The Mississippi Rollergirls Mission Statement:
The Mississippi Rollergirls, LLC., (MSRG) strives to provide a safe, family-friendly environment and foster team support to all of our 100-plus sister leagues across the US, and now the world (Canada, Mexico, Europe, New Zeland, etc.). MSRG promotes female empowerment and diversity, as well as respect for the only full contact sport for women. Our skaters adhere to a skater-approved code of conduct which encourages standards to uplift us as an organization and show good sportsmanship, allowing us to be the best we can be -- on and off the floor. MSRG women also support local outreach programs, projects and non-profit organizations, giving back to the communities that we call home.

Our Foundation:
MSRG is Mississippi's first -- and the Gulf Coast's only -- women's flat track derby league. Coast native Vikki Sixx formed the league (a.k.a. MSRG) in April 2006 after her return home from Dayton, Ohio. While living there, she had become involved with the Gem City Rollergirls. After returning to the Coast, she found that derby fever had not yet made its presence known. Out of her passion, The Mississippi Rollergirls was born.

Organization:
MSRG is comprised of women from across the Coast - strong, determined women. It is skater owned and operated, with all major decision making facilitated by an annually elected Board of Directors and 12 committees. Those elected represent each MSRG skater's best interest, as well as the league's best interests. Every skater has a vote.

MSRG is a growing organization and we currently have one All-Star/Away Team, The Hurricane Harlots. As our league grows, teams will be formed within the league, bouting it out during the derby season. The very best of each team will then come together as our All Stars/Away Team, bouting against teams such as the Big Easy Roller Girls (NOLA) and the Tragic City Rollergirls (Birmingham).

Demographics:
MSRG ladies come from every walk of life... we are teachers, scientists, artists, promoters, entreprenuers ... we are students, lab technicians, stay-at-home moms and musicians. We range in age from 20 to 40 and have varying interests in life. Some of us started not in the best of shape, with little or no experience on skates. But what we have in common is a love for the sport, and the spirit of true competitors.

Life Transformations:
Derby girls are known for the addiction to the game... get a group of us together and invariably the topics all seem to come back to one subject -- the game. But beyond obsession, derby has taken many a shy girl and transformed her into a confident woman. We invite you to email any of our girls and ask them about their "derby transformation". Each will gladly tell you their life will never be the same again -- and they are glad for it!

Needs:
MSRG is always searching for players, officials, coaches, volunteers and sponsors. Players and officials must skate, and maintain a good attendance record. Volunteers (on or off skates) are always needed, and we welcome anyone - male of female - who wants derby to be a part of their life. We need people for bout set up crews, cheerleaders, announcers, entertainment, graphic designers, artists, mascots, photographers, medical professionals, score keepers, etc. If you want to help out and think you have something to offer please shoot us a line at volunteer@mississippirollergirls.com.

Of course none of this really works without sponsorship and we very much appreciate all of our supporters! Sponsors help leagues get up on their skates -- start-up costs for rookie leagues can reach epic proportions. We have several sponsorship tiers to fit the budget of any sponsor. If you or your business would like to sponsor our great ladies, please contact us at sponsor@mississippirollergirls.com .

Roller Derby Facts:
Q. So.. really... is Roller Derby real... isn't it just a show???
A. Yes, derby is real! It is a genuine athletic competition that requires skill, athletics, strategy, agility, speed, and strength. And as if that wasn't enough, the sport requires that you be good at taking a hard hit here and there. We live for our sport, not for a show. But attending a bout can truly be an amazing event!


Q. How do I Join?
A. We are currently having open enrollment to build a strong league foundation. After we reach our goal, tryouts will be held every three months. We just have a few requirements:

-You must be female
-You must be at least 18
-You must have current health insurance (low-cost catastrophic insurance is acceptable)
-You must be able to maintain a good attendance record
-You must supply your own gear (quads, helmet, pads, mouth guard)
-You must be able to pay dues each month
-You must be a team player

and best of all...
-You must be tough as nails!

If you would like to join please contact us at recruits@mississippirollergirls.com.


Q. Can I get hurt?
Yes, this is a full contact sport. Injuries do happen, but we try to make it as safe as possible for our skaters, staff, and fans alike. We strictly enforce the wearing of safety gear, fair -- not dirty -- play, and every skater is required to learn HOW to fall and HOW to dodge a hit before her wheels ever touch a bout floor. For the most part, injuries are minor (sprains, pulled muscles), but there are no guarantees. While we cannot ensure that every skater will never get hurt, safety is a top priority. After all, injured players cannot PLAY!

Q. How do I play?
A. This is the short of it...
-There are two teams on the track at once
-Each team has no more than five skaters on the track
-The teams are made up of one pivot, three blockers, and one jammer
-Pivots wear a stripe on their helmets
-Jammers wear a star on each side of their helmets



Glossary:
Pivot:
Determines that pace at which the pack skates. She is the last in the line of defense for her team. She can relieve the jammer if the star helmet cover is passed to her.

Blocker:
Works with other two other blockers on her team and their pivot to move their jammer through the pack -- while at the same time preventing the opposing team's jammer from passing through.

Jammer:
Scores the points for her team. Starts bout 20 feet behind the pack. Must skate through entire pack once before she can start racking points. For each skater of the opposing team she passes legally/in bounds, she earns a point for her team. Lead jammers are as it states -- in the lead. They have the
unique power to stop the jam anytime before the two minute whistle if they so choose. If she laps the opposing jammer, it is called "A Grand Slam", and her points are doubled.

Bout:
The game. Consists of two teams of five players each, with three 20 minute periods or two 30 minute periods. An unlimited number of jams can happen in any period. Each jam can last up to two minutes. After each jam is over, the teams have 20 seconds to get in formation for the next jam. If a skater is missing when the 20 seconds are up, her team just skates with one less player.

The Game:
- Each jam begins with one whistle to start the pack and a delayed second double whistle to start the jammers.
- Four whistles means the jam has ended.
- A jam can end because a) time ran out or b) the lead jammer called off the jam. The lead jammer is the first jammer that can make it through the pack inbounds and without any penalties. Then, without incident, the lead jammer can call off a jam at any time -- usually to prevent the opposing team's jammer from scoring further points. This is signaled by placing her hands on her hips.

Illegal Moves:
Grabbing or the use of hands
Blocking with forearms
Tripping, kicking, or blocking with feet or legs
Hitting from behind
Pushing, shoving, punching or holding
Swinging elbows
Blocking with the head
Blocking a jammer while twenty feet ahead or behind the pack

For a more detailed account of the game please go to www.wftda.com or view this video by the Gem City Roller Girls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8izdlc-dY