We have a Snake Jar

Allow me to explain:  Joel's Place keeps a glass jar that is filled with coins, not reptiles.  When a rider cuts in line it is called "Snaking" and they have to pay a fine in order to keep peace among their peers.  Snaking is one of the worst offenses in the Skate Park.  It is selfish and disruptive and completely flies in the face of the communal nature of riding.  Skating, Biking and Scooting are all individual pursuits, but they are best experienced within a community where there is constant collaboration.  The other riders may offer feedback on how to land a trick or they may be the videographer for the run.  They may have a level of skill that you aspire to or they may be a beginner that you can train.  They may simply be an understanding presence when you wipe out, having been on the concrete floor themselves.

Side Note: Working at Joel's Place is loud and chaotic as I have written several times.  I can judge how bad someone's wreck was by the ambient noise.  If the noise level is consistent, the crash was minor.  If there is a sudden spike in sound and everyone starts yelling, "Whoa!!!" then it was a substantial spill.  If the park goes silent...as everyone stops to see if the rider is dead...then I know I need to run down to check on the situation.

Riders share a passion that is maximized when in community.  They have their own tools.  They have their own attire.  They have their own language.  Know someone who really likes to scoot?  Ask them to tell you about "Buttercupping."  Not kidding.  One of their tricks is known as a "Buttercup."  And they wonder why skaters don't take them seriously.  Our riders are a fascinating blend of fierce independence and devoted community.  There is something powerful about knowing that there are others who share the same passions and priorities that you hold. 

Positive Peer Role Models is actually one of the best things that Joel's Place promotes.  Adults can preach the rules, post the rules, lecture about the rules and discipline young people who break the rules with limited success.  But if your peers yell at you for snaking and point you to the Snake Jar...that sticks.  All of the sudden you are invested in that piece of the culture and will call out the next rider who snakes you, because that is how the Joel's Place community treats each other with respect and accountability.

I have always been bad at community.  My inner narrative is one of the Outsider and Loner.  However this bunch of loud and ragged teenagers is showing me that even loners can be a part of a mutually beneficial community if they are united together with a similar passion and are willing to treat each other with respect and accountability.

It is a good lesson to learn.