Dan's Papers - April 4, 2008

With the popularity of A&E's 2006 show "Rollergirls," women's roller derby has enjoyed a renaissance in the United States over the past few years.

Living in the shadows of New York City, which boasts the well-known Gotham Girls, Long Island got its own league three years ago in the form of the Roller Rebels, which brought derby back to the Long Island for the first time since the 1970s.

But is the East End ready to take part in Long Island's roller derby mania?

Sure, one of the three teams that make up the Roller Rebels is called the East End Ladies of Laceration, but none of the girls are from anywhere further east than Holbrook. And the league has never held a bout or practice outside Nassau County.

"Long Island is like a state in itself," said Carrie Goldstein, who goes by the moniker "Kosher Kaos" whenever she dons her skates. "It's so big. We'd love to get girls from out [east] in our league. But it's hard getting people from that far out."

Skater Karyn "Regine Bull" Konzet said the Roller Rebels are at a disadvantage not being based around a city like other leagues. "We're an island that's about 120 miles long," she said. "It's hard to find a place that's good for everyone. Even if you meet in the middle, it's hard for some people to get there. We like to have solidarity, all of us coming from Long Island, but it's hard to find a mid-point."

It's also difficult to find a venue that will permit roller derby, said the league's founder, Lauren Madonia, better known as "Captain Morgan." But, if you invite them, the Roller Rebels are more than willing to go anywhere for an exhibition match.

The Roller Rebels, a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, had to overcome many obstacles to get where they are today.

Founded in August 2005, at first they were just a small group of girls in knee socks skating around tennis courts. None of them knew much about roller derby. At the very first meeting, Madonia even asked, "Where's the ball?"

Eventually they learned the rules, honing their skills along the way. They adopted a more professional, yet still very independent and DIY approach to the sport, registering the league as a business, and forming a board of directors and several committees.

"Because we set standards, our level of play and professionalism increased," said Madonia. "We look at our organization as a community where all our members need to contribute in order for our community to succeed."

Each girl is expected to volunteer her time on one of the various committees. They also practice two to three nights a week. Despite what people might think, roller derby truly requires athleticism and commitment.

Those who don't know any better make comparisons to the likes of the World Wrestling Federation. With entertaining names, such as Carnage Electra and Roxie Heartless, the violence and the pain, which, by the way, are very real, and the sheer pageantry and bravado of a bout, it's easy to see why comparisons are made. The Roller Rebels, however, have much more heart, soul and integrity. Their bouts are unscripted. And the precious time and money they commit, along with the potential for bodily harm, are all for the sake of their love for roller derby.

"People think it's all staged," said Goldstein. "When I tell people about it, a million times I hear it compared to wrestling." Before a girl can participate in a bout, they are required to pass skills, speed and agility tests.

There are other misconceptions about the sport. When thinking of women's roller derby, people often conjure an image of a girl with piercings, tattoos and multi-colored hair. Some girls may fit this profile, but not all of them do. "There's a lot more moms," she said. "They were bored of the same old things. They just wanted to get out and try something different and fun."

Goldstein, who works at JP Morgan in Manhattan, is just one of the many girls in the league who defy the stereotype. "Walking down Park Avenue, no one can tell by looking at me that I'm in the roller derby," she said.

"We try to get more than just alternative people," said Konzet. "A lot of the girls have tattoos and are into bands. But I'm not. It's becoming more of a sport for everyone."

In fact, Roller Rebel bouts are incredibly family-oriented events. At any given bout you'll find a wide mix of people.

Though their season begins in September, they have a series of inter-league bouts beginning April 5 against the Dominion Derby Girls from Norfolk, VA at Skate Safe in Old Bethpage. For more information, visit longislandrollerrebels.com.