By Ashley Pavlakis
Cover photo: Roller Derby (Credit – Seth Berman, Rapid Shutter Photography)
When the derby comes to town, people generally get fired up about it. In this case, it’s a women’s roller derby league known as the Strong Island Derby Revolution (SIDR). The league debuted in 2011 with the help of local women’s skaters looking for a place to compete. Of the thousand-plus leagues worldwide, Long Island has its own right here in Suffolk County. The roller-skating contact sport first debuted in 1935 and has continued on the fast track since then.
“As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we rely heavily on our community, fans, and supporters. We feel the support of our fans at every event we have. Our fans are locals from across Suffolk County, who actively support local businesses and groups, “said Kristi “BB” Altieri, Captain of the Revolution.
All Sportz, a multi-sports complex in Melville, is the home of the Strong Island Derby Revolution. The league runs entirely on the women who compete in it as well as volunteers who want to help the sport continue to grow. The women of SIDR have fostered an environment of passion, positivity, and healthy competition.
“We currently have two teams- the Revolution which is our A-team and the Slaughters of the Revolution which is our B-team. The bout (game) schedule is from April to November and consists of four home bouts and four away. Our next home game is September 14 against Bay State from Massachusetts,” said Altieri.
The sport itself is simple: two teams generally made up of fifteen players each skating five aside on a roller rink for two (2) thirty-minute periods. Now, a lot can happen in sixty minutes. The game, otherwise known as a “bout,” is all about strategy. It’s not just women on wheels, there’s a method to the madness that ensues. There are three positions, jammer, blocker, and pivot. The player in the jammer position is the only one who is allowed to score points for their team. With that being said, strategy comes into play for the remaining players to figure out the best way to get those points. The athletes wear quad roller skates as opposed to inline skates, as well as standard protective gear for contact sports.
“The game is both physical and mental. There’s a lot of strategy that goes into playing. Trust and communication between your teammates play a huge part in the success on the track. Some of the Revolution players have been playing together for years and it shows when we are together, “ said Altieri.
Roller derby has been in existence for decades, with the first-ever bout being held in Chicago. Long Island welcomed roller derby as an organized sport when Strong Island Derby Revolution was established in 2011. The popularity of the sport on the island has grown since then.
“Our bouts have anywhere from 300-500 fans each time. Many [are] returning, but also many are new to the sport. Our league continues to grow with new skaters as well. No experience is necessary, so we train them from the ground up. Most of our skaters had no prior skating experience when they joined,” said Altieri.
Organized sports for adults have been on the rise for Long Island residents to join and enjoy over the last few years. Sports such as pickleball, cornhole, bocci, and even roller derby are some of the few sports that provide a fun, social, and competitive atmosphere.
“Roller derby is a community. Strong Island is a league where we pride ourselves on supporting one another and pushing each other to be the best we can be, on and off the track,” said Altieri.
