Roller derby leagues rely on hundreds of officials. In order to ensure that WFTDA sanctioned bouts and tournaments are staffed by the most qualified and capable officials, the WFTDA created a process of evaluation and certification. As the WFTDA grows in both size and national prominence, it is critical to recognize those officials who exhibit the best ability, implementation of the rules, fairness, and consistency across the board. When a bout is staffed by WFTDA certified officials, those teams know they’re getting the best.
WFTDA offers annual Officiating Clinics, hosted by member leagues in each region.
Establishes standard practices for referees and non-skating officials during interleague and tournament play. Last updated January 2013.
Officating Standardized Practices PDF File — 262 KB
Official hand signals for communication of penalties and directions between referees and skaters. Last update January 2013.
Official Hand Signals PDF File — 827 KB
Standardized verbal communication between officials and skaters during gameplay. Last updated January 2013.
WFTDA Officiating Verbal Cues PDF File — 222 KB
Effective for all WFTDA-sponsored tournaments.
WFTDA Officials Dress Code PDF File — 132 KB
WFTDA Minimum Skill Requirements and WFTDA Written Rules Test for skaters are now located at wftda.com/resources.
The Official Rules and Track Design documents can be found at Rules Central.
The WFTDA Officials Committee, in concert with Referee and NSO Certification, has developed a standard template for documenting officiating experience. Utilizing this format will simplify the efforts of those reviewing numerous candidates for tournaments and/or certification as well as ease officials' efforts in developing their own formats. While developed primarily to track WFTDA game experience, extensibility was included for officials wishing to consolidated experience in other derby disciplines. The template may be found at the link below and will be considered the mandatory format for the Officiating History requirement of certification applications as of March 15 and required of 2013 WFTDA Tournament applicants.
Google Doc: WFTDA Official's Game History
Published by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), P.O. Box 14100, Austin, Texas, 78761, USA. These files and their contents may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the WFTDA. Modifications are only allowed with the consent of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.
Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.