by Erin Able

Created on: February 24, 2007

What do fishnet stockings, helmets and broken legs have in common? They're all part of the arsenal of Roller Derby. This knock-down girl-on-girl display of athleticism on wheels is kicking Philly's ass in a good way and it's no surprise once you take at look at these tough chicks.

Violet Tempter (more on her name later) thinks "many women love the visceral nature of what roller derby provides: speed skating combined with full-contact body hitting. Not only that, it gives women an outlet to express their physicality and more aggressive sides. Most of the women who join roller derby now are very independent, intelligent, "take no shit" women. This sport fills the niche for us perfectly."

Back in the day, roller derby was thought of as WWF on roller skates scripted plays that are rehearsed so that no one actually gets hurt. Darth Hater #13 explains, "While it [the rehearsed moves] added flair and excitement to the game, we don't need it. We play hard and we love it. That's all the excitement that our fans need."

How can you tell they are really taking these hits? The Philly Roller Girls currently have two broken legs, numerous pulled knees, and a girl in physical therapy for a shoulder injury. After most bouts (that's derby lingo for "game") there are more black and blues (and greens and purples) than can be counted.

"It would be great to find a chiropractor or massage therapist to sponsor us" Darth Hater slyly adds.

"There is nothing typical about our bouts," clarifies Bettie Machete, "it's the good, the bad and the ugly all rolled into one exciting event! Nothing is staged or scripted - if there is a fight, it is real. Tempers fly and everyone wants to win. If someone hits you hard, you will hit them harder. The girls skate hard and hit hard. This is not for primadonnas. Girls will go home battered and bruised - but with a big smile on their face."

But what is the appeal to half-naked women speed skating and slamming into each other? Besides the obvious sex appeal, it's not every day that you see women being so aggressive, combined with speed skating and athletic/gymnastic maneuvers to avoid injury and to and score some points while still looking hot in the process.

The Philly Roller Girls is comprised of four teams: The Broad Street Butchers (meat cleaver wielding, bloody apron wearing maniacs), The Hostile City Honeys (tough biker chicks), The Heavy Metal Hookers (like to rock and look good while doing it), and the Philthy Britches (wanted a historical Philadelphia

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