WFTDA News

Latest News

• WFTDA Launches Third Annual Demographic Survey
  

  It’s survey season! This year the WFTDA is collecting data and audience feedback in two separate surveys.

  If you are a fan, skater, or league partner, please participate in our third annual demographic survey. The WFTDA wants to know more about you and your opinions of the game; it’s your chance to be heard.

  And if you are a skater or super-fan who watched the WFTDA tournament broadcasts or attended 2011 WFTDA tournaments in person, please also participate in our first tournaments and broadcasting survey. Help us plan to make the 2012 tournaments and broadcasts as successful as possible!

  The surveys will be open from Feb. 1 to 15. Survey participants who choose to supply an email address will be eligible for a random drawing to win some fabulous WFTDA swag.

  Go to the Survey Page

  
  
  
• 13 Women's Roller Derby Leagues Join WFTDA Apprentice Program
  

  WFTDA's Apprentice Membership Program accepted 13 new leagues in the first quarter of 2012. There are now 81 women’s flat track roller derby leagues enjoying the benefits of WFTDA Apprenticeship. The latest class represents continued growth through all of WFTDA's game play regions and includes one additional European league.

  Congratulations to:

  • Black Rose Rollers, of Hanover, Pennsylvania
  • Cedar Rapids RollerGirls, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
  • Cen-Tex Rollergirls, of Temple, Texas
  • Charlottesville Derby Dames, of Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Cheyenne Capidolls, of Cheyenne, Wyoming
  • El Paso Roller Derby, of El Paso, Texas
  • Gainesville Roller Rebels, of Gainesville, Florida
  • Leeds Roller Dolls, of Leeds, England
  • NOtown Roller Derby, of Fresno, California
  • River Valley Rollergirls, of Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • Rollergirls of Central Kentucky, of Lexington, Kentucky
  • So Cal Roller Derby, of San Diego, California
  • West Coast Derby Knockouts, of Ventura, California

  Designed to act as a WFTDA 101 tutorial, the Apprentice Program matches new leagues with an established WFTDA mentor, who guides her apprentice through WFTDA processes and requirements, and offers advice about league-specific issues. The curriculum can include everything from league formation to how to become ranked and qualify for WFTDA-sponsored tournaments. Upon completion of the program, apprentice leagues will have the knowledge and league recommendations to apply for full WFTDA membership. New apprentice leagues are accepted quarterly.

  
  
  
• WFTDA Announces 2011 Q4 Rankings
  

  Six teams debut in final WFTDA rankings for 2011

  The WFTDA has released the final regional rankings for 2011. The current rankings reflect games played through December 31, 2011.

  There is typically little movement in rankings in the fourth quarter, as many leagues take a break following the WFTDA Big 5 tournaments and during the winter holidays. However, this quarter saw six new teams earn ranking for the first time. Teams must play at least two WFTDA-sanctioned bouts against ranked teams before they become eligible for rankings.

  The East Region will see no movement within the top 15 teams of the region. Gotham Girls Roller Derby still hold the #1 spot, followed by Philly Roller Girls at #2, and Charm City Roller Girls in the #3 spot. There were some small changes in the lower half of the region, as a result of three teams being ranked for the first time after graduating from the Apprentice Program last summer, and the CT RollerGirls jumping two spots from #16 to #14. Roc City Roller Derby was the highest ranked of the new East teams, coming in at #17. The Jersey Shore Roller Girls debut at #23, and Charlotte Roller Girls are ranked for the first time at #25.

  The North Central Region had one team making its ranking debut. Toronto Roller Derby came in at #17, shifting lower-ranked teams down a notch. This was the only change in rankings for the North Central in quarter four. The Windy City Rollers, Minnesota RollerGirls and Naptown Roller Girls remain on top of the region.

  In the West Region, the top three are still Oly Rollers in the #1 spot, Rocky Mountain Rollergirls at #2, and Rose City Rollers...
  
  

• WFTDA Adds Three New Members
  

  WFTDA is excited to announce that three new leagues became full members on Jan. 9 after graduating from the WFTDA Apprentice Program.

  WFTDA congratulates the following new members:

  • Humboldt Roller Derby, of Eureka, California
  • Old Capitol City Roller Girls of Iowa City, Iowa
  • Southern Illinois Roller Girls of Marion, Illinois

  The leagues graduating today are the latest to complete the apprentice program and can now enjoy the benefits of full WFTDA membership, which include a vote on WFTDA policies and rules, and eligibility for ranking and tournaments.

  WFTDA now has 133 full member leagues and 68 apprentice leagues.

  Due to special circumstances, these three leagues were allowed to graduate mid-quarter. The next quarterly graduation cycle will occur on schedule, March 1.

  
  
  
• MRDA and WFTDA Partner To Offer MRDA Insurance
  

  WFTDA is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with the Men's Roller Derby Association (MRDA).

  In 2012, WFTDA will expand its insurance program to become the official insurance provider for MRDA, allowing for universal coverage throughout both associations.

  “Insurance has previously been an obstacle for putting on events that involved both sexes. The door is now open for easy, worry-free scrimmages, bouts and events,” said Scott Meyer, MRDA Vice President.

  As is the case with WFTDA member and apprentice leagues, MRDA members will not be required to enroll in the new MRDA insurance.

  • Read the Full Press Release