How to Watch Roller Derby

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Find out about one in your area.

   Start with a Google search for your city's name + Roller Derby.
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   Step 2: Many roller derby leagues issue 'tickets

   Perform this primitive barter, preferably in advance of the event, as many bouts sell out. , Note the location of the beer booth, as you will need a few more through the night to avoid being most sober at the after party. ,, If you are not already a fan, base your decision on something completely arbitrary, such as 'I like that one girl's socks.'
   
   , Boo your team's foes. , It's divided into an arbitrary number of 'jams'
   
   which each last up to two minutes.
   
   The point of the game is for each team to get their point scorer, or 'jammer'
   
   past all the opposing skaters, as many times as possible.
   
   The 'pack' of skaters block against each other, trying to clear space for their jammer, while getting in the way of the opposing jammer. , This happens when one of the jammers emerges first from the pack in their first lap through.
   
   This jammer now has the power to end the jam before two minutes elapse (the maximum time per jam).
   
   This can be a big strategic advantage for her team. , They usually don't bite and probably appreciate the positive attention.
   
   Better yet, since a ref might not recall why he sent that skater to the box, ask your fellow fans; even if they're wearing T-shirts, buttons or tattoos of a different favorite team, they don't bite either and are usually happy to explain a finer point
   - as long as you wait until the current jam ends. ,, If a fight does not break out, roar appreciatively just the same. , Find out where the players' after party is, and buy drinks for players from both teams afterward.
   
   Don't forget to buy drinks for the referees, too.
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   Step 3: ' which allow you to attend their bout

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   Step 4: and exchange them for 'money'.

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   Step 5: When you arrive

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   Step 6: make a bea-line for the beer booth

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   Step 7: grab a beer and chug.

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   Step 8: Sit on the floor

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   Step 9: right on the edge of the track

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    Step 10: if possible.

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    Step 11: Pick a team to root for.

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    Step 12: Buy t-shirts

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    Step 13: buttons

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    Step 14: and stickers featuring your new favorite team.

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    Step 15: Cheer loudly and lustily during introductions.

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    Step 16: Understand the basics of the game.

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    Step 17: Cheer loudly when a referee announces a 'Lead Jammer'.

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    Step 18: If there are elements of the game you don't understand

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    Step 19: don't be shy about chatting with the referees between periods.

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    Step 20: Sound knowledgeable by complimenting players on their 'whips' (sling-shotting their jammer through the pack) and 'bootie blocks' (getting' their rump in the jammer's face).

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    Step 21: If a fight breaks out

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    Step 22: stay seated

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    Step 23: but roar appreciatively.

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    Step 24: Applaud the victors and console the losing team.

Detailed Guide

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