uncommitted skaters
I love love love my league. We are all the good things: inclusive, affirming, warm, friendly, all-gender, all-level. BUT, the place is full of uncommitted players who come to practices once a month. Most of them will never even get to the scrimmage level, much less bout level. Most of the coaching energy is spent working with these folks, because they bring the level of practice down.
I should not be complaining! I'm relatively new, I'm older, and I'll probably never be a bout-level player either. But I work damn hard at this: I attend all practices, and I cross-train every day. I don't understand why so many people think roller-derby is something you can do casually. It's not. It's very hard, and working on your skills is what keeps everyone safe--not just you.
I'd welcome any suggestions on how a league can maintain its values (everyone is welcome), while also making it clear that this sport requires commitment.