Not making the Cut: Fresh Meat Fears
So with all my previous blogs, I may sound like a crooked car dealer, selling you a
"perfect" shiny POS car. Well being brutally honest is also one of my favorite
personality traits. So here goes the not so pretty parts of derby. Smelling like a gym locker is just a perk.
Derby is amazing.
That is true, but there are things that you may not be aware of or prepared for. Coming to practice and learning how to skate and do all things derby is just the very basic. Physical strength is not the only thing that you need to learn, build on or bring to the game. Mental strength is so important. It is something you may not even realize that you lack, or that you have a lot of.
Those minimal assessments can be rough, the 27/5 can be a bitch for some. There are others that fly by both with what seems effortlessly and others that struggle for what seems like an eternity to them.
During practice and bouts you're going to see many different scenarios
:This is such an emotionally strong sport, you will see and hear a mixture of different personalities, arguments, crying laughing frustration, pride for all the accomplishments. They all happen but in the end its always togetherness.
All those things to the side, mental weakness is something that will not be your friend. Staying positive and avoid comparing yourself to others abilities is not always going to happen, we all have our days. Beating yourself up and wanting to quit because you aren't getting it will get you nowhere fast.
Trust me I had times that I beat myself up during practice because I just couldn't seem to pick up that one skill that "everybody" else seemed to have mastered. The team didn't allow that negativity, and they are quick to remind you that everyone learns different things at their own time and we are all freaking super stars!
You may pass all your assessments and start playing the very first bout of the season, you may not play for a year sometimes more.
Not "making the cut" does not mean you are not part of the team. The team needs you, on and off the track. Of course we all want to be together on the track playing a sport we all love, but getting discouraged is not going to help you to get out there and be a derby boss.
You will kick ass:
Ass kicking can happen in other ways trust me, I did it I kicked ass, along with tons of other volunteers and skaters that weren't bouting for one reason or another. I was unable to play the entire season, but I was there for every single game except for one. Setting up and running the bouts is part of the thrill and being part of the team. Volunteering, for different things, being part of different committees, you are all needed.
Watching your teammates come together on the track and be a unit is really amazing you realize that you are part of something greater.
Some of us want to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly and jump in immediately, and then life reminds you, that it just can't happen, For one reason or another things happen. Family, work, school, illness etc.
Injuries, they happen:
This is also true and they suck, sometimes you get hurt completely unrelated to derby, you can hurt yourself in your first bout, your third practice, walking fluffy and slipping on ice. The worst thing is being told you can't be on skates, and or no contact. You feel lost initially because you want to be skating, with your team. It doesn't mean you have to stop being a part of the team, its the opposite being present, helping as much as you can, giving all that YOU are able to is so appreciated and definitely needed.
Now that the first season of Fresh Meat to Rookie is behind us, I want to thank all the vets for being amazing to us. Thank you for picking a "freshie to adopt", that was such an awesome thing to do and it meant the world to all of us.
You have inspired each and every one of us in one way shape or form. I can't wait for next year to watch us continue to grow as a team and have an even more amazing season.
To the current and future Freshies, remember things are hard at times, but you will gain friendships you never had, and a second family that will have your back on and off the track.
Peace & Love
Eff Bomb.