Roller Derby Update 12/12/10

Referees and rec leaguers and Wii games, oh my. The preparations for the Texas Rollergirls' 2011 season have undoubtedly begun.

If you're up and around early(ish) Sunday morning, then the Texas Rollergirls Recreational League is holding an informal introductory session at 10.30am at Opal Divine's Penn Field, 3601-K S. Congress. This is a purely informational session ahead of enrollment for the 2011 session: Mandatory skills assessment will be held on Jan. 9 and Jan. 11. It's not just for newbies hoping to become full-fledged Texas Rollergirls (although that does happen): This is a fun, competitive league in its own right, and even attracts more than a few TXRG veterans. This year, the league will be expanding into four groups (primer, A, B, and C) so you'll always be skating with people at your skill level. More details here.

The Texas Rollergirls are also looking for some referees. This is one of the support positions in derby open to men, but women are actively encouraged to join. There are plenty of opportunities for refs to become certified by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association: However, this is just an informal meeting, starting at 7pm on Wed., Dec. 15, at Italo's, 1600 E. Sixth.

Speaking of next season, tickets are already on sale, including the Smack Pack VIP package. Visit www.getsmackedtx.com for more details.

If you like the idea of playing Roller Derby, but don't like the idea of getting off your couch, then good news! The long-awaited Jam City Rollergirls will be available for the Wii on Jan. 10 for 1,000 WiiPoints. The game debuted to good word at PAX 2010, and skaters got their hands on it at Uproar on the Lakeshore in Chicago. It features real leagues and real skaters, including some famous names from none other than the Texas Rollergirls.

Speaking of the WFTDA, flat-track derby's governing body has announced seven new member leagues, including Beaumont's Spindletop Roller Girls. If you're down that way on Dec. 15, they'll be holding their final bout of the season, Winter Woundedland, at Mannings Texas On Wheels Roller Skating Rink, 5735 College St., Beaumont.

On a much sadder note, The Score would like to pass our deepest condolences to the Windy City Rollergirls for the tragic loss of Yvonne Johnson Hammer, who skated as Hammer.