WFTDA to Host 2013 Officiating Clinics

New Rules, no problem! The WFTDA Officiating Clinics are back!

The WFTDA is honored to announce the fourth annual WFTDA Officiating Clinics cycle. The WFTDA remains committed to consistency and standardization, as well as providing tools and resources so that all roller derby officials may succeed in providing the highest level of officiating, and promote the ideal of “Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.” roller derby.

What's new for 2013?

The WFTDA Officiating Clinics are a two-day immersion into all things officiating with both classroom and track time, culminating in a put-it-into-play scrimmage. With a new rule set it’s time for everyone, even veteran officials, to re-engage with the rules. This year’s clinic cycle will offer a host of new materials specifically designed to work with the WFTDA’s new 2013 Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby. WFTDA Officiating Clinics are geared towards officials that have six or more months of experience, and knowledge of WFTDA rules, practices, and solid skating skills. Officials planning to participate in WFTDA Tournaments are strongly encouraged to attend an Officiating Clinic. WFTDA Officiating Clinics are open to any official regardless of affiliation or certification.

• In support of veteran officials and continuing education, the WFTDA will waive the registration fee for Level 4 and Level 5 WFTDA Certified Officials.
• Both non-skating and skating officials will be offered post-clinic tests that, if passed, will act as a bonus toward Certification.

For Non Skating Officials

• NSOs will be provided with training, tools, resources, and practical application of WFTDA rules and procedures.
• NSOs will examine new deployments under a No Minors rule set.
• NSOs will be guided through new WFTDA officiating documents redesigned for a No Minors rule set.
• NSOs will be given an overview of how to implement Rinxter for their home leagues.
• Veteran NSOs will participate in breakout sessions to consider higher order operations such as tournament officiating, consistency among peers, and officiating techniques for the highest level of play.

For Skating Officials

• Skating Officials will receive updated information that highlights the new rule set, and develop the working knowledge necessary to effectively manage bouts.
• Skating Officials will learn about the tools and resources necessary to follow the WFTDA development path to Certification, and will gain insight into what is required to succeed as a WFTDA official.
• Skating Officials will learn and practice drills designed to improve skating skills.
• Veteran skating officials will have the opportunity to take part in breakout sessions that will enable them to fortify skating skills and theory related to higher order considerations including advanced positioning, consistency among peers, and officiating techniques for the highest level of play.

For WFTDA Captains and Coaches

While WFTDA Officiating Clinics are designed to provide officials with the tools and resources needed to officiate modern roller derby, getting to know and understand the officials' side of the sport can be extremely valuable for captains and coaches. We recognize that many skaters and coaches also officiate for their leagues and play a part in recruiting and training officials. A deep understanding of rules and their application benefits the whole sport; therefore, a limited number of seats will be held available for skaters and coaches to attend 2013 WFTDA Officiating Clinics.

• Attendees will gain knowledge of rules, theory, and application – as understood by officials.
• Attendees will examine the rigors of the Certification process, and will be better positioned to evaluate officials and help their league’s officials seek Certification.
• By being exposed to the language, communication and procedures of officials, attendees will be able to better negotiate interactions with officials.
• Attendees will be exposed to the skating skills and positional theory used by officials, including skating drills and techniques that are geared towards improving the skating skills of officials.

What is the cost?

The cost of the registration for the North American clinics is $100 USD, and outside of North America the cost will be $125 USD.