Roller Derby Update 1/16/12

Can you tell a jammer from a pivot? Have you ever yelled, "Twenty feet, ref!"? Know one end of a microphone from the other? The Texas Rollergirls need you! Announcer tryouts tonight are just part of a jam-packed (and well overdue) Roller Derby update.

Texas Rollergirls

As the flat track innovators enter their second year at the Austin Convention center, they're looking for a few good announcers (unlike the players, this is not women only), and will be holding tryouts at Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto) 7-9pm tonight, Jan 16. Prior announcing experience is not required and, according to the press release, "Derby knowledge is not required, but it is recommended."

That's not the only way to get involved: The Texas Rollergirls' Rec League is registering new players now for session one of the 2012 season, starting Jan. 22. Skaters aged 8-17 can always join the Derby Brats: Their season starts Feb. 8, and you can sign up here.

The league (and its travel team, the Texecutioners) is already filling up its dance card for the 2012 season: Here's what's confirmed so far (all bouts home events unless noted.)

Jan 28-29 Governor's Cup (away)
March 3 Season Opener
April 21
May 19
June 2
July 21-22 Texecutioner Tournament
Aug. 18
Sept. 8 Texas Rollergirls Championship
Oct. 5-7 Women's Flat Track Derby Association South Central Region playoffs (away: Lincoln, Nebraska)
Nov. 2-4 WFTDA Championships in (Away: Atlanta, Georgia)

Single night, season pass and VIP smack pack tickets available now.

And if you're still wondering what this flat track deal is, the Texas Rollergirls were one of the local non-profits taking part in this weekend's Reel Change Film Frenzy. Here's their minidoc, directed by Eric Alan "Clint Beastwood" Rousseau.

TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls

The local banked track league is looking for a few good players too. First up, they have a series of boot camps, followed by skater tryouts in late March.

Jan. 21 Beginners boot camp
Jan. 22 Intro to blocking
March 3 Beginners boot camp
March 4 Intro to blocking
March 24 Tryouts
March 25 Tryouts

Prices, times and further information can be found here

And if you just feel like watching, here's the jam-packed home schedule: As always, the bouts will be at the Palmer Events Center.

Jan. 29 All Scar Army versus Rhinestone Cowgirls
Feb. 19 Holy Rollers versus Putas Del Fuego
March 3 Hellcats versus Cherry Bombs
March 31 Putas del Fuego versus Rhinestone Cowgirls
April 28 Cherry Bombs versus Holy Rollers
May 12 Rhinestone Cowgirls versus Hellcats
May 26 Putas Del Fuego versus Cherry Bombs
June 23 Hellcats versus Holy Rollers
July 7 Rhinestone Cowgirls versus Cherry Bombs
July 21 Hellcats versus Putas Del Fuego
August 4 Holy Rollers versus Rhinestone Cowgirls

Season passes and tickets for individual bouts available now.