WFTDA Prepares for its Second Decade at Annual Meeting

WFTDA member league representatives from all over the world gathered in Denver, Colorado, last month to help kick off the organization’s second decade of leading the flat track roller derby movement.

While league representatives took time to celebrate the last 10 years of WFTDA achievements, including donating league memorabilia for a roller derby time capsule, the discussions throughout the three days of meetings focused on continuing the WFTDA’s growth and success over the next 10 years.

"The focus at this year's meeting was on WFTDA's role and responsibilities going into the next decade,” WFTDA Executive Director Juliana Gonzales said. “We took time to think about how the roller derby community has evolved over the last 10 years and what WFTDA's role should be moving into the next 10 years. We of course did some nostalgic celebrating but, for the most part, the meeting held an intense focus on what's ahead."

Members engaged in thoughtful discussions about WFTDA’s relationships with other roller derby and roller skating governing bodies and its role in leading the worldwide development of the sport. Other big-picture conversations considered how well the Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby reflect WFTDA members’ core values and whether roles for Non-Skating Officials should evolve to better reflect current needs.

Attendees also got a sneak peek at new WFTDA initiatives, like the new games data system and 2015 International WFTDA Playoffs and Championships logos. As always, the conference included many sessions designed to provide resources and education to member leagues in areas like marketing, budgeting, technology tools and dealing with personal conflicts and legal concerns.

Hosts Rocky Mountain Rollergirls made sure the meeting participants were able to unwind at the end of each day, coordinating a scrimmage, a trip to a roller skate dance party, happy hours and more. The WFTDA leadership extends our thanks to Rocky Mountain for being such fabulous hosts!