Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hey, ladies: Wanna play some roller derby?

Race City Roller Derby (RCRD), a Charlotte-based women’s flat track roller derby organization founded last summer, has launched a player-recruiting drive.

To be eligible to participate, interested women must be at least 19, have health insurance, and be in "reasonable" physical condition. Skating experience is "helpful," but not necessary.

The organization currently fields the Charlotte Speed Demons, which will be competing on the national level; it will launch a second team late this year that will compete regionally. The Speed Demons kick off its 2011 season on Feb. 26, when it takes on the Columbia, S.C.-based Bad Co. at First Ward Recreation Center (610 E. 7th St.). Tickets are $10 in advance here, or $14 at the door.

To express your interest in participating, e-mail your name and phone number to info@racecityrollerderby.com. Details: Click here.

More than 40,000 women currently are competing in roller derby in the U.S., according to RCRD.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for covering roller derby! Awesome!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your piece on roller derby!

Anonymous said...

www.charlotterollergirls.com

Christine B. said...

I'm so glad that Charlotte finally has a REAL roller derby team. Women's sports have a difficult enough time being accepted by sports fans as it is. I've always had a tough time watching roller derby because its silly gimmicks (vulgar names, costumes, war paint, etc) just cheapens what these amazing ladies are doing. It's great to see that Race City Roller Derby is leading the way for women's sports in Charlotte.

Anonymous said...

They play the exact same game as every other league. How does that make it any more real than anyone else? Regardless of your thoughts on "silly gimmicks" it is all real. Don't believe it? Step on the track with any of the women from any league. I sure wouldn't.

Donna Turner said...

I never even knew Charlotte had a roller derby team. If only I were 10 years younger. Thanks for letting me know about this THAY-den!

Anonymous said...

I've seen both types of derby and believe me, the professionalism of Race City Roller Derby's, Charlotte Spead Demons far surpasses any other. It may be the same game, but it sure makes a difference seeing these talented women turned out in professional uniforms and acting like real athletes, both on and off the track.

Anonymous said...

You may not like the uniforms or the attitude, but the game is exactly the same. It is played exactly the same by all leagues. I am a big fan of the Charlotte Roller Girls. Their choice of uniform doesn't take away from the fact that they play just as real as Race City does. In fact, if I recall from other articles about this league, a bunch of these skaters used to be Charlotte Roller Girls skaters. Why would they be there if it wasn't real before? All of a sudden it became fake because there's an alternative? Seems a little wishy-washy to me. I'm also sure they all act the same off the track. After all, being "real" doesn't make you any more of a "professional." I believe the NFL has taught us that time and time and time again.

Anonymous said...

It's absolutely terrific seeing how Charlotte is embracing roller derby the way it is. There are a lot of cities across the nation that have two, three and more different teams. And with more teams comes more fans, which means more popularity, and before we know it- Roller Derby could become the next Great American Sport! Go, Derby!

Anonymous said...

Wow!! sounds like a cross town Rivalry is brewing.... i have Personally been to both Teams Bouts and they do play the same Game. Hard hitting action, Now from what i observed i think that Race City is Trying to appeal to Famiies more. Since race city is using their real names and Charlotte roller Girls use Stage names some being Outright Raunchy. I took my young kids to Charlotte once and some of their names were not suitable for children to hear being yelled out. But again both Play Great derby!

Anonymous said...

Go Race City! I've been to roller derby and I've seen the level of athleticism that some of these ladies show. However, the costumes, stupid nicknames and makeup are just excuses for these individuals to make spectacles of themselves - on and off the track. These gimmicks scream "give me attention." They want to be considered "real" athletes...maybe they should act like them on and off the track.

To me it sounds like some of the CLTRG team are bitter that the new team is garnering a bit of attention. Your true colors are showing....can't take someone else being in the spotlight.

Anonymous said...

I miss puncher p hole :(

Anonymous said...

I miss Rosie cheeks

Anonymous said...

I think one of the things that makes roller derby so great is the fact that it empowers women. Personally, I prefer Charlotte Roller Girls because it is run by women, unlike Race city. The athletes themselves are all great, but there is something to be said for how a league is created and run. CLTRG fan for life!!!

Anne G said...

Nice try CLTRG. They must be desperate for attention if they are forced to hijack another teams article. How pathetic. They should get their own media coverage if they want their voice heard. Why would ANYONE want to join them? Look at the drama they create. Their 'fans' who are posting sound like a bunch of sexist fools. Who would want to join a team that is not welcoming of EVERYONE male or female? If they want to live in a world run only by women, I suggest they move to the Amazon and start a tribe. It's no wonder so many former CLTRG players are now with RCRD. Do they really think that by putting down another team that it will make them look better. Talk about insecure. This article is about RCRD looking for players. Let's keep on topic