The Classes of Derby Participant

Roller Derby is a complex sport. Fun as hell to watch, but it can be a little confusing the first time. And, if you know a derby person, you will hear all kinds of jargon thrown about: soul crush, mohawk, zeeb, etc. When talking about the different roles derby people play, this is no exception. So, to clarify a little for the non-derby people I know, this is a guide to the jargon/nicknames I've encountered for the various classes of Derby Participants. These roles are not mutually exclusive, and I probably forgot someone or a different name they go by.

1. Skaters: This group is fairly straightforward. These are the players of the game. They're out on the track, busting ass and scoring points.

2. Coaches: People who are not skating, but rather advising the team on tactics as the game progresses. Most frequently seen yelling at or otherwise arguing with the Refs.

3. Referees: People on skates wearing black/white vertical striped shirts. These are the one calling score, looking for penalties, and ensuring safe gameplay occurs. There are normally three Outside Pack Refs (OPRs), two Inside Pack Refs (IPRs), two Jam Refs (JRs), and one from those who serves as the Head Ref. AKA: Refs, Zebras, Team Zeeb

4. Non-Skating Officials: These are the people on the track who take care of the paperwork associated with a game. Non-skating officials don't wear skates or safety gear. (Wild idea, huh?) They are tasked with assisting the Refs in the course of their duties, keeping track of score, time in the penalty box, penalties accrued, and other things like operating the scoreboard. Like the refs, there is also a Head NSO who is responsible for the bout paperwork. AKA: NSOs, Stat Rats, the Stat Pack

5. Committee and Board Members: These are the real magic behind the derby. Most skaters serve on some kind of committee or the executive board: marketing, events, equipment, coaching, and so on. These people are the ones who help get the bouts lined up to play, make sure the venues are rented, handle the money, and generally keep everything on track. But, most of the things they do are behind the scenes, and so they are very appropriately called Unicorns.

6. Derby Widows: This term is jokingly used to describe husbands of derby playing women. However, this is not necessarily true, as husbands will often become involved themselves, serving as coaches, referees, NSOs, or even participating in men's derby.

7. Derby Wives: Derby is all about teamwork, and, oftentimes, two skaters will develop a particularly strong friendship through the sport. They are then said to be "derby wives", and act as each others' confidants, accountability partners, and overall best friend. Note: While having a "derby husband" is technically possible among Widows, I have not heard of any such thing actually occurring. I did receive such a proposal once, but declined due to the intoxicated nature of the other party.