Latest News

Updated Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby Released

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:19:00 -0700

The WFTDA has released a new version of the Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby, incorporating clarifications and minor revisions to the rules update taking effect in January 2013.

Teams may begin playing under the new rules immediately. All sanctioned bouts must be played under the revised rule set starting July 1, 2013.

The changes, which were approved by WFTDA member leagues, focused on adjustments that could be made with minimal disruption to the current rule set and season. Substantive changes will be held until the next major rules revision, targeted for January 1, 2014, to allow time for thorough review and testing.

Changes include stricter penalties governing contact to the head to improve athlete safety; adjustments to Multi-Player Block penalties; a new Forearms/Hands penalty for using an opponent to make a block; and clarifications and additions to the Delay of Game penalty that was added in the January 1 rules update.

The WFTDA Rules Committee will continue to use timeout.wftda.com to collect feedback about the rules from skaters, officials, coaches and other interested parties.

View or download the new rules, read a summary of changes, or download our line-by-line change detail document at Rules Central. The MRDA version can be found at mensrollerderbyassocation.com.

WFTDA Restructures its Rules Committee

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:38:00 -0700

To better meet the needs of the organization and support further development of the sport of flat track roller derby, the WFTDA is undertaking the first major restructuring of its Rules Committee.

The new Rules Committee will have two primary branches, the Theory Panel and Application Panel, and will also have specialized support positions to help accommodate the committee’s workload.

In addition, the committee will, for the first time, include non-voting members representing the interests of other users of WFTDA rules, the Men’s Roller Derby Association and junior roller derby.

“We recognize that our rules are widely used outside of our member leagues, as the most-used flat track roller derby rule set. That is why we began using gender-neutral pronouns in the Jan. 1, 2013 rules, for example. We are extending that to bring representation from men’s and junior roller derby to our panel,” Kuhn said.

To learn more about the new Rules Committee structure and its members, read the full press release: WFTDA Restructures Rules Committee

WFTDA Opens Bidding Process For 2014 Playoff and Championship Tournaments

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:42:00 -0700

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is seeking venues or entities that are interested in partnering with us to host the 2014 WFTDA Playoffs and Championships. There are currently seven opportunities to host WFTDA Tournaments.

Division 2 Playoffs host applications are being considered for two events in mid-August to early September.
Division 1 Playoffs host applications are being considered for four events in September to early October.
Championships host applications are being considered for one event in early November.

The top three teams from each of four Division 1 Playoffs (12 teams total) will advance to the WFTDA Championships and compete for roller derby’s top honor, The Hydra. Additionally, the top team from each of two Division 2 Playoffs will be invited to play for the title of Division 2 Champion and the second place team from each Division 2 playoff will play for Third Place.

The WFTDA Playoffs and Championships are held in venues ranging from sports arenas to convention centers that can accommodate between 2,000 to 8,000 spectators, depending on the event. An ideal venue has a competition track, warm-up track, tiered seating, multiple dressing rooms, and space for a vendor area. The skating surface must be suitable, smooth, flat, and obstruction-free (no pillars) with at least a 110 feet by 85 feet surface for the competition track.

Although bids are accepted from non-WFTDA organizations and leagues, it takes a tremendous amount of volunteer hours to put these tournaments on. Support from a local host WFTDA league is a key part of any bid.

The deadline for applications is July 3, 2013.

For questions or to request the application documents, contact WFTDA Tournament Director Alisha Campbell at bids@wftda.com.

WFTDA Welcomes First Full Member Leagues in Asia and South America

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:01:00 -0700

The WFTDA is excited to extend full membership status to 22 additional leagues today, following their successful completion of the WFTDA Apprentice Program. The new Class C members can now enjoy the benefits of full WFTDA membership, including competing in sanctioned games and being eligible for rankings.

This group includes two leagues in Japan and one in Columbia, the first leagues from Asia and South America to achieve full member status. The WFTDA already has full member leagues in North America, Europe and Australia.

Congratulations to:

Assault City Roller Derby, of Syracuse, New York, USA
Brandywine Roller Girls, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA
Cedar Valley Derby Divas, of Waverly, Iowa, USA
Enid Roller Girls, of Enid, Oklahoma, USA
Fort Myers Derby Girls, of Fort Myers, Florida, USA
Greensboro Roller Derby, of Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Greenville Derby Dames, of Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Harbor City Roller Dames, of Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Kokeshi Roller Dolls, of Okinawa, Japan
Lansing Derby Vixens, of Lansing, Michigan, USA
Mid-States Sisters of Skate, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA
Mother State Roller Derby, of Richmond, Virginia, USA
Paris Rollergirls, of Paris, France
Rock n Roller Queens, of Bogota, Colombia
Sheffield Steel Rollergirls, of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Sun State Roller Girls, of Browns Plains, Australia
Tiger Bay Brawlers, of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Tokyo Roller Girls, of Tokyo, Japan
Ventura County Derby Darlins, of Ventura, California, USA
Vette City Roller Derby, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
West Coast Derby Knockouts, of Ventura, California, USA

In addition, the WFTDA recently extended Class C membership benefits to Roughneck Roller Derby, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a new organization created by former members of Green Country Roller Derby. Green Country was a former WFTDA member league that was in good standing with the WFTDA when it disbanded its business operations.

The WFTDA now has 198 member leagues and 98 apprentice leagues.

WFTDA Releases April 30 Rankings

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 -0700

The latest team rankings from the WFTDA Rankings Calculator were released today. This release incorporates the results of WFTDA-sanctioned games played through April 30, 2013, and reflects some shifts in team as the women's flat track roller derby season heats up.

The Rankings Calculator uses an algorithm to rank teams based on game scores. The rankings are confirmed by WFTDA Member League vote prior to public release.

The next rankings release will occur in mid-July and will include games played through June 30. Those rankings will be used to determine seeding for the Division I and II Playoffs. Learn more about WFTDA Divisions.

See: Current Rankings

WFTDA Accepting Applications for 2013 Tournament Officials

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:14:00 -0700

WFTDA has begun accepting applications from skating and non-skating officials wishing to work this year's Playoff and Championship tournaments.

Application Timeline

THR and THNSO: Opens 5/7/13 - Closes 5/22/13

All Other Officials: Opens 5/10/13 - Closes 5/28/13

Applications

See: Tournament Official Eligibility Guidelines

WFTDA.tv Announces 2013 Season

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:24:00 -0700

WFTDA.tv is excited to announce its 2013 season broadcasts, as well as the formal launch of its Livestream.com-based initiative, “WFTDA.tv Presents.”

WFTDA.tv Presents allows member leagues to produce and distribute their own content under the WFTDA banner, and receive promotional and technical support from the organization. These events are produced by WFTDA leagues, and distributed and promoted via WFTDA.tv’s Livestream platform free of charge (visit the WFTDA’s Livestream channel).

WFTDA.tv Presents Broadcasts (via Livestream.com):

May 11 – Texas Rollergirls’ Texecutioners (Austin, TX) vs. Rocky Mountain Rollergirls’ 5280 Fight Club (Denver, CO)
June 5 – Rose City Rollers' Wheels of Justice (Portland, OR) vs. London Rollergirls' London Brawling (London, UK)

WFTDA.tv 2013 Season Broadcasts:

June 28-30: East Coast Derby Extravaganza, hosted by Philly Roller Girls, Feasterville, Pennsylvania.
Aug. 16-18: Division 2 Playoffs, hosted by the Des Moines Derby Dames, Des Moines, Iowa.
Aug. 23-25: Division 2 Playoffs, hosted by the Killamazoo Derby Darlins, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Sept. 6-8: Division 1 Playoffs, hosted by the Fort Wayne Derby Girls, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Sept. 13-15: Division 1 Playoffs, hosted by the River City Rollergirls, Richmond, Virginia.
Sept. 20-22: Division 1 Playoffs, hosted by the Blue Ridge Roller Girls, Asheville, North Carolina.
Sept. 27-29: Division 1 Playoffs, hosted by the Cherry City Derby Girls, Salem, Oregon.
Nov. 8-10: 2013 WFTDA Championships, hosted by the Brewcity Bruisers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Live viewing of the 2013 East Coast Derby Extravaganza will feature more than 23 Division 1 and Division 2 sanctioned bouts for viewing, free of charge to viewers.

Also new this year, WFTDA.tv will be there to cover all the action of the first ever Division 2 Playoffs. With the exciting addition of these tournaments, the WFTDA is looking to expand its season of coverage to help present more thrilling, competitive events via broadcast. WFTDA.tv will offer D2 viewers the option to help financially support these broadcasts through member-supported donations of any level, with coupons and discount codes to thank generous supporters.

Live coverage of the 2013 Division 1 Playoffs and Championships will again be available via pay-per-view. The pay-per-view costs will remain $12 per tournament weekend. WFTDA.tv will again offer a free audio boutcast for all pay-per-view bouts and free on-demand archives following the events. All-inclusive 2013 Playoffs viewing packages will be available for $50, and Championships will be $20 for the weekend.

Proceeds from WFTDA.tv will continue to be reinvested into the organization's programming and will help support initiatives that strengthen the WFTDA’s common goals, always with the promotion and development of the sport in mind.

Read Full Press Release

WFTDA Welcomes 16 Apprentice Members

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:02:00 -0700

The WFTDA has extended Apprentice membership to 16 additional leagues worldwide.

The WFTDA Apprentice Program is designed to serve as a steppingstone to full WFTDA membership, to ensure that leagues are well prepared for the transition to a WFTDA Member League. This group of leagues continues the association's international growth, with new Apprentice members hailing from South America, Australia, Europe, the United States and Canada.

Congratulations to all of the new Apprentice leagues!

2x4 Roller Derby of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Acadiana Rollergirls of Lafayette, Louisiana
Canberra Roller Derby League of Dickson, ACT, Australia
Chemical Valley Rollergirls of Charleston, West Virginia
Enchanted Island Roller Derby of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fog City Rollers of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Gothenburg Roller Derby of Gothenburg, Sweden
Juneau Rollergirls of Juneau, Alaska
Middlesbrough Milk Rollers of Middlesbrough, UK
Muddy River Rollers of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
New Jersey Roller Derby of Morristown, New Jersey
Ruhrpott Roller Girls of Essen, Germany
Shasta Roller Derby of Redding, California
Snake Pit Derby Dames of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Sydney Roller Derby League of Sydney, Australia
Worcester Roller Derby of Worcester, Massachusetts

WFTDA Updates Minimum Skills Requirements

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:49:00 -0700

The WFTDA Training Committee has developed a new set of Minimum Skills Requirements in tandem with WFTDA member leagues and WFTDA Risk Management. This new set of standards was beta tested and voted in by WFTDA membership.

WFTDA member leagues are required to assess all charter team skaters, who must pass both this set of skills as well as the WFTDA Skater Rules Test in order to compete in WFTDA-sanctioned games. Team captains will certify that all testing was complete when submitting team charters and game sanctioning applications.

These minimum skills are:

Required for charter team skaters playing WFTDA sanctioned games.
Strongly recommended for skaters playing in interleague scrimmage or games.
Strongly recommended for skaters playing in intraleague (home) scrimmages or games.
Recommended for new skaters to graduate to contact drills and intraleague (home league) scrimmages.

All currently passed skaters should be re-tested and skaters will be expected to meet the new skills requirements, including the rules test, for any sanctioned WFTDA game played after June 15, 2013.

Download

[cms:file-download url:"/resources/wftda-minimum-skill-requirements.pdf" show-type-size:yes]

First Rankings Calculator Release Today

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:03:00 -0700

The first set of rankings from the WFTDA Rankings Calculator were released today, marking a major shift in the rankings process. This is the first time since the early days of the WFTDA, before the four geographic game play regions were created, that member leagues have been ranked on an organization-wide basis.

The Rankings Calculator uses an algorithm to rank teams based on game scores. The rankings, including sanctioned games played through Feb. 28, were confirmed by WFTDA member league vote.

The new WFTDA-wide rankings process supports the Divisions system that also went into effect this year.

View Current Rankings

WFTDA Announces 2013 Division 2 Tournament Locations

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:54:00 -0700

In addition to the Division 1 Playoffs for teams ranked 1-40, 2013 will see the first ever WFTDA Division 2 Playoffs for teams that are ranked 41-60 at the June 30 rankings release.

As in years past, each Division 1 Playoff will supply three teams to compete for the coveted Hydra trophy in a 12-team Championship bracket.

The 20 teams, ranked 41-60, will be seeded into two Division 2 Playoffs. The Division 2 Playoff brackets will be the same as the Division 1 playoff brackets with seedings based solely on ranking. Division 2 winners will have a special opportunity to compete at Championships weekend with the addition of two Division 2 games. The top finisher from each Division 2 Playoff will meet head-to-head in a Final to determine a Division 2 Champion while the second place teams will meet in a Third Place game.

The Division 2 Playoff locations are:

Aug. 16-18, 2013 - Des Moines, Iowa. Hosted by the Des Moines Derby Dames.
Aug. 23-25, 2013 - Kalamazoo, Michigan. Hosted by the Killamazoo Derby Darlins.

The 2013 WFTDA Championships will be Nov. 8-10, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hosted by the Brewcity Bruisers.

WFTDA Games Committee will send out invitations to both Division 1 and Division 2 tournaments following the June 30 rankings release.

For more information on the Division 1 and Division 2 tournament structure, check out the Competitive Divisions System.

For more information on the new rankings system, check out the Rankings Calculator.

WFTDA Welcomes 5 New Members

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:52:00 -0800

Five additional leagues have now achieved the status of full WFTDA membership. The leagues graduating today are the latest to complete the WFTDA Apprentice Program and can now enjoy the benefits of full WFTDA membership, including the ability to compete in sanctioned games and eligibility for rankings.

Congratulations to:

Cajun Rollergirls of Houma, Louisiana
Hub City Derby Dames of Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Leeds Roller Dolls of Leeds, United Kingdom
Soul City Sirens of Augusta, Georgia
Stuttgart Valley Roller Girlz of Stuttgart, Germany

The WFTDA now has 177 full member leagues and 88 Apprentice affiliates.

Academic Study Examines Roller Derby Injuries

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:56:00 -0800

The WFTDA is pleased to inform the roller derby community that the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is conducting an injury study focused on the sport of roller derby.

The primary objective of the study is to identify and characterize injuries sustained by roller derby athletes, and identify the anatomic sites at most risk. The objective also includes assessment of derby athletes’ access to orthopedic and sports medicine physicians, as well as athletic trainers and emergency medical personnel. The results of this survey will help increase awareness of roller derby related injuries in the medical community and guide further investigation of training, injury prevention/rehabilitation, safety gear, and return-to-play in this subset of competitive female athletes.

The WFTDA Risk Management Committee is supportive of this initiative and would like to encourage skaters to participate in the survey and assist with this effort to develop a better understanding of the unique injuries encountered in our sport. Please remember that your information, if you participate, will remain confidential. Information about the study and instructions on how to participate can be found at the following link:

Roller Derby Injury Survey

WFTDA Accepting Proposals for Interactive Bracket Game Development

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:48:00 -0800

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to assist with the creation and development of an interactive bracket game for WFTDA's 2013 Playoff and Championship tournaments.

WFTDA is requesting proposals to build the 2013 Bracket Bonanza, a bracket “pick ‘em” game similar in content and playability to the bracket games used during the NCAA March Madness. After having successfully run the Bracket Bonanza in 2011 and 2012 through a third party site, WFTDA is looking to expand upon this foundation, and develop the overall audience participation and fan experience.

The organization’s interest in this project centers on ensuring a quality, fun gaming experience for fans, which contributes to a long-term, sustainable promotional exposure for the WFTDA, its teams, and its skaters. Proposals will be collected through March 7, 2013, and follow-up interviews will be conducted through March 15. The selected vendor will be notified by March 22. The desired project completion date is June 1, but the final schedule and milestones will be determined in collaboration with the selected vendor.

Download the RFP

[cms:file-download url:"/rfp/wftda-bracket-bonanza-rfp.pdf"]

WFTDA Accepting Proposals for Android Rules App Development

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:38:00 -0800

In 2011, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association released a rules app for iPhone and iPad that contains the Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby, the Officiating Manual, and other related content.

Building on the positive response to that release, and in order to expand access to updates related to the 2013 rules changes, the WFTDA seeks a development partner to build an Android version of our rules app. To that end, the WFTDA announces a Request for Proposals, and encourages all qualified developers to respond to the attached RFP no later than March 1, 2013.

Download the RFP

[cms:file-download url:"/rfp/wftda-rules-android-app-rfp.pdf"]

WFTDA Accepts 16 Apprentice Members

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:52:00 -0800

The WFTDA has extended Apprentice membership to 16 additional leagues worldwide.

The WFTDA Apprentice Program is designed to serve as a steppingstone to full WFTDA membership, to ensure that leagues are well prepared for the transition to a WFTDA Member League. This group of leagues continues the association's international growth, with the first apprentice member in Brazil, as well as additional leagues in Australia, Europe, and North America.

Congratulations to all of the new Apprentice leagues!

580 Rollergirls of Lawton, Oklahoma, USA
Bay State Brawlers of Brighton, Massachusetts, USA
Calgary Roller Derby Association of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Chippewa Valley Rollergirls of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA
Confluence Crush Roller Derby of St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Cowboy Capital Rollergirls of Stephenville, Texas, USA
Gray City Rebels of Sao Paolo, Brazil
Hartford Area Roller Derby of Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Northwest Derby Company of Port Orchard, Washington, USA
Oslo Roller Derby of Oslo, Norway
Rainier Rollergirls of Tacoma, Washington, USA
Renegade Derby Dames of Sutton West, Ontario, Canada
San Fernando Valley Roller Derby of Van Nuys, California, USA
Shore Points Roller Derby of Williamstown, New Jersey, USA
South Sea Roller Derby of Parkdale, Victoria, Australia
Spokanninbals Roller Derby, Spokane, Washington, USA

Final Regional WFTDA Rankings Released

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:31:00 -0800

The final WFTDA rankings under the vote-based, regional rankings model were released today. These rankings reflect WFTDA-sanctioned game results through Dec. 31, 2012.

As previously announced, the WFTDA is launching a new ranking system this year that allows teams to be ranked across the organization, regardless of geographical region. The WFTDA Rankings Calculator uses an algorithm to rank teams based on the scores of sanctioned games.

The first rankings release from the WFTDA Rankings Calculator will be in March.

2012 Q4 Rankings

WFTDA Hires New Tournament Director

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:43:00 -0800

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is proud to introduce its new Tournament Director, Alisha Campbell. The Tournament Director is responsible for overseeing planning and production for the WFTDA Big 5 Playoffs and Championships and other WFTDA-produced tournaments.

Alisha comes to the WFTDA after three years as Meetings Manager at the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE). Prior to AAMSE, Alisha spent four years as Operations Manager in both Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah planning conferences, conventions, incentive travel programs and special events.

In the 12 months leading up to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Alisha trained, coordinated and supervised 1,000 volunteer Information Specialists to welcome the world to Salt Lake City, as well as working on website, call center and other operations with a coalition of Utah Travel Industry representatives.

During her graduate career, Alisha spent time teaching Hospitality and Leisure Services Marketing at Zhejiang Forestry University in Lin’an, China as well as teaching the Administration of Community Parks and Recreation Agencies at the University of Utah. Alisha holds a BS in Leisure Services Management and a MS in Leisure Services Marketing, both from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Utah. Alisha is also in her second season as a skating official for the Brewcity Bruisers and is working on becoming a WFTDA Certified Referee.

WFTDA Announces Referee Education Instructor Selections for 2013 Cycle

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:01:00 -0800

With the calendar ticking off another year, the WFTDA is proud to welcome five new Referee Education Instructors who will join a staff of 15 veterans for the 2013 WFTDA Officiating Clinics cycle.

Referee Education Instructors are responsible for reviewing, developing, and vetting clinic content, lessons, and learning materials, administering clinics and training sessions, and responding to questions and inquiries from clinic attendees. Since the WFTDA Officiating Clinics’ charter year in 2010, the library of resources available to instructors and clinic attendees has grown and improved to continue to provide serious students of the game with the information that they need to hone their craft and be their best on the track.

The new 2013 Referee Education Instructors are:

Bettie Mercury, WFTDA Associate Member
Evie McSkeevy, Angel City Derby Girls
Hi Refinition, Arch Rival Roller Girls: Level 2 Certified SO
Rollbar, Victorian Roller Derby: Level 2 Certified SO
Tootie Tinwhistle, Ann Arbor Derby Dimes: Level 5 Certified SO

The veteran 2013 Referee Education Instructors are:

DJ Jazzy Ref, Atlanta Rollergirls: Level 4 Certified SO
Grace Killy, Brewcity Bruisers: Skater
Great Scott, Ohio Roller Girls: Level 3 Certified SO
Harry Spotter, Victoria Roller Derby: Level 3 Certified SO
Hunter S Toss'em, Rat City Rollergirls: Level 2 SO
India Pale Al, Jet City Rollergirls: Level 2 Certified NSO
Intejill, Boston Derby Dames: Level 2 Certified NSO
Judge Knot, Texas Rollergirls: Level 5 Certified SO
Nine Inch Wheels, Dockyard Derby Dames: Level 2 Certified NSO
Pantichrist, Memphis Roller Derby: Level 3 Certified SO
Refsputin, DC Rollergirls: Level 3 Certified SO
Seer Sin, Dixie Derby Girls: Level 4 Certified SO
Sugar Daddy, Gotham Girls Roller Derby: Level 5 Certified SO
Tripp N Dale, Carolina Rollergirls: Level 5 Certified SO
Umpire Strikes Back, Minnesota RollerGirls: Level 5 Certified SO

Learn More About WFTDA's 2013 Officiating Clinics!

Additional Details Published About New WFTDA Divisions and Ranking Systems

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:46:00 -0800

2013 ushers in the start of a new game play and tournament structure for the WFTDA, as well as a new rankings system. As announced in October, the geography-based Region Playoffs will be replaced with four Division I Playoffs, to occur each fall.

Teams have been placed into three divisions and will be held to a new set of regular season game play requirements to be eligible for Playoffs, replacing the old Regional requirements. The WFTDA will also be launching two Division 2 Playoffs this fall to provide additional competitive opportunities for member leagues.

To complement the new Divisions system, WFTDA teams will be ranked on a new WFTDA-wide system with rankings releases starting in March 2013. The WFTDA Rankings Calculator uses an algorithm to rank teams based on game results.

To help skaters and fans better understand all of the intricate details of these new systems, the WFTDA has prepared two documents explaining how they work: