OK, so “Derby Baby” is out soon, there is talk about considering Derby for the Olympics (I wouldn’t be too excited…..it would be a long ways off), and from what I have seen, this looks like a great start to the year.
I know some of the great players retire every year, but a greater number are showing up, and a star from Colorado did so at the Doll House last night.
Those of you with four or five years experience really know the game now, and are aware of the need for conditioning, diet, practice, and a great lifestyle.
And I often hear from those of you who say things are just fine as they are now; you want the rules to remain the same, to have the costumes and fun and after parties. And nothing is stopping you.
And please all realize that. There is no need for a great unification of style of play….no need for ownership. If you want to flat track, go backwards, renegade, MADE, OSDA – that is your prerogative. And one of the first things I heard after it was released that Roller Derby was being considered in 2013 for the 2020 Olympics was “we don’t like the rule set they will be playing”.
Will you still be playing in 2020? And if you think there is a possibility of getting in before 2024, you are dreaming. And you think all current rules will remain constant for 12 years? Relax and enjoy the games……and you are not the ones that this post is addressing.
For those of you who are serious athletes and competitiors, I offer the following:
1. It is time to associate with a league that is going to skate on a banked track, and I would love to see that happen in New York, Philly, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco………it will allow the teams and skaters to progress at a accelerated rate……all who want to skate flat track should continue…..it is a different game.
2. Get serious about what you wear at your games. Uniforms that are really professional, with numbers on back (not #1), your real name on the back and a dynamite design. I strongly suggest Roll Models, go to http://www.completeteamoutfitters.com, click on Roll models link…..they do a lot of other sports and quite a number of Derby Leagues.
3. Really get your PR and Marketing going full tilt to attract new skaters, and especially a larger audience so you have the funds to work with. And most of you need to skate more home matches (more games, more concessions, more merchandise, more revenue)……
4. Do not play teams that you can beat up….may be good for rankings, terrible for paying audience….they want to see contests.
Now realize you don’t have to do any of the above. Obviously this is what I and a few others would like to see. By the way, I make no money from selling banked tracks or uniforms. I just want the game and you to be as professional as possible.
Please don’t bitch and moan at me……one-sided games are fine, not-ready-skate-players are fine, tattered uniforms, fine, bad attendance fine, keeping your league hidden, fine. 1 game a month, fine……I just don’t think it is the way to go.
RollerDerbyJesus.com 