First Suspension

In an attempt to display his commitment to the legitimization of Roller Derby, Seltzer suspended star skater Midge “Toughie” Brasuhn for allegedly pushing another skater into the track’s outer railing, even though the play had been faked by the other skater. Brasuhn was furious, but the rule remained.

Placing Bets

By the early 1950s, coaches were placing bets on the outcomes of matches, which Seltzer declared was another sign of legitimacy. However, Despite Seltzer’s best efforts, players engaged in a degree of staged theatrics for comic and dramatic effect well into the 1970s.