WFTDA Tests "No Minors" Rules Set

Beta test process developed to gather data on game impact of major rule change

AUSTIN, TEXAS – This weekend, Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) member teams will conduct the first in a series of beta test bouts in response to a growing interest in a significant rules shift, the elimination of minor penalties. Additional beta test bouts will take place throughout the summer.

The WFTDA rules beta Section 6 was created solely for the beta test project to collect data for review; it is not an official proposal to change the rule set. Any actual rules changes would be done only by member league vote at a future date. In the current rules set, an illegal action (i.e., blocking to the back, low blocking, forearms, etc.) is penalized based on impact. Current impact levels include “no impact,” “minor impact,” or “major impact.” Four minor penalties or one major penalty results in a trip to the penalty box.

The beta test bouts will be played under a draft rules set that eliminates the “minor impact” level and shifts actions to either “no impact,” meaning it does not result in a penalty, or “major impact,” resulting in a one minute penalty.

View the substitute “Section 6” that will be used during the beta tests at: wftda.com/rules.

Teams and officials are participating in these beta test bouts to collect data for WFTDA to review. This information will be used to determine how such a rules change would affect things such as game play and safety.

“WFTDA is very excited to beta test a 'no minors' rules set,” said Heather “Ms. D’fiant” Watson, WFTDA Games Officer. “Not only is a minor-less bout a radical change to the penalty system, it is also the first time an alternate rules set is allowed in WFTDA-sanctioned play. This groundbreaking move to vet philosophies is pivotal to the rules set evolution of such a fast-growing, dynamic sport.”

Teams participating in the beta test bouts, as well as the dates of these bouts are:

• April 10 - Windy City Rollers at Brewcity Bruisers
• June 11 - Jet City Rollergirls at Rat City Rollergirls (non-public bout)
• June 25 - Charm City Roller Girls vs. Windy City Rollers at East Coast Extravaganza
• June 26 - Maine Roller Derby vs. Steel City Derby Demons at East Coast Extravaganza
• June 26 - Lehigh Valley Rollergirls vs. River City Rollergirls at East Coast Extravaganza
• July 16 - Rocky Mountain Roller Girls home teams (non-public bout)

WFTDA released the current rules set, the fifth revision, on May 26, 2010. Revisions are aimed at maintaining safe, fair game play between teams as the sport and its competitive strategies continue to evolve.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kali Schumitz, WFTDA Public Relations – press@wftda.com
Juliana Gonzales, WFTDA Executive Director – 512-587-1859, juliana@wftda.com

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 national and international athletic competitions of member leagues. There are currently 109 WFTDA member leagues and 53 leagues in the WFTDA Apprentice program. WFTDA is governed by a five-member, volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.