Let's face it. We were all there once.
Each and every vet skater started as Fresh Meat. They looked up to
someone else on the league and at some moment were immensely proud of
the first time they made it through a practice without falling!
As a vet, you are a role model, you may
even be a hero to one of those girls. They look up to you, admire you
and may even envy you. I know, you didn't sign up for all that, you
just wanted to skate and have a little fun. So, how do you go about
being a good role model for your team?
Never forget for one minute that they
are doing the best they can with the information and skill level they
have. There are very few girls who make it to the scrimmage or bout
eligible level that don't give it at least 100%. We all struggled in
the beginning. Remember how hard your first scrimmage was? Keeping
track of the inside line? How do you do that when 4 other girls are
trying to hit you. And jammers....how are you supposed to keep track
of them too? It's an instant case of A.D.D. Remember how frustrated
you felt not being able to keep up? Hopefully you don't, but if you
were like me and most every roller girl I have ever met, the first
year was a year of self flagellation. I never walked away from a
scrimmage night feeling like I was a help to anyone.
Now flash forward to your first bout.
How many times did you get to play in each period? Once? Twice? And
out of those few times, how effective did you think you were?
Again...beating yourself up because you couldn't be better for your
team, or your own ideals. But you were doing the best you could with
all of your newly learned skills.
No one excels at new skills on the
first try. And roller derby is certainly no exception. Try, try and
try again and once you get something they will toss a whole new set
of skills at you. You are not only trying to master new skills but
wearing 8 wheels on your feet! It's hard.
Each time you take the track with your
new team mates, it's your duty to make them feel welcome, wanted and
guide them. Give them everything you ever wanted to receive when you
were in shoes (or skates). They deserve your patience and praise. I would be inhuman if I expected you to never get frustrated with people when they maybe just don't seem to be getting it just as fast as you want. But being hard on them won't help. Notice when they cross a landmark and let them know you noticed. If
your league has lots of newbies, make an effort to try and work with
or at least talk to each one at different practices. Ask them how
they are doing. Even if you aren't a coach there is something you can
share with them. Maybe they are really struggling with snow plows and
you can offer that one trick that really helped you nail them once
and for all.
Be attentive, supportive, a good and
true friend and mentor. Lead by example and don't skimp on the
praise.
Now go play some roller derby!
Halle PAIN Yo
