About Curtis E. Lay

Curtis E Lay is a level four certified WFTDA referee, plying his trade in Seattle. He writes about officiating for Derbylife.

Author Archives: Curtis E. Lay

April 25th, 2013 | by Curtis E. Lay

Curtis E. Lay explains why he thinks that players and refs need more open communication during games, for the good of the sport

February 7th, 2013 | by Curtis E. Lay

The 2013 derby season is under way, and it gives me much to anticipate—the camaraderie and support of fellow officials,

December 19th, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

The creators of this site called it “DerbyLife.” I have no doubt that they chose the name based not just

August 9th, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

She is instantly recognizable, one of the most iconic people in roller derby. She is studied far and wide, with

June 18th, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

At some point, I bet you’ve come across an ad promoting an art test. “Draw Me!” it barks. It goes

May 3rd, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

Read You Suck, Ref! Part 1, or Part 2. A nearly universal complaint about roller derby is the difficulty of

April 13th, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

To this day, I love the old Roadrunner cartoons. Poor Wile E. Coyote. His wonderful, fundamentally flawed plans always ended

March 26th, 2012 | by Curtis E. Lay

Recently, I had cause to update my referee résumé. In the past 12 months, I reffed 65 full-length bouts under

October 7th, 2011 | by Curtis E. Lay

I am watching a bout at the 2011 WFTDA East Region Playoffs. From my high vantage point, I can see

August 29th, 2011 | by Curtis E. Lay

We each have a mental shortlist of reasons that we love roller derby. Near the top of my list is