Come out to the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls this Saturday Nov. 5 to support the local Baby Dollz roller derby team as they take on the Iowa City Bruisers.

The Sioux Falls Roller Derby League has two major branches of skaters; the Roller Dollz and the Roller Babes. The Baby Dollz are the junior league ages 5-17, and the Roller Dollz are the adult league ages 17+.  In Roller Derby, skaters work together to get their “jammer” through a group of “blockers.” The “jammer” is essentially a human ball, and the “blockers” are the human goal lines. Roller Derby is extremely competitive and requires more aggressiveness than football and hockey combined.

The Sioux Falls league is comprised of mostly girls; however, Roller Derby is, by nature, inclusive. Therefore, all genders are allowed to participate. Inclusion is only one facet of the spectacular culture found in Sioux Falls Roller Derby.

“Respect is definitely important,” said Emma “Adremmalyn” Nelson, a senior baby doll. “We try to make derby a place where everyone can feel like they belong and are accepted for who they are.”

As is with most competitive sports, drama is a daily struggle. However, the coaches of Roller Dollz make it a priority to avoid it. There is a Roller Dollz Rules of Conduct, which states that under no circumstance will there be any talking behind people’s backs, shaming or drama of any kind.

“Basically, it is a big family,” said Emma “Emma C Hammer”  Meinjohans, another senior roller doll. “They support you with everything, and have your back. Roller Derby makes me feel bad*** and like I belong.”

Moreover, the heart of the Roller Dollz environment is fun. The skaters get to work with a group of friends to do something they all enjoy. Due to the structure of Sioux Falls Roller Derby, the younger members have amazing role models to look up to.

“Emma Nelson and Emma Meinjohans are really good role models,” said Delaney “Death Rae” Rae, a second year skater. “They are really helpful, nice and accept who you are.”