SFV Roller Derby would be nothing without our hardworking officials, both our onskates Referees and our dedicated Non-Skating Officials. Throughout the year, the Training Team would like to honor an official in recognition of their contribution to the league.
Honoring REFAEL
“Ref is an awesome person. He has stepped up as a leader in our little land of misfits and he is amazing and does so much for our league.”
How did you decide on your derby name?
I'm kind of obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles if you haven't guessed (although Michaelangelo is my favorite).
How did you get started as a roller derby referee?
I started about six months after my girlfriend, Stockholm Syndi, started at SFV Roller Derby. I frequently came to practices and after seeing how much she really enjoyed it, I finally decided to get involved. Three years later and I'm in love with this game, my leagues, and the community!
What's your favorite roller derby memory?
My favorite derby memory happened at the Big O 2015. I was in the back row near turn 3 and noticed Victorian Roller Derby League gathered behind us. I attempted to sneak a selfie with them, but they noticed and immediately started posing.
“Refael is one the most instrumental parts of my learning and skating in SFV. He has helped me beyond what is needed to achieve my goals as a skating official. I can’t thank him enough for the work he does for me and the league.”
Who inspires you, both on and off the track?
I've met so many people in this community that I look up to that I have the opportunity to call friends -- great players and officials that have great qualities that I hope I can translate into my own experiences. Off the track, my best friends inspire me. As much as we all party and goof off together, we're all bettering ourselves and continuing our educations on our way to being healthcare professionals, engineers, musicians, and more.
What's something you wish all skaters knew?
I wish skaters knew how far out-of-play they skate to chase jammers! And that being an official is hard. Skating refs may not see everything, but we try our best.
When you're not on the track, where can we find you?
If I’m not at SFV, you can find me practicing with the Drive-By City Rollers, or else driving an ambulance, in class finishing my prerequisites for nursing, or spending the rest of my days with Stockholm Syndi.