DRD Spotlight - Jurassic Snark

SKATE NAME: Jurassic Snark |SKATING SINCE: Skating since 2014, and officiating since 2016.

How did you hear about Roller Derby and the DRD?

I first heard about roller derby from Whip It (duh) and saw a couple games in Scotland but didn’t follow it that closely at the time until my dad found out about a juniors league here and encouraged me to join, which was how I first got involved in derby. I really wanted to try refereeing but there weren't many officiating opportunities for junior skaters, so I had to wait until I was 18 when I joined DRD because of their reputation for good officials, even though I’ve never actually lived in Dundee!

What is your favourite thing to do in Dundee?

I’ve never lived in Dundee but I love coming up to visit the V&A when they’ve got a cool exhibition on! Both the video game and robot ones they’ve held were super interesting and had some of the coolest looking theming and design I’ve seen at a museum. And also going to a DRD game, of course.

What position do you officiate in?

I’ve refereed in every position but my favourites are Jammer Referee and Outside Pack Referee, but I’d just started to do more Pack Refereeing when lockdown hit. I also really enjoy NSOing, especially penalty and lineup tracking and wish I could somehow ref and NSO games at the same time!

What has helped to still feel connected to the league during lockdown?

I completed the final year of my degree in Digital Media & Interaction Design over lockdown, which was really challenging, but by making my honours project about roller derby officiating it reminded me of the sense of community I love about the sport and our league and helped keep me motivated, even when it was really hard. We’ve also had online events both for the league and just the officials which make me miss being on skates.

How does derby impact the rest of your life?

Everyone is always super interested to hear what roller derby is and I’ve used the skills I’ve learned from it in job and internship applications, since officiating especially helps in confidence, managing difficult situations and time management. It makes for a really good talking point and helps you stand out! Being on the IT & PR committee has also let me be creative and work on the skills I’ve learned at university and I’ve been able to show off the programmes and posters I’ve made.

What have you found has helped you to get through lockdown?

I’ve taken some online classes for coding, design and 3D modelling in the past year which have helped keep me busy, especially over the Summer, and I’ve been able to use what I’ve learned on personal projects like my portfolio website and a reading list. But when I’ve been in more of a motivational slump it’s mainly books and TV, as well as playing Minecraft.

Have you discovered any new interests/hobbies during lockdown?

I started to learn how to knit last year and that combined with TV or podcasts has definitely helped me pass the time recently. I’ve made a few pairs of socks, a hat, mittens, some little mushrooms and I’ve been working on a scarf since last year that’s still not even halfway done… I’ve also gone out geocaching a few times recently which has definitely made me want to get outside more and find ‘treasure’ (okay it’s usually just some tupperware with paper inside).

Any advice for people thinking about getting involved with derby?

There’s something for everyone to do in derby, whether you want to play or officiate (on and off skates!) or just volunteer and help with running a league and events! It’s such a welcoming and inclusive community and it’s always so exciting when new people get involved and you get to see them progress and learn so quickly.

Is there any podcast you love to listen to?

Last podcast on the Left, 99% Invisible, My Brother My Brother & Me and No Dogs in Space are my go-to’s just now, but I love finding new podcasts although I’m definitely pickier than I used to be about them!

Favourite TV programme atm?

I finally got around to watching Better Call Saul after putting it off for ages and it’s so so so good, but I don’t know how I’m meant to wait until next year for more. I’m also really looking forward to Succession and Barry coming back after they both got delayed last year.

Who do you choose for next month's DRD spotlight and why?

I’d like to nominate Shuggs Bunny for always making me want to be a better skater (the backwards skating! the side surfing!) and for helping further the sport by volunteering to be both our league Head Official, and for Power of Scotland - back in more normal times! It’s always a pleasure to work with him and he constantly pushes us to be our best, even when it’s out of our comfort zones.