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MRDA Big O Preview by guest contributor Muckity Muck

An early-season invitational featuring MRDA-sanctioned play returns with the seventh annual “Big O” that launches Friday, May 5 at the Lane Events Center in Eugene, Oregon.

Hosted by Emerald City Roller Derby, nine leagues will compete within the MRDA’s baker’s dozen duels during the three-day event.

Within the mix are five factions that competed at last year’s MRDA finale, “Lone Star Showdown,” including the current two-time defending title-holder.

St. Louis, Missouri’s GateKeepers Roller Derby, the 2015 and 2016 MRDA Champions, have a trio of “Big O” games scheduled. Meetings with friendly rivals #3 Bridgetown Menace and #5 Puget Sound Outcasts also contain an inaugural match-up against Baja California, Mexico-based Wheels of Mayhem. GKRD (1-0) notched a 467-16 win against #24 Race City Rebels in an April 9 tune-up at its training facility.

Meanwhile surging Bridgetown, who notched a league breakthrough fourth place finish at last year’s MRDA tourney, has contests against legacy squad #8 New York and stubborn #6 Vancouver. The Menace (1-0) is primed for sanctioned play following their 567-33 mind-melter vs. #33 Lane County in early-March.

The New York Shock Exchange, a perennial MRDA Champs entrant, is 2-1 in sanctioned play heading into “Big O” following their positive outcomes at the March “Man-Ness Invitational” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The brokers claimed tight wins over #9 Magic City (149-140) and spunky host #11 Philly Hooligans (191-121).

Local favorites Puget Sound seeks an early push in the MRDA complexion with contests against St. Louis, the Wheels of Mayhem and Big O newcomers Victoria Vanguard. The Outcast (0-1) suffered a 182-130 setback to Vancouver in early April and seeks to right the ship.

The Vancouver Murder (1-0), who notched their first trip to the MRDA Champs last season, will hope to use their aforementioned win over Puget Sound to claim victories over higher-ranked Bridgetown and NYSE as well as unranked Victorian.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based #16 Glenmore Reservoir Dogs finished 2016 with a 4-4 sanctioned record and looks to impress in their second trip to Big O. The Chinook City Derby entry (0-0) has New York, #29 Lane County and Victoria Men’s on their itinerary. The Dogs possess a pair of non-sanctioned wins over Team Japan Roller Derby from the Tomodachi Derby Invitational that was held in Okinawa, Japan in early March.

Oregon-based Lane County (0-1) has an opportunity to claim wins over Wheels of Mayhem and the Reservoir Dogs. Aussie entry Victorian Vanguard claimed a 213-130 sanctioned win overunranked Sydney City Smash in early March and recently competed at the “MRDA Down Under” event in late-April.

Finally, the unranked Wheels of Mayhem, founded in 2015, enters “Big O” with a 0-2 record following sanctioned setbacks to #23 Drive-By (213-151) and unranked Antioch, California-based The Skaters Grim (194-130) in early April.

For more information on the “Big O,” go to the event’s official webpage or to the event’s official Facebook page.
BIG O LINE-UP (All times listed are Pacific)

FRIDAY, MAY 5
12 PM – New York vs. Glenmore (Track 1)
2 PM – Bridgetown vs. Vancouver (Track 3)
4:30 PM – Victoria vs. Puget Sound (Track 2)
6 PM – Lane County vs. Glenmore (Track 1)
6:30 PM – GateKeepers vs. Wheels of Mayhem (Track 2)

SATURDAY, MAY 6
10 AM – New York vs. Bridgetown (Track 1)
10 AM – Glenmore vs. Victoria Men’s (Track 3)
4:30 PM – Vancouver vs. Victoria Men’s (Track 2)
6 PM – GateKeepers vs. Puget Sound (Track 3)
6:30 PM – Lane County vs. Wheels of Mayhem (Track 2)

SUNDAY, MAY 7
2 PM – GateKeepers vs. Bridgetown (Track 3)
2:30 PM – Puget Sound vs. Wheels of Mayhem (Track 2)
4 PM – New York vs. Vancouver (Track 1)

(Teams ranked by the MRDA from the governing body’s Spring 2017 rankings.)

MRDA Announces April’s Volunteer of the Month

Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a volunteer that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain. This volunteer showcases dedication, enthusiasm and ability both on and off the track. We at the Men’s Roller Derby Association cannot overemphasize the importance of dedicated volunteers and officials. This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Volunteer of the Month to be: Pettichoke!. We were able to ask Pettichoke (or Petti) some questions about their role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Derby Name: Petti
League Affiliation: Eastbourne Roller Derby
Job performed for that league: HNSO
Years in derby: 6

What got you into roller derby?
I was looking for a new hobby and saw the Brighton Rockers skating in the Pride parade. Whilst I was waiting for the next intake I dabbled in a bit of NSOing and it kind of took off from there.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
It’s going to sound cliché, but I’m so lucky to have the variety of games that I do under my belt. I penalty tracked one of the first men’s games in mainland Europe (for those that remember Black Jacks vs White Trash). But I also penalty tracked the Women’s World Cup final. Such different stages to perform on, but both epic memories.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?
At the start of the year I set myself three goals:
1) To tournament head more – big tick
2) To try my hand at a more game-scheduling based role – so for the WFTDA I have now done GTOing and I kept things afloat at Battle of the Beast this year, despite the ceiling’s bests efforts!
3) To help others achieve their goals – which I hope I am starting to achieve with some of the bootcamps I am running this year

Any fun/hilarious/exciting stories from your time in derby?
Many!
Working roller derby at any level is always full of banter…and officials are probably the worst for this. At the 2014 MRDWC, you may have thought that Australia v Wales or the phenomenon that is Ninjapan were the highlights of the tournament, but for me it will always be how many times we managed to wish Kick’ard happy birthday.on every single day of the tournament. We are a very easily amused bunch!!

Who inspires you the most?
A couple of years ago I was approached by one of the members of my league. She explained that some people in her care loved roller derby and wanted to be involved somehow. We figured that by breaking down NSOing tasks into smaller bitesize chunks, and with the right adaptions, NSO roles could be accessible to all. It opened my eyes to a whole different way of looking at officiating and took it away from the perfection that people often crave. So Deano, AJ and Charlie, thank you for opening my eyes to how truly inclusive roller derby can be.

What do you do outside of derby (work, fun, etc)?
My “real world” job is an account exec for a web company. I also have my fur-baby Jammer. He’s pretty much the star of Eastbourne Extreme every year!

What advice would you give to new derby peoples?
Specifically for officials – Apply for things. If you can afford it (mentally and monetarily) do all the things. The best way to learn is to absorb from others. Even after 6 years I’m still picking up little tips and hints to help me perform better. As long as you are still smiling when you do it, do everything 🙂

Anything else you would like to share?
Umm – not that I can think of :-/

Skater of the Month Pb&Jam

Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a skater that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain. This skater showcases teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the track. We believe that these values are the building blocks for any successful league, team, skater, and person. This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Skater of the Month to be: Pb&Jam (Patrick) of the Austin Anarchy.

We were able to ask Pb&Jam some questions about his role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Pb&Jam
915
Austin Anarchy, Deserticons, El Paso Deadbolts
Pivot, Blocker, Jammer
4 years

  1. What got you into Roller Derby?
    Roller derby runs in my family. Long story short, my mom one day decided she wanted a men’s team and so I gave it a try. All it took was me putting on someone else’s skates once and I was in love.
  2. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
    Definitely winning an MVP as a jammer for Team Riedell against Team Antik at my first RollerCon in Dirty Larry’s skates. Lol
  3. How do you push yourself to be a better athlete?
    Finding support from teammates, friends and family have always been my go to. More importantly, staying happy and having fun! I feel like that alone will set you apart from any competition.
  4. What are your goals for the upcoming season?
    Having played 5 games, taking the most painful shower in my life, and winning bronze at Midwest Derbyfest last year, I knew I wanted to give it another go and come home with the gold this season. With Austin Anarchy on the rise, I have no doubt we have what it takes to sweep the competition this year! “Who are we?!”
  5. Who inspires you most?
    The number of individuals I’ve met and continue to meet in this sport that inspire me grows daily. From skaters in Mexico, to friends and teammates at Mashups, that’s what makes roller derby so great in my opinion. But, if I had to select a few individuals who I can say truly inspire me beyond words, it would have to be my FAMILY. Having my mom teach me to skate and having my brother as well as stepfather take the track with me each game, I find staying motivated and hungry easy. That’s what makes us that much stronger!
  6. What do you do outside of derby?
    Currently saving money up for school and working on my early childhood education degree. When I’m not working at HEB, I find myself going out to the movies, being outdoors, playing video games, drinking, lifting or napping.
  7. What song do you listen to to get pumped before a bout?
    “It takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
    Always gets me loose and in my zone! Dancing is a great form of cross training. 😉
  8. What advice would you give to new skaters?
    1. Stay out of your comfort zone
    2. Posture is everything in derby
    3. A single high five goes a long way
  9. Anything else you would like to share?
    Thank you to everyone who has ever been involved with my adventure in this amazing sport. Without each one of you, I would not be receiving the honor of being named an MRDA skater of the month. Things change, but I will never forget where I came from! Always El PASO strong!

New MRDA Member | Varsity Derby League

The Men’s Roller Derby Association announces a new member league!

MRDA, the international governing body of men’s roller derby, has added a new league to its ranks, bringing MRDA’s total membership to 73 internationally. Hailing from Canberra Australian Capital Territory, this new league was accepted, by a vote of MRDA’s membership, to be added to our growing list of MRDA affiliated leagues.

Varsity Derby League
Capital Carnage
Canberra, Australia
https://varsityderbyleague.com/

This league worked hard to gain membership into the MRDA and we look forward to their contribution to men’s roller derby! Good luck and we will see you on the track!

More information on MRDA can be found at: www.mrda.org

Spring 2017 Rankings

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the Spring Rankings for the 2017 season. These rankings were calculated by the MRDA rankings committee, based on games played between 3/5/2016 through 3/5/2017 then presented to and voted on by the member leagues.

  1. Saint Louis GateKeepers
  2. Texas Men’s Roller Derby
  3. Bridgetown Roller Derby
  4. Southern Discomfort
  5. Puget Sound Outcast Derby
  6. The Vancouver Murder
  7. San Diego Aftershocks
  8. New York Shock Exchange
  9. Magic City Misfits
  10. Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby
  11. Philadelphia Hooligans
  12. Tyne & Fear Roller Derby
  13. Thunderquads Roller Derby Masculino
  14. Denver Ground Control
  15. Montreal Mont Royals
  16. Chinook City Roller Derby
  17. Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder
  18. Roller Derby Toulouse
  19. Manchester Roller Derby
  20. Panam Squad
  21. South Wales Silures
  22. Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby
  23. Drive-By City Rollers
  24. Race City Rebels
  25. Austin Anarchy
  26. Carolina Wreckingballs
  27. Collision Men’s Derby
  28. Sioux City Kornstalkers
  29. Lane County Concussion
  30. Dakota Men’s Roller Derby
  31. Toronto Men’s Roller Derby
  32. Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby
  33. Capital City Hooligans
  34. Chicago Bruise Brothers
  35. Harm City Men’s Derby
  36. Casco Bay Gentlemen’s Derby
  37. Cleveland Men’s Roller Derby
  38. New Orleans Brass Roller Derby

Unranked Leagues:

  • Atlanta Men’s Roller Derby
  • Barrow Infernos
  • Brisbane City Rollers
  • Capital District Trauma Authority
  • Cincinnati Battering Rams
  • Crash Test Brummies
  • Detroit Men’s Roller Derby
  • East Anglo Smacksons
  • Flour City Fear Men’s Roller Derby
  • Lille Moustaches
  • Manneken Beasts
  • Mountain State Cutthroat Mafia
  • Nottingham Roller Derby
  • Pioneer Valley Roller Derby
  • Pittsburgh Blue Streaks
  • Red Deer Dreadnaughts
  • Star City Offense
  • Sydney City SMASH
  • Tampa Bay Men’s Roller Derby
  • Tampere Rollin’ Bros
  • The Inhuman League
  • The Skaters Grimm
  • Victoria Men’s Roller Derby
  • West Swedish Roller Derby Society
  • Wheels of Mayhem
  • Wirral Roller Derby
  • Wisconsin Men’s Roller Derby

PR for THs

It is with great excitement that we at the Men’s Roller Derby Association are announcing our Tournament Head Officials for our 2017 Playoffs. We had several qualified applicants, and after much consideration and deliberation, the Officiating Committee have selected the tournament heads!

For our 2017 European Playoff, held in Toulouse, France July 29-30th:

  • Skabarella, Tournament Head Referee
  • Krystal Vice & Ragna Rock, Tournament Head Non Skating Officials

For our 2017 North American Playoff in Vancouver, Canada, August 12-13th:

  • Biggie Talls,Tournament Head Referee
  • sHellCat,Tournament Head Non Skating Official

Please join the MRDA in congratulating and thanking these fantastic officials. We would like to thank every official who applied for these tournaments and will now begin staffing these events. We cannot overstate the importance of the dedicated officials and volunteers that make these events, and the sport as a whole, possible. From all of us at the Men’s Roller Derby Association, THANK YOU!

If you would like to apply to be an official, please use the following links:

http://tinyurl.com/MRDAEuropeanPlayoffs2017

http://tinyurl.com/MRDANorthAmerPlayoffs2017


Do you want to learn more about your Tournament Head Referees and NSOs? Why, of course you do!

THR Toulouse: Skabarella  

Skabarella started reffing to primarily referee men’s derby over 6 years ago, and was one of the first MRDA Recognized officials in Europe. She has refereed both men’s world cups, MERDC and all MECs including holding the position of crew head. Ska was THR for Men’s British Championships for 2 years and was instrumental in setting the event up for the men’s divisions . She was Head Referee at Manchester Roller Derby for over 5 years and has recently been appointed Head Referee for Team England Men, as well as holding the post of MRDA Officials Area Coordinator for Europe. Ska likes cats.

 

 

 

 

 

co-THNSOs Toulouse: Krystal Vice 

Krystal Vice is an MRDA Recognized Official and Level 3 WFTDA Certified NSO with Penalty Tracking endorsement. She is the Head NSO for Southern Discomfort Roller Derby, Seaside Siren Roller Girls, England Men’s Roller Derby, and England Roller Derby. Krystal has officiated MRDA Champs in 2015 in St Louis, the last 4 Men’s European Cups – once as CHNSO and once as co-THNSO (with Ragna Rock), both Men’s World Cups, and the 2014 Women’s World Cup.

& Ragna Rock

Ragna Rock has been NSOing since 2010, currently with London Roller Girls (as co-HNSO) and Southern Discomfort Roller Derby. She is a Level 2 WFTDA Certified NSO and MRDA Recognized Official, and has officiated the highest levels of derby in Europe, together with the Women’s and Men’s World Cups. She has been a CHNSO at the last two Men’s Roller Derby World Cups, and co-THNSO for Men’s European Cup (with Krystal Vice) in 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

THR Vancouver: Biggie Talls 

Biggie Talls has been involved with MRDA roller derby since 2011: first as a player and then president of Puget Sound Outcast Derby, then as an official at MRDA events including 2015 MRDA Championships and the 2016 Battle of Bunker Hill. He has been a roller derby official since 2010, having officiated flat, banked, MRDA, WFTDA, and junior derby at over 30 tournaments and invitational events. Currently he is the head referee of the Dockyard Derby Dames, a WFTDA league near his home of Olympia, Washington, USA

 

 

 

 

THNSO Vancouver: sHellCat   

sHellCat’s derby journey began 9 years ago when she attended a bout in Los Angeles; ever since that first roll out she’s been hooked. She spent several years in the Bay Area slinging beers for a local league before taking the plunge into officiating. In just 5 seasons, sHellCat has racked up the miles working dozens of tournaments. She currently sits on the Board Of Directors of the Rose City Rollers, assists in training new NSOs at RCR, is an MRDA Recognized Official, and a Level 4 WFTDA Certified NSO. When she’s not exploring the map for roller derby, she bakes goodies for the RCR crew, knits, works as a volunteer counselor for a crisis hotline, manages compliance for a large recruiting firm, and hangs out with her ridiculous elderly Basset Hound (Ruby).

MRDA European Qualifier, July 29/30, 2017- Host and Venue Change

For Immediate Release:

 

MRDA European Qualifier, July 29/30, 2017- Host and Venue Change

 

Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Panam Squad is no longer able to host the inaugural MEQ this July in Paris.

 

The MRDA Board has been in contact with the European member leagues and several leagues stepped up and all submitted excellent proposals to bid for the hosting of this event. After careful review and consideration of each proposal, the MRDA Board is pleased to announce that the Roller Derby Toulouse Quad Guards will be hosting this year’s inaugural MRDA European Qualifier. The date of the event will still be July 29/30, 2017 but will now be hosted in Toulouse, France.

 

The MEQ will be held at the Gymnase de L’Hers located just outside the Toulouse City Center. Toulouse Roller Derby has held several other large events at this location and are proud to bring the first MRDA co-hosted event in Europe to their venue.

 

Any questions regarding this change can be sent to [email protected]

 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RollerDerbyToulouse/

 

MRDA’s March 2017 Featured Skater of the Month: Willverine

Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a skater that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain.. This skater showcases teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the track. We believe that these values are the building blocks for any successful league, team, skater, and person. This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Skater of the Month to be: Willverine of the New York Shock Exchange. We were able to ask Will some questions about his role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Skater Name: Willverine (I prefer Will)

Number: 10

League Affiliation: New York Shock Exchange

Position: Blocker

Years in derby: This will be year #6

 

What got you into roller derby?

Watching Gotham Girls Roller Derby home teams and seeing how athletic and competitive the skaters were. I thought, “I could do that.” I asked about being a ref, found out there was a men’s team, and dove in from there.

 

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

As a team member, I’d say beating the Gatekeepers in the 2013 semi-finals at champs. After that, our (NYSE) big comeback win against Magic City at 2012 champs (down 60 at half).   Managing Brooklyn Bombshells (Gotham Girls Roller Derby home team) to an undefeated season and championship in 2015 was also a huge accomplishment for me.

 

How do you push yourself to be a better athlete? Ha, that’s funny. At my age, (44) it’s more about not pushing myself too hard so I can keep playing. Injuries, even little ones, tend to hang around longer these days.

 

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goals are to play hard, be as useful on the track to my teammates as possible, and be the best teammate I can be.

 

Who inspires you the most?

It’s hard to keep this one short. I take inspiration from many places. My partner, Miss Tea Maven, how hard she works and how determined she is to improve. I take inspiration from that. I’m inspired by my teammates and my opponents. If there was one opposing skater that comes to mind it is D. Botts. I hate playing against him, but I love it at the same time. Personally, I think he’s the best mens skater out there. Skill wise he is bananas. I’m decent, but he always makes me look like an idiot at least once during a bout. I’m a small skater too, so I appreciate his ability to defend against any size opponent.

 

What do you do outside of derby (work, fun, etc)?

I work as a sound engineer at Sterling Sound. Fun? Derby mostly. I spend a lot of time with my partner, which is not only fun but also involves a lot of derby. Apparently there isn’t much outside of derby!  I also enjoy playing soccer in the summer when the weather is nice.  

What song do you listen to get pumped before a bout?

Believe it not not, “All Fired Up” by Pat Benatar.  I don’t actually listen to it, it just plays in my head. I wonder if anyone reading this will have any thoughts on that.

 

What advice would you give to new skaters?

Work on footwork and basic skills – master them. You can’t play at a high level if you have to think about your feet. Don’t be rigid, be flexible and strong. Decide what you want out of derby.  You can skate with a B team solely for enjoyment or go for it with an All Star team and the competitive expectations that go along with that. It really depends on how dedicated you want to be or how much time you can devote to the sport. Choose whichever brings you the most pleasure.

 

Anything else you would like to share?

I love competition. I like winning but I don’t hate losing. I love being in a close bout, When you’re not sure if your team is going to pull out the win. I love the tension, the pressure, I love it. I always believe in my team. I’m proud of my team if we win or lose. I’m proud of the team we lose to, especially when its close. I guess I just love playing. Let’s make sure after the bouts over we remember how much fun we’re having.   

Please join us in congratulating Willverine as the Men’s Roller Derby Association Skater of the Month for March!

MRDA New Member Leagues Flour City Fear and Lille Moustaches

The Men’s Roller Derby Association announces new member leagues!

MRDA, the international governing body of men’s roller derby, has added a new league to its ranks, bringing MRDA’s total membership to 71 internationally.These new leagues were accepted, by a vote of MRDA’s membership, to be added to our growing list of MRDA affiliated leagues.

Flour City Fear
Rochester, New York, USA
http://flourcityfear.com/

Lille Moustaches
Lille, France
https://www.facebook.com/RDALesMoustaches

These leagues worked hard to gain membership into the MRDA and we look forward to their contribution to men’s roller derby! Good luck and we will see you on the track!

More information on MRDA can be found at: www.mrda.org

MRDA Announces 2017 Executive Board of Directors

1/31/2017 – The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce its newly-elected Executive Board of Directors. The Executive Board of Directors oversees the MRDA as the international governing body for men’s roller derby. Representatives from the 69 leagues (internationally) voted for the following newly elected Executive Board of Directors:

President: Jimmy Rage
League Affiliation: Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby
“I’m your private dancer, a dancer for money
I’ll do what you want me to do”
Photo Credit: Sean Hale (Hale Yeah)

 

 

 

 

 

Vice President: Sin Diesel
League Affiliation: Philadelphia Hooligans
“Dearly Beloved we are gathered here, to get through this thing called life”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary: Goldie
League Affiliation: Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby
“När alla hjältar är döda lever kungar kvar”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer: Girl Fawkes
League Affiliation: Connecticut Death Quads
“Let’s sway under the moonlight, this serious moonlight”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Director of Public Relations: LumberJerk
League Affiliation: St Louis Gatekeepers
“Do every stupid thing that makes you feel alive. Do every stupid thing to try and drive the dark away”
Photo Credit: Mr. McWheely

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Director of Sanctioning and Games: Stat Man
League Affiliation: South Wales Silures
“People say I’m crazy. I got diamonds on the soles of my shoes.
Well that’s one way to lose. These walking blues. Diamonds on the soles of your shoes”
Photo Credit: John Hesse

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Director of Member Relations: Dr. Whoa
League Affiliation: Capital City Hooligans
“There’s a million things I haven’t done. Just you wait. Just you wait.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Director of Officiating: Davie Darko
League Affiliation: Roc City Roller Derby
“One thing I know for certain // I’m pretty sure, it ain’t over // I’m not done”
Photo Credit : Shutts Productions

 

 

 

 

 

The new Executive Board of Directors officially takes office January 19, 2017.

Stepping down from the MRDA Executive Board of Directors as Director of Officiating is Miss Trial. The MRDA would like to thank Miss Trial for her hard work and service, and all that she has contributed to the MRDA. We are pleased to say she will be staying involved as an Ex-Officio member of the Executive Board of Directors.