For Amber MacPherson, being a part of the Ohio Roller Girls is more than just an opportunity to get some exercise.

“Roller derby is a sport!” said MacPherson, who is one of several students and staff members who have represented Ohio State in the roller derby league since its formation in 2005.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, it is played on a flat track with 10 skaters at a time, five from each team. Each team consists of four players in the “pack,” and one player as the “jammer.”

“Jammers score points for their team each time they pass an opposing skater,” MacPherson said. “The pack plays offense and defense simultaneously as they work to assist their jammer through the pack and prevent the opposing team’s jammer from getting through.”

While the early years of roller derby relied heavily on theatrical elements, MacPherson says that modern flat track roller derby is a legitimate sport with an official national governing body and a complete rule set.

“Nothing is staged,” MacPherson said.

One theatrical element of this sport that does remain is the use of derby names. Each member of the league receives a name upon entering, such as Alli Catraz, Pippi Ripyourstockings and Kitty Liquorbottom.

Players in the Ohio league must be females at least 21 years old.

“I first learned about [Ohio Roller Girls] during Comfest in 2005, as there was a booth there that we have every year,” MacPherson said. “I grew up playing various sports and missed the organized exercise, plus I like to try new and different things.”

MacPherson says that the sport requires a high level of commitment.

“We have at least three practices a week from 9 to 11 p.m., sometimes more,” MacPherson said. “Everyone also has to acquire their own equipment and pay monthly dues.”

She also mentioned that almost everyone has a job in the league in addition to skating. For instance, she assists with photography as well as managing the league’s MySpace page.

Anthony Rodriguez, director of public relations and media, said the league is being restructured to bring in more competition from outside the state.

“Hopefully fans will be able to see a much more competitive game with these changes,” Rodriguez said.

As for what MacPherson would like the OSU community to know about the league, she offers this: “It’s fast paced and exciting and a total blast to watch and play.”

For more information, including a full roster and season schedule, visit ohiorollergirls.com.

Madeline Smithcan be reached at [email protected].