WSR in the Media
However true that may be, anyone interested in the sport will have the chance to learn more when the roller-derby league opens its ranks to some "fresh meat".
"Fresh meat" is the inauspicious name given to new recruits and the league will host a meet-and-greet for anyone who has considered lacing-up their skates for a bout.
Gemma Baker, aka Carmen Kissitt, of Werrington Downs, took up the sport in April.
"I'd wanted to join a league for some time but was afraid to sign up without a friend," the 26-year-old said. "When they didn't want to join because it wasn't for them, I went to an endurance-training session to see what it was all about and immediately felt like I'd come home and this was where I belonged."
Matthew "Smasharazzi" Sherwood, of the league's media team, said roller derby was an over-18s women-only sport but lots of men joined as referees and coaches.
Register at the Peach Tree Hotel, 54 Peachtree Road, Penrith, on Saturday, July 30, 11am to 2pm.
Details: freshmeat@westernsydney rollers.com.
Angie Ready To Rock with The Rollers
By STACY THOMAS - Mt Druitt St Marys Standard 27th July 2011
DON'T be fooled by the angelic face. Angie Hill is "fresh meat" (a new member) with the Western Sydney Rollers and she can't wait to "smash" her opponents.
While she is yet to settle on a derby name and is still learning the ropes, she wants more to put their name down on Saturday.
The information and registration day is at the Peachtree Hotel, Penrith, from 11am to 2pm.
Even if you can't skate, the derby crew is teeming with willing teachers.
Those who join "fresh meat" range from experienced skaters to those who have never put on a pair of skates.
Trainers and coaches teach new members how to skate, how to fall without injury and how to build fitness, flexibility and stamina.
Skaters must be aged at least 18. If you're unable to make it there, email freshmeat@westernsydneyrollers.com.
Western Sydney Rollers' next event is at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Saturday, August 6, where the WSR Boutlaws take on the Sydney Roller Derby Leagues DViants. For more details, go to: westernsydneyrollers.com.
Get skates on and join the Western Sydney Rollers
By CHRIS GEORGAKOPOULOS - Penrith Press 29th July
Gemma Baker shows her style. Picture: TIM CLAPIN
GEMMA Baker is urging fellow women to join the Western Sydney Rollers.
Baker, 26, of Werrington Downs, joined the roller derby club in April and fell in love with the sport.
Roller derby is a full-contact all-female quad rollerskating sport.
The game is played by two teams of five, with the aim of a bout being for the "jammer" of each team to lap the members of the opposing team.
The remaining players, or blockers, try to stop the jammer with their bodies in strategic and often brutal blocks.
Baker said roller derby was a great way of staying fit.
"It's good for your legs because it tones you up," she said.
"It doesn't feel like exercise until the next day.
"It's also about core muscles, so it makes you very fit."
The mother of one also says it is a great way to do something for yourself.
"I just wanted to do something different as I have a boring office job and have a two-year-old child and really just wanted to do something for myself," she said.
"It's not the usual sport you do but there is a great group of people there and it is a lot of fun.
"You do a lot of training before you can compete and it is quite intense."
Western Sydney Rollers will hold a "fresh meat intake" at the Peachtree Hotel from 11am to 2pm tomorrow. For details email freshmeat@westernsydneyrollers.com