She may be an enigma standing on the sidelines, but there is no Miss Trie behind her calls. Meet the zebra behind the stripes, Dixie Derby Girls affiliated WFTDA referee, MISS TRIE.
They are the people you love to hate, the officiants making the tough calls and sending your favorite players to the penalty box time and time again for their bad behavior. With such a complex rule structure in the sport of WFTDA roller derby, it takes a proud, impressive group of quick-reacting, knowledgeable individuals whom are dedicated to bringing fairness and safety to the sport. Mastery of this position of authority is a long, complex, and steep learning curve. Miss Trie recently became the second Dixie Derby Girls Certified Level 2 WFTDA Referees, a distinct honor in the officiating of roller derby.
A part of the Dixie Derby Girls since May 2006, Miss Trie has been involved in all aspects of the sport. From freshmeat skater, to head referee, this recent appointment is another addition to a decorated roller derby career. It doesn't take more than a familiar blast from her whistle to get and keep your attention.
Examiner.com: How did you first get involved in Roller Derby? -
MT: I went to watch Dixie Derby's first bout ever vs the Tragic City Rollers in April of 2006. Even though I didn't know the first thing about the game, I fell in love instantly. I showed up to my first freshmeat practice the week after Beltane & never left.
Examiner.com: You've been a chameleon of sorts. First a skater, then a ref and three different derby personas in the course of your four years with the Dixie Derby Girls. Tell us about your roller derby name(s). What is the significance behind each of them?
MT: My skater name (Gaiabolical) paid homage to my spiritual beliefs. My first ref name (High TrieZen) was to honor fallen warriors & because of my love for military uniforms. The reason behind my current derby name (Miss Trie) will remain a mystery.
Examiner.com: What made you switch from being a skater to a ref? Do you miss skating?
MT: I hurt my thumb pretty bad during a bout & had to give professional massages for 6 weeks with 1 1/2 hands. There are only a few things I love more than derby. Assisting others in their healing process is one of them. I couldn't risk hurting myself like that again, so being a skater had to go.
No, I don't miss being a skater. Refing is much more fitting to my personality.
Examiner.com: Having experience on both sides of the whistle, is it hard balancing the skater/ref relationship?
MT: Not so much anymore, but it was a difficult transition at first. What happens off the track gets left at the door come practice or bout time. What happens on the track stays on the track after practice or bout time. Your attitude & being able to maintain perspective about your job as a referee helps with relating to skaters more than anything. Having worked in health care for 10+ years has also helped with the people skills necessary for working with 30+ adrenaline filled women playing a contact sport.
Examiner.com: Skaters obviously feel nervous before games. Do refs experience the same before bout butterflies?
MT: Some of us do. Some of us don't. If I'm not nervous before a bout, then something is wrong with me. If I'm still nervous after 6 jams, then it's already been an awesome bout for the fans to watch.
Examiner.com: What is your favorite ref position? (head, jam, pack, etc.)
MT: Jam ref. It makes my OCD feel better.
Examiner.com: As you are now in a more elite bracket of officials in the WFTDA, what does the Level 2 certification mean to you personally?
MT: Question of the moment! To me it means recognition of professionalism & the ability to perform well as a referee for flat track roller derby. It's not just a pretty certificate to put on my wall & colorful patches for my jersey (even though I do love the patches). Personally, it sets the bar higher. It means I have to take the skills I have and make them better. It means I have to do something useful with the constructive criticism given to me by the certification committee.
It also represents a standardization of enforcing the rules and procedures of flat track roller derby & a way to measure that enforcement. How well or badly we perform affects the entire game for everyone, so making sure we know what we're doing is a priority.
For a more personal description of how I feel about it, look up the meaning for the tarot card 6 of Wands.
Examiner.com: What does the sport of roller derby mean to you?
MT: Working on the weekends! Aside from the personal benefits of a larger social circle, exercise & mental stimulation; I get a lot of satisfaction out of being in a supportive role for something as grassroots & women-centric as roller derby. The contributions I've seen derby make to individual lives are priceless. It changes women's perspectives about their bodies & what they're capable of. That changes how those women interact with the world & the world itself.
Examiner.com: Do you have a favorite derby memory or highlight that stands out to you?
MT: One highlight for me was getting the opportunity to skate a scrimmage practice with Duke City Derby (Albuquerque, NM) last summer. It meant a lot to have my favorite city & favorite sport in one place.
Oh, and the Ref Jam (refs vs refs, with skaters calling penalties) at DDG's Rocket City Rumble 2009! Never in my life have I seen so many major penalties committed & not called. It was 30 minutes of us making fun of ourselves.
Examiner.com: What is the biggest bout you have ever reffed?
MT: I think "biggest" is just a matter of perception. Every bout is "big" for the skaters, coaches & fans, whether it's sanctioned or not. Crowd wise, that would be in Nashville. I haven't refereed any regional or national tourneys yet, so this answer might change in the future.
Examiner.com: Is there a favorite bout you reffed that stands out in your mind?
MT: You really think I can pick just one?
Examiner.com How about the worst bout you ever reffed?
MT: Probably one from my first season as a referee, under the 2.0 rules set.
Examiner.com: You were voted R.I.L.F. (PC: Ref I'd Like to Fool around with) at DDG's 2009 Rollerball. What has holding that title meant?
MT: It means Dixie skaters are smart people & I have about 30 wingwomen if I need them. It also means apologizing to Mr. Zombie about once a week.
Comments (1)
The pic with ZK was not only necessary, but also epic in being priceless.
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