The Atlanta Rollergirls are thrilled to be sending three skaters, one official, and one of our favorite announcers to the Blood and Thunder Roller Derby World Cup this week in Dallas, TX! Wild Cherri and Baller Shot Caller will be skating for Team USA, and Nattie Long Legs will represent her native country with Team Canada. The amazing Rage Appropriate will officiate, while Sweet Willy T-Bag lends his commanding voice to calling the action on the track. We spoke to Rage about what she expects from her first World Cup this year.
Rage Appropriate (Photo: Tim Moxley)
How did you get your start with officiating and what do you love about it? I got into derby in 2010 with the intention of trying out as a skater. I injured a hamstring right before the try-outs, and someone suggested that I help out the officials while waiting for the next round. The rest is history. I just completed my fourth season officiating, and I’m a Level 3 certified referee. As an official, I get the chance to travel to various tournaments all over the country. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and visit some fun and some not so fun places!
Is this your first World Cup, and how did you feel when you found out you had been selected?This will be my first World Cup. I was shocked when I found out (months ago) that I had been selected, and really, really excited. I had the opportunity to referee a lot of international games at the Beach Brawl tournament last year, and really enjoyed it!
Photo: O-Jen Ishii Photography
Do you anticipate differences between officiating the World Cup and regular bouts? Not too many. Though some of the earlier bouts will consist of 2- 20 minute periods instead of 2-30 minute periods. There isn’t much of a language barrier when working international bouts since all skaters are trained to listen for color, number, and penalty, but I do find myself trying to be a little louder and a little clearer.
Do you have a pre-bout ritual? Tournaments are crazy because we officiate several games a day. I’ll be getting as much rest as I can between games, trying to eat the right foods to keep my energy regulated, and warming up with some yoga stretches right before I gear up.
Look for Rage and all our ARG World Cup celebrities this week. You can watch all four days live by clicking here to buy a pass!
