Updated December 15, 2025
What is Michi-TV?
Michi-TV is a one stop shop for roller derby and other events curated by Michi-chan Sports. The service places selected live streams from Twitch and YouTube on one of up to 6 different channels. When a user first visits Michi-TV, they will land on the main page where information about content on all of the channels are shown, the user can then select one of those channels. We also have links to older videos that were posted by roller derby leagues. The site will show the video as well as the live chat if it is enabled. There is also a list of other events currently taking place on other channels as well as a full schedule for what is ahead.
Event types include:
- Live streams from YouTube with chat capability.
- Live broadcasts from Twitch with chat capability.
- Pre-recorded YouTube videos set for "premiere" with chat capability.
- Pre-recorded and previous live/premiere YouTube videos available on demand for a block of time on a channel.
At times, the Michi-TV facilities may be used for various non-sports related activities of concern to Michi-chan Sports' parent REC Networks. This includes live coverage of events and functions at the Federal Communications Commission and related congressional proceedings.
Viewer FAQ
How do I access Michi-TV?
Just go to https://michitv.net.
Is there a program schedule?
When you reach the main page on a desktop, you will see a list of any live broadcasts or video premieres that day. For a full schedule, including all on-demand programming, click on the [Schedule] link in the upper right portion of the browser window.
Why does the video come up muted?
This is a measure used by Google Chrome to prevent noisy ads on some web pages. You can use the controls in the video window to unmute the video. If you change channels or visit frequently, videos will normally appear unmuted.
How do I change to a different channel?
There are channel "buttons" at the upper right of the screen. The channel you are on is shown in color. Click on one of the other channels in black and white to access that channel. The channel icons associated with the programs currently played on each channel are also clickable to change channels. Below the viewing screen, you will also see the three channels and what is on. Clicking on the channel logo there will take you to that channel.
Can I "like" a video through Michi-TV?
Unfortunately, not. On YouTube videos, the title in the upper left portion of the screen is clickable so you can go to the original YouTube version of the video where you can put in a "like".
For a program that is being carried through YouTube (live, premiere or on-demand), can I subscribe to the YouTube channel that I am watching?
For YouTube, you should be able to see a subscribe button for the channel we are embedding. It will be to the right of the button you can use to subscribe to Michi-chan Sports on YouTube.
I am watching a channel and it refreshed out of nowhere. What happened?
Our system is set to send a browser refresh around the time when the block for the program is scheduled to air. This is done to update information on the website and when necessary, switch to another event on a different YouTube or Twitch channel.
Do I need to sign up for Twitch and/or YouTube to use Michi-TV?
You don't have to, but if you do, you can access the chat rooms (when available)
Can I use Michi-TV on a mobile device?
Yes you can. The presentation will look different and you will not have access to chat. For mobile devices, it is probably best to install the YouTube and Twitch apps on your phone and view the event directly there.
What happens during the week when there's not much going on?
We may link the channels to previously recorded YouTube videos, such as Michi-chan Sports original content, like Michi-chan's RAW Derby episodes, as well as reruns of previous derby action from around the Arizona and other leagues. There may be times when you see absolutely no scheduled programming at all. We do have links to other derbyish YouTube videos from channels that we are watching ("random acts of derby love"). So no matter what, there's something to watch on the Michi-TV page.
Does each channel have a significance?
We normally use Channel 1 as our primary channel (since that's where the website defaults to). Channel 1 is used for a highest priority events. Arizona events for roller derby will have priority and on Channel 1 where possible. If there are other events at the same time but are noteworthy, we will put those on Channel 2 and if Channel 2 is being used, Channel 3. Multi-game roller derby tournaments will usually air on Channel 3. We may depart from this concept where scheduling requires us to assure that long or multi-day events are consistently shown on the same channel. We reserve the right to change channel assignments at any time.
Derby League FAQ
Is this just Michi-chan bootlegging our videos?
No. The embeds come directly from YouTube or Twitch. They are not reprocessed here. Some courts have already found that a website posting an embedded video from another site that has the rights to distribute that video does not constitute copyright infringement. Some leagues and associations have warned about "weirdo links" and those who will take a YouTube or Twitch video and then place it on their own YouTube or Twitch channel (this is also known as "live freebooting"). They don't just do it with roller derby, but they do it with other sports (even tier 1 sports) and then take the viewing hours for those watching on their channel. That is much different than what we do with embedding. We only use the embedded video code that is provided publicly by both YouTube and Twitch and to place it on our page. It is no different than embedding a video on social media, league page, blog, etc.
Our live streams on YouTube/Twitch are monetized, are you stealing our views and viewing hours by embedding them on Michi-TV?
Not at all. Someone watching an embedded video through a third party website (such as Michi-TV) is still watching a video on YouTube or Twitch. The viewing hours do count towards your totals for monetization purposes. If anything, sites like Michi-TV may actually help increase your viewing hours as folks who may not know about the bout can now tune in to watch it.
Information from YouTube regarding advertising/monetization on embedded videos.
What is Michi-chan Sports getting out of this then?
This gives us an opportunity for a "fans first" approach for finding derby bouts and other events and that benefits Michi-chan and the leagues. The only "catch" is that we may cross-promote other related REC/Michi-chan properties (such as michichan.com, iwantmorederby.com, Michi-FM, etc.). It's also a way to encourage fans to subscribe to Michi-chan Sports on YouTube and like on Facebook.
We do not believe that we can place any third-party (paid or compensated) advertising on Michi-TV because of language in the Terms of Use for both YouTube and Twitch. Therefore, we will limit cross-promotion to Michi-chan properties and would consider promotion of non-profit roller derby leagues where Michi-chan Sports is not compensated by the league.
Why do this?
There are some derby leagues that use Twitch and others who use YouTube for their live streams. This is a "fans first" solution to assure that fans do not have to put in any guesswork as to which leagues use which social media. Remember, Twitch is not discoverable. YouTube does not provide the same type of monetization to derby leagues that Twitch does. Michi-TV adds a new level of discoverability for your league's coverage, especially for Twitch. Also, if your event is on Michi-TV, you are also on the Michi-chan Sports radar which means potential social media posts and updates regarding your events.
What about original content?
At most times during periods in which all channels are not being taken up by events, we are providing embedded original content from Michi-chan Sports. One of the goals of this website is to promote our original content.
Can I prevent our league/event from being carried on Michi-TV?
The only way to do that is to disable embedding on your channel and before you start a stream. Disabling embedding won't just stop Michi TV but it will also prevent you from posting your league's videos on the league's website. Also prevents bloggers, reporters and others from embedding. In derby, word of mouth is our sole advertising source. You should be delighted the league is getting a wide audience by streaming. If the league has serious reservations about Michi-TV and wants to discuss this further, my door is always open for a talk.
Can we have our bouts shown on Michi-TV?
It is very possible if there is room in the schedule. We work on the following priority list:
- Bouts where the classic Arizona ruleset or any WFTDA version prior to 2012 is played.
- Home bouts held in the Michi-chan primary areas of interest (the entire state of Arizona and Michi-chan Sports DMVDerby area which includes the entire states of Maryland and Delaware, the District of Columbia and points in Virginia that are within approximately 3 hours driving distance from Salisbury, Maryland).
- Travel team bouts and tournaments that are played in Arizona or the DMVDerby Area.
- National and regional events with priority taking place if one or more teams from Arizona or the DMVDerby areas are involved.
- Short track bouts.
- Banana Ball
- Jomboy Warehouse Games
- Bouts from anywhere which use the USARS ruleset.
- Roller derby bouts from anywhere else.
- Other non-scholastic sporting events that are not roller derby.
You will also need to make sure that your live streams are set up to allow for embedding.
At least one week before the proposed bout, please send information to staff@michichan.com
We will need the following:
- The league.
- Any kind of name or "theme" for the bout.
- Names of the teams that are playing.
- The date of the event.
- The start and estimated end time of the event.
We would love to carry you!
