It’s that time of the season again…RCR home teams are analyzing their rosters and Fresh Meat-ers are anxiously awaiting a phone call saying they’ve finally been drafted to a team. I can imagine it’s a stressful time for all––including die-hard fans wanting to know what the hell is going on, and maybe even how the draft works? Lucky for you I’ve got the down-low on all things draft-related. Well, at least everything that isn’t super duper top secret.
The draft is taking place tomorrow, August 5th, and the order in which teams choose new skaters is as follows (from 4th place to 1st place):
1. Break Neck Betties
2. Guns N Rollers
3. Heartless Heathers
4. High Rollers
There are usually some roster changes during the summer which involve retirements and injuries, opening up spots for new skaters. The captains of each team take a look at their rosters and decide what kind of skater(s) they need to improve for next season. There are likely team discussions and votes, but ultimately it’s up to the captain(s) of each team because they are the only ones present at the actual draft meeting.
According to Draggin Lady, “teams post their complete roster to the Captains forum prior to the draft. However, just because they have 3 spots open doesnt mean they will draft 3 people. They declare how many they want to take at the draft meeting, and must take the # they declare or one less. They may have their heart set on someone who gets swiped by another team due to the lotto order.” Such is the nature of the draft…
There is no set number of Fresh Meat skaters that will get drafted, because it all depends on how many skaters each home team wants.
The current captains of each team are:
1. Domesticated Violence and MaRollin’ Monroe (BNB)
2. Mel Mangles and Cher the Pain (GNR)
3. Mick U Cry and Mobi-wan Kanobi (HH)
4. Intensive Scare and White Flight (HR)
The Betties have lost Licker *N* Split and Chest-Nutz so they are no doubt on the lookout for a skater who can get her jam on with a tough, no-fear attitude, and a skater who can block like nobody’s business.
GNR have lost Mercyful Kate, Boxcar Bethy, and Evilia D. Stroiu. The butt-rockers in leopard pink will need to bring in skaters that will provide some kick-ass blocking and team player skills.
I haven’t heard of any changes in the Heathers’ roster, but I don’t know everything. They could be looking for someone to add to their group of all-star jammers and blockers.
The High Rollers have lost both Viva Vendetta and Madame Bumpsalot so I’m sure they’ll be looking for a couple of all-around skaters that can jam and block like nobody’s business.
Now for the Fresh Meat. To be draft eligible, skaters must:
*pass the WFTDA Minimum Skills Requirement, which includes passing the Rules Test as well;
*pass RCR’s Endurance Requirement (aka the 50 lap killer); and
*attend 80% of Fresh Meat practices plus attend 25% of the home team practices
Once a skater has become draft eligible, she gets her picture and information put in a draft packet, which gets sent to all the team captains. The draft packet contains the results info from the tests the Fresh Meat-ers had to undergo, and there is also some bio info on the skaters.
I don’t know for sure which Fresh Meat-ers are draft eligible (there’s that top secret info I talked about earlier), but I can offer some of my own (limited) insight into the strengths of some of the skaters. I must warn you that my insights are based solely on what I’ve seen while in boot camp for the past three weeks and in the two WOJ vs. The World scrimmages that I’ve attended.
When it comes to jammers, I think Harajuke A Girl and Havana Good Time possess great speed and agility. Both skaters can find holes in the defense––Juka is small enough to squeeze through those holes, and Havana is strong enough to muscle her way through them. I’ve only seen Killer Smile, Awnry O’Hulligan, Napoleon Blownapart, and Northern Lights Out jam a few times, but they’ve all got potential to be strong, quick jammers.
There are some awesome blockers on Fresh Meat, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t get drafted (if they’re draft eligible, that is). Roller Eclipse and Tyger Bomb are the two that stand out in my mind the most, probably because they’re physically intimidating. Roller Eclipse is constantly aware of what’s going on in the pack. She always seems to know when her jammer needs an assist and is there to give her one. Tyger Bomb is a force to be reckoned with––she’s tough, strong, and fast. I was surprised to see her jam at a scrimmage, but that woman’s got long legs which makes for a big stride and she’ll knock your ass down if you try to block her.
Other notable blockers include Chynadoll Assassin, RAW Footage, Awnry O’Hulligan, Sara Dahl, and Shame Girl. With continued practice and guidance, these skaters will no doubt be an asset to any team.
As I said, these are only my observations and they’re only based on three weeks worth of practices. I’m sure the team captains know good talent when they see it, and will make decisions that are beneficial to their teams.
Like you, I will be anxiously awaiting the results of the draft. Once I get the info and the go-ahead, I’ll post the results. So stay tuned!
