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The Savannah Derby Devils women's flat-track roller derby league observes rules and standards set by the Women's Flat-Track Derby Association and is a member of the U.S. Association of Roller Sports.
The league competes against other women's roller derby leagues in the region in what are called “bouts” that are open to the public. The skaters, referees and jeerleaders, all volunteer their time for the love of the sport. By day, members are professionals, stay-at-home moms and students. The league holds four practices a week throughout the year.
The Savannah Derby Devils formed in January 2006 during the international re-emergence of roller derby. In awe of this athletically redefined sport, a small group of women began meeting regularly at a local skating rink in hopes of forming a league. Most hadn't skated since they were kids. And no one had every seen live roller derby before.
Since then, the SDD has continue to grow, in numbers, skill and in its understanding of this developing sport.
Hundreds of women and men have laced up as hopeful SDD skaters and referees. Only a few have made the commitment to the demanding schedule, pricey equipment and physical challenge of being on a roller derby league. No one is paid, and all members are expected to pitch in when it comes to planning events, fundraising, marketing and training.
HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED
Each bout consists of 14 skaters from each team. A bout is split into two thirty-minute halves, which consist of a series of plays or “jams” that can last up to two minutes. Each team sends five players on the track for each jam. Most of them form “the pack,” led by the “pivot” who acts as the pace car and is noted by the stripe on her helmet. One player from each team hangs back a ways – she's called the “jammer” and is distinguished by the star on her helmet.
The jam starts with a whistle. When the pack is 20 feet from the starting line, the referee blows two more whistles, signaling the jammers' race to be the first one through the pack. The first to get through win the status of “lead jammer” giving her the privilege of calling off the jam whenever she wants.
Both jammers continue trying to lap the pack as many times as they can in order to rack up points. Each opposing player they pass legally is worth one point. Including the other jammer! When the lead jammer calls off the jam or when two minutes has passed, the play stops and the officials calculate the score.
It may look like a free-for-all out there, but it’s not. Jammers do not get points for passes in which she commits a penalty, such as illegal touching, tripping or stepping out of bounds. Other skaters can also receive penalties for breaking the rules.
HISTORY
2006, January – First meetings and practices at Star Castle Family Entertainment Center.
2007, March 3 (H) - First bout vs. Atlanta Roller Girls B-Funk Allstars, 50-175 (loss) at SuperGoose Sports.
April 7 (H) - vs. Jacksonville, ??-??. Loss
May 5 (H) - vs. Classic City, 91-116, Loss
June – First Roller Girl Boot Camp at the Garden City Gym. 32 prospective skaters register.
2007 season ends with 0 wins, 3 losses.
2008, March 30 (A) – vs. Jacksonville Roller Girls, 128-109. First win!
April 19 (H) – vs. Charlotte, 86-88. Loss.
May 17 (H) - vs. Columbia Quad-Squad, 62-80, Loss.
June 15 (A) - vs. Classic City (Athens), ??-??. Loss.
August – Roller Girl Boot Camp registers 38 prospective skaters.
Nov. 15 (H) - vs Rogue, 98-87, First home win!
2008 season ends 2 wins, 3 losses.
2009, Jan. 24 (A) - vs. Columbia Quad-Squad, 51-171. Loss.
March 7 (H) – vs. Atlanta Rumble-Bs, ??-??. Loss.
April 4 (A) - vs. Blue Ridge, 85-187. Loss
May 2 (H) - vs. Blue Ridge, 119-109. Win.
June – Roller Girl Boot Camp registers 62 prospective skaters and referees.
Oct. 10 (H) - vs. Charleston, 74-77. Loss
Nov. 14 (H) - vs. Greenville Derby Dames, 118-94. Win.
2009 season ends with 2 wins, 4 losses.
2010, Jan. 23 (A) - vs. Rogue, 58-95. Loss
March 6 (H) - vs. Chattanooga, 164 – 17. Win
April 18 (A) - vs. Soul City Sirens, 84-112. Loss
May 22 (H) - vs. URGE, (Greenville, SC) 107-71. Win.
June – Roller Girl Boot Camp registers 95 prospective skaters and referees.
Aug. 18 (A) - vs. URGE (Greenville, SC)
Oct. 9 (A) – vs. Jacksonville
Oct. 16 (H) - vs. Athens
Nov. 20 (H) - vs. Cape Fear
Where can I find more Derby Devils online?
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