Roller Derby bouts take a LOT of work and requires the support of many individuals to create a fun and memorable event. In this feature, we would like to spotlight a few of the people that lend a helping hand to our team and in turn make this whole thing possible.
Our volunteers, or Non-Skating Officials (NSOs) as they are called in the derby world, work tables, help set-up and break-down the event, take stats, announce and much, much more. Keep reading to meet a few of our long-term NSOs, hear about some of the jobs they do and why they keep coming back for more.
Name: Kimberly “Lilly Red Corvette” Pickel
How many years have you been volunteering?
I have been a volunteer for 7 straight years (to the best of my knowledge). I first attended a game on the invitation from a friend. I did not appreciate the sport until I got to know skaters personally. I admire their dedication to themselves, their teams, and the sport. My first year was working the demographics table. I really enjoyed greeting fans, dressing in fabulous costumes, and answering questions about the sport. I felt like I was contributing to the team. I love it when fans returned to the games.
What do you typically do for us?
I serve as Head NSO. (The Head NSO oversees the NSOs and completes all the paperwork for a bout. This includes statistics on each jam, each player, and each penalty. The NSO positions that the Head NSO oversees include Penalty Tracker, Penalty Box Officials, Jam Timer, Scorekeeper, Score Board Operator, and Inside Whiteboard.)
How did you learn about Hard Knox Roller Girls?
I was invited by a friend to watch a game.
What keeps you coming back/What is your favorite part of working with us?
I love the camaraderie among volunteers and skaters in roller derby. I respect the athleticism and dedication of the skaters themselves, to their their team and to the sport overall. The fact that HKRG is a charitable organization to the local community is icing on the cake.
Do you have any thing you would like to say to readers?
I love to tell people about HKRG and encourage them to attend games. I am very proud of our team and what we represent: strong women who participate in a physically challenging sport who also contribute to our local community.
Name: David “Triple D” Lockett
How many years have you been volunteering?
About 8 years
What do you typically do for us?
I do lineup tracking. I’ve been in the same seat for 8 years now. The line up tracker is responsible for writing down the players in each jam. This is used for bout statistics.
How did you learn about Hard Knox Roller Girls?
Axel Rotten told me about it. I was at the first regular bout in the Coliseum and have never missed a home bout since.
What keeps you coming back/What is your favorite part of working with us?
I love the family atmosphere and how Hard Knox lets me be a part of it.
Do you have any thing you would like to say to readers?
Anyone who has never been to roller derby needs to come out just one time. You will be a fan for life. HKRG for life!
Name: Michael “Axel Rotten” Gifford
How many years have you been volunteering?
I started volunteering in 2011, so 8 years now.
What do you typically do for us?
I’ve held many jobs for Hard Knox. First, I started out as security for the team. I was a line-up tracker for a couple seasons, a bench coach for one season and a turn coach for about two seasons. Turn coaches need to relay information back and forth from the bench to the track (and I have the ability to yell loudly). Now, I’m back as security again and the bench coach for one of the three home teams, the Black Betty’s (Bam Ba Lam!).
How did you learn about Hard Knox Roller Girls?
I saw a story on one of the news stations that had a picture of Goblynn, a former skater. HKRG was having a free exhibition match at the coliseum (the first bout they had there). I brought the family thinking my daughter might like it. I ended up getting hooked instead. I had face paint on for that bout (and every bout for the next 7 years).
What keeps you coming back/What is your favorite part of working with us?
The thing that keeps me coming back is the skaters. They treat me and Spoiled Rotten like family, and I think it says a lot about the girls. My favorite part of working with the league is the same thing that keeps me coming back. Skaters come and go, and we still get treated the same. It is like a transition when you add new family members (in-laws), and that is something you don’t find everywhere. The league has opened its arms to my grandkids as well.
Do you have any thing you would like to say to readers?
I have an interesting story to share about my life in derby. In 2010, when HKRG went to regionals in Nebraska, Triple D and I took a massive road trip to support the team. We rented a car and drove to Lincoln, Nebraska (~900 miles). While there and enjoying the escapades that was the regional tournament, the team opened up their arms even more. They took us with them to eat dinners and to the after parties. We got invited to watch some game tape with them afterwards also. At that moment, I wanted to bench coach. This has been an epic 10-year journey, and I hope I am able to continue this journey for a long time. HK RG!
Thank you for sharing your HKRG experiences with us. I want to send a shout out to our other volunteers. Take a gander at a few pictures of our volunteers this past season. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you all for your support this year, in the past, and all your future support! If you are interested in volunteering with Hard Knox, hit us up on September 21 at our last home bout for the season or send us an email through the Contact Us link on our website. See y’all soon!