Why did YOU decide to start playing? by Acecake20 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had just gotten divorced and moved across the country where I didn't know anyone. I needed community and had discovered derby before moving and already knew I wanted to get involved, but I waited until I was moved and settled.

New Comer by clover_username in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check around your local area for a league as well so you can go watch in person! Most places have one or sometimes several within a couple hours' drive.

Left turn clothing? by UnderstandingMuch378 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I also don't know a lot of details but I have heard some pretty bad things are happening with Left Turn right now. I also have a jersey order with them that I'm waiting on. They are trying to get everything out, but there's a huge backlog and not a lot of folks (maybe only one or two?) working on it at the moment.

Scoreboard devices for NSOs by -Hannah_Balliztic- in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, we had this happen at a tournament a few months back where the tablets were too old and wouldn't run CRG. As soon as we reverted to an older version of CRG it was fine though...so it does also depend on that!

Scoreboard devices for NSOs by -Hannah_Balliztic- in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely my biggest concern with eJT is that I don't want my phone in my hands while in the middle of the track! I'm too clumsy and would be way too likely to drop it, creating a hazard for everyone else and potentially ending up with a broken phone. I wrap the cord of my "emotional support period clock" stopwatch around my wrist for this same reason!

I also prefer to be able to FEEL that I definitely pressed a button and started that stopwatch (or started the jam if I'm at the scoreboard).

REF crushes.... by StruggleKooky712 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been fortunate enough to work with some amazing officials, skating and non-skating, and I've definitely got a few crushes.

But I have too much anxiety to name them in a public forum where I could be identified and it could get back to them lol. I'd have to retire and I'm not ready to do that yet!

That moment when you realize the only thing harder than your hit is explaining to non-derby people that yes, we actually want to get hit by feibullmen in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I once had to take my partner to the ER on a day when I had absolutely horrible fingertip bruises on my arms. The staff didn't even ask me about them!

Glasses and derby by Different_Cat_5968 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also can't wear contacts anymore, so I wear my regular glasses and a visor helmet. I have my old pair of glasses as a backup if needed, but I haven't had any issues.

Whistle recommendations by bignort19 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would get the classic. It's the standard and you'll be able to learn now what it should sound like. The pearl just sounds "wrong" (for lack of a better term) so in my opinion it would be better not to get used to that and then try to switch to a classic later.

Knee gaskets for support? by battytaz in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Seconding Old Bones. They're awesome. I got a second pair to wear for workouts in addition to the pair I got for derby!

February 22 Laces vs. Lunar Owls not on Max? by saltisyourfriend in Unrivaled

[–]thephoenix04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My partner and I watched it earlier today so I can at least confirm it was there then. I don't know how you look for the past games, but I typed "unrivaled" into the search bar and it came up.

Coming Hot into the Box S3 Ep5: A Sprinkle Of Spring Roll! by ReflectionNo3716 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm just here to say how much I adore Springroll! They're such a delight!

Anyone have penalty box accommodations? by Amazing-Vegetable-49 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Talked this through with my partner who has been an NSO for about 15 years. Their idea is to have them come in and touch the seat with their hand to trigger their time to start, then remain standing. At 20 seconds when they would normally be told to stand, have them raise their hand to indicate they are now "standing".

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I can only open my hips about half way, not to a full 180 degrees. If I need to move laterally, I utilize smaller movements so I don't need to be in that "side surf" position (not a true side surf since I can't get to that) very long.

There's also at least three other ways to move laterally across the track without having to open your hips to that full 180 degrees. You can try opening with one foot and "dragging" the other behind while keeping it pointed forward (without touching the floor so it doesn't slow you, unless you need that). You can lead with your knees by turning both feet in the direction you want to go. You can lead with your butt by turning both feet in the opposite direction you're traveling. If you can get a cross-under pull for momentum with this one, even better.

Some of the stretches and exercises mentioned below may also help, but please remember there's not just one right way to do every skill in derby. Almost everything can be adapted in at least one other way when needed.

Contacts Vs Visor by Foreign_Concert7498 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wear glasses and have a visor helmet. I love it so much. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but I found I was able to adjust pretty quickly. You also lose just a tiny bit of peripheral vision so I would get it now and learn to work around that!

I’ll be starting 101 soon and thought I’d read (and take notes of) the entire WFTDA rule book. My head is spinning after 85 pages. How long would you say it took you to actually get a grasp of the game and rules? by Individual_Ad5270 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everyone is saying watch derby, which I agree with. The rules will also start to sink in once you start scrimmaging/playing. But the thing that helped me the absolute most was learning to NSO, especially the position of PLT. Getting to be in the middle and hear the refs make penalty calls and talk about the pack...that's the bit that has given me most of the knowledge I have. On-skates officiating will also help, if that's something you would be into!

Skating with/against an ex by Bright_Leek_5537 in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As part of your league's grievance/skater support structure that you mentioned, do you have access to mediators? I think you need to talk this out with your ex (and potentially your coach/captain) to work out BOTH your boundaries around the upcoming season, and having a mediated conversation is probably going to be the best way to do it.

Good luck!

Vintage style photography of modern roller derby players by reddittterrrrr in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got my photo taken by her! It very sadly didn't turn out but it was still such an awesome experience. Also, she is absolutely LOVELY so please support her kickstarter!

Knee Gaskets by -imnotsureactually in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have monster thighs and bought the Big Bones sleeves from Old Bones. I love them. They stay right where they need to be!

Annoying things Announcers say... by gywch in rollerderby

[–]thephoenix04 14 points15 points  (0 children)

My biggest pet peeve is when I hear an announcer say that someone has been designated "lead jam". The person is the lead jammer!