Connect With…Coffs Coast Derby

10 Mar 2014

Meet Coffs Coast Derby – one of our ConnectABLE community partners.

Coffs Coast Derby is a not for profit roller derby league that has been operating in our community for the past four years. We talk to “Rika Havok”, “London Brawling” and “Pina Collision” about roller derby, what social inclusion means for the league and the broader community, as well as their upcoming bout.

For those who might not know, can you please explain what roller derby is?

Flat track roller derby originated in the US as an all female, full contact sport in the 1920s. In the last ten years, roller derby has made a come back across the world, particularly in Australia where there are now over 50 competitive leagues throughout the country. The way it works is two teams compete on a flat oval track. Each team has a jammer who scores the points, a ‘pivot’ who controls the pace of the ‘pack’ as well as blocking, and a further three ‘blockers’ who try to stop the other team’s jammer. The aim is for the jammer to score as many points as possible by lapping the blockers of the opposing team while doing their best to avoid being taken out by them!

Why would someone want to join Coffs Coast Derby?

Roller derby is about fitness and fun, but it’s also multidimensional and builds self confidence. Our league is inclusive – our members are all ages from all walks of life. This year we made the decision to go co-ed and also develop a junior league so we can offer activities for everyone in the community.

Why did Coffs Coast Derby partner with CCO on the ConnectABLE project?

We want to give back to the community and show that roller derby is not all about being hard core and scary. There’s another side to the derby community which is supportive, encouraging and appreciates diversity. We want to explore how we can make this sport accessible to everyone of all abilities – including people who might not be able to skate.

Tell us about something interesting you are doing at the moment.

We are about to have our first home bout for the year, this Saturday 15 March and it will be jam packed with excitement. We’re playing against Port Macquarie for the first time, which is pretty special because the Coffs and Port leagues have kind of grown up together. The second bout of the night will be the first bout for our men’s team and they can’t wait to get stuck into it on the track. Also, our half time entertainment will be the three of us shaving our heads for The World’s Greatest Shave!

That does sound like an interesting night! Why are you participating in the World’s Greatest Shave?

We’ve each had family and friends experience cancer and we want to give something back. We’re hoping that by getting involved in The World’s Greatest Shave we’ll help raise awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and all the great work they do, which includes a lot of counseling and support for families, as well as research that can prolong lives.

How can people buy tickets for your bout on Saturday 15 March and/or get involved with the league?

Visit Sticky Tickets or the C.ex website to buy tickets to our home bout. If people want to find out more about joining the league they can contact our President, Ashley Collins on info@coffscoastderbydolls.com