Latest News

WFTDA Launches Third Annual Demographic Survey

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:30:00 -0800

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

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:00 -0800

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

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:59:00 -0800

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 at #3. Changes come in at the #13 spot with Arizona Roller Derby moving up a notch, putting Silicon Valley Rollergirls at #14. Terminal City Roller Derby debuts at #23 and Sonoma County Roller Derby earns its first-time ranking at #28.

The South Central Region only saw one minor adjustment in rankings as Jacksonville Rollergirls moves up to #11, knocking the Hard Knox Roller Girls down to #12.

See the 2011 Fourth Quarter Rankings

WFTDA Adds Three New Members

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0800

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

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 -0800

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

WFTDA Adds Six Member Leagues

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0800

WFTDA is excited to announce that six new leagues became full members on Dec. 1 after graduating from the WFTDA Apprentice Program, including the first member league in Australia.

WFTDA congratulates the following new members:

Ark Valley High Rollers – Salida, Colorado
Lowcountry High Rollers – Charleston, South Carolina
Mid-Iowa Rollers, Des Moines, Iowa
Red Stick Roller Derby – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Victorian Roller Derby League – Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
New River Valley (NRV) Rollergirls – Christiansburg, Virginia

The leagues graduating today are the latest to complete the 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 130 full member leagues and 70 apprentice leagues.

WFTDA Announces 2012 Officiating Clinics Instructors

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:53:00 -0800

As part of our global initiative to offer the most up-to-date, consistent, and excellent roller derby officiating education to all major roller derby markets, WFTDA is proud to announce the following Referee Education Instructors for the 2012 Officiating Clinic cycle:

Conan the Vegetarian, from Angel City Derby Girls: Level 4 Certification
Curtis E Lay, from Rat City Rollergirls: Level 3 Certification
DJ Jazzy Ref, from Atlanta Rollergirls: Level 3 Certification
Gogo Kilt'em, from Slaughter County Roller Vixens: Level 1 Certification
Grace Killy, from Brewcity Bruisers: Skater
Great Scott, from Ohio Roller Girls: Level 3 Certification
Harry Spotter, from Victoria Roller Derby: Level 2 Certification
Hunter S Toss’em, from Rat City Rollergirls: Level 2 Certification
India Pale Ale, from Jet City Rollergirls
Intejill, from Boston Derby Dames: Level 1 Certification
Judge Knot, from Texas Rollergirls: Level 5 Certification
Nine Inch Wheels, from Dockyard Derby Dames
Miss Nomer, from Oly Rollers: Level 1 Certification
Panti Christ, from Memphis Roller Derby: Level 3 Certification
Refsputin, from DC Rollergirls: Level 3 Certification
Sarah Hipel, from Texas Rollergirls: Skater
Seer Sin, from Dixie Derby Girls: Level 3 Certification
Sugar Daddy, from Gotham Girls Roller Derby: Level 4 Certification
Tripp N Dale, from Carolina Rollergirls: Level 4 Certification
Umpire Strikes Back, from Minnesota RollerGirls: Level 3 Certification

Learn More About WFTDA's 2012 Officiating Clinics!

WFTDA Enters Formal Partnership With Skate Australia

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:08:00 -0800

The Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and Skate Australia announced today that the organizations have signed an agreement that will further the development of Australian roller derby and support WFTDA's efforts to grow its international membership.

This collaboration is designed to support the roller derby skaters and leagues in Australia in ways that align with both organizations' respective missions. The WFTDA operates worldwide but is focused on adult, female flat track roller derby leagues, while Skate Australia aims to serve all roller derby leagues in Australia, regardless of WFTDA affiliation.

The organizations have agreed to work together to train and accredit roller derby officials and coaches in Australia to facilitate the development of the sport, skaters and teams. They also will work to develop additional competitive pathways for Australian teams.

“Women’s flat track roller derby started really growing worldwide about five years ago,” said Juliana Gonzales, Executive Director of the WFTDA. “Australia was one of the first places we saw the sport take off outside the United States, and we immediately began looking for ways to extend WFTDA leadership and resources worldwide. We’re very lucky to have Skate Australia as a partner.”

“This agreement is the result of honest and open communication and highlights a shared commitment to the support of roller derby development in Australia,” added Matt Helmers, Skate Australia’s CEO.

The WFTDA will use its expertise in training and certifying referees to help develop an accreditation panel for Australian roller derby referees and officials. Both organizations will have representation on the panel, but the primary focus, like the U.S. model, will be on peer evaluation and democratic principles for training, evaluation, and accreditation. The WFTDA worked with Skate Australia to host the first ever WFTDA Officiating Clinics in Australia earlier this year, and will host a clinic there again in 2012.

Skate Australia will recognize WFTDA certification for roller derby referees and officials, and those accredited through the Australian Sports Commission may also become WFTDA certified at the appropriate level.

In addition, the WFTDA will develop training and continuing education materials for Australian roller derby skaters and coaches and provide clinics and mentoring programs to create a network of “WFTDA-endorsed” skater trainers in Australia.

“We believe these training programs will help Australian leagues build on what they have already accomplished through the hard work and initiative of the skaters who got the sport off the ground,” said WFTDA President Anna Krajcik.

Skate Australia will provide insurance for roller derby athletes and leagues in Australia and will develop new competitive opportunities for Australian roller derby teams at the local, state, national and international levels.

WFTDA Announces Dates and Locations for 2012 Officiating Clinics

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:59:00 -0800

SAVE THE DATES!

Nine Clinics, Five Countries, on Three Continents!
The WFTDA Officiating Clinics are back!

The 2012 WFTDA Officiating Clinics offer something for every roller derby official who is committed to consistent, excellent roller derby officiating. Choose from clinics hosted across North America, Australasia, and the UK!

Each clinic will consist of two full days of rules, skating skills, NSO materials, communication, and everything else a roller derby official could need to know. Attendance at a WFTDA Officiating Clinic will help you contribute to the highest possible level of officiating in modern day roller derby.

Announcing 2012 Locations and Dates

Glasgow, UK, hosted by the Glasgow Roller Girls: February 4th and 5th
Auckland, New Zealand, hosted by the Pirate City Rollers: March 24th and 25th
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, hosted by Skate Australia: March 31st and April 1st
Jacksonville, FL, USA hosted by the Jacksonville RollerGirls: June 9th and 10th
Feasterville, PA, USA - at the East Coast Derby Extravaganza - hosted by the Philly Roller Girls: June 21st and 22nd
Marion, IL, USA hosted by the Southern Illinois Roller Girls: July 7th and 8th
Raleigh, NC, USA hosted by the Carolina Rollergirls: July 21st and 22nd
Portland, OR, USA hosted by the Rose City Rollers: August 4th and 5th
Toronto, ON, Canada, hosted by Toronto Roller Derby: August 11th and 12th

Stay tuned for further announcements about registration information and clinic details by visiting wftda.com/officiating/clinics!

Gotham Wins 2011 WFTDA Championships!

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:25:00 -0800

Gotham Girls Roller Derby, of New York, became the first ever repeat WFTDA Champions after defeating the Oly Rollers, of Olympia, Washington, in the final game of the 2011 WFTDA Championships on Nov. 13, in Broomfield, CO. Gotham previously won the 2008 Championship title.

Photo by Jules Doyle

See the WFTDA 2011 Championships Results at our Big 5 Blog!

Full recaps and analysis are available at http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com.

Learn more about the 2011 Big 5 tournaments!

WFTDA Announces 2012 Big 5 Tournament Hosts and Dates

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:00:00 -0800

If you’ve been waiting to make your travel plans for 2012, your wait is over! During the first day of the 2011 WFTDA Championships, the association announced the host cities and dates for the 2012 Playoffs and Championships, known as the “Big 5” tournaments.

Sept. 14-16, 2012 – North Central Region Playoffs in Niagara Falls, New York, hosted by the Queen City Roller Girls
Sept. 21-23, 2012 – West Region Playoffs in Oakland, California, hosted by the B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls
Sept. 28-30, 2012 – East Region Playoffs in Burlington, Vermont, co-hosted by Green Mountain Derby Dames and Montreal Roller Derby
Oct. 5-7, 2012 – South Central Region Playoffs in Lincoln, Nebraska, hosted by the No Coast Derby Girls
Nov. 2-4, 2012 – WFTDA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by the Atlanta Rollergirls

Watch and share the video!

2011 Third Quarter WFTDA Rankings Released

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:24:00 -0800

WFTDA has released regional rankings for the third quarter of 2011. As has been traditional with the rankings cycle that follows the regional playoff tournaments, the top ten in each region reflect the results of the Playoffs. The one exception is in the East Region, where the Dutchland Derby Rollers are ranked at #9, one slot lower than where they finished in the East Region Playoffs. In addition to tournament results, the third quarter rankings reflect the results of WFTDA-sanctioned games played through Sept. 30, 2011. WFTDA member leagues vote on rankings within their respective regions using game data.

The biggest shift in the East Region is the London Rollergirls, who jumped five slots, from #10 to #5, as a result of their first ever Playoffs performance. There were some small rankings shifts in the lower half of the East Region, as newer teams got more sanctioned bouts under their belts, with a handful of teams moving up or down one slot. For the most part, the region's rankings remained stable.

Similarly, in the North Central Region, the biggest shifts took place at the top, following Playoffs results. The Chicago Outfit hops up from #9 to #5 in the region and the Arch Rival Roller Girls rose two spots, to #6. The Detroit Derby Girls dip two slots to #4 in the region, after coming just shy of a trip to the WFTDA Championships, and the Mad Rollin' Dolls fell to #10 after finishing the North Central Playoffs without a win. There were virtually no changes in the remainder of the region's ranks, but the Rockford Rage Women's Roller Derby debuted at #26 in their first ranking since becoming WFTDA members.

The South Central Region also had one new league being ranked for the first time, as the Springfield Roller Girls debut at #25. Jacksonville RollerGirls took the biggest leap in South Central, rising six slots to #12. Aside from those changes, the field stayed relatively stable between quarters. Texas Rollergirls reclaimed the #1 spot in the region after winning the South Central Playoffs, bumping Kansas City Roller Warriors to #2. No Coast Derby Girls and Green Country Roller Girls also each gained one spot following their Playoffs performances.

Rankings in the closely matched West Region were, as they often are, volatile in the third quarter. Oly Rollers and Rocky Mountain Rollergirls remain at #1 and #2, respectively, but Rose City Rollers and Rat City Rollergirls both rose in the ranks to take the #3 and #4 slots at the West Region Playoffs, bumping down some other top 10 teams along the way. Two new leagues were ranked for the first time--Dockyard Derby Dames at #21 and the Junction City Roller Dolls at #28. Slaughter County Roller Vixens rose two spots, to #11, causing some additional small shifts in the region ranks, as several other teams moved up or down a level or two.

See the 2011 Third Quarter Rankings

WFTDA and the Roller Derby World Cup

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:16:00 -0700

Just a few weeks after the WFTDA Championships, some of the best women's roller derby skaters in the world will again be competing against one another--but not on their regular teams. The first Roller Derby World Cup, organized by Blood & Thunder magazine, will bring teams from 13 countries together in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 2-4.

The United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Argentina will each be represented with their own teams. While the Roller Derby World Cup is an exhibition tournament and not an official WFTDA event, we are extremely proud of all of the WFTDA skaters who will be representing their home countries in the tournament! Skaters from WFTDA Member and Apprentice leagues will be competing on all 13 teams, and you can see them all below.

WFTDA Skaters Competing in the Roller Derby World Cup

Team USA

Amanda Jamitinya (Rocky Mountain Rollergirls)
Atomatrix (Oly Rollers)
Bonnie Thunders (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Claire D. Way (Boston Derby Dames)
DeRanged (Rocky Mountain Rollergirls)
Donna Matrix (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Fisti Cuffs (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Frida Beater (Rocky Mountain Rollergirls)
Joy Collision (Charm City Roller Girls)
Juke Boxx (Minnesota RollerGirls)
Juska (Denver Roller Dolls)
Little A (Tampa Bay Derby Darlins)
Medusa (Minnesota RollerGirls)
Psycho Babble (Rocky Mountain Rollergirls)
Sassy (Oly Rollers)
Sexy Slaydie (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Shenita Stretcher (Philly Roller Girls)
Smarty Pants (Texas Rollergirls)
Snot Rocket Science (Steel City Derby Demons)
Soulfearic Acid (Rose City Rollers)
Suzy Hotrod (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Tannibal Lector (Oly Rollers)
Teflon Donna (Philly Roller Girls)
Tracy Akers (Denver Roller Dolls)
Urkin Jerkin (Rocky Mountain Rollergirls)
V Diva (Dutchland Derby Rollers)
Varla Vendetta (Windy City)
White Flight (Rose City Rollers)

Team Argentina

Arson Tina (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)
Crazy Legs (Queen City Roller Girls)
Sargentina (Windy City Rollers)
Rosie the Ribhitter (Houston Roller Derby)

Team Australia

Ruby Ribcrusher (Victorian Roller Derby League)
U Sooz U Lose (Victorian Roller Derby League)

Team Brazil

Brazilian Nut #16 (Gotham Girls Roller Derby)

Team Canada

Brim Stone (Toronto Roller Derby)
Motorhead Molly (Tri-City Rollergirls)
Georgia W Tush (Montreal Roller Derby)
Smack Daddy (Montreal Roller Derby)
Lil Mama (Montreal Roller Derby)
Iron Wench (Montreal Roller Derby)
Bone Machine (Montreal Roller Derby)
Jess Bandit (Montreal Roller Derby)
Eight Mean Wheeler (Terminal City Roller Girls)
LuluDemon (Terminal City Roller Girls)
Soul Rekker (Rideau Valley Roller Girls)
Windigo (Houston Roller Derby)

Team England

Fox Sake (London Rollergirls)
Frightning Bolt (London Rollergirls)
Grievous Bodily Charm (London Rollergirls)
Juicy Lucy (London Rollergirls)
Kamikaze Kitten (London Rollergirls)
Metallikat (London Rollergirls)
Ninjette (London Rollergirls)
Raw Heidi (London Rollergirls)
Shaolynn Scarlett (London Rollergirls)
Stefanie Mainey (London Rollergirls)
Vagablonde (London Rollergirls)

Team Finland

Doris - 404 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Estrogeena Davis - 2997 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
KC Knucklebone - 886 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Kata Strofi - 10 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Kati Kyyrö - 95 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Liisa Saari - 121 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Lizz Troublegum - 96 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Page Disaster - 6 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Suvi Hokkari - 99 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Tigre Force - 142 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Trixie GrandBang - 94 (Helsinki Roller Derby)
Misty Muffdivah - 09 (Crime City Rollers)

Team France

Bone E. Vicious (Paris Rollergirls)
Bloody Vuitton (Paris Rollergirls)
Butch Shan (Paris Rollergirls)
Cherry LieLie (Paris Rollergirls)
Dual Hitizen (D.C. Rollergirls)
Katy Fury (Paris Rollergirls)
Kozmic Bruise (Paris Rollergirls)
Francey Pants (Montreal Roller Derby)
Joan Jet 27 (Paris Rollergirls)
Meryl Strip-her (Paris Rollergirls)
Truck Off Pooky (Paris Rollergirls)
Whisky Mamy (Paris Rollergirls)

Team Germany

BamBule (Berlin Bombshells)
Chibi Abuser (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Ellie Minate (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Headhunter (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Heavy Rotation (Berlin Bombshells)
Kiddo (Berlin Bombshells)
Kitty Carrera (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Mercedes Bends (Philly Roller Girls)
Noxious Angel (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Polly Purgatory (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Public Enemy (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Resident Shevil (Berlin Bombshells)
Snowblood (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Titty-Twista (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)
Vegas (Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls)

Team Ireland

Bad Faith (London Rollergirls)
Coco Pox (Glasgow Rollergirls)
Chemikill Hazard (Glasgow Rollergirls)
Sinister Mary Clarence (London Rollergirls)
Wile E. Peyote (Rat City Rollergirls)

Team New Zealand

Pieces of Hate (Pirate City Rollers)
Fia Fasi Oe? (Pirate City Rollers)
Bad Jelly the Bitch (Pirate City Rollers)
Skate the Muss (Pirate City Rollers)
Terror Satana (Pirate City Rollers)
Hurricane Hori (Pirate City Rollers)
Chick Cheney (Pirate City Rollers)
Big Mack (Pirate City Rollers)
Pentakill (Pirate City Rollers)

Team Scotland

Betty Gogo (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Blazin Phoenix (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Bronx Betty (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Ciderella (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Crazy Legs (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Dangermouth (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Alma Geddon (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Fight Cub (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Lily Lethal (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Marla Mayhem (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Marshall Lawless (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Minnie Riot (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Mistress Malicious (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Mo Be Quick (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Moxie Emerald (Auld Reekie Roller Girls, Edinburgh)
Viper (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Whiskey Galore (Glasgow Roller Girls)
Wild Oates (Glasgow Roller Girls)

Team Sweden

Alotta Riot (Crime City Rollers)
Ankefar (Crime City Rollers)
Barbara Barfight (Crime City Rollers)
Becky Lawless (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Bess I’rv Cold (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Fenix Fortsomfan (Crime City Rollers)
Firebird Steele (Crime City Rollers)
Fisty (Crime City Rollers)
HussInsane (Stockholm Roller Derby)
HyperNova (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Jazz Ass (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Jo Evil Eye (Crime City Rollers)
Kix deVille (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Knickerblocker Glory (London Rollergirls)
Mad Maloony (Crime City Rollers)
Ninja (Crime City Rollers)
Swede Hurt (Crime City Rollers)
Twist’d T (Stockholm Roller Derby)
Vix Viking (Crime City Rollers)

Learn More About the Roller Derby World Cup

WFTDA Accepts 13 Leagues into Apprentice Program

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:45:00 -0700

WFTDA's Apprentice Membership Program accepted 13 new leagues in October 2011. There are now 76 women’s flat track roller derby leagues now enjoying the benefits of WFTDA Apprenticeship.

WFTDA continues to build its worldwide reach as it welcomes the latest class of apprentice members from across the globe, including the first leagues in Japan and New Zealand, as well as two additional European leagues.

Congratulations to:

Grand Junction Roller Girls, of Grand Junction, Colorado
Harbor City Roller Dames, of Duluth, Minnesota
Hellions of Troy Roller Derby, of Troy, New York
Kokeshi Rollerdolls, of Okinawa, Japan
Little Steel Derby Girls, of Niles, Ohio
Mississippi Rollergirls, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Pirate City Rollers, of Auckland, New Zealand
Rock Coast Rollers, of Rockland, Maine
Star City Roller Girls, of Roanoke, Virginia
St. Chux Derby Chix, of O'Fallon, Missouri
Stockholm Roller Derby, of Stockholm, Sweden
Stuttgart Valley Rollergirlz, Stuttgart, Germany
Tulsa Derby League, of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Due to a communication error, an earlier version of this post included the Soy City Rollers. Soy City withdrew their Apprentice application and are not enrolled in the WFTDA Apprentice Program.

WFTDA Explores Collaboration with MRDA on Officiating

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:40:00 -0700

WFTDA will have official representation at the Men's Roller Derby Association (MRDA) championship tournament this weekend, Oct. 22, in Old Bethpage, New York.

In addition to attending the tournament, WFTDA Referee Training and Certification Coordinator Sarah Hipel will meet with the MRDA Director of Officiating, Miss Trial. The meeting will focus on the two organizations' common goals regarding the training and assessment of roller derby officials, as well as potential collaboration in this arena.

WFTDA has developed and expanded its certification and training programs for roller derby officials over the last few years, enabling the organization to develop a cadre of experienced, WFTDA-certified officials. With Hipel's hiring in May, WFTDA aims to improve and streamline its training and certification programs. The third cycle of WFTDA officiating clinics is planned for 2012.

More on WFTDA 2012 Officiating Clinics

Planning for 2012 Officiating Clinics Under Way

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:07:00 -0700

WFTDA Now Accepting Applications for Hosts, Clinic Instructors

WFTDA has issued a request for proposals for leagues to host its officiating clinics in 2012, and is now accepting applications for clinic instructors. WFTDA aims to have a multi-tiered, two-day clinic in each U.S. region, as well as two clinics each in Australia and Europe during the 2012 WFTDA Officiating Clinic cycle.

This cycle will begin Jan. 1, 2012 and end Sept. 1, 2012. The ideal clinic size is 100 participants. Clinics are designed to start at a reasonable time on Saturday and end Sunday evening in order to facilitate participants’ weekend travel plans. WFTDA will provide each hosting league with funds to pay for venue rental and volunteer resources.

Hosting bids are due Nov. 5, 2011. Those interested in submitting a hosting bid can get more information here:

RFP: 2012 WFTDA Officiating Clinic Hosts

Applications for instructors are due Nov. 1, 2011. Officials wishing to apply can get more details about the experience requirements here:

2012 WFTDA Referee Education Instructors

WFTDA 2011 Championship Seeding Announced

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:05:00 -0700

Now that all four regions' Championships contenders have been determined, WFTDA is pleased to announce the first round seeds for the 2011 WFTDA Championships. The seeding was determined by random drawing on Day 3 of North Central Playoffs.

Pink Bracket

Game 1: Minnesota RollerGirls (North Central #2) vs Charm City Roller Girls (East #3)
Winner faces Texas Rollergirls (South Central #1) in Game 5
Game 2: Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (West #2) vs Nashville Rollergirls (South Central #3)
Winner faces Gotham Girls Roller Derby (East #1) in Game 6

Black Bracket

Game 3: Kansas City Roller Warriors (South Central #2) vs Rose City Rollers (West #3)
Winner faces Windy City Rollers (North Central #1) in Game 7
Game 4: Philly Roller Girls (East #2) vs Naptown Roller Girls (North Central #3)
Winner faces Oly Rollers (West #1) in Game 8

Download the printable Championship Tournament Bracket

Watch the Seeding Drawing

The WFTDA 2011 Championships, Continental Divide and Conquer, are hosted by the Denver Roller Dolls November 11-13 in Broomfield, CO.

2011 Big 5 Links

Play the WFTDA Big 5 Bracket Bonazna!

WFTDA Big 5 Information and Schedule

Order WFTDA Big 5 DVDs

Keep Up with WFTDA Tournament News and Features on the Big 5 Blog

Windy City Wins 2011 North Central Region Playoffs!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:00:00 -0700

Host league Naptown Roller Girls (#4) secured the third spot in the WFTDA Championships after a close win over #2 Detroit Derby Girls. Windy City Rollers secured the #1 seed for the region after fending off a tough challenge from the Minnesota RollerGirls.

See the North Central Region Playoffs Day 3 Results at our Big 5 Blog!

Full recaps and analysis are available at http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com.

Learn more about the 2011 Big 5 tournaments!

The WFTDA 2011 Championships, Continental Divide and Conquer, are hosted by the Denver Roller Dolls November 11-13 in Broomfield, CO.

WFTDA Championships Seeding to be Determined Sunday

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:11:00 -0700

We now know 9 of the 12 teams that are competing in the 2011 WFTDA Championships, but we don't yet know what the first round match-ups will be. This weekend, in addition to seeing which North Central Region teams qualify for Championships, roller derby fans will have a chance to see the seeding unveiled live on wftda.com this Sunday.

The top seeds from each region get a first round bye, while the #2 seed from each region faces a #3 seed from a different region. The winner of those games will go on to play a #1 seed from a third region.

The competition bracket features four segments to match the WFTDA game play regions. Each region's position in the bracket is decided by random drawing. During the seeding drawing, one number will be drawn for each region to determine that region's position in the bracket and, therefore, the team match-ups for the tournament.

The seeding drawing will be broadcast live on wftda.com this year from the North Central Region Playoffs. Tune in to the live tournament stream at 6:20 p.m. EDT to watch the North Central Region championship bout. Immediately after the awards ceremony, we'll be selecting the 2011 Championships seeding. Viewers will get a first look at the bout match-ups for what is sure to be a highly competitive, exciting Championship tournament.

Texas Wins 2011 South Central Playoffs!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:38:00 -0700

Texas Rollergirls (#2) win 2011 South Central Playoffs, taking the top spot in the region for the first time in over a year, and #3 Nashville Rollergirls keeps their spot and earns a trip to WFTDA 2011 Championships.

See the South Central Region Playoffs Day 3 Results at our Big 5 Blog!

Full recaps and analysis are available at http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com.

Learn more about the 2011 Big 5 tournaments!

The WFTDA 2011 Championships, Continental Divide and Conquer, are hosted by the Denver Roller Dolls November 11-13 in Broomfield, CO.