"Rollergirls" has been an ongoing discussion for quite a while, and the heat isn't letting up just yet. While this show has been doing well in the ratings, mixed opinions from publications, roller derby skaters and roller derby fans alike has created controversy over what can be considered actual Roller-Derby and what cannot.

On one side of the fence, some would argue that “Rollergirls” is a show capitalizing on the spirit of young women dedicated to reviving the sport of roller derby. One couldn’t argue that women’s roller-sports have become increasingly popular within the past few years.

On the other side of the fence, some would say that “Rollergirls” cannot be considered a true roller derby experience considering these are not professional roller derby skaters. Though the attempt can be acknowledged, they should not consider themselves roller derby skaters or even associate themselves with this sport.

Here’s what the public had to say about the “Rollergirls:”


“I appeciate what Rollergirls is doing, my complaint is with the production. I'd like to see more of the games and a wider angle when they are showing the games so you can get a sense of what is going on. The girls seem to have a lot of passion for playing and are very competitive but you don't get that sense from watching the game, it's just this mish-mash of partial jam clips.”

“I will say this again, for those who may have ignored or missed it. When we set out to do roller derby again, we had NO, DID YOU READ THAT? NO intentions of making it like the old school way. If we did, then we would get paid regularly, have pre-determined games, have no penalty wheel, men would skate. We have busted our asses making this become what it is today. We have had sparse training from pro's BUT skate, and fight like there is no tomorrow. What is wrong with that? Hey Anne Calvello loves us, and I think NO I know that she is a damn good judge of character. But keep assuming you know what is going on by some reality show, I mean you wouldn't want to open your mind to anything done differently would you? Sorry I'm just sick of people bashing us when they virtually know nothing about us.”

“It looks like some of us on this list just want to point out the faults of the Rollergirls. I for one as a fan think we should all give them credit for what they are doing. They have put breath back into a sport that was dying out. If the skating isn't up to the standards of what some of us are accustom too. keep in mind that these girls have lives outside of the track. I'm sure that they practice as often as they can, and will improve as time goes on. The most important thing we should credit theses ladies with is that they are showing us that if you put the effort into something that you love and care about you can accomplish it. What I like most about the show is that it takes you inside the lives of the skaters, which is something no other sport has tried to do. So I for one would like to say thanks Rollergirls for what you are doing.”

“What is wrong with that is that it is NOT Roller Derby..Nothing remotely close. Your new version laughable,insulting and embarrasing to anyone who skated or watched the 'old school derby'. These girls have NO skating talent. That is the biggest sin of all.....Maybe they should just skate on the Playboy channel...”

“Todays audiance never really saw the pure form of the old roller derby. They'd rather see chicks with big boobs skate around the bank track in tight clothes and get into cat fights. We live in the age of HOOTERS resturants........SEX SELLS ! I belive that the producers saw a unique product and JUMPED on it ! They'd have done the same thing if the girls from Texas had started a topless miniture golf club..........just so happened they chose roller skating.”

“I hate to be very critical but roller games skaters never learn to skate derby, so why are we so uptide in the way the rollergirls are skating there games. I give them a lot of credit for what they have done, even they know its not the original Roller Derby. They are having fun and enjoying what they call roller derby.”


What do the critics think about “Rollergirls?” Check Out:

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/rollergirls


Any comments about this topic? Please contact:
derbydog@nationalrollerderbyleague.com

- 2/7/06 -