Mitten Mavens - East Lansing Roller Derby

Mitten Mavens
Lansing Roller Derby
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller
Derby
Overview
The Mitten Mavens are an amateur sports organization participating in and promoting women’s roller derby. Basic
information on Roller Derby and the Mitten Maven’s follows, and you can learn more on the links below.
What is Roller Derby?
Roller Derby is an American-invented contact sport, and historically a form of sports entertainment. Based on
formation "quad" roller skating around an oval track, with points scored as two individual players "jammers" lap
members of their opposing teams whilst both teams play offense and defense simultaneously. Roller Derby is
international and predominantly female with over 500 women's leagues in 16 countries. It is run on either a Banked or
Flat Track. Contemporary Roller Derby typically operates on a non-profit circuit, and has a strong do it yourself ethic
which often features both athleticism and a punk, third-wave feminism aesthetic.
Flat track roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport that requires speed, strategy, and athleticism. Each team on
the track consists of a Jammer, Pivot, and 3 Blockers. Jammer scores points by lapping the opposing team’s skaters.
Pivot sets the pace for the pack (Pivot & Blockers). Pack works to offensively to assist their Jammer through, while
also working defensively to block the opposing Jammer from getting through. A "Bout" is 26 Jams split into 2 periods.
Each "Jam" is 2 minutes long, or until the Lead Jammer calls off the Jam.
Mitten Mavens
The Mitten Mavens are a diverse group of fun, energetic, adventurous, amateur athletes based in Lansing, MI. We are
a community conscious organization bringing the exciting sport of roller derby to life in Michigan's Capitol City. We
encourage community spirit with safe and healthy competitive sportsmanship everywhere we go.
The Mavens are an open and diverse organization. Our goal is to bring the sport of roller derby to all women, so we
welcome skaters of all skill levels to join, and we accept new players throughout the year. If you want to try derby, you
can join our team at any time. If you can’t skate, we will teach you.
100% FOR-SKATERS-BY-SKATERS
Links
Following are links to web sites with information on the Mitten Mavens, and the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.
They provide excellent information about roller derby, and the Maven’s league.
http://mittenmavens.net/
http://wftda.com/
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Why are women choosing Roller Derby?
Roller derby is great fun
• It’s a fast, exciting and challenging contact sport in which women learn teamwork, but are also encouraged to be
unique individuals.
• Derby combines athleticism and entertainment. Players create their own derby names, and are encouraged to
use their creativity and personality to customize their “boutfits”.
Roller derby is unique
• Roller derby was created by women for women, and there is simply no other sport out there like it. Because it
is unique roller derby often attracts women who cut across the grain and may not have interest in traditional
female sports.
Roller derby is great exercise
• Roller derby is fast, it’s challenging, and it’s hard work. We focus on conditioning and strength from day one to
give the players the endurance they need to skate at high speeds for bouts lasting up to 2 hours.
Roller derby requires teamwork and strategy
• Roller Derby is not as simple as skating around in circles as fast as you can. Blockers carefully control the speed
of the pack and learn strategies to block the opponent’s jammer while getting their jammer through to score.
• Players are taught teamwork and strategy from day one, and the teams that learn these skills can overcome
gaps in size, speed, and skating ability.
Things you need to know when considering Roller Derby as a sport
Roller derby is a contact sport played on skates on hard floors.
• While there are strict rules and legal hit zones designed to protect skater safety, derby rules do allow legal hits
and checks. We teach our players to skate, hit, take hits, and fall safely, but there will be bumps, bruises, spills,
and occasionally injuries. Derby women generally treat their bruises and rink rash as badges of honor.
We will focus on conditioning and stamina training.
• Players should not join derby expecting it to be a skate in the park. A tired player is an injury waiting to happen,
so we will work very hard early on to ensure that the players have the stamina to handle this challenging sport.
Players must pay attention and follow instructions and rules
• While we strongly encourage individualism and strong personalities (it’s part of derby), players are expected to
follow the coach’s instructions at all times. We do this for your safety.
• Derby is not the free-for-all we saw on the old TV show and movies. There are strict rules in place governing
hits, checks, and player conduct. Players are expected to follow the rules, and to play safely at all times.
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Mitten Mavens Thoughts on Roller Derby:
TNTish: “The question I get most often is "why did you start roller derby?" I watched
roller derby as a kid on TV and thought it was the coolest thing ever! When I found out
there were leagues starting in Lansing I immediately checked it out. I chose the Mitten
Mavens for several reasons: One I love that they have from the beginning aspired to be
a non-profit organization that is focused on helping volunteer in the community. Not
just with money but with their time; Two everyone I met was incredibly friendly and
I have met some of the most awesome people ever; and Three it is the most fun way
to have exercise I have ever participated in! I have stayed on the team for over a year
because my teammates are family. I can't imagine not being with them. Of course there
are times when things are frustrating (starting a new team in a relatively new sport ain't
easy) but I know over all we are working together to further our goal of great derby and
great community!”
Mass X: “I wanted to do roller derby when I was at U Cincinnati doing my masters, but it was sort of a silly
*what if I didn't have a thesis* dream that came from visiting a record shop one day. I never pursued it,
saw a bout, or anything. When I moved to Ithaca, NY, I was looking for a rugby team in the area, thinking I
might connect with old friends from undergrad (SLU in upstate NY). There was no
rugby, but there was derby. So my second night in Ithaca, I showed up. And I haven't
looked back since. When I moved to Lansing, the biggest requirement of my PhD
program was that there was a place to play roller derby. Moving here has been the
easiest in my long string of moves. Did I know anyone in Lansing when I moved here?
Nope. Now, a couple months in, I already feel like I'm home. Big change from my
masters priorities, eh? So, why do I play roller derby? It’s fun. It stimulates my body and
it really geeks out my mind (offense and defense at the same time? mind boggling). And
it gives me a set of amazing relationships that I would never have stumbled upon,
amazing women and men I would never have met, without roller derby.
Cunnilicious: “As a new resident of the Lansing area, I wanted to do something that
was going to help me connect with other people in the area and give me something fun
to do with my evenings. I've wanted to try roller derby for the past several years, and
this was the perfect opportunity to do so. I'm so lucky that I stumbled across the
Mavens in East Lansing, because they welcomed me at the next practice, getting me on
skates that first night. All the women are incredibly supportive of the new skaters,
taking time to introduce us to the group, help us learn basic techniques, and
incorporating us into some of their drills. I've only been in Lansing a few weeks, but I've
already met an amazing group of women (and some men!) from all different
backgrounds with a common interest and goal - having a great time playing roller
derby.”
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Kid Rock N’ Rollin: I joined derby for the athletic challenge and to be able to pursue a new
sport. As a ref, I enjoy being able to go to other teams to ref during bouts when we are not
playing. I also love the camaraderie that builds from it. Watching the growth of our league and
being able to be apart of that process has made me so proud to be a Maven.”
Meow KaPow! : “Volunteering gets you into the bouts for free. Bouts can’t happen
without Non Skating Official’s. You get to be in the middle of the action and
volunteering gets you into the bouts for free.”
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Player Expenses
Player expenses for Roller Derby fall in to three categories. Membership fees, USARS insurance, and Equipment.
Membership fees
Membership fees for the Mitten Mavens are based upon monthly dues, and are used to pay for the practice facilities
and other expenses directly related to maintaining the team. The coaches and referees are all volunteers, and in fact
most also pay dues to participate in the league. Membership fees are due by the 10th of each month, and players may
not be allowed to practice if dues are in arrears. Monthly player cost is as follows:
Number of players in family
Player
Referee or Non Skating Official
Monthly Cost per Player
$25/month
$25/month
USARS Insurance
Prior to participating in a bout, players must purchase USARS insurance. This insurance is mandatory for participation in
a sanctioned bout, even if you have other insurance. The USARS insurance is a $45 annual fee. The USARS application
will be provided in the new skater packet, but we will not require the insurance until the player is ready to participate in
a bout.
Equipment
At minimum, players must wear the following equipment to participate:
•
•
•
•
•
Helmet
Knee and Elbow Pads
Wrist Guards
Mouthpiece,
Skates (quad, not inline)
In addition to the mandatory equipment, we recommend purchasing a roll of duct tape, and toe protectors for skates.
The practice facility is not air-conditioned, so please bring plenty of cold water, and a towel to wipe off.
We do have some loaner gear available, so bring whatever gear you have to start. For new skaters, we recommend
purchasing less expensive gear, and making sure you enjoy the sport and plan to continue before purchasing expensive
skates or equipment.
We frequently see used Riedell speed/derby skates selling on Ebay for under $50. In particular, the Riedell Carrera and
R3 make nice starter skates. As the skater progresses, the wheels and bearings on these skates can be upgraded to
make excellent mid-quality derby skates.
For new equipment, Modern Skate and Surf offers a 10% discount if you mention that you are a player on the Mitten
Mavens derby team. EDRU also sells starter derby kits with skates and the full set of required pads. Dick’s sporting
goods also sells some equipment.
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Time Commitments
Time commitments to Junior Roller Derby fall in to four categories. Practices, Bouts, Events, and Committees.
Practice
As with any sport, practice is essential to learning the sport, so players should not join the team unless they can attend
most practices. We understand that players will miss some practices, so we do ask that players notify the coaching staff
if they cannot attend. Participation in practice is a key item taken in to consideration when creating a bout roster and
players should expect to attend at least 60% of practices and events to be considered bout eligible.
Unlike some sports, we do not have a specific deadline for joining the team. We accept new skaters at all times. We
accept players of any skill level, so we will always have team members available to train new skaters, and allow new
skaters to join throughout the year.
If you want to learn more about the Mavens, one easy way is to attend one of our practices. You are welcome to watch
us practice, and follow up with the coach or player representatives with any questions.
Practice schedule for the Mitten Mavens is as follows:
Event
Thursday Practice
Sunday Practice
Time
8-10 PM
3:30-5:30 PM
Location
Demonstration Hall, MSU
Demonstration Hall, MSU
Bouts
The proper term for a Roller Derby match is a Bout. Once players meet the minimum skill requirements, they are
eligible to participate in bouts. The team can roster up to 14 team members for each bout. It typically takes two to
three months for a new skater to gain the skills necessary to pass skills testing and become bout eligible. The Mavens
typically schedule one home and one away bout per month throughout the fall/winter season.
Bout schedules can be found at http://mittenmavens.net/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=59.
Events and Fundraisers
The Mitten Mavens are a non-profit organization very active in the community, and we do conduct or attend various
events and fundraising activities. These events either fund team expenses or support local charities. The Mavens
and also participate in parades and other events designed to bring more exposure to the teams. In addition to
supporting good causes, the events and fundraisers are typically a lot of fun for the players, and attendance is expected.
Participation in events is taken in to consideration when creating the team roster for bouts.
Committees
As a self-run organization, the Mavens have several committees to handle events planning, fundraising, recruiting,
sponsorship, marketing, and planning for bouts. Players are expected to participate in committees, as the team cannot
function without the help of every team member. Participation in committees is taken in to consideration when
creating the team roster for bouts.
Mitten Mavens – Lansing Roller Derby
Volunteers, Referees, and Non Skating Officials
If you can’t become a skater, but you still want to be involved with the team, there are several options to choose
from. Roller Derby requires an extensive network of volunteers and officials, and we need participants in a number of
extremely important roles.
For example, every bout requires:
•
•
•
•
•
Referees
Non Skating Officials
Scoreboard Operators
Concessions and Merchandise Table
Setup and Teardown
Some of the activities require skating, but most do not, so if you can’t skate, you can still be a volunteer or non-skating
official.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer, NSO, or Referee, please let us know and we will
provide you with the necessary training to participate in these key functions.