Submitted by Dam City Rollers
It’s been over 13 years since the Dam City Rollers, Castlegar’s roller derby team, first rolled onto the scene, and there’s no signs of the team slowing down anytime soon.
Born out of the dreams and drive of a handful of ladies in October of 2010, the Dams came onto the derby scene as one of seven teams within the West Kootenay Roller Derby League. There was plenty of competition and friendly rivalry within the league, giving each team the chance to grow their skills and game play. The league eventually folded in 2016, but the Dam City Rollers remained, continuing to compete and skate against teams across B.C., Alberta and the northwestern United States.
The game of roller derby is fairly unique, in that players are often playing offense and defense at the same time. It is a points game, with points being collected by jammers, the skaters who wear the star on their helmets. The game is divided into two halves, with those halves being divided into jams.
A jam can last anywhere from five seconds to two minutes, and each team sends out a jammer and four blockers per jam. Jammers collect points by passing opposing players, and blockers try to protect their points by keeping the opposing jammer behind them, while trying to help their own jammer get through the opposing blockers to collect points.
Sound complicated? There is a lot to the game, but that’s what makes it so fun and challenging. It is a highly strategic game played at a very fast pace, and did we mention its full contact too?
In the almost 14 seasons that the Dams have been competing, they’ve played almost 100 games, making a name for themselves within the derby community near and far. The Dams are known for being a hard-working, hard-hitting competitive team with a friendly edge and positivity that always sees them winning the after-party, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboards. And its this team spirit that keeps skaters coming back for more, some since the inception of the team itself! Three of the Dams original members continue to skate with the team today, building up the sport of derby in the area with the rest of their passionate teammates.
And now its your chance to get involved. The Dam City Rollers are gearing up for this season’s fresh skater intake. The 15 week Fresh Meat Program will get new skaters rolling with confidence, teaching everything from how to roll, stop, transition, do crossovers, fall safely, get up quickly, and more.
The program is open to anyone and everyone age 19 and up, regardless of whether you may want to become a player or a referee. Loaner gear is available, including skates, so you can try before you buy.
The Fresh Meat Program starts Thursday, Jan. 11. Be sure to register by Dec. 31 to ensure your spot, particularly if you’ll be needing loaner gear. Email damcityrollers@gmail.com for more info and to register.
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