Menu Close
Smack Overflow

Roller derby name and number: Roustabout #2112

Roller derby position – on the track: Referee or NSO, wherever I’m needed. I love officiating for roller derby. There’s a definite satisfaction that comes with it. Lately I’ve compared it to playing Tetris. It feels great when the entire official crew syncs up.

 

Roller derby position – off the track: I’ve got the honor of being the head referee for the league, as well as one of the WFTDA representatives for our league. I do both because I enjoy helping people learn new things, and I really like networking with people who love the sport like I do. Plus I kind of geek out on the rules.

How long have you been involved with roller derby and/or GRR? I started out as a fan about two years ago. I came to a couple of games until RuBrawl, one of our senior officials, asked me to fill in as an NSO. I reluctantly agreed, and then was instantly hooked. I saw the refs skating and I thought, “I want to do that!”

 

How did you come up with your name and number?“ Roustabout” is a reference to Nick Stahl’s character on the show Carnivale. He’s a “rousty” : one of the blue-collar grunts that puts up the circus tents. I guess I think about reffing in a similar way, when it comes to derby. We’re here to put up the tents and make sure it runs smoothly.

2112 is the name of an album by Rush. It’s an absurd prog-rock masterpiece. I can’t get enough.

 

Do you have any pre- or post-bout rituals? I double- and triple-check our track bag we use for set up. I also like to have a zebra grazing with the official crew where we can catch up and eat some carbs. That, and I listen to guitar rock at ear-piercing volumes in my car.

What is your favorite thing about officiating roller derby for GRR? My favorite thing about officiating for this sport is that I get to give back, in a small way, to the sport that I love. What I always tell people who have never been to derby before is that there’s a place for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your gender or sexual preference is, whether you’re old or young, or what your body size is. This sport has a place for you, and you’ll be accepted and valued. I really love this sport and the community involved with it. I’m glad that I get to help make sure things are fair and safe for awesome athletes.


What is your most memorable GRR roller derby experience?  The most memorable moment was that first time I got to step into the center of the track and NSO during a game. It was such a shift from simply spectating. Now I feel out of place when I don’t have a whistle or a clipboard in my hand at bouts.

 

If you had a theme song, what would it be? I can narrow it down to two:Limelight by Rush. Or Feel the Pain by Dinosaur Jr.

Aside from roller derby, what are you passionate about? Equality, rooting for the underdog, coffee, comic books, good beer, and anything Larry David has a hand in creating.
What would GRR fans be surprised to know about you? Some might be surprised to know I had long hair all through high school. It was both epic and terrible.
What makes you a Rebel?  Well, I try to approach things on their own merit and base judgments on my interpretation of the situation. I dislike maintaining the status quo for that reason alone. Tradition deserves to be shaken up.
Likes: Samurai Jack, Deadwood, Publix Italian subs, and waking up early.

Dislikes: Whistling, fast food drive thrus, and cigarette smoke.

Guilty pleasures: The nice thing about embracing your nerd persona is that there is no such thing as a “guilty pleasure”.