[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Men’s Roller Derby Association is excited to announce the Tournament Head Officials for the MRDA 2017 Championships in  Cwmbran Stadium, Cwmbran, South Wales October 13-15, 2017. We are very excited to have these officials join us in our biggest MRDA Champs yet (12 teams! 3 days!) so please join us in a big round of applause for:

• Tournament Head Referee: Pol E. Dangerous
• Tournament Head Non-Skating Official: Petti
• Apprentice Tournament Head Referee: Ninja Sass’em
• Apprentice Tournament Head Non-Skating Official: Sara Tonin

Many thanks to everyone who applied, and please join us in congratulating them. Here’s some background on these amazing officials:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3655″ img_size=”500×500″][vc_custom_heading text=”THR: Pol E. Dangerous” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Pol E. Dangerous has been officiating roller derby for over 7 years. He has traveled all over the United States officiating all levels of MRDA and WFTDA. Most notably, he has been to four of the last five MRDA championships, being selected as an Alternate Referee, OPR, IPR, and JR. He has also been selected as a CHR for the first MRDA North American playoffs. He brings experience as a THR from Brewhaha 2016, Classic City Crush 2016, River Valley Riot 2016, and Tiny Tourney 2017.

Photo credit: Kit Ruff – Shutterup Photography[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3656″ img_size=”500×500″][vc_custom_heading text=”THNSO: Petti” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Petti has been heavily involved in roller derby since 2011. A proud member of Eastbourne Roller Derby – an Open to All league, means that Petti has continued to balance her dedication to Men’s, Women’s and Junior competitive play. Being selected as THNSO for the MRDA Championships rounds off her trio this year – along with THNSO for CAT (the first junior tournament in Europe) and THNSO for the Women’s World Cup. It’s a good job she really loves spreadsheets!

Photo credit: John Hesse[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3657″ img_size=”500×500″][vc_custom_heading text=”Apprentice THR: Ninja Sass’em” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Ninja Sass’em will be travelling across the pond from St. Louis, Missouri where she is the Head of Officials for both Arch Rival Roller Derby and the St. Louis GateKeepers. A 7 year WFTDA veteran, she crossed over from D1 skating to officiating full time in 2016. An early champion of Men’s Roller Derby, Ninja has dedicated her time to the MRDA in many capacities; as Regional Officiating Rep, Officials Area Coordinator for the US as well as helping establish the Compliance Committee. With 5 years of officiating experience and 3 MRDA Champs under her belt as an official, she eagerly takes on the new task of Apprentice Tournament Head.

Photo credit: Mr. McWheely[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3654″ img_size=”500×500″][vc_custom_heading text=”Apprentice THNSO: Sara Tonin” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Sara Tonin is an independent, MRDA recognized official, having been previously affiliated with Manchester Roller Derby. She has been officiating since early 2015 and in that time has worked at the past two Men’s European Cups, 2016 Men’s Roller Derby World Cup, and many other European tournaments. She has been the THNSO for the men’s side of the British Roller Derby Championships for the past 2 years and has a particular love for statsbooks, having recently become a stats processor for MRDA to help with sanctioning. In those few moments outside of derby, Sara enjoys pole and aerial fitness, fussing over her cat, and knitting.

Photo credit: Shirlaine Forrest[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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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 :-/

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!

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