by Kiki Von Carnage
I refereed my second bout over the weekend and had a blast! As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m learning to ref and to play. The best of both worlds. This past weekend I was one of three outside refs as Ottawa Roller Derby took on the Kingston Derby Girls in Summer Slam on August 6 at Brewer Arena in Ottawa. Both teams played well, with good hard clean hits. In the end the Kingston Derby Girls left victorious and Ottawa Roller Derby, with this being half their players their first bout, left with smiles. I wanted to share ten things I’ve learned from the perspective of the outside ref:
1. When players’ get tired, their elbows come out – a lot!
2. While most instances of back-blocking are probally unintentional, it’s still a penalty. So practice your stopping.
3. Even with the hardest hits, derby girls get up and back on the track. Putting most hockey and all soccer players to shame.
4. Immediately after throwing a hard hit, they will check to see if their target is okay before skating away. That’s how everyone can be friends afterwards!
5. Both teams will always complain that the other is getting away with a lot of uncalled penalties. I can honestly say that for every penalty I call, I’m sure there’s another that I didn’t catch. That’s why there’s seven refs!
6. Hydration is paramount – because leg cramps are more excruciatingly painful than you can imagine.
7. A good defense is as important as running a good play.
8. Whips don’t happen much.
9. Star passes happen even less.
10. No matter what drama happens on the track, everyone is still hitting the after-party together!
(You can visit Kiki’s blog at thederbydiaries.com)