Meet Rat City Rollergirls' Newest Fan, Seattlest

Last Saturday we headed down to Key Arena to catch out first-ever roller derby bout, courtesy of The Rat City Rollergirls. We’ve been meaning to see a Rat City Rollergirls match for some time now, notwithstanding our cluelessness in regards to roller derby’s rules and regulations, league history and even current season standings. But with sports, that’s generally the way we roll.

Ha ha anyways, we took our seats and proceeded to puzzle out what in the heck was going on down on the track. The crowd kept cheering at regular intervals, why? The announcers were giving play-by-plays, of what? Each team was racking up points like crazy, how?

It’s said that the only way to learn derby is by watching derby, which is true. (Rat City adheres to official Women’s Flat Track Derby Association regulations). Ultimately, the basics of the sport aren’t too terribly complicated and are what make the sport so deliciously unique: each team tries to get their “Jammer” from the back of the back to the front while simultaneously blocking the progress of the other team’s Jammer. Points are scored once the Jammer laps the pack and starts passing each Blocker from the opposing team.

With roller derby, the presentation is half the fun. We love the fishnets, clever stage names and relation to older, more traditional “sports” (see fights, cat and fights, pillow). Who can resist? But while the sport might seem like a dirty, campy good time, it’s taken very seriously by all involved. Girls train regularly to build muscle and prevent injury. A host of refs and officials are on hand to regulate the match and keep accurate score. Emergency medical technicians are required at all WFTDA matches. Above all, the mood is professional, respectful and sportsmanlike, even when Aya Heels of the Sockit Wenches starts hip-checking girls into the stands (legal play).