WE MADE IT! It’s officially the last day of March. I don’t know about you, but this month has taken years to go by. It is a bittersweet day, however, as it’s our last day of Officials Appreciation Month! As we slide into spring, we’d like to recognize TWO wonderful officials, Carpe Jugulum and Bona Petite.
When I first met Carpe Jugulum, I asked her how old she was. With a sly smile, she told me she was as old as Sonic the Hedgehog. It’s with that same air of mystery and sense of humor that Carpe has been officiating with for just over two years. Unlike the speedy needlemouse Sonic, Carpe’s speed, agility and attentiveness isn’t the result of a lab accident, rather it is the product of hard work and dedication!
Carpe came to the league as a prospective skater and half of a dynamic duo with her mom! Both of them were quick learners and brought so much fun to the team, but decided a role as a skater didn’t feel quite right. Carpe donned the stripes and has brought so much to the officiating game including (but not limited to) killer snacks, a creative and badass officials logo and lots of laughs.
Carpe is kind, creative and just generally delightful. Find out why we think she’s such a gem with this fun Q&A:
What got you started officiating?
I started out intending to play, but volunteered to officiate during a practice and knew I found my place
Do you prefer to officiate on or off skates? Why?
On skates so I can zoom zoom
What is the hardest part of officiating?
Keeping track of rule updates, gotta stay educated!
What is the best part?
Being a part of an empowering and inclusive sport
What would you tell someone who is considering becoming an official?
Do it! It might seem intimidating, but you’ll be part of a fantastic group of people who will support you
What do you do when you’re not officiating?
Look through microscopes in a geology lab, play video games, draw, and write
What is a fun fact about you?
I can walk on my hands ????????????????
While Bona Petite cannot walk on her hands, she has many other talents. A veteran skater for Cornfed, she’s been skating for over five years and officiating for three years. Bona officiates on and off skates and has been to Indiana, Utah and all over the Midwest volunteering her top-notch services. Bona has a lovely floof of a cat named Carl and is also a talented cross-stitcher, videographer and can crush the road trip singing game as long as the playlist includes angsty emo jams from the early 2000s.
Bona also plays a mean saxophone and is a powerhouse jammer who has incredible speed, hard hits and major agility. She dances past blockers and she’ll dance straight into your heart! Learn more about Bona below:
What got you started officiating?
I am a skater that just can’t get enough! I was asked to help out as an NSO, and that was the beginning of the end. Now every weekend of mine is filled with bouts that I’m skating in, or bouts that I’m officiating
Do you prefer to officiate on or off skates? Why?
Can I say both? I’ll fill in wherever I’m needed
What is the hardest part of officiating?
Not smiling when good cool things happen. No matter who is playing, I can always appreciate a good apex jump or offensive hit.
What is the best part?
We make derby happen! Without us, there would be no game
What would you tell someone who is considering becoming an official?
Do it. You are closest to the action, you get to analyze what is happening, and you get to be around the coolest community! What else could you ask for?
What do you do when you’re not officiating?
Oh gosh, every weekend from February to July is filled with derby, so I guess sleep?
What is a fun fact about you?
Me and my SO officiate together!
There you have it, folks! Officials Appreciation Month may be coming to a close, but please remember, there is never a bad time to appreciate your officials. These folks keeps the game running smoothly, work every single jam and volunteer their time. There’s a few officials we didn’t get to fully feature this month, but we’d also like to say thank you to Nellie Flyby, Ziggy Zig Ahh! and Wes Slamderson for being amazing officials! Be sure to show some love to your friends in black and in stripes through social media, a text or even just tagging them in a fun meme. Here’s hoping April showers bring healing powers for COVID!
