The Standard

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Matt Moore

It is a fast paced game on roller skates resembling hockey and football where the players knock down other players in order to score points.

Springfield recently started a league of the contact sport, roller derby. So far the only teams are the Bitter Betsy's and the Doomsday Dolls.

"I started the league about a year ago," Coach Jason McDaniel said. "I played in Florida and when I moved back up here some of my friends had started leagues in other cities."

Any woman 18 or older can join the league. There are no requirements to join the team but McDaniel said some skating experience is good but not necessary.

Each team consists of five players; a pivot, three blockers and a jammer. The pivot sets the pace of the game with the three blockers or the pack behind her defending each other. The jammer comes in about 20 feet behind everyone else; they are responsible for scoring points. When the first whistle is blown, the pack takes off, and with the second whistle, the jammers From each team start to fight their way through the pack. The first jammer of the two teams to get through the pack is designated the lead jammer. This is when the jam actually begins. Then the jammers have to lap around and once they reach the pack again they fight through to score points. Each time a jammer fights through the pack it is a point but the opposing pack members are pushing everyone trying to keep the jammer from getting through. Play goes on for two minutes.

"I'm normally jamming and I keep my mind in the game," said Jessica Dunn, captain of the Bitter Betsy's. "I have to think about who to stay away from; it's all about strategy."

The Springfield Roller Girls provide the competitive atmosphere that some need.

"I played competitive sports in high school but after I had my daughter I didn't have an outlet to do that anymore," Dunn said. "So I signed up when I saw an advertisement in a bar."

According to Dunn, participating in roller derby provides a great work out, an outlet for new friends, plus it is a great way to relieve tension.

"You can hit someone really hard and not have to worry about a lawsuit," Dunn said.

Roller derby was something cool to do, McDaniel said.

"It's not necessarily the sport, just working towards a goal and being the best you can be is nice."

The Springfield Roller Girls practice at Skateport on South Glenstone and they have games approximately once a month. To see a game schedule, detailed game rules, and roller derby videos see www.myspace.com/springfieldrollergirls.

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