By REBECCA STONE
THE re-opening of the skating rink at the Armidale Sport and Recreation Centre in July 2012 has paved the way for the establishment of the Armidale Roller Derby League.
Emily ‘Busty Gutz’ Stocker is one of the founding members and current President of the Armidale Roller Derby League and proud of the expansion since its fledgling beginnings.
“We started with a committee of 10 and now have 70 co-ed members to-date,” she said.
“It has been overwhelming the support and interest we have had from the Armidale community.”
For those who are familiar with the film Whip it where fishnets, bruises and big hits are the norm, Emily assures potential recruits that the film is not an accurate portrayal of the sport.
“There is a large misconception around Roller-Derby,” she said.
“It is a strategic, genuine, athletic pursuit, a hit cannot be made unless it is within the rules which are very strict and vast.”
The Armidale Roller Derby League are close to having a full Bouting team, a team with the skills and fitness necessary to take on other leagues in the state such as Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
“It takes almost a year to get to this stage of fitness and skill, and we are very close to the prospect of having an experienced bouting team,” she said.
“The ‘coming out’ for the Armidale derby will be roughly around March of next year where we will take on another team interstate.”
The popularity of Roller Derby in Armidale has resulted in its inclusion in Armidale Sports Council’s annual Get Active Armidale’ program.
Rachel Devenish-Meares, known as ‘Carmen D Storm’, is the Derby’s health and safety officer working in with the Armidale Sports Council on the program for roller derby.
The Sports Council looks for sports in Armidale to host come and try sessions where members of the community can experience alternative ways of becoming fit and active.
“We are holding three sessions starting from 14 October where members of the Community can come and try the sport for free,” Rachel said.
“One session will be held for people to come and try it out, and another session will be held for some of the more experienced members to exemplify what the sport entails.”
The Derby team are always looking for new players to join the community; the derby has members from all different walks of life.
“We encourage everyone to join, even if you can’t skate, even just for a fitness regime,” Emily said.
“We have members from all walks of life, from UNI students, accountants, to stay-at-home mums.
“Come down to the Sport and Rec. Centre to enquire about our next training session – we’d love to have you.”
Armidale Roller Derby trains Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Armidale Sport and Recreation Centre.
