MRDA and WFTDA Partner to Offer MRDA Insurance

The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) are pleased to announce that WFTDA will expand its insurance program in 2012 to become the official insurance provider for the MRDA. This partnership allows for universal coverage throughout both associations.

Due to the strong local-level connections between WFTDA member leagues and MRDA leagues, many MRDA skaters are already enrolled in WFTDA insurance as officials or coaches but previously were not covered as roller derby competitors.

This partnership simplifies the insurance coverage and allows MRDA and WFTDA leagues to build their relationship on the track as well as off by giving men's and women's leagues the ability to cross train, scrimmage and even bout together. This coverage also includes all officials, allowing them to train, officiate and skate with both associations under one insurance policy.

“Insurance has previously been an obstacle for putting on events that involved both sexes.  The door is now open for easy, worry-free scrimmages, bouts and events,” said Scott Meyer, MRDA Vice President.

As is the case with WFTDA member and apprentice leagues, MRDA members will not be required to enroll in the new MRDA insurance. However, most will likely choose that option.

“Our insurance program is tailored to meet the specific needs of roller derby leagues, so U.S.-based women’s leagues have generally been eager to enroll in our insurance program as soon as they become affiliated as apprentice members,” said Shelli Wiggins, WFTDA Insurance Administrator.

More detailed information about the insurance program is available at http://wftda.com/resources/insurance and http://www.mensrollerderbyassociation.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Scott Meyer, MRDA Vice President - magnum@stlgatekeepers.com
Kali Schumitz, WFTDA Public Relations - press@wftda.com
Juliana Gonzales, WFTDA Executive Director - 512-587-1859, juliana@wftda.com

About MRDA
The Men's Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men's derby leagues. The Men's Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men's derby through resource sharing. But now, we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include umbrella insurance coverage and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

ABOUT WFTDA
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association is the international governing body for the sport of women’s flat track roller derby and a membership organization for leagues to collaborate and network. WFTDA sets standards for rules, seasons, and safety, and determines guidelines for the athletic competitions of member leagues. There are currently 130 WFTDA member leagues and 71 leagues in the WFTDA Apprentice program. WFTDA is governed by a five-member, volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.