Derby News Network Power Rankings - April 2010
| DNN | WFTDA | W/L | Next | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 W | 2010 3-0 2009 12-0 |
4/17 vs Charm City | Now 14-0 in all-time WFTDA play after a solid win over Madison, Oly continues to be the undisputed team to beat in the sport today. | ||||
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1 E | 2010 0-0 2009 7-2 |
4/10 vs Charm City | No action or movement since Nationals, but they get a season opener against Charm City on April 10th that should shed some light on where they stand in 2010. | ||||
|
1 SC | 2010 3-0 2009 11-2 |
5/8 @ Denver | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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3 W | 2010 0-0 2009 12-3 |
5/8 vs Texas | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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2 W | 2010 2-0 2009 8-7 |
4/3 vs Duke City | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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5 W | 2010 2-1 2009 5-3 |
4/16 vs Charm City | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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4 W | 2010 3-0 2009 5-7 |
4/18 vs Charm City | Holds steady after solidly defeating Madison at home in March. April will see a rematch of an ECE 2009 barn-burner with Charm City which ought to be a highlight of the month. | ||||
|
2 E | 2010 1-3 2009 9-2 |
4/17 @ Boston | No movement; delivered an expected blowout on Dutchland in March. | ||||
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1 NC | 2010 0-0 2009 10-2 |
11/12 @ [TBA] To Be Announced | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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2 NC | 2010 0-2 2009 7-4 |
5/8 @ [TBA] To Be Announced | Although they lost both bouts in a weekend trip to the Pacific Northwest to face Oly and Rat City, Madison actually picks up a slot on the slide of Boston. | ||||
|
4 E | 2010 2-0 2009 13-5 |
4/10 @ Gotham | Charm City's only action in March was a near-record setting 409-22 whomping of River City, but their one-spot rise is more on Boston's slip than that outcome. They take on a much more serious challenge this month: a 4/10 date with Gotham followed by a weekend of Rose City, Rat City and Oly on April 16-18 that will go a long way towards solidifying their national standing. | ||||
|
3 NC | 2010 1-0 2009 8-6 |
5/15 @ Carolina | Solidly turned back an increasingly dangerous Steel City team and goes up a slot as Boston drops. |
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3 E | 2010 2-0 2009 10-9 |
4/17 vs Philly | Although Boston did double up Carolina in March, Carolina stuck close for most of the bout, an outcome made more notable by the fact that Carolina squeaked by unranked Providence by just a point the next day, so Boston drops 3 from their previous 10 spot. Their April bout with Philly should show how well the team has absorbed the impact of injuries and new players. | ||||
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2 SC | 2010 0-0 2009 9-4 |
4/17 @ Omaha | No action or movement since last month. | ||||
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|
- | 2010 1-0 2009 8-3 |
4/3 vs Atlanta | San Diego finally got the elusive win over a Power Ranked team by edging out Cincinnati at home, and they take Cincy's old slot to jump up 6 places. They'll get another shot at a tourney-level team when they battle Atlanta this weekend. | ||||
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4 NC | 2010 0-1 2009 10-5 |
4/17 vs Arch Rivals | Drops one slot after a narrow loss to San Diego. They take on Dallas on neutral ground in Tampa in what should be a telling matchup. | ||||
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7 E | 2010 2-1 2009 11-3 |
4/17 vs Dutchland | The Pittsburgh crew has been steadily improving for some time now, but they hit the ceiling -- for now -- against Detroit and slip a spot as San Diego rises. | ||||
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6 SC | 2010 2-0 2009 8-5 |
4/3 vs Ohio | Nashville makes their debut on the Power Rankings as a result of Atlanta's suddenly impressive run over the last couple of months, as Nashville beat ATL in February. | ||||
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5 SC | 2010 5-1 2009 8-8 |
4/3 @ San Diego Derby Dolls | Atlanta got revenge on regional rival Dallas not once but twice at the Clover Cup, and also knocked off unranked but dangerous Arch Rival in March, bringing them back to the top 25 for the first time since last summer. | ||||
|
4 SC | 2010 6-4 2009 7-3 |
5/15 @ Northwest Arkansas | Dallas is the busiest team in WFTDA so far this year, already having played 10 sanctioned bouts -- but their two losses to Atlanta take them down some slots from a high of #17 last month. | ||||
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7 W | 2010 2-0 2009 5-8 |
4/3 @ Rocky Mountain | No action since last month, but slide into the twenties as Atlanta debuts and San Diego goes up. They get a very serious test against Rocky Mountain this weekend. | ||||
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6 W | 2010 1-2 2009 5-5 |
5/1 vs [TBA] To Be Announced | Like Duke City, Bay Area didn't play a game in March but drops some slots to Atlanta and San Diego. |
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6 NC | 2010 2-0 2009 6-4 |
5/22 vs [TBA] To Be Announced | No action in March, loses a slot to the Atlanta debut. |
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5 NC | 2010 0-0 2009 9-3 |
4/17 @ Sioux Falls | No action in March, loses a slot to the Atlanta debut. |
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9 NC | 2010 0-0 2009 7-3 |
5/22 @ Pikes Peak | No action in March, loses a slot to the Atlanta debut. |
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| Key: | |
| E | WFTDA East region |
| W | WFTDA West region |
| NC | WFTDA North Central region |
| SC | WFTDA South Central region |
Comments
Why, It's an
OUTRAGE I say!
WHAT??? THIS IS EVEN A
WHAT??? THIS IS EVEN A GREATER OUTRAGE THAN RICK ASTLEY, WHICH, IN ITSELF, WAS A GREAT SOURCE OF OUTRAGE I TELL YOU!!!
holy kamoly!
Is jumping 6 slots [as San Diego did this month] a Power Rankings record?
Movement records
The biggest move from a team that was already on the Power Rankings was Rocky Mountain, jumping from #17 to #7 after last year's Western Regionals.
If you include debuts, Oly went from unranked to #10 last April. Other major debuts are Nashville this month at #18, and San Diego themselves debuted at #17 last May.
YAAAAAAAAAAY!
Congratulations, San Diego Wildfires!!!!!!
Woot!!!
Way to go, Wildfires!
Good luck against Atlanta tomorrow, should be a great bout, really looking forward to it...
Go SDDD!!!
WEST SIIIIIIIIIDE!
Wow, what a difference a year makes. I notice a lot of early games this year are taking care of unfinished business from the tournament season last year. Really looking forward to Texas/Denver.
Boston drops three spots
Boston drops three spots because they won twice against two teams that are barely not in the Rankings? Both Providence and Carolina recently occupied the #25 spot, and I'm guessing neither team would be out of the 20s if we were to continue the rankings that low. But that's speculation.
I could even understand a one-spot drop, because of how close the halftime score was to Carolina. But three spots? Just because Shattered's injured and we have some new skaters? Completely un-called for.
ETA: Okay, you pretty much said the same thing on your related blog. Teach me not to read that first, I guess.
(tl;dr version: IT'S AN OUTRAGE I TELL YOU!)
um
Now, I don't agree of disagree with anything on the rankings, thanks DNN for putting these together. Everyone moves around so much that it really doesn't matter. I'm sure BDD will move up again throughout the season as they play more games. But... Refs should probably refrain from referring to the league they ref on a "we", you know, cause they aren't on the team. Just sayin'.
your crusader for impartiality,
Dolly Rocket
Jet City?
As for teams you have your eye on, please tell that Jet City is one of them. I was very impressed with them at Wild West.
We mentioned Jet City in March release
Right here.
Generally, every month we mention 3 to 5 unranked teams who have done something in the previous month that made us take a longer look at them. Jet City didn't have a game in March, but we remain quite interested in their next bout. Our information has them playing Arch Rival in May at Milwaukee's Brewhaha event next, which should be a good data point.
PS Dear Jet City If the rest
PS Dear Jet City
If the rest of you play like CheerBleedHer, our newest transfer from youz guys, everyone can expect great things from you. We are very sorry for your loss, but then again your loss is our gain.
Love,
Dahmernatrix, San Diego Derby Dolls
muy impressed!
CheerBleedHer is a FORCE... glad she is a part of the SDDD now... sorry, Jet City =)
Go SDDD!
swoooon
Oh the pressure!
;)
LONDON BRAWLING FTW!
Correlation with breweries.
In the top ten, three are within a hundred miles or so from the Hamm's brewery. Two are near the Coors brewery. And one is near the Pabst brewery. Coincidence? I think not.
ahh! 2010, FTW.
I can't WAIT to see how things play out this season!
Both Rat & Oly played Madison recently, and the point spread was pretty interesting.
(Rat won by 75; Oly by 51)
I wish an Oly/Rat bout was in the near future...
Point spreads are pretty interesting
Both Rat & Oly played Philly recently, and the point spread was pretty interesting.
(Oly won by 66; Rat by 5)
I also wish an Oly/Rat bout was in the near future; in any event it will be settled (in some way) in September.
Philly-Dutchland
Was the Philly-Dutchland game open to the public? I didn't see any advance promotion whatsoever. Where was it played?
closed bout
Philly-Dutchland was a closed-sanctioned bout at the rink PRG practices at in Camden, NJ.
Thanks for the info, zombie
I thought Dutchland would have given Philly a better game, but I guess it's kind of like in baseball the difference between the majors and AAA ...
Was that really necessary?
Was that really necessary?
Huh?
I'm failing to see the inappropriateness of this statement. It looks pretty accurate to me. Making an analogy to similar stratification levels in other sports is hardly an insult to anybody.
Either way
We were happy with the outcome of the game. We were glad for the opportunity to play Philly, a top team in the nation, and a team that has been a mentor to us for years.
With all the 'blow out' discussion lately, it didn't feel like this was such a bad one. Sure, they beat us by 134 points but in looking at some other match ups there are teams that are considered to be more 'major league' league than us and suffered a similar fate. We gave a pretty good fight and will use the experience to continue to improve as our season progresses; we've scheduled a game just about every two weeks for the first 6 months of 2010 and this was only #3!
great bout
this was a great bout to watch. dutchland played really well and you can really see how far they've come. very strategic and excellent clean play.
but parking lot burritos won the day.
Congratulations Nashville and Atlanta!
So proud of our Southern sisters.
Thanks DNN! :-)
Thanks DNN! :-)
TX *2 KILL *3
TEXAS TEXAS KILL KILL KILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YIPPEEE!!!
Up and coming leagues are where's its at!! YEE HAW!
Embrace mainstream sports fans -- with their warts
Following up on my comment that sparked a bit of controversy (meant to nest this after DayGlo's comment above) ...
I live between Philly and Lancaster and have seen both PRG and Dutchland play in person. I have been impressed by both. I expect to be in Philly this Saturday night for the doubleheader -- very excited about PRG's move to an arena venue by the way -- and also plan to get back to see Dutchland play before too long.
Having seen both teams play, it was interesting to me and as I said, somewhat surprising, to see the result of the bout between them. Thanks to Justice for understanding that my baseball comparison was not meant to disparage Dutchland or diminish Philly. As DayGlo said there are many reasons a team will be on the losing end of a lopsided score. Scores, as we all know, particularly in an evolving sport like derby, are often not true measures of relative skill levels.
As to DayGlo's objection to my comment, I say this: As the derby fan base grows, there will be more and more fans -- like myself -- coming to derby who 1) are longtime fans of mainstream team sports -- baseball, football, etc. -- and 2) don't have personal relationships with skaters. These fans will tend to view derby, for better or worse, through the same prism as they view other sports. And they won't be concerned about hurting the feelings of skaters, coaches, and refs.
In other words, these new fans will behave like mainstream sports fans -- those who subsist on a steady diet of sports media. They will find DNN and other places derby fans congregate, and they will make their feelings known.
Participants in the sport -- skaters, coaches, refs, etc. -- may not like some aspects of these fans' behavior. If participants perceive unfair criticism, they can and should defend themselves and other participants against it.
However, participants are deluding themselves -- and DayGlo I'm not accusing you of this -- if they believe derby participants should be immune from such criticism. Instead, I recommend participants expect it and embrace it in the spirit in which it is offered -- in enthusiasm for the sport. Doing so will help the fan base grow -- which I presume is something the vast majority of participants wants. Or do they?
Going back to my original post, I want to touch on my disappointment in not being able to attend the Philly-Dutchland bout or even enjoy the anticipation. I do understand the need for occasional non-public competition in DIY sports. This was discussed at length not long ago on, I believe, the RollerDerbyIsSport Y! Group. Opportunities for non-public bouting should be evaluated in terms of their possible effect on the fan base and its potential growth. I'm sure participants are sensitive to this issue and ask that they remain so, evaluating potential impact on a case-by-case basis.
welcome mainstream sportsfans!
i agree with the above post. if we want to see this sport grow and be accepted by mainstream sports fans and media, we're going to have to step outside our bubble.
but, just as pro sports need to make decisions that make some fans unhappy (trading mcnabb announcement made some happy and some unhappy), we hope fans will understand that the issue of closed bouts is more of a taking care of business decision than anything. there is nothing in the world the skaters would rather have is the energy of the crowd during a bout, but sometimes a leauge has gotta do what they gotta do. its not the most popular choice for anyone.
so yay for an exciting bout in philly next week! in a real stadium--with real seats!
z
The best thing about non-public bouts...
...is the lack of mainstream sports fans. It's not that fans are bad, but putting together a full bout in a larger venue is hard work, and sometimes that work overshadows the fun. Sometimes people just want to play derby, without worrying about ticket sales or liquor licenses or security or finding enough volunteers or having to impress people so they'll come back. Sometimes they want a safe space to learn from a more experienced/skilled opponent, or regroup from personnel shake-ups, without the humiliation of having half the audience get bored and leave. Sometimes they miss the "old" days, when derby meant being among a few hundred friends and family members in some old 70s throwback of a rink. The great thing about derby being a DIY sport is that it's about the people on the track -- people who aren't being paid by some fatcat and going home to McMansions in the burbs (although maybe a few have earned that on their own), but who built something from the ground up. Skaters still have the autonomy to make their own decisions about who and where they want to play, and those decisions deserve respect.
As for "personal relationships" somehow making the sport a kinder, gentler place than it is now, anyone who has sent someone's mother, daughter, or wife to the penalty box knows better.
Wow.
The best thing about non-public bouts is the lack of mainstream sports fans.
I can't believe you said that. This is a pretty good example of doing the exact opposite of stepping outside of the bubble. Whether or not your larger point has merit (and I'm not saying that it does), you really couldn't do a much better job of turning away curious potential fans than by saying such a thing. Treating fans like a necessary evil is not really a path to derby's long-term success.
The bubble is strong
I'm surprised Justice that you find DayGlo's comments surprising. Without getting specific, I've met a lot of skaters and fans who prefer the smaller venues (under 2,000 and no seats). And don't want their sport to get bigger or wish their league would go back to a more intimate venue. I guess it brings up the question; just what is success? Is bigger always better?
Not the same thing.
Saying "I prefer playing in more intimate venues" is a heck of a lot different from saying "It's better when there are no fans."
I'm just a fan.
but I saw the Gotham Girls vs. Charm City and the Gotham Girls were so impressive it was a little intimidating to watch ... it seems like they brought there A game.
but I am just a spectator and I need to learn much more before I can speak intelligently about this.
Wow, yourself.
Way to take my comment out of the context that came with the sentences that followed it.
It's fairly telling that as the sport has grown, closed bouts have become a near-weekly occurrence. There are times when it just makes more sense to do things that way. It gives teams the opportunity to dig deeper into their rosters and develop emerging talent without the pressure of letting down fans who came to see a star skater. It takes less advance notice, less preparation, and less production time -- something that you, as a former ref for a league that plays in a venue with an Astroturf floor and an hours-long floor setup process, should understand wholeheartedly. Of course, it often takes less money as well, and that's hardly a bad thing. Regardless of the reason why leagues choose to play and host closed bouts, "by the skaters, for the skaters" might possibly rival "by day/by night" as the most overused derby catchphrase. That ethic is what differentiates derby from any other sport with more than a beer-league following, and being a fan means respecting it. Or it should, anyway.
(For the record, I really don't care about venue or crowd size myself. But I'm a ref, and no one's there to see me, so why should I?)
wow yourself, yourself
Really? Anyone who's dedicated serious, life-altering, volunteer time to this sport -- [namely: EVERY person reading this far down in a DNN thread] -- can literally 'not care' about venue or crowd size?
To a degree, I don't.
I think folks are not actually on terribly different pages here, but let me chime in anyway.
Let me be clear: For the record, I love and respect our fan base. I am glad they exist. Without them, we wouldn't. The newbies and the regulars who've been attending from day one (Hi, Dallas!) are inspiring and exciting and deserving of our respect.
And for the record, I qualify as someone who's dedicated serious, life-altering, volunteer time to this sport.
But sometimes, when the finance committee lady who was also reffing goes to the hospital because she was taken out accidentally during the bout, the place is about to burst over capacity, somehow the ticket vendor over-sold the online VIP seats, we're out of track tape, the food for the volunteers didn't show up, the sound system goes on the blink, yet another vital and appreciated volunteer burns out and quits, the venue gets snowed under and you have to mobilize an all-volunteer army to put the breaks on and get the word out, the economy takes out one of your sponsors...
...I just want to go back to me and nine other skaters in a roller rink with nobody watching and play the game.
No problem with private, closed bouts
I'm one of those fans who is only a fan -though i've followed flat track for awhile [Pink Pistols and Rat city first seasons] - and I am not 'turned off' by private bouts- quite the opposite - I totally respect and understand the need for private bouts - things happen there- are able to get worked out that make the sport better for everyone. also, I 've put on events myself [non-Derby] -- I can totally sympathize with the feeling that hey, sometimes it just gets in the way to put on a public event ... the people I've known in this sport do an incredible amount of work as it is to make these things happen ... all the power, deep gratitude and respect to you all.
i also like both the big arenas some of the teams are getting into, but also miss the smaller, intimate affairs and less uniform uniforms of a grundgier era ... it's a rocking sport all the way around, if you ask me ... and evolving fast. the level of play and improvement across all levels now is phenomenal - that's gotta be good. it's not bigger that's better, it's better that's better. OK, maybe i've had one too many shots ...
Here's the usual reasoning.
Great necr- I mean great post. Anyways, along with what you've said, private bouts tend to happen for one or more of three reasons.
One team (or both teams) REALLY needs to get a sanctioned bout. Perhaps they have a lengthy intraleague schedule that keeps their lights on and helps them pay for their full-time practice space. For them an intraleague bout means not paying travel comp to bring in another team. Twice as many familiar teams and local skaters skating has in the past been a way to improve turnout. That's probably changed in some places as fans become more aware of interleague derby. But in some places, it's still true.
One team or both REALLY want to play each other. But neither has a spot available when the other team can be there. Many interleague reps plan out their schedule once for the entire year (others do it more often, but have fewer options available). It could be a private bout like many of the ones you see today. They COULD also resort to an older/smaller venue that's a certain sellout, as Kansas City appeared to do to schedule TXRG back in early 2008
And then there's the last reason. High ranked team really needs another sanctioned bout, and low ranked or unranked team wants a "learning experience." This is likely to be a huge blowout. I'd rather they book the same kind of bout against someone closer to their level, but they may not be available.
There's an added bonus reason
There's an added bonus reason to support closed interleague bouts. It's proof that the sport is important to the contestants as a sport. The fact that games-that-count occur without an audience is proof that the game isn't a show concocted for the audience, or something that is solely about selling tickets.
This is a sport that uses the name of a sport that had questionable integrity (to say the least) for over 60 years. Unraveling that public perception of questionable integrity, particularly among the professional sports press, is the work of a generation. Any evidence that the sport goes on whether the public is there to see it or not, is another brick in building that wall of sports integrity.
All professional team sports had a linear progression of game integrity from their inception. Imagine how hard it would have been if all of basketball had been exhibitions like the Harlem Globtrotters for 60 years, and then suddenly a group of garage-band misfits decided to play it for reals.
Games-that-count, witnessed by a group composed entirely of friends and family, is a sort of proof that the sport takes precedence over ticket sales. Disappointed fans can use this information when they're talking to skeptical friends and co-workers.
Yes, but...
"There's an added bonus reason to support closed interleague bouts. It's proof that the sport is important to the contestants as a sport. The fact that games-that-count occur without an audience is proof that the game isn't a show concocted for the audience, or something that is solely about selling tickets."
While I agree with your overall statement, I do have a concern: What happens if "a tree falls in the forest & no one is there to see it go to the penalty box..."
Two teams going in and only coming out with a score doesn't seem to add to the legitimacy of the sport itself.
First off, those games are in
First off, those games are in the record books. All sanctioned games have stats that have to be turned in. There are always people present at those games as well, even if unconnected fans can't get in the door to see them. That's only different from fans who can't get in because a game sold out by a matter of degree.
Second, most games aren't seen by most people, not even most derby fans. There are a few hundred thousand paying derby fans out there maybe, and only a few thousand at the most see any given game. The same is true for most sports, which are witnessed mainly by people watching TV. Which brings me to...
Third, all closed games should be taped, and the video should find it's way to the dnn.blip.tv page so everyone can watch it. There's a process for that right now. Or they should be uploaded to a league's own video page. Just because there aren't bodies in the venue, doesn't mean people can't or shouldn't see what went on, and all games at this point should have someone recording them. Both for public view and for the teams to analyze the tapes and see how they can improve.
I'd argue that while you can learn some things by playing the game, you are often so involved in the moment you don't necessarily grasp what you're doing right/wrong or what the other team is doing right/wrong, and post game analysis is a crucial part of making the game better for your own team and the sport as a whole. So every game should be recorded, and any game that's recorded should be viewable on the 'net.
Video
Third, all closed games should be taped, and the video should find it's way to the dnn.blip.tv page so everyone can watch it. There's a process for that right now. Or they should be uploaded to a league's own video page. Just because there aren't bodies in the venue, doesn't mean people can't or shouldn't see what went on, and all games at this point should have someone recording them. Both for public view and for the teams to analyze the tapes and see how they can improve.
You reading this, Hurt?
Already on my list
I believe it's item 38 out of about 450.
A responsibility of the leagues
At the risk of sounding like a brown nose, those of us who follow derby via DNN know they're doing their best to bring the derby to the multitudes via video and textcast by just about any means at their disposal. However, it's also incumbent upon the leagues in their cities to do what they can to make their facility internet ready (are you reading Oly) and if possible be able to get a video production crew or some videographers to shoot derby. Takes more than one to tango in the derby boutcast scheme.
Oh, don't pick on Oly
We've done a good bit of investigating, and it is truly the case that reasonably priced high speed internet is simply not available there. Hardly unusual! Rinks tend to be off the beaten path a bit, often in commercial areas that a) aren't wired for cable and b) are remote enough from the phone CO that DSL won't work well. Furthermore, sheet metal construction typical of rinks is hell on wireless options.
Oly gets attention for this because everyone wants to see them! It's the price of awesome. They're not alone, though... for example, TXRG's in Denver in a week, and we're trying to figure out how to cover their Sunday bout against Rocky Mountain in RMRG's practice space. Same challenges. Rat City's practice venue was a serious challenge, too.
Folks, I'm telling ya: internet is hard.
Unaware
of the challenge of internet penetration. Not surprised that Oly would have a problem getting internet considering the location of their rink. Their awesomeness skates in the 12 point buck wilderness.
internet
I can attest to internet access being difficult. The Beast of The East was done with a wireless stick to a 3G network. 1.4 uploads in the morning and 0.40 with the crowds. Steady choppiness is ok to watch but outright drops in audio and video are a drag. I still think it's important to try and get access, than not try at all. Its a good exercise. :-)
Dr.Johnny Capote
Montreal
and
I got 10.01$ contributed to the boutcast funding. :-P
Please to contribute to videographer fund.
Thank you.
we share a brain.
we share a brain.
on that
Thank you.
we'd love to have our regular Tuff Nerd provide video, contact me if you're interested in making that happen for our championship game, and our tt games with Kansas City, Denver, Boston, Carolina, and San Diego....
I'm serious.
1 & 2 yes, 3 no.
And then there's the last reason. High ranked team really needs another sanctioned bout, and low ranked or unranked team wants a "learning experience." This is likely to be a huge blowout. I'd rather they book the same kind of bout against someone closer to their level, but they may not be available.
There is no experience that better puts a spotlight on consistent gaps in your skill or strategy than getting your ass handed to you on a platter (*ahem* philly, gotham. thanks!). I mean, you can sort of get that experience from closer matches, but its not the same.
With blow you see the consistent failures on your part, as well as strengths and strategies the other team is using that kill you. Every jam you lose its almost always for the same reason; you don't even need to watch the bout footage to figure it out. As soon as our Philly game ended, I had a list of a couple things that were clear weaknesses on our behalf (and strengths on theirs) that we needed to do something about immediately.
Ultimately, its totally cool to have these types of games in private or public, but losing is the path to winning for some people.
For the record, I do watch referees
(For the record, I really don't care about venue or crowd size myself. But I'm a ref, and no one's there to see me, so why should I?)
For the record, like it or not, some times I *do* go to a bout to watch the referees. There are three kinds of referees:
1) Those that are so new or incompetent they affect the game. As a strategist, it is helpful to observe that and make plans on mitigating their affect on bouts. Knowing how a particular referee crew works (or doesn't work) and how they are at home versus away is something especially younger, less experienced leagues, should recognize and learn to manage.
2) Those that are proficient and call games well and tight. They often become invisible and blend into the background.
3) Those that are so proficient, they become officiating idols in and of themselves. It is really a joy to watch a very competent referee chaos-manage a pack and jam situations. It is thrilling to go to a bout with next to no official time outs because the head ref and wranglers have the 4th minor trips down to a science.
Fans do watch referees. I completely understand the lack of performance pressure on non-public official bouts and how that can be a good thing. But since you, DayGlo, are one of the referees I enjoy watching, I really have to take exception to your argument that no one is ever there to see you. It's fine you don't care about venue size and crowd. I think you don't care about it because you're such a fine official, it never changes your "performance" in a bout.
As an announcer, I have an
As an announcer, I have an eye on the refs every game I work, and can appreciate the ones that put their heart and soul into it. Great refs make my job easier, and let me have more fun. A big yay for great refs.
As a sports fan, I can say the same thing about spectator sports, too. I can watch a good hockey game and be aware of a good ref as much as I can be aware of a bad one.
As an announcer, the thing
As an announcer, the thing that defines "good referee" to me is a jammer ref who, when hearing me say "...and Tartelette is through the pack but she is NOT your lead jammer...looks like she...uh..." will then shoot me the appropriate penalty signal so i can complete my thought -- although i suppose, in the big picture, that's probably a relatively trivial aspect of reffing.
not just for announcers!
As an announcer, the thing that defines "good referee" to me is a jammer ref who, when hearing me say "...and Tartelette is through the pack but she is NOT your lead jammer...looks like she...uh..." will then shoot me the appropriate penalty signal so i can complete my thought -- although i suppose, in the big picture, that's probably a relatively trivial aspect of reffing.
I wouldn't say it is trivial at all, because clear reffing really helps fans understand what's going on on the track. With all the action plus the added delay that sometimes exists, fans are not always able to understand why a skater is sent off. And while our amazing announcers try their best to share what information they have about the action, I know not every venue has the best sound system, so fans may not even HEAR what is being said. My favorite "good referee" practice is signaling that jammer penalty during the time she leaves the pack till she approaches to start scoring because when I'm jamming I like to know what I did to make myself ineligible for lead, and a quick glance at my ref is less distracting than having to ask, "What did I do?" while skating.
Also, as a boutcaster I LOVE it when refs are very clear with their hand signals so I can either pass that info along to those reading online.
Tsk tsk, DayGlo
(For the record, I really don't care about venue or crowd size myself. But I'm a ref, and no one's there to see me, so why should I?)
I was there this weekend to see you. Along with the four fine teams playing, Rinxter, and even my downstate extended family with their funny accents.
I'd have yelled out your name a few more times, but I was in Brooklyn. I couldn't just assume that everyone sitting around me with dark hair and a prominent nose was Jewish. It occurred to me that my yelling out "DayGlo!" might have been mistaken for another word that starts with D and rhymes with "Faygo."
The Schwartz was also with you?
You could have said hi, at which point I would have subjected you to "Spaceballs" references like the above.
Closed-to-Public Bouts
Speaking to this specific instance, our original League schedule called for home team doubleheader games on the first Saturdays of February, March, April, etc.
Staging a full-scale, travel team bout at our original venue that weekend would have been (a) prohibitively expensive, (b) physically regrettable and (c) logistically impossible, in that the venue was not available.
The Closed, Sanctioned bout with one of our very favorite neighbor leagues not only enabled both leagues to check off a necessary regional requirement, but allowed our B teams to scrimmage immediately afterward.
A good time was had by all, lessons were learned (on both sides) and no one lost money. Awesome.
Compliment
I'll take it as a compliment that the outcome surprised you! Honestly I'm still surprised at the evolution of my team in the past year. Dutchland was on a winning streak from June and breaking it at the hands of the Liberty Belles was a-ok in my book.
I agree with everything that was mentioned about closed bouts. I can see how it's disappointing to fans but at the same time Zombie and Day Glo covered it well describing the advantages and sometimes necessity of having a low-key event.
Dutchland plays Steel City on April 17th in Pittsburgh and that game is both open to the public and for speculation about the outcome ;)
Not fair. Its possible to love the sport...
... and not care about being a star. I can honestly say that I would love roller derby just as much if we were more like soccer: practice constantly, play every weekend, and only the very very very best & brightest go on to bright lights and arena crowds.
My 7 year anniversary is coming up in July and I admit that the committee meetings, delicate diplomacy & volunteer politics are on my short list of Things About Derby I Could Live Without. I don't mind working really hard all the time, but I imagine that if we were more like other sports and only the very top 10% of the best played for audiences made up of more than their immediate family, all that production that requires all that work: mostly gone.
That said, I like the inclusiveness of our sport and how everyone has their chance to be a star. Its fun playing in massive venues for screaming - or booing! - fans. I got a huge kick out of playing in Cincy's arena, especially after I heard who else played there. That makes my team practically related to KISS! So I'm not saying "Fuck the fans!" or anything like that.
Just saying that playing roller derby is fun whether anyone is watching or not, and sometimes - only sometimes - I wonder if it could be even more fun if we didn't have the added pressure of event production and ticket sales.
Yeah, what she said.
So very well.
Thank you...
for saying what I was *trying* to say.
(Semi-embarrassing derby moment: When I reffed Charlotte Rollergirls' first ever bout at Cricket Arena, I made a point of visiting and using every single dressing room just so I could say I used the same dressing room as Elvis.)
Also
to Hambone: the couple of years of Sin City Rollergirls playing everyone everyone everyone (2005-6) before interleague was the staple for every league that it is now: that was among the best time I ever had in my life, ever. And no one EVER came to our games. One time Carolina Rollergirls brought more fans to our Vegas bout than we did (kind of embarrassing but true). Another time our venue cancelled us for a hockey game the day of the bout we had scheduled with Big Easy so we moved back outside to play the game... then it snowed. In Las Vegas.
Fan or no fans, venue or not very good venue, that was the Greatest Season of My Life So Far. Super fucking fun.
Forgot this wasn't facebook for a moment...
but I just wanted to "like" this post.
Can't understand why Boston drops 3 spots...
Granted, Carolina gave Boston a much tougher time than the final score suggests...but I don't understand why Boston slips 3 spots this month. Perhaps there are a couple things that DNN has neglected in their analysis...
a) No fewer than three Boston Massacre skaters (Britknee Breaker, Lil' Paine, Anita Bangher) played in the BDD league bout that concluded immediately before the Boston v. Carolina bout began.
b) Not to take anything away from the underrated Providence team (which could well break into the top-25 before the season ends), but Carolina was playing their second bout in 24 hours. Carolina jumped out to a huge lead in the first half and, unsuprisingly, fell victim to fatigue down the stretch.
And let's not forget that Boston (albeit *with* key pivot/blocker Shellby Shattered - now out due to a broken ankle) did beat Providence by a triple-digit margin in February - an outcome that did not impress DNN.
I'm not sure who you are by
I'm not sure who you are by your user name, so idk if you were one of the people at the PRD/CRG bout. I was there, and I definitely do not agree with the statement that Providence only caught up because Carolina "fell victim to fatigue".
For some reason, I've noticed this trend of people saying, "oh well that was the 2nd bout in a weekend so clearly they're tired and that's why they didn't perform as well" but no one bats an eye at our 3-4 game tournaments. Carolina has been to every regional to date, and every national tourney through 2008 with many (most?) of the skaters they had this weekend. Multibout weekends are not new to them. They've traveled a lot, and in general they're a really good team.
This was the fifth time the two teams have played each other since 2006. The Providence team has changed a lot since then, and has been developing with leaps and bounds over the past year-ish. The difference between the first period and the second period was regrouping during halftime. Providence identified who they needed to mark, tweaked their strategy, and made some goals. In the second period it was very clear they clamped down on the defense, capitalized on power jams, and it payed off.
I realize this has nothing to do with the point of your post, and sorry for being tangential. I just can't get on board with the idea that the outcome of that game was because of fatigue. That's a serious disservice to both a very experienced Carolina and Providence's ability to adjust to their opponents.
I Concur
I have to say that I agree, and more so in a general sense.
I think that rankings shouldn't be affected by excuses.
A team wins or loses with what they can bring to the track. If they have the greatest skater in the country, but she can't play in important games, then do they really deserve a higher rank? If a team made a schedule where they played 3 games in three days, should the third game "not really count" if they lose?
I think it's unfair to a team to adjust rankings based on issues that did not happen on the track.
That is, of course, only my opinion.
I swear I'm not splitting hairs.
We're talking about different things.
This isn't a "who you have on game day is your team, no excuses"/"booking a tiring schedule isn't an excuse for poor performance" argument that even I've agreed with before.
Having witnessed the game and being very familiar with the abilities of both teams (played with PRD for three seasons before transferring to my current league BDD; played against Carolina seven times) I can say the score was close for three reasons:
1. The teams know each other very well
2a. Carolina brought their A game.
2b. Providence brought their A game.
Tada, good* derby. Nothing complicated about it.
*by good I mean screaming-wildly-and-waving-your-hands-in-the-air-holy-crap good.
Power rankings
I, too, was surprised at Boston's drop in the most recent power rankings, but to give DNN credit, no derby ranking system that I know of is more accurate. I assume that the folks at DNN had to account for the shift in power to the Western teams. Madison moved up the power rankings even after 2 recent losses to Oly and Rat City.
Madison, IMHO, has been consistently underrated. Their recent rise may be due to their decent showing against 2 top ten teams. It makes sense to schedule teams ranked above you and if you win-instant credibility, if you don't get blown out it shows you can compete with the best and results in a gain in respect or at the worst, no loss of respect.
In the end, if teams take care of business (beat teams at their level or higher) they will move up the rankings. Boston has Philly, Oly, Denver, Gotham, Rose City, Windy City, Madison, Montreal and Charm scheduled in the next few months. That'll provide plenty of data to position teams accordingly.
The loss or gain of a few spots in these rankings doesn't mean much this early in the season. I really think DNN is extremely sensitive to the fairness issue and that's all anyone can ask.
Don't lose sight of the fact that there is more interplay among the top all star teams from all over the country despite the recession. I've seen Texas, Duke City, Rocky Mountain, Philly, Charm and Carolina in just the past year at Swiner's Auditorium in beautiful downtown Wilmington, Massachusetts. With all the great bouts coming up, there will be plenty of opportunities to get your derby fix.
All I know for sure is it's a good time to be a roller derby fan.
Wins = "slide?"
I understand the reasoning behind Boston's drop, but think it's an, um, interesting choice of words to call wins against lower-ranked teams a "slide." Particularly when you're the ones creating the slide.
Fair critique
We can find a more appropriate way to describe that type of ranking decision in the future.
This weekend & rankings
All & all, I firmly stand behind the ranking system created by DNN. We must all remember that the ranking system is based on not only wins and losses, but rather who would win if teams met the next day.
On a side note, this weekend should really help create more top seed stats for the ranking..Boston vs Philly, Charm vs Oly & Rose City and many more top team s battling it out. This is one of those weekends I wish i could be in more than one place at a time....or at my home watching DNN...
An extra shout out to CONN & Providence as they take on London Brawling this Sat & Sun.
Derby Love,
Rev Al Mighty