Article Contributed on: 5/23/2009 7:38:57 AM
On the helmets of most girls are their derby names in glitter stickers or nail polish along with images of skulls, and sayings like HE!! ON WHEELS or THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT. My helmet has a single sticker on it - CRASHING SUCKS! Although last night it wasn't the crashing that did me in, it was the concrete. I am embarrassed to say I wasn't in the midst of a shoulder block that prevented the jammer from passing or even jumping over a cone as part of a drill. Instead I was standing still about to join the girls lining up for the next jam. I took one step forward and WHAM I'm down. Down on my left shoulder and elbow sparing my broken tailbone this time. And, I hurt. On all fours catching my breath I can hear my elbow beneath its pad starting to whimper and feel my shoulder tighten. I wince as I move it slowly and carefully assessing the severity. It moves so it's not broken, a good sign. But, I think my second helmet sticker should be CONCRETE HURTS!