Roller Derby Ref – Rae-Zor Lite
Roller Derby Ref – Rae-Zor Lite
Derby Name:
Rae-Zor Lite
Derby Team:
Hulls Angels Roller Dames (HARD)
Occupation:
Tutor (in Further Education)
How long have you been involved in Roller Derby?
Since September 2010
Why did you get involved in roller derby?
My friend, Tricky Barmby, dragged me along to the first practice of HARD and I’ve pretty much been to every practice and event since. I love derby and I love to skate but I came to favour officiating over being a rollergirl so I switched to become a ref.
Where did your nick name come from?
My middle name is Rae and my nick-name is a play on the band name Razorlight and because it’s like a lite version of some well-known referees called Razor.
What is your favourite part about being part of Roller Derby?
All of it! My league is like an extra family and then we have extended family all over the UK and even around the world! It keeps you fit, makes you stronger and gives you motivation.
How did you learn what you needed to do your role?
I’d been skating for a year and NSOing a lot so I already had my skating skills and knowledge of the game in place. Being a baby zebra meant a lot of learning the rules and practising calling numbers, hand signals and penalties, which is a lot harder than it looks. I learned by doing every NSO position I could, watching bouts live and online, shadowing experienced refs, asking lots of questions and joining forums for discussions and advice. Personally, I learned to suck it up and take feedback and be willing to improve – much better than when I was a skater – and it’s done me a world of good!
Any top tips for those that want to be Refs?
Be prepared to be impartial. Be confident about your knowledge of the game so you can stand by your calls. Watch and listen to experienced referees/ officials, skaters and coaches and be ready to note down your observations or questions so you can discuss them later. Respect the knowledge and experience of these people as you will learn from them.
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