Apprentice Program

WFTDA Apprentice Logo

Women's flat track roller derby leagues interested in becoming members of WFTDA can apply to join the exciting new WFTDA Apprentice Program.

Leagues will now be accepted on a quarterly basis into the Apprentice Program on Jan 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct 1. Applications will be due one month prior to the start of the quarter on March 1, June 1, Sept 1 and Dec 1. Applications sent in after the deadline will be held for the next quarter. There is an non-refundable application fee of $150.

Designed to act as a “WFTDA 101” tutorial, the Apprentice Program will match new leagues with an established WFTDA mentor, who will guide her apprentice through the processes and requirements necessary to becoming a full member. The mentor will also offer advice and encouragement about league-specific issues, including 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 needed to apply for full WFTDA membership.

Full WFTDA membership requirements:

  • League competitors are female only.
  • League competitors skate on “quad” style skates only.
  • 67% of League management are skaters, whether active, injured, or retired.
  • 51% of League owners (excluding NPO leagues) must be skaters, whether active, injured, or retired.
  • All skaters who enter into a WFTDA sanctioned bout must meet WFTDA minimum skill requirements.
  • A minimum of 4 games have been played during the season.

This Apprentice Program replaces WFTDA’s traditional membership application process, and is a requirement for all prospective member leagues.

Who is eligible to enroll in the WFTDA Apprentice Program?

To be eligible for enrollment, an applicant league must submit the following:

  • League name and roster of at least five skaters who are skating at least two hours a week
  • League membership policy and/or attendance policy
  • League Mission Statement
  • Brief description of league history (date established), current status, and statement of league objectives for the next 12 months. Please include what your league hopes to gain as a member of the Apprentice Program, as well as a statement of intent to meet WFTDA’s membership requirements.
  • A detailed essay on the following: Why do you want to participate in the WFTDA Apprentice Program and, ultimately, become a WFTDA member league?
  • One letter of eligibility from an established WFTDA league in good standing (list of eligible leagues are listed below)
  • All completed application materials, listed below (including the WFTDA Confidentiality Agreement)

For more information please contact apprentice@wftda.com

Click here to download the WFTDA Apprentice Application** (PDF)
** Please compile all application materials into one PDF file upon submission.

2009 RollerCon Presentation: What is the Apprentice Program? (PDF)

Looking for more information?  Please visit our Apprentice Program FAQs page.

WFTDA Leagues Eligible To Write Recommendation Letters:

Angel City Derby Girls
Alamo City Rollergirls
Arch Rival Rollergirls
Arizona Roller Derby
Assassination City Roller Derby
Atlanta Rollergirls
B.ay A.rea D.erby G.irls
Bellingham Roller Betties
Big Easy Rollergirls
Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls
Boston Derby Dames
Brewcity Bruisers
Burning River Roller Girls
Carolina Rollergirls
Central Coast Roller Derby
Charm City Roller Girls
Cincinnati Rollergirls
CT Rollergirls
Dallas Derby Devils
DC Rollergirls
Denver Roller Dolls
Derby City Roller Girls
Detroit Derby Girls
Dixie Derby Girls
Duke City Derby
Dutchland Derby Rollers
Emerald City Roller Girls
Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls
Ft Wayne Derby Girls
FoCo Girls Gone Derby
Gem City Rollergirls
Gotham Girls Roller Derby
Grand Raggidy Roller Girls
Green Country Roller Girls
Hammer City Roller Girls
Hard Knox Roller Girls
Harrisburg Area Roller Derby
Houston Roller Derby
Jet City Rollergirls
KC Roller Warriors
Long Island Roller Rebels
Mad Rollin Dolls
Maine Roller Derby
Memphis Roller Derby
Minnesota RollerGirls
Naptown Rollergirls
Nashville Rollergirls
No Coast Derby Girls
Montreal Roller Derby
North Star Roller Girls
NWA Rollergirls
Ohio Rollergirls
Oklahoma Victory Dolls
Oly Rollers
Omaha Rollergirls
Pacific Roller Derby
Philly Rollergirls
Pikes Peak Derby Dames
Providence Roller Derby
Rat City Rollergirls
River City Rollergirls
Rocky Mountain Rollergirls
Rose City Rollers
Sacred City Derby Girls
Salt City Derby Girls
Sioux Falls Roller Dollz
Slaughter County Roller Vixens
Slaughterhouse Derby Girls
Steel City Derby Demons
Suburbia Roller Derby
Tallahassee Roller Girls
Tampa Bay Derby Darlins
Texas Rollergirls
Tucson Roller Derby
West Texas Roller Dollz

Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.