Grand Raggidy Rollergirls
The Grand Raggidy Roller Girls link title are a flat-track roller derby league based in Grand Rapids, MI. The skater owned and operated amateur league was started in April 2005 by two Grand Rapids women, Shutter Speed and The Vindicator. Currently, the league includes anywhere from 25-40 active skaters. The GRRG is a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, a national governing organization for flat-track derby.
In the summer of 2005, there were enough skaters to split the league into two "home" teams - the Blue Collar Broads (who had a union/factory worker theme) and the Roustabout Rollers (crazy carnival escapees). The GRRG debuted in public, holding its exhibition bouting season in the spring of 2006 at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids. Later that year, the league added a third home team - the Everyday Rebelles.
In December of 2006, the GRRG formed an all-star Travel Team and played against their sister league, The Detroit Derby Girls. Since then, the GRRG All Stars have played in several tournaments, and have traveled the country to compete against teams from Ohio (twice), Las Vegas (twice), Baltimore and New York City.
In early 2008, the league dissolved its three home teams and created two new teams; the GRRG All Stars and the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls (home team). The Grand Raggidy home team played its first game on March 29 against the Kalamazoo Kamikazees.
As of April 2008, the league holds practice on Monday and Wednesday nights at Woodland Skating Center on 28th St. in Grand Rapids. Home bouts and Sunday night practices are held at the RiverTown SportsPlex, in Grandville.
Membership to the league is open to women ages 21 years and older. No prior experience is necessary, and the league trains new skaters of all skill levels. The GRRG is an LLC with paid dues and a functioning Board of Directors that meets monthly. The league participates in community events on a frequent basis. All skaters are required to follow a skater code of conduct and wear proper safety equipment during practice, scrimmage and bouts.
GRRG public bouts mix athleticism and full-contact physicality with showmanship and a punk rock attitude. Bout are a family friendly affair, but with an undercurrent of left-of-center camp.