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Over $1000 donated to beyondblue in Halloween bouting spooktacular

Friends, family and members of Western Sydney Rollers had a frighteningly good time on Sunday 30 October – enjoying a triple header Halloween bout to raise awareness and donate funds for beyondblue.

The spooktacular event kicked off with the tiny but fearsome juniors – the Tiny Terrors beating the Halloweenies 165 to 110.

A bout with a difference (zombie players aside) followed with a specially modified rules ramping up the excitement for the players and crowd alike. As the carnage on the track unfolded, the crowd got a say in the play.

Gold coin donations could remove favourite players from the penalty bin, players could be sponsored to don fancy dress items over their Halloween garb (ever tried skating in a grass skirt?) and, to really take things up a notch, for $20 you could watch the action in anti-derby direction.

The nail biting bout continued to the final minutes with The Munsters victorious over The Addams Family, 146 to 125.

The final bout saw a return to standard derby rules but threw an extra element in with the WSR boys joining the girls on the track for a co-ed frenzy which saw the Lycans take the final win for the night from the Vampires, 167-56.

Other activities throughout the night included some fierce competition in the fancy dress stakes – including the world’s cutest Pokemon, a raffle and of course, the ever present and delicious bake sale.

A total of $1151 will be donated to beyondblue, an organisation equipping everyone in Australia with the knowledge and skills to protect their own mental health.

3 three million Australians live with depression or anxiety

If you or anyone you know needs support or advice call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au

View photos from the junior derby bout, The Addams Family v The Munsters, and the Lycans v Vampires – massive thanks to Bout Time Imagery!

What’s your Mindset?

Very recently I had to sit through the analysis of my workplace annual engagement survey, and whilst that was a bundle of ‘fun’ there was something important I took away from that session.

My Human Resources representative, a lovely and charismatic woman, spoke of one main point, “Mindset.”

There is a woman named Carol Dweck, a Professor at Stamford University, who has done studies around this very point. If you read on, I think you’ll agree that it makes complete sense. So much sense that maybe you’ll start to question how you operate, and how you might be able to improve the way you see yourself.

Professor Dweck speaks of Mindset in the sense of school education however, I believe it can also be applied quite well to each of us in our roller derby lives.

After hearing about Professor Dweck I did some searching online and found a couple of articles that I really liked. Please see the links in the footnotes if you’re interested in reading about this further- whilst somewhat long-winded they’re incredibly insightful.

Professor Dweck talks about Mindset in two ways, those with a “fixed” mindset, and those with a “growth” mindset. The diagram below shows the opposing ways the two mindsets approach common things such as challenges, obstacles, effort, criticism and the success of others.

One thing to note with this, that it’s not about being a positive person or a negative person, but rather someone who is fluid in how they see themselves and how they take on feedback from life, or whether they are rigid in their self-assessment, and are just “this is what I am.” An example of a growth mindset description might be “I try to learn something new every training session I attend.” A fixed mindset might be “As a skater I’m ok.” Both statements are reasonably positive, but the statement which is the most promising is the growth statement.

mindset(1)

The next article I found (2) is based on how you can develop a growth mindset, as not everyone has this naturally. The good news is folks; there are 25 ways here that you can help you develop a more growth centric mindset. I have picked out the top 10 in the list that I feel relate the most to those of us playing roller derby.

1. Acknowledge and embrace imperfections. Hiding from your weaknesses means you’ll never overcome them.

2. View challenges as opportunities. Having a growth mindset means relishing opportunities for self-improvement. Learn more about how to fail well.

6. Stop seeking approval. When you prioritise approval over learning, you sacrifice your own potential for growth.

7. Value the process over the end result. Intelligent people enjoy the learning process, and don’t mind when it continues beyond an expected time frame.

15. Provide regular opportunities for reflection. Let students reflect on their learning at least once a day.

16. Place effort before talent. Hard work should always be rewarded before inherent skill.

18. Cultivate grit. Students with that extra bit of determination will be more likely to seek approval from themselves rather than others.

21. Learn from other people’s mistakes. It’s not always wise to compare yourself to others, but it is important to realise that humans share the same weaknesses.

22. Make a new goal for every goal accomplished. You’ll never be done learning. Just because your midterm exam is over doesn’t mean you should stop being interested in a subject. Growth-minded people know how to constantly create new goals to keep themselves stimulated.

25. Take ownership over your attitude. Once you develop a growth mindset, own it. Acknowledge yourself as someone who possesses a growth mentality and be proud to let it guide you throughout your educational career.

I look at these points above and think about how I approach my life:

  • Do I recognise my failings, and strive to improve them?
  • Do I keep pushing myself further, or seek confirmation that I’ve done all I can do?
  • When I finish a training session, do I feel like I have put everything out there – have I done the very best I could do or have I just been present?
  • Watching my team mates – when I’ve noticed that there’s a common error being made, am I doing the same thing, or do I learn from this and better myself?
  • Do I set goals? Do I push myself further and higher?
  • Finally how do I see myself – do I have a growth attitude?

Well I’m going to be honest; I think I’m a little column A and a little column B but I’m going to seriously look at myself and see where I can be better, and do better.

Growth mindset here I come!

Cheers,
T-Wrecks

(1) https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/
(2) http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/develop-a-growth-mindset/

 

Riot Squad takes out Round 1 of the intra league bouts

FB_IMG_1462348656549There was a great crowd on hand to witness the first intra league clash on Saturday 21 May, 2016.

Fuelled by cupcakes, rocky road and other delicious baked goods, the crowd roared their approval as the gorgeous B52 Bombshells kicked off the night with a mini bout vs HARD. The B52 Bombshells took out the bout with a final score of 140 to 102.

Several players backed up in a supreme effort as the Riot Squad and Blackheart Brawlers battle it out for glory in the main bout. The teams were evenly matched but the Riot Squad took the lead and refused to give an inch, restoring order with a final score of 187 to 152.

A massive thanks to all of our skaters, guest team HARD, and our NSOs and officials – this wouldn’t happen without you!

Check out the photos (thanks Bout Time Imagery!!).

Make sure you don’t miss out on your derby fix – Grab your season pass!

 

Love the Boutlaws? Vote now to help them win Thermoskin funding

Voting is now open for the Thermoskin Community Sports Fund!

Why is your vote important?Thermoskin

Roller Derby is a new sport and, as a result, heavily under-represented in all facets of the athletic world. Finding its roots in the feminism movement, it is a sport that encourages individual personal empowerment no matter your gender identity, sexuality, body type or skill level. No matter where you are at emotionally, mentally or physically, Western Sydney Rollers is an all-inclusive and supportive community.

Why the funds are needed

We are a self-funded league and have no major sponsors to assist with our running costs. Our women’s team is a competitve league in the B-division of women’s flat-track roller derby. Our league promotes fitness, inclusiveness and self-confidence in our members and the local community. We have been invited to attend a national competition in Adelaide (The Great Southern Slam) however many of our members are single mothers, students or have other reasons for financial hardship and will be unable to afford the costs of new equipment, uniforms, insurnce and travel costs required to partcipate in this tournament. Funding to obtain the required equipment will greatly alleviate the financial strain our representative skaters and coaches.

What’s in it for you?

Aside from the chance to help your favourite skaters to glory, you’ll be in the running to win a $200 EFTPOS gift card!

Vote now for the Boutlaws!

Families, come and have a rocking good time at a Roller Disco this Easter

If you’ve overindulged in chocolate and hot cross buns, or want the kids to burn off some of their sugar-induced energy this Sunday, then head down to the Western Sydney Rollers’ Roller Disco in Emu Plains, from 5 – 7pm.

There will be music, games, raffles and prizes galore on the night – not to mention plenty of skating! Experienced skaters and instructors will be on hand to help anyone new to skates but the aim of the night is fun!

If you do get hungry and your sweet tooth is hankering for more, there will also be a delicious array of baked goodies available – did someone say ‘cake’?

All funds raised will help the Western Sydney Rollers’ travel team, The Boutlaws, to reach their goal of competing in Adelaide in June of this year.

Invited to compete in The Great Southern Slam (TGSS), The Boutlaws will pit their skills against teams from across Australia and New Zealand. TGSS takes places every two years and in 2014 The Boutlaws placed third in division 2.

Event details

What: Western Sydney Rollers’ Roller Disco
When: Easter Sunday, 27 March 2016, from 5 – 7pm
Where: Skatel, 120 Russell Street, Emu Plains
Cost: $15 per person or $50 for a family (includes skate hire). Please note, cash only.
Dress: Something easy to skate in, costumes are encouraged.

If you have any questions or would like some photos, please contact us.

roller skating disco Western Sydney

 

Homophobia? Knot Me: Rainbow Round of Sport

Let’s boot homophobia out of sport for good!

Western Sydney Rollers is proud to support a new initiative to give homophobia in sport the boot for good!

We think the only thing that should matter in sport is how you perform on the track (field, court etc). It’s 2016. No one should feel so intimidated that they hide their sexuality from their friends, fans and teammates. Together with our friends at Pride in Diversity, we are determined to make a difference.

The 2015 international study ‘Out On The Fields’ highlighted just how widespread homophobia is in sport:

  • 46% of participants believed that LGB’s are not accepted in sporting culture (versus 1% that did)
  • 73% of gay men surveyed felt that homophobia is more common in team sports than other parts of society
  • 84% of people who took part said homophobic jokes occur “all the time”, “often” or “sometimes”

We won’t sit on the sidelines while something like homophobia threatens to taint the sporting community – participation is for everyone.

That’s why Western Sydney Rollers is going rainbow and lacing up for the Rainbow Round of Support between Thursday 31 to Monday 4 April, 2016.

We’re proud of the fact that roller derby is an inclusive sport and we’re inviting every sporting player and fan – regardless of your sport of choice -to don rainbow laces and join us in this important initiative – let’s work together to make 2016 the year homophobia ceases to exist in sports!

Join the facebook event.

Our 2015 Highlights

As 2015 drew to a close, and we welcomed in a New Year, Western Sydney Rollers took a moment to recognise the achievements and commitment of our skaters, refs, volunteers and NSOs, and thank everyone for another wonderful year.

The Boutlaws had a great year, bringing together a new team, which ended the year strongly with their performance at the Eastern Region Roller Derby Championships. The team has worked so hard this year, and have improved as skaters and as a team, doing their coaches and their league proud. We look forward to seeing what they can do in 2016!

Intraleague competition

Our Intraleague competition was once again fierce, with three brand new teams vying for the title. The Riot Squad, The B52 Bombshells, and The Blackheart Brawlers, brought the action all year, enjoying friendly competition and camaraderie until the end. The Blackheart Brawlers took the title at the end of the day, but not without a strong fight from the B52 Bombshells, who were hot on their tails. 2016 will be an intense intraleague season, so we recommend you’re trackside for all the action.

Celebrating in style

To round out the year, and celebrate our achievements in style, the members of Wester Sydney Rollers gathered together in December for the Annual Christmas Party and Awards night. Singing, Dancing, and the selfie competition to end all selfie competitions, made for a wonderful evening, full of laughter and happy faces. Members of the league voted for their moved valued players and volunteers, recognising achievement in a number of areas. We would like to congratulate the following skaters on their achievements in 2015.

Team Awards

Riot Squad

  • Most Improved Player – Adelle “Kill Billy” Perry
  • Team Pivot of the Year – Megan “Pixiematosis” Haberley
  • Team Blocker of the Year – Adelle “Kill Billy” Perry
  • Team Jammer of the Year – Natasha “Crash Test Dolly” Platten
  • Best Attendance Record – Tammy “T-Wrecks” Alford

Blackheart Brawlers

  • Most Improved Player – Ashleigh “Bioshockher” Garner
  • Team Pivot of the Year – Alisa “Angel Slayher” Zounis
  • Team Blocker of the Year – Ashleigh “Bioshockher” Garner
  • Team Jammer of the Year – Penny “Dobie Wan Kenobi” Dobie
  • Best Attendance Record – Trish “Kiss My Hyde” Hyde

B52 Bombshells

  • Most Improved Player – Tiny “Opt-to-Miss-Prime” McClean
  • Team Pivot of the Year – Nadine “NERDS” Young
  • Team Blocker of the Year – Debra “D-star-uction” Ellicot
  • Team Jammer of the Year – Gerianne “Miss Glamour Kill” Gonzalez
  • Best Attendance Record – Lou “Lou Scannon” Gadabout

League Awards

Rookie of the Year (1st Group)

  • Winner – Stephanie “Pow Pow” Powney
  • First Runner Up – Brittney “Matchstick” Kelly
  • Second Runner Up – Sophie “Killa Watt” Watt

Rookie of the Year (2nd Group)

  • Winner –  Kelsey “Batty Bruiser” Healey
  • First Runner Up – Jennifer “Silk Siren” Silk
  • Second Runner Up – Joe “Cinderfella” Dillon

Jammer of the Year

  • Winner – Gerianne “Miss Glamour Kill” Gonzalez
  • First Runner Up – Penny “Dobie Wan Kenobi” Dobie
  • Second Runner Up – Lisa “Leese Lightning” Walker

Triple Threat

  • Winner – Lou “Lou Scannon” Gadabout
  • First Runner Up – Megan “Pixiematosis” Haberley
  • Second Runner Up – Debra “D-star-uction” Ellicot

Most Feared Player

  • Winner – Debra “D-star-uction” Ellicot
  • First Runner Up – Ashleigh “Bioshockher” Garner
  • Second Runner Up – Tiny “Opt-to-Miss-Prime” McClean

Team Spirit Award

  • Winner – Megan “Pixiematosis” Haberley
  • First Runner Up – Tammy “T-Wrecks” Alford
  • Second Runner Up – Alisa “Angel Slayher” Zounis

Referee of the Year

  • Winner – Nelson “Deathly Bellows” Cheung
  • First Runner Up – Emma “Major Dil-emma” Young
  • Second Runner Up – Luke “Dash Ketchum” Hills

Volunteer of the Year

  • Winner – Tracie “BuzzKill” Tait
  • First Runner Up – Chantel “Boxy Cleopatra” Kyling
  • Second Runner Up – Raquel “Tinker-belt-her” Lowe

Smelliest Gear Award

  • Winner – Kyle “Rangatello” Bailey
  • First Runner Up – Jerry “Ikki” Taingahue
  • Second Runner Up – Elise “Newton’s Nightmare” Hardiman

Most Penalties

  • Winner – Debra “D-star-uction” Ellicot
  • First Runner Up – Penny “Dobie Wan Kenobi” Dobie

Congratulations to all our award winners and runner ups. From everyone at WSR, we wish you a Happy New Year and a successful 2016.