Imagine a hockey game, but replace the ice with a roller rink. Swap out the baggy jerseys for fishnet hose and tank tops, and abandon ordinary names in favor of pseudonyms like Tanya Hyde and Demi Gore. What you have is a reasonable facsimile of women's roller derby. The scoring is completely different, but both sports are rowdy, raucous and sometimes punctuated with fights between the players.

Unlike professional hockey players, the vast majority of roller derby participants are unpaid. Most actually spend money on the sport -- they purchase their own equipment and pay monthly dues to support their leagues. Teams usually practice several times a week, and injuries are common.

So why pay money to work, compete and possibly get hurt? Why take the time to re-learn to skate? What makes it fun? For more information visit "How Roller Derby Works" at www.HowStuffWorks.com

Emerald City Roller Girls is a brand new (just forming) Roller Derby league in the Eugene/Springfield area that needs your support and help to make it a kick ass league! Roller Derby is a fun, full-contact sport played on quad roller skates. It's a great way to meet new friends, get lots of exercise, and play a sport at a competitive level.

For information on becoming a Emerald City Roller Girl checkout the documents here!