Women's Flat Track Derby Association
The Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is the premier international governing body for the sport of women's flat track roller derby. Established in November 2005 as a transformation from the United Leagues Coalition, the WFTDA serves to promote and foster the sport, which emphasizes both athleticism and inclusivity.
History
The organization originated with an initial membership of 22 leagues, reflecting a growing interest and participation in roller derby across the globe. In July 2009, the WFTDA introduced an Apprentice Program aimed at aiding aspiring member leagues. This program matched aspiring leagues with established WFTDA mentor leagues, guiding them through the process necessary to achieve full membership.
Structure and Divisions
The WFTDA is organized into different competitive divisions that oversee various levels of play:
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Division 1: The highest level of competition, featuring top-ranked teams that compete for international recognition.
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Division 2: The second-highest level, serving as a competitive platform for leagues that are on the verge of entering the elite Division 1.
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Division 3: Although no longer present, this division previously represented the third level, providing space for developing teams from 2013 through recent years.
Rankings
Rankings are a significant aspect of the WFTDA, used to determine placement in overall standings rather than merely through a traditional win-loss record. This system encourages teams to challenge themselves against higher-ranked teams to climb the standings, thereby promoting skill development and competition.
Notable Leagues
Several leagues have played prominent roles in the WFTDA, contributing to its growth and prestige:
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Gotham Roller Derby: Based in New York City, known for its competitive prowess and significant influence in the roller derby community.
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Rat City Roller Derby: A founding member of the WFTDA with a history of mentoring other leagues.
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Youngstown Area Roller Derby: Based in Youngstown, Ohio, this league was formerly known as the Little Steel Derby Girls.
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Burning River Roller Derby: Originated as Burning River Roller Girls, this league joined the WFTDA to further its competitive aspirations.
Related Topics
The WFTDA continues to be a cornerstone of women's sports, fostering an environment of athletic excellence and community engagement within the vibrant world of roller derby.