Non-stop action at Norfolk Knockouts’ home opener

Despite the pushing, shoving, and spills during the March 22 roller derby bout, there were amicable feelings afterwards as the Norfolk Knockouts (black jerseys) and the Toronto Toxins gathered for a group photo on the multipurpose floor of the Simcoe Recreation Centre.

Lisa Timpf

Advocate Contributor

Earlier in the week, the multipurpose floor at the Simcoe Recreation Centre was the venue for line dancing and pickleball. But on Saturday, March 22, it hosted action of a different sort as over 100 people gathered to watch the Norfolk Knockouts’ roller derby home opener against the Toronto Toxins.

The atmosphere was festive as upbeat music like “Eye of the Tiger” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” rang through the former arena. Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady blew the ceremonial first whistle to kick off the festivities, and stuck around for some of the action.

Action there was in plenty. For those whose familiarity with the sport is limited to memories of watching Skinny Minny Miller and her cohorts circling the rink in televised bouts, the March 22nd event was an eye-opener.

Unlike Miller and her contemporaries, who played on a banked track, the Norfolk Knockouts participate in “flat track” roller derby, with the game surface being a broad oval track marked out on the floor. The fans sit in chairs set out on the multipurpose floor at a safe distance from the action, but close enough to get a good view.

The bout consists of two 30-minute halves. Within those halves, a series of “jams” take place. 

The goal of the “jam” is for your team’s jammer, who wears a star on their helmet, to break free of the pack and come around to lap the opposing team members before the other team’s jammer can do so. Meanwhile, players called blockers are trying to prevent the opposing team’s jammer from passing them. Points are scored by the jammer lapping opposing players.

Blockers are permitted to impede opponents with their hips, rear, and shoulders, but tripping, elbowing, and certain other transgressions are forbidden and can result in a brief sit-down in the penalty area. Add in the fact that the blockers must perform their feats while balancing on roller skates, and the sport becomes a blend of skill, strength, and grace.

Meanwhile, the jammers exhibit agility, speed, and tactical know-how as they weave their way through the pack, exploiting small gaps, feinting, and sometimes tip-toeing just inside the boundary line to elude blockers.

Player introductions before the game are based on each participant’s roller derby name, monikers that include, in the case of the Knockouts, “Rocket,” “Trauma Queen,” Nightmare,” and “GoldieKnocks.” Players wear numbers on their backs and arms for easy identification by fans and officials.

On March 22, the Norfolk Knockouts fell behind in the early going, trailing at one point 28-18. They battled back to close the gap, eking out a slim lead at the intermission. When action resumed in the second half, the score remained close, with Norfolk holding the lead most of the way.

With just under five minutes left, the score stood 105-100 in the Norfolk Knockouts’ favour. But at the last minute, the Toronto Toxins pulled ahead for the win. After the bout, Thud got the nod as the Knockouts’ MVP jammer, while Trauma Queen was named the home team’s MVP blocker.

Looking at it from the outside, Roller Derby doesn’t seem to be a game for the faint of heart. Players wear helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads, and the reason for those becomes apparent as the action heats up. There were occasional spills to the floor, the most extreme of these drawing empathetic “ooohs” from the crowd.

But unlike sports like hockey where physical interaction often leads to flaring tempers, players who tumbled to the floor’s unforgiving surface simply scrambled to their feet - or rather, skates - and rolled back into the fray. After the bout, players from both teams skated around the track in single file, slapping hands with fans who gathered along the perimeter. Then the teams gathered for an amiable group photo.

Though there used to be southern Ontario Derby Association, that folded during Covid. Now, the Norfolk Knockouts arrange bouts with other interested teams. They currently have three home games lined up, with the next one being April 26 against Windsor. Fans are welcome, with ticket price $10. Children under 12 get in free.

The Norfolk Knockouts began operation in 2016. The team is always open to new players, and also has a need for referees and non-skating officials. More information about the Norfolk Knockouts’ coming events can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages.