Comments on: Minnesota RollerGirls Spring Cleanup: St Paul, MN

By: Chinese Take-Out

Chinese Take-Out — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:55:32 +0000

Hope to see you all at future Minnesota Rollergirl bouts. Thanks for providing a fan perspective.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:28:26 +0000

CT,

This one was a tough one for me so I spent some time thinking it over before I posted a reply…

For me, the fake fights (like those at the end of the matches) are a bit like WWF and no, it doesn’t detract from your athleticism IMO, but I do believe that the fights that seem real come from the aggressiveness that you speak about above. To me, when hockey players go at it, I don’t look down on them at all for the fights but if it were bench clearing pile-ons every single time just because it was entertaining, then it might get old… Fighting is just part of the experience of the event.

Now, as far as getting injured from it — well, I won’t even be able to speak to that but if you seriously believe that it’s that much of a concern, then perhaps it should end. I would much rather someone be able to skate than to be taken out of a bout because of something that’s not exactly integral to the activity.

Thanks for the comment and good luck!

Bill

By: sui generis

sui generis — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:35:48 +0000

The fighting does not do much for me personally. I find a well executed block to be much more exciting. I think Chinese Takeout makes some good points. If I want to see fighting, I will watch boxing or MMA. The fighting, if sincere, begins to border on criminal activity. If the fighting is not sincere and is merely for the entertainment of the spectators, then the argument that this is turning into “sports entertainment” rings true. The Mn Rollergirls are excellent athletes and damn good skaters. They do not need to resort to theatrics and brawls to have a good solid competition that is fun to watch. However, that being said, if that is the direction the group choses to take, I do not believe it demotes the players status as skilled athletes. It takes a great deal of skill and athleticism to play the game either way.

By: Chinese Take-Out

Chinese Take-Out — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:53:48 +0000

I read your comments and post above and was wondering, as fan of roller derby, what your thoughts are regarding the fighting you’ve seen on the league? As a rookie on the league, I don’t participate in the brawls but I also have not been taken so blatantly attacked by another skater either. Some of our girls can’t control themselves and they get into it but I personally think it’s dangerous and could cause someone some serious injury. We get injured enough as it is JUST playing the game. Some of our girls have said the fans really like the fighting so why stop? I say, “the more we fight, the more it makes roller derby seem like the WWF” and it doesn’t make us look like real athletes. The truth is, We ARE athletes. You HAVE to be in order to play this aggressive sport. In my opinion, I think true, hard core derby fans return to see us for the level of skill and athleticism that is displayed year after year not the fights. While there’s an element of entertainment (like our names and sexy uniforms) there is a real sport being played here. The hard legal blocks and hits are so much more fun to watch, in my opinion, than the fights. That’s just my opinion but I’m wondering what our fans think. So, fan, what do you think? If we’re fighting on the track, does that make us seem like lesser athletes to you all?

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:00:30 +0000

Norah,

I’m afraid that WS might try to knock me out of my seat ;-) Perhaps he should stand guard to ensure that line jumpers don’t get their way — he could shoot bean bags at them ;-)

Thanks for the comment, we are definitely looking forward to the final bout — kill, kill kill!

By: Norah Torious

Norah Torious — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:56:13 +0000

You should see the t-shirt cannon up close … it may look professional from a distance, but I guarantee that it still does up close!

Thanks for all the feedback. We as a league do keep our ears and eyes open for what our fans are saying. We do the best we can to improve what we’re able to and take constructive feedback and criticism to heart. We owe all we have to the hard work of our players and volunteers and to the wonderful fan base we’re fortunate to have. We all love the game and hope to make each bout better than the last!

Cheers,
Norah

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:30:59 +0000

heh Chad!

By: towlebooth

towlebooth — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:28:40 +0000

This was our first bout and Jill and I loved it. The only downside was that skinny loudmouth near the penalty box! Nice to see Kim though.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:52:26 +0000

WS,

It looked homemade but with all the cool flames and stuff I wasn’t quite sure. Very nice job!

Thanks for the comments guys, keep ‘em coming!

By: Wet Spot

Wet Spot — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:13:13 +0000

Thanks for noticing our changes for the positive. We are doing our best to improve every bout.

I just need to say… We didn’t ‘pick up the cannon’ anywhere. I made it from scratch and had a great time making it! Hold up a sign for me next time and I’ll make sure you hit you square with a shirt.

-Wet Spot