Roller Derby Membership

So on October 7th, my worries were relieved. We had a vote for the league on whether non-roster people (ie referees and such) can be actual members. I was very VERY worried because it was one of the things that kept me from being more active with another league that I was a part of. My fears were not fulfilled as it was a unanimous vote that the referees and such could be dues paying members!!!!! YEAH!!!!!! It meant a lot to me because it means that it will be worth the hard work and effort that, as an official, I put into the league and that I have a voice in the league. It was funny, with the old league there was thought to the referees paying dues. I thought back to the slogans of the Revolutionary War and the "No taxation without Representation!!" I have no problems paying my share of dues, but don't think that it means I get no voice with what occurs with my money.
Anyway, it means, too, that I can put the extra work into the league and that I will have a voice with what occurs. I know that the way I vote won't always win, but at least I have that vote. It has let me re-structure my priorities in life and derby has gotten moved up in the pecking order.