Kilt wearing advice at the ROLLER DERBY??

**Detroitpete** · 6th March 11, 09:51 AM

Hey all,

Last night I went to check out a local amateur sporting event--Roller derby--what a BLAST.

http://www.detroitderbygirls.com/

Anyway, I'm in line at the beer booth and a gentleman behind me says, "I don't get it." I turned to ask him what he was confused about and he said, "The kilt...I don't get it. Why are you wearing it?" So I smile and say, "It gives my sporran something to sit on."

He's NOT smiling.

He's gives me a concerned/confused look. I tell him that it's a way of showing pride in my Scottish and Irish heritage, and although I have to dress in a certain manner for work most days, on the weekends I prefer to wear kilts. He asks me if I play bagpipes. I say no--but I compete in Scottish Heavy Athletics. He says, "Oh, you throw the tapir". I reminded him that a tapir is a large rodent and although after a few drinks I might give'r a go, I usually stick to cabers, which are long poles.

It's a long beer line.

I'm trying to still be warm and friendly, but I really would just like to pick up my concessions and head back to my seat.

He says, "I'm Scottish...Clan Mac________". So I asked him when he wore a kilt last. He said he wore one at his wedding, but never since.

He went from questioning to appreciative. I reminded him how comfortable kilts are and he said that I looked good. I told him about xmarks and our local clan societies, Highland Games etc.

I FINALLY made it to the front of the line and turned and asked him if he'd like a beer. He smiled and said yes, so I bought him a lager. When I turned to go, he said, "You know, my wife would love to see me dressed like that". So I said, "No better reason, eh?"

A few moments waiting in line--a discussion that started off as a bit uncomfortable--ends up with shared beer and a smile.

I remembered, sometimes whilst kilted--we have to play the role of ambassador

**Joshua** · 6th March 11, 10:29 AM

You were better in your description than I... I simply tell people "I hate pants".

**KiltedDixon** · 6th March 11, 10:42 AM

Well done. I like the ambassador reminder at the end.

**Mike_Oettle** · 6th March 11, 12:04 PM

Great piece of diplomacy, Pete.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Mike

**Riverkilt** · 6th March 11, 12:21 PM

You are much more patient than I'd have been....probably would have inserted the standard two word response early on rather than play it out to a positive end like you did.

**Spartan Tartan** · 6th March 11, 01:23 PM

There is a roller Derby team here in Oklahoma City too. I'm planning to go next weekend. They're in Texas this weekend to begin their season. I was planning to wear my kilt, I just kind of assumed that no one would hardly notice at a roller Derby. Now, I'm looming even more forward to it.

**rondo** · 6th March 11, 01:29 PM

Well done!
Rondo

**Detroitpete** · 6th March 11, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

There is a roller Derby team here in Oklahoma City too. I'm planning to go next weekend. They're in Texas this weekend to begin their season. I was planning to wear my kilt, I just kind of assumed that no one would hardly notice at a roller Derby. Now, I'm looming even more forward to it.

I'm becoming a BIG fan!

The girls remind me of Highland Athletes--they train hard, put on a good show, don't get paid--and end the evening drinking with their competitors!

**Tin Whistler** · 7th March 11, 02:01 PM

I'm a Kilted Roller Derby Referee!!! I have seen a few Kilted Derby fans at bouts and always strike up a conversation with them. Derby Girls love Kilted men, some snickers and snide comments from the fans, as expected.
As to the Question "What does a Derby Ref wear under his Kilt?"
"Kneepads and Skates!" (In truth compression shorts, we get knocked down a bunch)

**Spartan Tartan** · 7th March 11, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Tin Whistler

I'm a Kilted Roller Derby Referee!!! I have seen a few Kilted Derby fans at bouts and always strike up a conversation with them. Derby Girls love Kilted men, some snickers and snide comments from the fans, as expected.
As to the Question "What does a Derby Ref wear under his Kilt?"
"Kneepads and Skates!" (In truth compression shorts, we get knocked down a bunch)

Really!? AWESOME. That's that then...I'll be kilting up for the local Roller Derby when they're having a match.

Just out of curiosity, Tin Whistler, where are you referrring? Not anywhere in Oklahoma by any chance?