WFTDA Enters Formal Partnership With Skate Australia

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.