One Team, One Family

As of October 10th, 2021, the members of the Lansing Derby Vixens (LDV) and Lansing Junior Vixens (LJV)  have officially integrated into one organization with East Lansing Roller Derby (ELRD). Starting January 1, 2022, the organizations will begin our year long transition into the more representative name of “Lansing Roller Derby”. The current ELRD organization will also be facilitating the development of the junior roller derby team, Lansing Junior Roller Derby (formerly Lansing Junior Vixens).

For years the Michigan Roller Derby community has asked us why there are two teams in Lansing?  That's a valid question. Five years ago, leadership from both ELRD and LDV sat down to answer that question. Both leagues agreed, the Greater Lansing area was too small to satisfy the needs of two separate roller derby organizations. Over the course of several conversations, we discussed what was important to each league and what one league could look like for the Greater Lansing area. Ultimately, it took a pandemic to finally bring our teams together. It’s been a long time coming, but we are so excited to move forward as one team, one family. 

So what is next? Culturally, administratively, and by brand, our business operations will remain unchanged. LRD will continue to keep our culture at the forefront as our priority and focus. Administratively, ELRD’s organization structure will remain the same. And by brand, both adult and junior leagues will begin the transition to the unified, Lansing Roller Derby logo.

Lansing Roller Derby will start the 2022 calendar year with 70 members strong, 45 of which are active, rosterable skaters. The same ELRD related events you know and love, like Black’n’Blue will continue on. LRD is also happy to announce the creation of four home teams that will pay homage to our former names;  Mitten Mavens, Broadbarians, Derby Vixens and Capital Corruption. More to come on that front soon!

The ELRD website and social media accounts will become the primary website and social media account for LRD. The current LDV accounts will be an echo account of the LRD accounts for the remainder of 2022 calendar year. After that time, we will begin to slowly phase out LDV channels of public communication.

At this time, all contact and questions should be directed to info@mittenmavens.net or on any of the current ELRD social media platforms.

#1team1family #lansingrollerderby #lansingjuniorrollerderby #derbytwitter

#BlackLivesMatter

We are grieving. We are grieving the loss of Black lives to systematic racism and police brutality. We are grieving the absence of inclusion of Black voices in experiences that directly affect them. We are also grieving that ELRD has been complicit in this exclusion. We are grieving upon reflecting for how long ELRD, as a majority white league with majority white audience members, has had the privilege of ignorance regarding the struggles of our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) friends, neighbors, and community members. 

ELRD prides itself on a culture of inclusivity and community in many arenas of difference -- but in the area of racial and ethnic inclusivity and diversity, we have fallen terribly short. This must change. This begins with acknowledging and addressing our mistakes. Our statement regarding these mistakes may seem a bit delayed, especially in light of the recent tragedies. Our delay was not for lack of empathy, but rather because we wanted to ensure that our words held meaning, that they would provide transparency, and that they would serve to hold us accountable to the actions that we, as a league, will take in the fight against injustice.

We recognize that racism is any prejudice against someone because of their race when those views are reinforced by institutions of power. More than individual events of prejudice, racism is a system of institutions that uphold the ideology that white lives are superior to all others. Racism is not new. 

We continue to see racism written into our laws, from restrictive covenants that prevent people of color from buying property, to the disproportionate amount of police-caused deaths ending Black lives. Roller derby is not exempt from this systemic racism, nor is ELRD. Roller derby is, by and large, a sport populated by white, cis women. This must change. 

We recognize that: 

• We have failed to address our internal biases within our league.

• We have failed to create an environment within our league where BIPOC can feel safe.

• We have failed to encourage and support diversity within our league and our audience.

• We have failed to promote and raise money for community partners supporting BIPOC.

• We have failed to do the work. 

We commit to do better. 

• Within 1 week, ELRD will

  • Obtain a commitment form from members in elected leadership positions within the league to support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can feel safe and welcomed. 

• Within 3 months, ELRD will

  • Hold a meeting among the ELRD Board of Directors, training staff, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to specifically identify our failures and to delegate the work to address them.

  • Create a step-by-step action plan with measurable outcomes to address our areas of failure.

• Within approximately 6 months, ELRD will 

  • Evaluate our league policies and bylaws to identify areas that are perpetuating systemic racism within the league.

  • Post a blog to our public website outlining the details of our action plan and identifying which steps have been addressed.

• Within 1 year, ELRD will 

  • Evaluate our plan and post our progress and failures to our public blog as a means of accountability and to identify areas for improvement in future planning.   

We acknowledge our failures as a league, and we are committed to doing the work to be better--to promote a culture of inclusivity and to do the work to make BIPOC voices heard. We commit to making changes in the culture of this league to make this "the new normal". 

For a beautifully written article addressing systemic racism specifically in roller derby, ELRD would like to direct our community to this piece by Atlanta Roller Derby’s Queen Loseyateefa: https://thederbyapex.com/systemic-racism-in-roller-derby-queen-loseyateefa-9baa17806f2d

ELRD urges our community to support national organizations, led by Black voices, by donating here: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ 

Header Art: https://twitter.com/zaynscandycane/status/1266291475068796929?s=11https://twitter.com/zaynscandycane/status/1266918790404718593?s=11

Artist: Zayn Stan @zaynscandycane

COVID-19 and it's impact on ELRD -an open letter

An open letter to ELRD family and friends, our fans and the roller derby community;

Tonight, as I write this, I reflect on what I would have been doing on the eve of our third home bout of the season. Bout day eves are a mixture of last minute finishing touches for production, coaching preparation with line ups and strategy, hydration, stretching, maybe watching some footage, skate maintenance; anything and everything to make sure Saturday would be as smooth sailing as possible. Instead, due to the pandemic, our roller derby world has been turned upside down . Bouts and practice are no longer existent, with no real definitive outlook for when we are able to return to play. 

That’s the problem with all this really, there are so many unanswered questions and no way to prepare or plan for the future. In fact, with the constant change of information, even if we do make a plan, it’s almost certain it will have to be modified or changed based on information provided to us that week or day. ELRD’s leadership has been keeping a close eye on changes and updates on the situation. Personally, as an employee of MDHHS, I’m flooded with daily email updates regarding state COVID-19 updates. I haven’t quite decided if it’s a benefit or a curse at this point, but it does keep me well informed. I’ve also been keeping myself decently connected on social media, again not sure if this is a positive or negative thing, but this source continues to be a consistent stream of heart breaking cancellations. I’ve had folks ask me if we plan to play in the 2020 season, or when our practices and boot camps will resume, and every time, I have to say, I hope so, but in reality I have no idea. So much is out of our hands and completely dependent upon our State and Federal guidelines on when it will be safe to return to social gathering activities, especially something as physical and contact oriented as our sport is. Even then, life as we knew it, will be changed. I’m sure new safety protocols will have to be taken. I’ve seen several leagues already, due to their own situations cancel their entire season. WFTDA just announced my most favorite event of the year, WFTDA Champs, has been cancelled. It’s been a couple hard months. ELRD leadership has decided to take each event case by case, making our final decision one at a time. We are very lucky that our venue has been able to work with us so we are able to make last minute decisions like this, and as such, we plan to hold on to as many dates as possible until we can’t. Should we see an opportunity for a safe return to play, we fully intended to jump on that whenever possible. Myself and our other coach and captains have recognized our skaters will need time to get back into derby shape upon return, so we know we will need to account for that time as well. That being said, we are all anxiously awaiting the opportunity to return to any sort of game play or practice.

Personally, of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced serving as President to a nonprofit roller derby league during all of this is being the consistent messenger and bearer of bad news. I realize two months in, people have come to expect these cancellations, but in many ways, the sting of telling people you care about, the thing you all love so much can’t happen, is exhausting and depressing. I’ve actively found myself avoiding it some days, most days. I also realize it sounds really privileged to be sad about a hobby being cancelled, but the reality is, for so many of us, this is more than just a hobby, it is our world. This is our source of therapy, mentally and physically. It’s a source of connection, the family we chose. Our escape, the ability to be our truly authentic selves. Our competition, the place to be a fiercely, unapologetic, strong, athlete who lives on that adrenaline (I mean seriously, nothing matches that adrenaline.) It’s all of that and more for us, and the reason we joined this money-sucking, body-aching, life-consuming sport in the first place. 

From my perspective, it’s easy to see that the roller derby community realizes this whole thing is bigger than just roller derby itself. It’s about protecting our communities and doing our part to minimize the spread of this terrible virus. The most beautiful thing is that the roller derby community has always understood the value and benefits of community-oriented thought. Without question, we’ve proven that it is possible that when we fully embrace each other and support one another, and genuinely care for one another, we all see positive influence and success on our lives. Combating COVID-19 is no different. We are all doing our part, giving up what we love, because we know it’s what is best for our loved ones, our community and the world. It doesn't make the heartache of the loss any less, but we recognize it’s what has to be done, so we do it.

Since this all started, ELRD has been doing our best to stay connected. We’ve maintained a consistent virtual practice schedule, keeping opportunities to connect online twice a week. Admittedly, I've learned I’m a much better in person coach, but we’ve discussed rules, rules scenarios, strategies, or just shared stories and laughed with one another and it's been as good as it can be. We attempted working out online in the beginning, but boy, trying to get the right camera angle wasn’t ideal in our crowded or space constraint homes. Not for me anyway! Instead we’ve posted some workouts and encouraged folks to keep up on exercises on their own time that works for them. ELRD has also prioritized staying connected in other ways. We’ve created a COVID support group, where folks are able to share resources or essential items through a safe distribution process with teammates.  Leadership has been committed to meeting virtually, as often as needed to keep up on all of the changes. All in all, I’ve been really proud of ELRD’s response to the pandemic, and more than ever I’m confident this league has everything it needs in place to withstand this hard hit. I’m hopeful when I see new league members who just started their derby journey earlier this season in January 2020, continue to be present week after week on our virtual practices, or seeing posts about how excited teammates are to return, or how they will never take for granted practice again. If anything, maybe it was just the perspective we all needed to remind us just how precious and valuable this opportunity, playing roller derby, really is. 

Sending everyone lots of love and strength through this weird, challenging, life-altering time. Be kind to yourself and others, and when we get out on the other side of this, I hope we can all live life more genuinely connected than we ever have before! 

Jahrmageddon #22

East Lansing Mitten Mavens vs. Windy City Rollers Third Coast

East Lansing Roller Derby spent last Saturday, September 7 in Chicago bouting against Windy City Rollers Third Coast. The Mitten Mavens put up a hard fight against Third Coast, and left it all on the track. 

Third Coast took the well deserved win, beating the Mitten Mavens 303-88. Although Third Coast came out victorious, it was a game to remember! To start, three of our Battle Sisters made their Derby Debut: Ford Tuff, Dead, and Mary Queen of Knocks. We are so happy to add them to the East Lansing Roller Derby family! In addition, Jugs Bunny, Kandance, and Demolition made their Mitten Mavens Roster Debut. 

All fought hard, worked together, and most importantly had fun. 

Our bruises have healed (for the most part) and we are ready for our last home bout of the season on September 21. The Mitten Mavens will take on the Battle Creek Cereal Killers followed by a Friends Mixer featuring the Broadbarians. The bout will be held at Court One, 7868 Old M78, East Lansing, and doors open to the public at 5:00pm. 

Our September charity partner will be the Capital Area Humane Society. Adoptable pets will be at the event, and we are accepting donations at the door ($2 ticket discount with any donation). We will also be selling 2020 calendars featuring animals from the Capital Area Humane Society and some of your favorite derby players! You won’t want to miss this game!

Every Person in Roller Derby Has to Start Somewhere

Every player in roller derby has to start somewhere.  We don't just spring from the earth fully trained and ready to battle- although we would definitely like you to think we do! The women who comprise a team and run a roller derby league do it for the love of the game and each other.  Teammates become friends and then family. Practice is a safe space, an escape, and you work your mind and your body as a unit with your teammates.   This intense camaraderie isn't easy to find as an adult and it's one of the reasons so many people are drawn to try the sport.

Leagues are always recruiting.  Any game you've been to was planned, organized and arranged completely with volunteers; most of whom are playing in the game itself.  So we always need people. But most recruiting comes from the heart of the skaters who just want to share this incredibly amazing experience with anyone who will stand still long enough to listen.  It's not a planned spiel, we're in love and we are giddy to share it.  We want everyone from our best friend since kindergarten to strangers in restaurants to "just try it because you will love it and it makes everything in your life better!" (Yes, I have said those words to more people than I can count in the time I've been involved with this sport.)

What no one really likes to talk about is the part of roller derby where you learn how to skate, how to fall, how to take a hit and give one and how to be safe on the track. Most teams run what we all call "boot camps."  It's typically 6-8 weeks of practice twice a week to learn the skills necessary to become a player. New skaters pay the fee, buy gear and skates (which is no small investment) and then practice with a trainer who usually only works with boot camps.  While they might bond with that coach and other boot campers, there really isn't any interaction with the teammates, coaches and trainers that they're working their bruised butts off to join.

Traditional boot camps are not designed to make sure everyone makes it if they want to, that everyone finds their particular niche on the team, that everyone can be involved if they just work hard. This truly is a sport where all personalities and body types can excel if the desire is there. But without integration into team life and the encouragement that veteran skaters can give, it basically guarantees that too many new skaters quit during or at the end of boot camp and don't return to roller derby.  

None of this is intentional on the part of any league.  We're all just trying to get everything accomplished. It can be as many hours a week as a part-time job.  And even though teams want and need more skaters, what I've often heard from veteran players is that it isn't worth getting to know the newbies because they come and go so quickly.  "We'll invest in the new 'recruits' when they have passed the test and are officially able to play." The problem with that is that a huge part of the incentive to stick with the difficult process of learning to play- a family of sisters- isn't there.

East Lansing Roller Derby offers boot camps as well. Like every other league, we train you to skate and learn the minimum skills required to get on the track and playing roller derby. The difference, and what has eluded so many teams, is the attitude we have  about boot camps and new members. ELRD fully welcomes and works to incorporate every single new skater into the team culture and the team family. Immediately.  There's no waiting period to see who will "stick."  This league is all in with the freshies from Day One of boot camp.  And it makes such a difference. Enrolling in our boot camp gives everyone the feeling of solidarity that is lacking the old school style of teaching players.

Yes, new skaters need their own practice time without skaters amped up to expert level zooming around.  But at East Lansing, they are taught by the head coaches. Of the team.  Vets come to their practices to meet boot campers and offer encouragement. We set examples to new skaters and help the coaches in any way we can.  Sometimes a skill that's eluding a new player will click simply because a different person explained it. When you're just starting, you often go home after a hard practice with your body aching from the effort of building new muscles and you are somehow simultaneously proud of your accomplishments and aggravated that you aren't progressing as quickly as you want.  It's been five years, I vividly remember my "fresh meat" days.

Leaving that difficult practice after having heard from more experienced skaters that a particular skill took them months to master helps you realize that everyone reaches their milestones at a different pace and that it is worth the effort.  Knowing that vets who seem so confident cried with frustration too in the beginning (and that yes, sometimes we still do) is one of the greatest motivators.  Roller derby is intense and it is hard. It is worth every second. But if you don't hear that from people who have been there, how would you know?

The new skaters who join ELRD boot camps assimilate rapidly. They are quick to become confident that they can and will be derby players.  That happens because the league is inclusive and genuinely excited about them and for them. They are immediately invited to team bonding events. They have mentors within the team who focus on their progress and mental well-being.   Nothing sets a brand-new player more at ease than knowing that they are valued.

So they stay.  Even if they discover that playing isn't the way they want to participate in roller derby, they become referees or non-skating officials.  Every person embraced by East Lansing Roller Derby is worth the time of the established team because it embodies the words "derby love." So many leagues say it and so few practice it.

Written by Crazy Diamond #20

photo by Chantal Elise Photography