Got everything it takes to be a roller girl, except for time? The Houston Roller Derby Recreational League is perfect for those who have the skating skills, muscles, guts and, most importantly, the fishnets, but not the flexible schedule. ย“Anybody can join at any time,ย” says Private BeenJamminย’ of the Machete Betties. ย“There is no attendance requirement.ย”
The league was formed for veteran derby girls who, for one reason or another, couldnย’t commit to the rigorous practice schedule HRD demands. ย“We also decided to open it up to girls who want to come and learn derby skills,ย” BeenJamminย’ says, along with ย“girls that want to try out for the main league, but donย’t know what to expect.ย” Every skill level is welcome, and each practice will include everything from basic skating instruction and warm-ups to obstacle courses and blocking drills ย— all taught by veteran derbiers. BeenJamminย’ says the practices will be tamer than what major leaguers are used to ย— less bruises and blood ย— but some nights might include practice bouts against other rec leagues. No girl will be forced to participate in any activity; however, BeenJamminย’ says you can opt out of any drill, obstacle or bout.
The league will also serve as a recruitment purpose, so every night is a good opportunity for hopefuls to be seen. ย“[Itย’s] something akin to major league baseball [farm leagues],ย” BeenJamminย’ says. (Well, minus the steroids.) If a team is short on players for an upcoming match, it might scout the rec league for fill-ins. BeenJamminย’ says girls who are interested in moving up should try to attend as many practices as possible. All others should just plan to learn the ins and outs of derby at their own pace and work on their glutei maximi. (FYI: Skating is a really good way to get bootylicious.)
All participants ย— sorry guys, girls only ย— are required to furnish their own knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet and skates. (You can rent skates the rink, but BeenJamminย’ doesnย’t recommend it.) 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Dairy Ashford Roller Rink, 1820 South Dairy Ashford. For information, e-mail recruitment@houstonrollerderby.com or visit www.houstonrollerderby.com. $5 rink fee; plus a one-time $40 membership fee to USA Roller Sports.

Tue., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., 2008

This article appears in Jan 24-30, 2008.