For its first two years, my home league has done a 14 + alts structure for its two competitive teams. This has one positive aspect - a skater who works hard and maintains all requirements does not need to be worried about being bumped. And....that is about it. We could argue consistency, but odds are that between injuries and life changes it would be fortuitous indeed for even 14 of an original wftda charter to make it to season's end without interruption.
The (probably predictable) issue that comes up time and time again - captains and coaches basically pulling teeth for a good chunk of their roster to so much as make minimum requirements (showing up to 3/4 of practices, paying attention, trying hard, or even being on skates not required. People frequently just babysit the league president's dog. And still their team leadership is babysitting grown-ass (and in some cases flat out middle aged) women, prodding them to take some responsibility for themselves.
That is just sad on so many levels.
Every game roster has room for 14 players and 2 alternates. What that means? In a bad situation, it means that if you are stuck with an unholy flake who can't manage her life, you can just do without her. No mommying bullshit. Eventually she will either step it up or open a spot to someone who can handle it.
But let's move past that and assume the best. For one thing, this allows people to deal with both good and life events outside of derby WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY. Wedding? Grandma died? We are covered, the selections will just be made from a smaller pool. Same for resting from "minor" injuries.
And let's move on and consider a scenario in which you have 19 or even 20 healthy skaters who are making attendance. Let's assume you are playing a team known to be extremely skilled at pack manipulation, specifically goading and thinning through forcing blocker cuts. A skater with poor rules knowledge? Can't use her because she will cut and destroy the pack like crazy. Same for a blocker who doesn't push herself to navigate hostile packs. Does having this "sorry, not this time" conversation suck? Sure. Well, kind of.
This forces EVERYONE (leadership and skaters) to be aware of each skater's strengths and weaknesses. Whoa then. Chances to improve? Useful information in making line-ups and individual progression plans? Good things, all.
So, yeah. Fill that charter and make everyone equal. It does a team good.
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