Derby

You know that I fell in love with a roller derby queen

Round and round, oh round and round

The meanest hunk o woman

That anybody ever seen

Down in the arena

~ Jim Croce

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Okay, I love Roller Derby. I do not have the coordination or the stamina to play this sport, but I like watching it. In fact, I almost understand it. Last weekend, we went to see the Mid Iowa Rollers finish their season undefeated. Congratulations. And thanks to Julie Snyder-Yuly for reminding us that the event was happening.

Roller Derby is awesome for the following reasons:

* Significant skill required (or significant willingness to get hurt if you don't have skill)

* Awesome player names

* Anything where a contest is called a "Bout" is sweet

* Diverse fan base. Seriously great people-watching.

* Great photo ops.

Obviously, that last reason is particularly important to me.

Additional reasons it is a great sport include:

* There is space on the floor referred to as "Suicide Seating."

* Knee socks.

* Tattoos - on participants, officials, and fans.

* Great uniforms which are not uniform. If you look closely in the photo above, the skater on the far right has "Sorry Bout Ur Face" on the seat of her shorts.

* It's okay to cheer when people fall down.

* Additionally, it is okay to push people down. (Note: This applies to ONLY skaters and ONLY during the bouts. I found that out the hard way...)