QUEENof the2012RESEARCH AND DESIGN

McKenzie Marston and Samantha MakINSTRUCTOR

Assistant Professor Jamie GrayDEPARTMENT

RINK

Graphic Design, School of Design

QUEEN of the RINK

QUEEN of the RINK

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CONTENTSTHE GAMETimeline Rules Bout Lingo Game Visual Audit 10 12 14 20

THE SKATERPerosonas 1 & 2 Skater Lingo Skater Visual Audit Goals + Values + Traits The Journey Skater Visual Audit Behind the Name Interviews Conclusion 26 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 46

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ROUGH KING TH BREA ELING! BEST FE E PACK IS TH

INTRODUCTION

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WOMEN WHO ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SINGULAR PURPOSE.

INTRODUCTION

Fishnets, tattoos, face paint, and shoving a girl to the ground all while wearing booty shorts, and racing around a track at dangerous speeds... is the appearance of a roller derby girl. That is what is on the outside, but when taking a step into the rink and into the chaotic world of derby, one realizes it consists of so much more. Their dedication to the team, the game, athleticism, and acceptance towards one another is what derby life is really about. With a rich history dating back to 1935, roller derby began as a co-ed endurance race for the purpose of entertainment. As its popularity grew, it evolved into a theatrical spectacle. It soon fell out of style until the resurgence in the 2000s. Today, roller derby upholds a value of athleticism, but still pays homage to its history and its showmanship.

These are women from all walks of life who seek a liberation that they do not get anywhere else. It is an escape from their reality. They uphold values such as community, acceptance, and dedication. Female empowerment and a rough attitude are considered positive traits that stem from a group of women who are working together for a singular purpose. Roller derby is as much fun to play as it is to watch. Its a celebration of women who are con dent in themselves and their derby love and their bruises.

THE

E AM G

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STORY HIGA THE EVOLUTION OF THE ME & PLAYERSENTERTAINMENTSPORT SPORT

1930s1935to bring Leo Seltzer creates Roller Derby go Coliseum. more attractions to the Chica race It started as a co-ed endurance inspired by danceathons and marathons. bike

1940s1940nal attenRoller Derby captures natio le stars of the team fascinated tion. Fema people. between of Derby evolved into a game teams of 5. s held in First Roller Derby World Serie mber 1949. Madison Square Garden Septe

1950s1950team nickFans pick up on the distinctive Devils. names such as Chiefs and Red

1960s1960-1968Derby over a With the broadcast of live roller derby network of stations provides nathroughout the country. The growth the money is tional Road Tour is where all for live made as the constant promotion bouts to sell out arenas.

1952

Roller Derby Hall of Fame estab

lished.

1953

1938

saw the Sports writer Damon Runyon in Miami and suggested more game physical contact and rules.

r Derby Television over exposed Rolle as Paris, toured Europe into cities such on. Madrid and Barcelona and Lond

ROLLER DERBY TIMELINE

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SPORT

1970s1973skaters were Derby League ended and 23 . inducted into the Hall of Fame League was The National Roller Derby founded in December.

1980s1974-1987ed around The new roller game is focus women, with little skating skill beautiful opera. By the and becomes more like soap few games are skated. late 80s

1990s1990ision Show The Rockin Roller Game Telev ed starring the T-Birds, but canwas creat celed after two seasons.

2000s2000Policarpo reDaniel Eduardo Devil Dan musician to cruits female Austin, Texas a what he envisioned would be skate in roller derraucous, rockabilly, circus-like by spectacle.

1990soap

1969-1971

d the show Roller Jam emphasize element of the game. opera

2006

has major Derby continues to grow and Sports Illustrated, Time magazine pieces in and Life. Critically acclaimed document released in 1971. ary Derby

1997

dary skating The sudden death of legen renewed instar Jone Weston inspires a terest in the game.

with over 50 The revival began in earnest, existence by similar all-female leagues in than 80 by February 2006, late 2005, more st 2006. and more than 135 by mid-Augu

2009

tes began In 2009, some roller derby athle r than stage using their real names, rathe names, in competition.

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NEWBIESGUIDE TO ROLLER DERBYBASIC GAME PLAYThe BoutA bout consists of two 30-minute periods, each broken up into jams. Each jam lasts up to two minutes with a 30 second break between jams.

A JamThe whistle blows once and the pack takes off. When the last blocker crosses the pivot line, the whistle blows twice and the jammers take off. The jammers work to get through the pack. The the lead jammer. On subsequent passes, the jammers can score points. The blockers block opposing jammers while helping their jammer through. Lead jammers can end the jam before the two minutes are up by repeatedly placing their hands on their hips. A jam ends once the ref blows his whistle four times. rst time

through, the jammers try to beat each other through to become

NEWBIES GUIDE TO ROLLER DERBY

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PLAYERS + KEY PEOPLEJammerThese skaters wear stars on their helmet and score the points.

Lead JammerThe jammer in the lead and the only one that can call off a jam.

Ref or Zebraa referee

PivotThe lead Blocker. At the head of the Pack, they designate speed and communicate with their teammates. Designated by a stripe on the helmet.

Non Skating Ocial (NSO)NSOs assist the referees by recording the score and timing the penalties, timing the jams and updating the scoreboards.

BlockerBlockers are the positional players that form the Pack. The Pivot Blocker is one of the four Blockers per team allowed in each jam.

Bench Manager/Bench CoachThe Bench manager is in charge of the tactics for the team and shouting advice to the players on track. The Bench manager is normally also the Alternate and so can query or challenge rules and decisions made during play.

VERBAL AUDIT

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OUT+ PRACTICE B RMINOLOGYLINGO & TEPENALTIESFalse StartJammers have to start the jam behind the jam line and blockers have to be between the pivot line and the jam line. If a player is out of position on track when the whistle is blown then they will pick up a false start penalty. The level of the penalty depends on whether they yield the advantage they have gained.

ASSISTS + FORMATIONSWall2 or more players skating shoulder to shoulder to impede opposing skaters.

WhipsAn assist move in which a skater extends her arm and whips her jammer around the track, propelling her with momentum

WarningsA formal verbal indication from the referee that play is improper and that a skater must take corrective action.

Waitress WhipA fancy type of whip where one player spins around and stops in order to pull the other player around her to aid acceleration

Cutting the TrackCutting the track is a penalty when you pass players whilst out of bounds. The penalty applies when the player

Inside Whipwhere one player assists another to accelerate around the inside of the track

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GENERAL GAMEBoutA roller derby game that generally consists of two, thirty minute periods.

Call o the JamThe lead Jammer has the option to end the jam at any point by touching her hips repeatedly. This strategy can help prevent the other teams jammer from scoring points if the lead jammer loses the advantage.

JamA single play within a period that can last up to two minutes.

Scoring Pass Cutting the TrackCutting the track is a penalty when you pass players whilst out of bounds. Any pass a Jammer makes through the pack after the completed initial pass. Points may only be earned on scoring passes. A Jammer Lap Point is independent of this de nition.

PackA group of skaters, 4 from each team. This includes 3 blockers and 1 pivot. The pack skates together (most leagues require they stay within 20 feet of each other) and their goal is to assure that their teams jammer is helped through the pack while preventing the opposing teams jammer from getting through.

Re-PassThe act of passing an opponent who has already been passed during the current lap. If the Jammer drops back behind an opponent that she passed illegally, by being reengaged or repositioning herself, she may attempt to pass her again legally.

Out of Play Zebra HuddleWhen the referees meet. Refs wear black and white stripes and are the rule enforcers of the game. A Blocker that is positioned more than twenty (20) feet outside the pack, out of bounds, or down is out of play. A Jammer that is out of bounds is out of play.

EVERY ONE IS ACCEPT ESuicide SeatsThe section of seats closest to the track. Normally on the oor these are the best place to see the action but also the most likely place to end up with a ref or roller girl in your lap.

VERBAL AUDIT 17 15 VERBAL AUDIT

D HERE

.

Penalty BoxThe area where skaters must serve time for committing fouls. The Penalty box comprises of 6 chairs (3 per team) and is demarcated by a Point of No Return 10 foot from the edge of the chairs. Skaters must enter the penalty box in a counter-clockwise direction.

No PackThere is no pack when there is not a group of Blockers (from both teams) skating within proximity to each other or when there are two or more equally numbered groups of Blockers not skating within proximity to each other.

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JAMMER

GENERAL GAME CONT.Grand SlamWhen the jammer laps the opposing teams jammer

Zebra Referees and NSOs are referred to as zebras because of their

PIVOT

black and white uniforms

SKILLS + TECHNIQUES + STRATEGYHead on a SwivelKeep your head on a swivel means to pay attention to everything all around you. Enemies come from any direction, not just forward.

BLOCK

Call o the JamThe lead Jammer has the option to end the jam at any point by touching her hips repeatedly. This strategy can help prevent the other teams jammer from scoring points if the lead jammer loses the advantage.

VERBAL AUDIT

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FORMATIONS + ASSISTSWall2 or more players skating shoulder to shoulder to impede opposing skaters.

SKATING & RUNNINGCrossoverCrossing one foot over the other when skating to aid acceleration.

WhipsAn assist move in which a skater extends her arm and whips her jammer around the track, propelling her with momentum

TRACK DESIGN/SPECIFICATIONSJam LineThe Jam line is the line on the track where the jammers start. The Jammers must be on or behind this line when the jam starts or they will pick up a false start penalty. The jam line is situated 30 feet behind the pivot line.

BlockBlocking is any movement on the track designed to impede or dislocate an opponent. Blocking includes the possible counterblocking motion initiated by the opponent to counteract the block; counter-blocking is treated as a block and held to the same standards and rules. Blocking need not include contact. Impeding the movement of an opposing skater by hitting her or positioning yourself in her path.

Pivot LineThe pivot line is the line that all blockers must start behind. The pivot line is situated 30 feet in front of the jam line and at the top of the straight before turn 1.

AssistAn engagement with a team mate which helps them. This may be a whip or a push.

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VISUAL AUDIT

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FUL WOMEN E ILLED, POW STRONG W TRENGTH. SHIP AND S SPORTSMAN EXHIBITING

VISUAL AUDIT

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THE

ER AT SK

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THE ESCAPIST

LuPUPATTI

PERSONA ONE

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MY OWN VE TWO KIDS AND AM RAISING THEM ON I HA ST FOR ME. ITS NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS JU ANDby as a chance to two who found roller der Patti is a single mother of nt at work providing Her time is usually spe spend time on herself. d an outlet to meet being a mom. She wante for her two children and own person. She as well as a way to be her other woman like herself mom duties for a away from the PTA or her wanted to be able to get r a friend at work k. She was inspired afte couple of hours each wee and the last time . She didnt know much mentioned the sport to her . She found a local tes was in middle school she put on a pair of ska prised by the weluts. She was happily sur team and attended tryo did she know what the other woman. Little coming personalities of . She now has her would have on her life an affect these woman m. full faith and trust in the Derby Family and has

NAME: Patti Tracy DERBY NAME: Patti LuPuncha AGE: 38 gle Mother OCCUPATION: Accountant, Sin teran) NUMBER OF SEASONS: 6 (vePERSONAL FOCUS CAMARADERIE SOCIAL ESCAPE/BREAK

NCHA U

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I NEED

BORED. G IN LIFE. I WAS ED SOMETHIN

ol, working going to scho KU. She was t at nt and rsing studen hing differe Zooey is a nu eded somet e g, but she ne d internin rby when sh ced roller de part time, an rst experien oey cided creativity. Zo g up. She de new way of a bout comin r school for ier at he the bout and . She went to saw a posted ovie Whip It em sted in just seen th antly intere to go having oey was inst new light. Zo rby in a she belonged place where saw roller de never felt a e that she rowing up sh p of women trying out. G e met a grou d yal Pains. Sh ed the Ro new and foun until she join w uses her with. She no d wears feel connecte , she always was able to re every bout ng ways. Befo entertaini . creativity in r potassium a banana fo ies and eats nt bedazzled pa

ZOOEY

eterson NAME: Zooey P All Zooey BashEm DERBY NAME: AGE: 23 Student ) OCCUPATION: ONS: 2 (newbie MBER OF SEAS NU CREATIVITY CAMARADERIE NGING SENSE OF BELO ACCEPTANCE

AS B

PERSONA TWO

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LL mA HE SRESHED THE REF ROLLER

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HELMET ELBOW PADS MOUTH GAURD

TOOLS & EQUIPMENTKNEE PADS

WRIST GUARDS

QUAD SKATES

VISUAL + VERBAL AUDIT

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ERBY CULTURE DLINGO & TERMINOLOGYLIFE & CULTURERoller ConThe annual roller derby convention usually held the last week of July in Las Vegas.

GENERAL SLANGNewbie/Fresh Meat/Training WheelerA new skater.

Rink Rash Derby WifeYour best friend in roller derby. This is the skater you can go to at any time to talk derby with. She will be there when you need to vent or when you need a kick in the pants at practice. The red scrape a skater may get on their legs after falling on the skating surface. Extra fancy rink rash also comes with the pattern of shnets or the tights they may have been wearing.

Derby WidowThe signi cant other that sometimes gets left behind after a skater nds roller derby.

Derby FunkThe smell of a skaters pads after having not been washed in awhile.

Derby MistressThe other lady in your derby life. The one you go out with occasionally to have fun, but there are no strings attached.

Derby NameMost skaters opt to take a pseudonym for their on track alter ego. Often these are puns or parodies of celebrity names mixed with a violent or ghoulish nature.

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EY PUSH ME TER. TH TO BE BEThey always encourage me with anything

VERBAL AUDIT

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DEDICATIONIndividual Family Team/group Athleticism

A RA S GOS & TLITS VALUE

PRIDEFULName Team Bruises + Injuries Opinionated Bold

AFFINITY DIAGRAM

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ESCAPE ACCEPTANCEAn individual desire to be wanted physically and mentally as is. An individual desire to escape reality and to completely become a different person that isnt socially acceptable in their reality.

PURPOSEA community desire to have a role and interact with people. To be needed physically and mentally.

COMMUNITYSocial Camaraderie Team Work Respectful Charity

CREATIVE CONCERNSInjuries Finances Family Facility Work Health Training Equipment Time Nutrition Expressive Eccentric Playful + Witty

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Attends a bout

Shes inspired and decideds to attend a tryouts. Shes nervous about her skating ability and whether shell t in

Makes the TEAM!

Attends

rst practice. Physi-

cally exhausting and dif culty in learning techniques

HE OURNEY TOBSTACLES & CHALLENGES OF A DERBY GIRL

TASK ANALYSIS

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Chooses Derby name! Checks the website and all is good!

She is ready to ROLL! Realizes commitment and obstacles: + Time + Insurance + Injuries + Equipments costs + Team monthly fees Keeps practicing in order to pass skill tests to be able to play in rst bout.

1st WIN! Comes away with a serious case of rink rash, sore ankles, and personal gradi cation!

PHYSICAL

10

MENTAL

10

SOCIAL

7

FINANCIAL

1

Now that she has the okay to take part in the bout, she goes to extra practices and skate skill ses-

BOUT TIME!

sions on Saturdays.

Day of the bout she goes to captians house to get ready, dress up with the team, and psych herself up Eats healthy, drinks A LOT of water! Works out at home when she can to build her endurance.

The week of the bout, attends all 3 practices. No Alcohol for the week.

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VISUAL AUDIT

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HE MOST THEY ARE T WOMEN GETTABLE UNFOR

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BEHIND THE NAMEA Large part of the derby girl is choosing a name. Finding inspiration from multiple outlets helps to keep it personal and fun!

INSPIRATION

Previous nicknames Personal Interests Pop Culture Occupation Culture or Heritage

Ceilya Doom Hell-No Kitty LL Kill J Nikki Nikrosis Cherry Cannoli, Chinese Take-Out

MAKING IT OFFICIAL

Vist twoevils.org to verify that their name is not already in use. Each girls name is original to them.

TASK ANALYSIS

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Real Names

More repectable

For the seriousness of the sport

For competition & wanting to go to the next level

WHAT DO ROLLER GIRLS

GRASS ROOTSPlaying for fun, a creative escape

LEGITIMACY

VALUE MORE?

Derby Name

Creative, alter ego

Keep it classy, fun, & family friendly

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INTERVIEWSTaken from members of the Royal PainsWhat inspired you to lace up skates and get in the rink?I needed something that was just for me. I have two kids and am raising them on my own and its nice to have something that is just for me. Cherry Connoli Ive loved skating since I was 5! I was a skating carhop in high school, took my daughters skating once a week while they were growing up and when they were grown I really missed it. I saw a Biggest Loser episode where the girl joined Roller Derby and thought, Hmmm, I wish KC had a roller derby team! Did some checking and found out they did. Goddess Smack Watching a roller derby bout. I was hooked 30 seconds into the rst jam. Nikki Nikrosis We are mean women who just like to beat each other up. If you have never seen football, you might think the same thing. There is strategy, team work, practice, endurance, hard work that goes into this game. Its not just about hitting. Dixie Danger Everyone always thinks that it is wrestling on skates. Although that is how it started out, we have evolved to be great endurance/strategy sport. Azz Catch-Em

What is a misconception you here about Roller Derby?That its not truly an athletic sport. True, the league is open to anyone -- those who have athletic prowess and love to compete...and those who just want to have fun (thats me!). Roller derby follows set rules just like every other sport. Were not out to just beat the shit out of each other, although thats one of the perks and great for anger management, ha. Theres strategy involved, tons of skill and a camaraderie among the players, both on a team and within the league, that you cant nd anywhere else. LL Kill J

41 VISUALINTERVIEWS 43 AUDIT

What do your family and friends think of you being a roller derby girl?They think Im crazy, but are very supportive.Nikki Nikrosis

I grew up with all male cousins but was never into sports. When I told everyone that I was playing derby it was no shock to anyone... I guess it goes with my personality.Azz Catch-Em

My mom is scared to death that Ill hurt myself but also thinks its cool. I have weak ankles from years of dance (twisting all the time, but never breaking them) and lower back issues, so shes nervous about my back and ankles. But Im the risk-taker of my friends and family, so theyre not at all surprised that Im playing derby.LL Kill J

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How did you come up with your derby name?I love Cannolis, obsessed with them really... Cherry Cannoli I was named after Jackie O. so it was just natural. Plus, I like to make people say say ow! Jackie Ow! I wanted something at least a little menacing. I was thinking of Akildya, but the announcer couldnt get pronunciation right. Then my derby mentor, Edith MyFist, just started throwing names out there with kill in it...and LL Kill J was one of them. I love old-school hip hop and LL Cool J was one of my favorites, so I chose that one! LL Kill J

If you had to explain Roller Derby in one sentence, what would you say?Roller Derby saved my soul. Cherry Cannoli Derby is strong willed, poweful women exhibiting sportsmanship and strength beyond imagination. Jackie Ow! The most self con dence you will ever experience in the most unlikely place with the most unforgettable women you could imagine. Dixie Danger

VISUAL AUDIT

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How have your team mates aected your life inside and or outside of the rink?Wow. Its hard to put into words. They have given me total acceptance, something Ive NEVER experienced anywhere else in my life. (And Im 40 so Ive had a LOT of experiences!) Its unbelievable. EVERYONE is accepted here. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it, honestly. Goddess Smack These women become more than just team mates. It doesnt matter that I dont know half of their real names, I know I could call them for anything, and each and every one of them would drop what they are doing to help me. Dixie Danger I have a group of 19 sisters that I can count on for anything. They push me to be better on the track. Off the track theyre crazy fun ladies who love to go out and party. Not all may remain life long friends, but I hope I maintain some once my derby career is over. LL Kill J

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CONCLUSION

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OUR FINAL SCOREFirstly, wed like to thank all that where involved in contributing to the contents and research of this book. A special thanks to the Kansas City Royal Pains for letting us attend a practice and for their interviews. We got the opportunity to see a wonderful community in action and their derby love.

Sam Mak & McKenzie Marston