About
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is the international governing body of women’s flat track roller derby representing more than 450 member leagues on 6 continents. The mission of the WFTDA is to govern and promote the sport of flat track roller derby and revolutionize the role of women in sports through the collective voice of its member leagues around the world. The WFTDA sets the international standards for rankings, rules, and competition each year and provides guidance and resources to the sport of flat track derby.
The WFTDA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
The WFTDA’s Executive Director is Erica Vanstone.
History
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) began as the United Leagues Coalition (ULC) in 2004, consisting of a handful of flat track roller derby leagues, each owned and operated by skaters sharing the singular, driving compulsion to re-imagine roller derby as a modern sport.
In 2005, 20 flat track roller derby leagues were represented at the historic first meeting of the ULC, with the goal of developing the guiding principles and aspirations of the organization. Following that meeting, the ULC voted to change its name to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) to reflect the organization’s goals.
The WFTDA opened its doors to new members in September 2006 and has since welcomed hundreds of new member leagues into the association.
Important Links
- WFTDA’s Gender Statement – The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is committed to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices in relation to all transgender women, intersex women, and gender expansive participants, and aims to ensure that all skaters’, volunteers’, and employees’ rights are respected and protected.
- WFTDA’s Diversity and Inclusiveness Statement – The WFTDA leadership is making an explicit commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the WFTDA.
- Board of Directors – WFTDA is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors.
- Code of Conduct – WFTDA leagues and skaters are held to a Code of Conduct, which outlines responsibilities and practices, on and off the track.
- Join WFTDA – Information on how to join the WFTDA Apprentice Program and become a member.
- Resources for WFTDA Members and the Flat Track Roller Derby Community
WFTDA is committed to fostering an environment in which roller derby participants are safe from harassment, abuse, and discrimination. In April 2018, WFTDA along with JRDA and MRDA held a public online town hall meeting to discuss these issues with the roller derby community. A recap and recording of that webinar is available here.