Roller derby isn't a business, but it should be run like one...

I have been involved with roller derby in Scotland for four years now. Although I am not a skater (I'm a repeat failure of fresh meat programmes with two different leagues) my experience doing line-up and bench managing, as well as being involved in the running of leagues and the UKRDA, the governing body of the sport in the UK, has given me vast experience and insight. And what it boils down to is this...

People need to start treating roller derby like a business.

Unfortunately, for now, very few people can actually be paid to be a part of roller derby. It is a sport that has grown to the place it is now thanks to the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of numerous people up and down the country. This does not mean that we can't treat the sport in a business-like fashion. In fact, it is my belief that it would benefit massively if we did.

Here are a few things that can be done to shift the focus towards a more business-like structure, and away from shaky volunteer-run structures:

1. Hire the right people, not the most enthusiastic
It's great that someone wants to get involved in running a roller derby league or event. However, should they? If this was a company (Derby Co.), that person would more than likely be passed on if they did not have some relevant experience or qualifications for the position. With the growth of the sport, and the diverse range of participants, its likely you can get the right person for the job. And it should be sold as a job, with a full description of duties and essential and desirable skills. Enthusiastic people are great, and absolutely they should be nurtured and encouraged, but put them into roles they can learn from, or roles they are already suited to.

2. Make people accountable
You wouldn't let people away with not doing their duties in a job - you would sack them and find someone who will. Admittedly, this can be hard when you are working with volunteers, you don't want them to just up and quit. However, they need to do what you need them to do. If they aren't, why aren't they? If you follow the ideas in point one about giving them detailed descriptions of their job, then it's easy to show them where they are falling down.

3. Keep track of people's performance
This can be speaking to their superiors (committee heads, directors), or outside "customers" to see show their performance has been. And speak to the person themselves, to see how they are feeling about the role. Do this regularly, particularly in the first six months following their appointment. This period is vital for ensuring that they know what they are doing and have the tools to do it.

4. Be prepared to invest in your "staff"
Whether this is paying for them to do training (roles like grievance would especially benefit for this), covering some of the costs associated with the role (software etc), or starting a wee scheme to give well-performing staff a wee treat every so often, be prepared to spend money making your staff happy and able to do their job. Also, invest time in them, by tracking performance and checking in with them, by training them yourself if needed, by providing proper handovers. What you put in, you will get out.

5. Acknowledge hard work
Remember these people are volunteers - they should be praised for the work they do because they are doing it for free. The one thing that doesn't cost any money is a bit of praise. A lot of the plaudits go to the hard work on the track (and it should, the team are athletics giving blood, sweat and tears to win), but that doesn't mean you can't give props to the work that happens behind the scenes. These are the people who ensure the league's present and future. Why not take your committee heads and directors out for a celebratory/thank you meal once a year?

6. Let people move on
This can be one of the hardest things to do, in business or in roller derby. However, sometimes things need to end for new things to begin. Don't begrudge someone for not wanting to do the same job forever, their situation may have changed, they may be tired, they may be fed up. All of that is allowed. As long as you make sure they leave their role in a neat and tidy place, with an appropriate handover, then let them go. Better than then have them disappear forever.

In which I contemplate the future....

I honestly can't say I have a vision of what my life will be like in 10 years. Hell, I don't even know what it will be like a year from now. I know I will still have cats (and probably still the Mockingcats, unless some tragic accident befalls any of them). Other than that, not a clue.

But here's the thing: That doesn't worry me. I know that I should be thinking about buying a house, but there is no way I can save the near £20k needed for a deposit. So it's not a viable option, therefore I put it aside. I can afford to rent a fairly decent home, that's all I need.

I might be in a relationship, but I doubt it. I don't leave the house, other than to go to work, to go to roller derby and to go to the gym. Not a lot of options for meeting guys in any of that. Especially where I currently work. No offence to the guys there, but really not my type.

I will hopefully probably be in another job. It's not in my nature to stay in the one position too long, I need to move and grow and challenge myself. I've already been in my current job longer than I would care - usually the 2 year mark is my limit (the shortest period in one journalism job being six months, the shortest ever in my working life being one day). After that I get itchy feet and want to move on.

If I were to have my dream life I would be a published author who doesn't need a day job, living in a home I own, with my cats. I would have a cleaner to keep the house tidy and I could afford to indulge myself more than I currently can. I would have a nice car, which I would own outright, and wouldn't have to worry about an overdraft, the bills or any of the money worries I currently have.

I don't want to be JK Rowling (although it would be nice), but making £40k a year writing would mean I could give up the day job, and focus on what I really love.

Probably should restart that partially-written novel!!