephanie insists she would skate their game again if asked and she stated
that the girls showed her nothing but love. Mizz Georgia Hase was very impressed
by the athleticism of the skaters majority of whom NEVER skated on a bank track
before. I had conversation with Team Legit's Manager who stated this was his
teams first time ever on a banked track. Oh by the way Team Legit finished in
3rd place.

Many, many thanks to Lali O for the idea of putting together a team to compete,
and to get to know and learn more of their game. It was never, ever about
showing who is the best or proving any point other than uniting.

Larry Biehle a true fan of the traditional sport and a resident of Austin was
there. Larry even joined us at some of the functions and for lunch at Champions
with members of the other teams. Larry took pictures and can testify to the
nothing but love we received. Also Larry makes a mean order of "monkey bread" it
was delicious.

All in all it was a great experience. Many, thanks to TXRD, and all the other
skaters for your hospitality, love and respect. The NRDA and the Renegades
respect all that you do and wish you the best in your endeavors.

Its time to stop all the negativity that's killing the sport I love. In the
famous words of Parliament Funk-a-delics "One roller derby under a groove,
getting down just for the funk of it, one roller derby under a groove NOTHING
CAN STOP US NOW!"

-Much Love