WFTDA Updates Pre-Game Equipment Check Requirements

After careful consideration, the WFTDA has decided to move forward with the recommendation of WFTDA Risk Management and Insurance to remove the Pre-Bout Protocol document from the website. WFTDA will no longer be mandating that officials conduct equipment checks prior to WFTDA-sanctioned games.

The requirements for safety gear, the penalties associated with lack of gear and the expectation that all skaters remain in safety equipment while on the track and in the Penalty Box, as stipulated in the Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby, will not change. Officials will conduct visual checks to ensure that all skaters are in compliance. The WFTDA recommends that teams conduct their own equipment checks prior to game start, and requires this check for all WFTDA-sanctioned games.

WFTDA has replaced the Official Pre-Bout Protocol document with the WFTDA Pre-Game Equipment Protocol to provide guidance to skaters on proper equipment fit. If there is a concern or safety issue with equipment in a game, the Captain or Designated Alternate should raise the issue with the Head Referee.

WFTDA Referee Evaluation Forms will be updated in a future release to reflect the change. Individuals completing Referee Evaluation Forms should remove that requirement from their evaluation.

Leagues may still choose to adhere to the pre-game gear check for home play, but in WFTDA-sanctioned play it is up to Captains to ensure that all team members are wearing proper equipment and inform the Head Ref if there are issues.

Visit the WFTDA League Resources section to download the WFTDA Pre-Game Equipment Protocol document.