New TT-only trend?

[Amanda HugNKill]

While it's totally understandable that our awesome all-stars would want to have a life outside of derby, I'm pretty bummed that I won't be able to see a lot of my fav WoJers skate in home teams bouts anymore. Can someone explain a little bit about how this decision to allow skaters to go TT-only was reached, if there are any TT-only eligibility guidelines, and how the RCR powers-that-be envision this trend impacting the over-all level of intra-league competitiveness?

Again, I understand (as much as a SuperFan can) the enormous time commitment being on a home team and a travel team must be, and I'm SO grateful to the girls who have put their life on hold for derby for so long. This is for my own information but might end up in a blog post, so if you are addressing this issue (thanks in advance) I may pester you further.

[JeLLyPiG]

Um, Bravo!

I'm glad to hear someone bring this up. I think there may be 7 or 8 people that would love to have this explained. I am surprised it wasn't addressed prior to season tickets going on sale. Though I realize even a Team Pass gets you into WOJ/AOA & The New Nationals 2.0, I can imagine some poor hapless GnR fan stumbling in with expectations and wondering where those favourite players are.

I know when I first heard the concept, I was not a fan. After several conversations with various people I began to see the value. Obviously more spots for Intra League players, which provides a better developed pool of players down the road. It would also extend the shelf life of our current All Stars by eliminating some of that wear n tear. But I still don't quite get how it will work, does just apply only to WoJ? What about players that are right on that AoA/WoJ dividing line? Is it choice or is it a rule? When will I stop typing sentences that end in questions marks?

Someone should really pitch it to us and give it some of that "Good for League" spin, so we can all feel good about it and get on board for the big win.

[Frenchie]

Oh Amanda, this is such a big topic. I am so glad you asked! And the Board just this week voted in some changes to the Travel Team policies, including some adjustments to the TT-only policies.

The eligibility:
-TT-only is available to skaters on the WOJ charter. AoA is not eligible for TT-only.
-Skaters opting to be TT-only must have been on a home team for at least 1 year
-Skaters must have made 70% of the WOJ rosters from the previous WOJ season (there is a clause about jammers being held for tournament rotation and not making 70%)
-TT-only skaters still have to tryout for Travel Team and are not guaranteed a spot on the game rosters
-TT-only option must be approved by the TT leadership and Training Committee
-It is a choice, not a rule.

Requirements:
-meet practice attendance
-meet Home Team Assistance Attendance Requirement
-pay usual RCR dues
-participate with WOJ bootcamps
-meet financial and time demands of traveling with TT

RCR has had a TT-only option for the past few years, but we have only had one skater opting to go TT-only each season. This doesn't really provide that skater with the team support or practice/play time needed to keep her skills honed to the level of play WOJ requires.
So, Training Committee said, "How can we provide the best training and support system for our Travel Team? How can we help Travel Team be a cohesive machine of derby greatness?!" I think a big part of this is encouraging skaters to go TT-only. We want them to identify as a team. We want them to be able to focus their efforts to training as individuals and as a team. This will continue to raise their skill level. Teaching/coaching the league is also part of the plan. We want them to share their knowledge and skills as leaders within RCR.

Did you really say there is life outside of derby? I'm glad I don't believe everything I read. Seriously though, rest is an essential part of training too. Not just resting so you don't burn out, but resting your body and mind. It actually makes both of them stronger. Why not have all WOJ be TT-only then? Because some skaters need more time or experience training, bouting, and practicing. And some WOJ will be skating with AoA too because we will have a 30 person TT instead of the previous 35. Is that a can of worms or what?

Also, we are a frickin' gigantic league. I have heard it said that we are the largest league in the country. And from a league perspective, this opens spots for the rockstar Fresh Meat who are anxiously waiting for team spots. I am SO excited for the upcoming draft (December 16th)! The goal is still to have a high level of competition on the home teams and have them evenly matched. Just wait until you see these new home team skaters and find your 2011 derby crush.

Dude, check out the 2011 season schedule. You will have so many ops to see your fav all-stars. Plus, I know you will travel for derby... There are road trips coming up to see these talented skaters outside our fine city.
If you have any other questions, just let me know. These are some exciting changes and I think we will have a lot of success with them. Of course there will be kinks to be worked out, but all we can do is try right?

[JeLLyPiG]

Denver is...nice in May! ^_~

[Dr. Snark N. Stein]

I'm pretty bummed that I won't be able to see a lot of my fav WoJers skate in home teams bouts anymore

I can imagine some poor hapless GnR fan stumbling in with expectations and wondering where those favourite players are.

Um, is there something publicly available that I'm missing?

[Frisky Sour]

No, Grant, no GNRs have officially said they're going TT-only yet. I would expect that there might be a couple more announcements before the next draft on the 16th or after TT tryouts next weekend.

I think it's just Mick, Scratcher and Rhea right now.

[JeLLyPiG]

I can imagine some poor hapless GnR fan stumbling in with expectations and wondering where those favourite players are.

Um, is there something publicly available that I'm missing?

You figured out I was talking about you so...No, looks like you got it!

[Dr. Snark N. Stein]

I can imagine some poor hapless GnR fan stumbling in with expectations and wondering where those favourite players are.

Um, is there something publicly available that I'm missing?

You figured out I was talking about you so...No, looks like you got it!
:snorting:

Awesome!

[Amanda HugNKill]

Thanks Frenchie! Once I have more time to read/re-read/re-re-read your response I'm sure I'll be pestering you further.

Um, is there something publicly available that I'm missing?

I was speaking more from a general stand-point, that a lot of my favorite skaters from all the home teams are on WoJ. At the risk of having aspersions cast on my loyalty to GNR, I will admit that Scratcher is one of my favorites.

[Cadillac]

Amanda-
I can't take the time to read all the posts but...
When it comes down to it, really it has nothing to do with having our lives back. TT only will require just as much and more then home team. We will be practicing our usual nights, having to step in to a home team practice once a month and doing a strength training day with our team and Get Fit! We are actually dedicating more time, but our time is more specific to TT.

Couple reasons: If you look at anyother sport, athletes get an off season. If you are TT, and home team, right after TT season ends, home team picks up, meaning your body gets no time to rest. Also in season, you would be bouting twice a month, because WoJ has such a packed schedule, and we are traveling a little more. This is also a huge concern for injury, losing your drive and getting burnt out. If you look at the top teams, Rocky Mtn. and Oly for example, both of those leagues have no home teams. They are TT only teams, which means, they practice with each other all year, and practice against the best- themselves, so they are not picking up any bad, lazy habits.

Our main goal is Nationals 2011, Wheels are already training toward this goal. We want to be stronger, faster, and more focused then ever.

From a league standpoint: travel team players will no longer carry home teams, which gives the opportunity for new talent to get better that much faster, you will be seeing rookies jam, block and skate hard, you will be amazed at how much better some of last years rookies get and how fast some FM will come up! And hopefully that gets them to travel team that much quicker, making turn around not so bad! Fans will get to see new skaters kick ass, and get to watch all of their hard work pay off!

I think this is one of the most sports minded moves that RCR has made, and you will really see the difference and change in the league within 2 years.

GO WHEELS!!!!!!!!!

[Amanda HugNKill]

FYI, this is officially becoming a blog post! Keep your input and your questions coming (JeLLyPiG, imma make you wait to read the post, but your stuff is answered).

[GrumpityBugg]

Discovering this thread erased the bulk of the question-mark-cloud that had been hovering over my head for the past few weeks ... but there are still a few flapping around.

If what we end up with is a stronger national team and faster development of new players within the city league, of course those are good things.

But I guess the question I have is this: won't the absence of veteran, high-level skaters from the league teams hinder the development of new players? How are they going to learn without actually facing the best skaters in town?

[Uff-da]

But I guess the question I have is this: won't the absence of veteran, high-level skaters from the league teams hinder the development of new players? How are they going to learn without actually facing the best skaters in town?

Don't worry about that! Most, if not all of these skaters are still very involved with their respective home teams. They are still coaching us and helping us on the bench during bouts. We also will still be scrimmaging together during our league practice scrimmages.

[Amanda HugNKill]

How are they going to learn without actually facing the best skaters in town?

Uff-Da is right, tt-only skaters will still be very involved with the home teams. More specifically, they will each be required to meet a 'home team assistance' requirement. Some will be bench coaching, some will be leading practices, a few will even have the option of coaching Fresh Meat. Not only that, but the absence of the all-stars will force the remaining home teams skaters to step up their game in order to remain competitive. Also keep in mind that not all WoJers will be going tt-only, so it is entirely possible that a home team with no WoJers left on it will have to face a home team with 3 WoJers.

My grand blog post is nearly ready- I'm just waiting on some feedback from a few people. Feel free to continue to post questions here though, if you get antsy.

[RoscoeHero]

So ... lets get down to it ... out of the new 2011 WoJ and AoA ladies making the cut ... Who has decided to stay with their team or do TT-only????

LADIES ... the fans want to know ... ?!?!?!?

Blood Clottia
Bella Massacre
Cadillac
Devaskating Diva
Firecrotch
Havana Good Time
Heidi Go Seek
Honey Hellfire
JK Rolling
Joyride
Layla Smackdown
Mel Mangles
Mia Feral
Mick U Cry
Minstrel Psycho
Mobi-wan Kanobi
Napalm Beth
Napolean Blownapart
Punchkin
Push La Tush
Rhea DeRange
Scratcher in the Eye
Shove Me Tender
Smack Ya Sideways
Soulfearic Acid
Sully Skullkicker
Texine
The Blast Unicorn
Twat Rocket
White Flight


Oh ... and super congrats to ALL!!!!!!

tkx

[Amanda HugNKill]

So ... lets get down to it ... out of the new 2011 WoJ and AoA ladies making the cut ... Who has decided to stay with their team or do TT-only????

WoJ skaters have until tomorrow (12/14) to submit their request to be TT-only (this deadline was shortened from the usual 7-day deadline due to the home team draft on the 16th). The requests will be reviewed and ratified by TT Leadership/Training on Wednesday. So you can probably expect the news once it's official on Wednesday!

Congrats ladies!

[Layla Smackdown]

Denver is...nice in May! ^_~

My positive sentiments exactly. Though I swore to never again return to Denver, I'll look forward to laying the smackdown in the rockies. Additionally, I will be armed with the info to NOT purchase booze from Wal-Mart on a Sunday. Damn you 3.2%! (shakes fist at the heavens angrily)

[Amanda HugNKill]

Your burning questions, answered:

http://www.rosecityrollers.com/blog/2010/12/wtf-travel-team-only-option/