roller derby

While the sport has its origins in the banked-track roller-skating marathons of the 1930s, Leo Seltzer and Damon Runyon are credited with evolving the sport to its competitive form. Professional roller derby quickly became popular; in 1940, more than 5 million spectators watched in about 50 American cities. In the ensuing decades, however, it predominantly became a form of sports entertainment, where theatrical elements overshadowed athleticism. Gratuitous showmanship largely ended with the sport's grassroots revival in the first decade of the 21st century.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D01D520xcws | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/D01D520xcws| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Roller Derby: The Fastest Growing Sport In America |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-02-26 |access-date=2013-02-15}}{{cbignore}} Although roller derby retains some sports entertainment qualities such as player pseudonyms and colorful uniforms, it has abandoned scripted bouts with predetermined winners.{{Cite web |last=Neale |first=Rick |date=24 June 2008 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2008-06-17-female-roller-derby_N.htm |title=All-Female Roller Derby Elbows Its Way In as a Legitimate Sport |work=USA Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619061502/https://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2008-06-17-female-roller-derby_N.htm |archive-date=2008-06-19}}

Modern roller derby is an international sport, mostly played by amateurs. It was under consideration as a roller sport for the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{cite web |url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/07/04/will-roller-derby-be-included-in-the-2020-olympics/ |title=Will roller derby be included in the 2020 Olympics? | Olympics | Sports | National Post |website=Sports.nationalpost.com |date=4 July 2011 |access-date=6 March 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720053434/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/07/04/will-roller-derby-be-included-in-the-2020-olympics/ |archive-date=20 July 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://olympictalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/28/roller-sports-pitch-for-the-2020-olympics/|title=Roller Sports's pitch for the 2020 Olympics|date=2013-05-28|website=Olympictalk.nbcsports.com|access-date=2017-11-01}}{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/05/30/three-sports-make-olympic-cut-for-2020-summer-games |title=Three Sports Make Olympic Cut for 2020 Summer Games |author=Greg Otto|publisher=U.S. News|date=2013-05-30|access-date=2017-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815102732/https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/05/30/three-sports-make-olympic-cut-for-2020-summer-games |archive-date=2017-08-15}} Fédération Internationale de Roller Sports (FIRS), recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the official international governing body of roller sports, released its first set of Roller Derby Rules for the World Roller Games, organised by World Skate, that took place September 2017 in Nanjing, China. Most modern leagues (and their back-office volunteers) share a strong "do-it-yourself" ethic{{cite web|url=https://fragglepuss.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/spudtown-knockdown-3-an-interview-with-candyman-tournament-director/ |title=SpudTown Knockdown 3: An Interview with CandyMan, Tournament Director | Fragglepuss |website=Fragglepuss.wordpress.com |date=2012-08-29 |access-date=2013-02-15}} that combines athleticism with the styles of punk and camp.{{cite SSRN|title=Talk Derby to Me: Intellectual Property Norms Governing Roller Derby Pseudonyms|first=Dave|last=Fagundes|date=2011-03-15|ssrn = 1755305}} {{As of|2020|}}, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) had 451 full member leagues and 46 apprentice leagues and the Roller Derby Coalition of Leagues (RDCL) supporting women's banked track roller derby had eight full member leagues.{{cite web|url=http://therdcl.com|title=RDCL - Roller Derby Coalition of Leagues |access-date=January 8, 2020|website=Roller Derby Coalition of Leagues}}

File:CharmvsRivet2639463631 aee9fd553e.jpg (Baltimore, Maryland) blocker vs. a Rhode Island Riveter (Providence, Rhode Island) jammer (2008)]]

Contemporary roller derby has a basic set of rules, with variations reflecting the interests of a governing body's member leagues. The summary below is based on the rules of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).{{cite web|title=The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby|url=https://rules.wftda.com/|publisher=Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA)|access-date=2018-05-15}} In March 2010, Derby News Network said that more than 98% of roller derby competitions were conducted under WFTDA rules.{{cite web|url=http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/2010/03/dnn_releases_first_power_rankings_2010|title=DNN Releases First Power Rankings of 2010|publisher=Derby News Network|date=2010-03-05|access-date=2011-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201041743/http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/2010/03/dnn_releases_first_power_rankings_2010|archive-date=2011-12-01|url-status=dead}} For example, members of the United Kingdom Roller Derby Association are required to play by WFTDA rules,{{cite web|url=http://ukrda.org.uk/?page_id=12|title=Join Us|publisher=United Kingdom Roller Derby Association|access-date=2011-10-04|archive-date=2011-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026065232/http://ukrda.org.uk/?page_id=12|url-status=dead}} while members of the former Canadian Women's Roller Derby Association were encouraged to join the WFTDA.{{cite web|url=http://www.cwrda.ca/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510105027/http://www.cwrda.ca/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-05-10|title=Welcome to CWRDA|publisher=Canadian Women's Roller Derby Association|access-date=2011-10-05}}

Roller derby is played in two periods of 30 minutes.{{rp|4}} Two teams of up to 15 players each field up to five members for episodes called "jams". Jams last two minutes unless called off prematurely.{{rp|5}} Each team designates a scoring player (the "jammer"); the other four members are "blockers". One blocker can be designated as a "pivot"—a blocker who is allowed to become a jammer in the course of play.{{rp|7}} The next jam may involve different players of the 15 roster players, and different selections for jammer and pivot.{{rp|7}}

During each jam, players skate counterclockwise on a circuit track. Points are scored only by a team's jammer. After breaking through the pack and skating one lap to begin another "trip" through the pack, the jammer scores one point for passing any opposing blocker.{{rp|33}}Until 2019, the jammer also scored a point by passing the opposing jammer. There were 5 potential points per trip. The rules describe an "earned" pass; notably, the jammer must be in-bounds and upright. The jammer's first earned pass scores a point for passing that blocker and a point for each opponent blocker not on the track (for instance, serving a penalty, or when the opposition did not field five players for the jam). If the jammer passes the entire pack, it is a four-point scoring trip, commonly called a "grand slam".

Each team's blockers use body contact, changing positions, and other tactics to help their jammer score while hindering the opposing team's jammer.

File:TwoNorthWestJammers.jpg and Rainy City) race from the jammer line (2011)]]

Play begins by blockers lining up on the track anywhere between the "jammer line" and the "pivot line" {{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} in front. The jammers start behind the jammer line.{{rp|12}} Jams begin on a single short whistle blast, upon which both jammers and blockers may begin engaging immediately.

File:Texas Roller Derby Lonestar Rollergirls.jpg

The pack is the largest single group of blockers containing members of both teams skating in proximity, arranged such that each player is within {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} of the next.{{rp|11}} Blockers must maintain the pack, but can skate freely within {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} behind and ahead of it, an area known as the "engagement zone".{{rp|13}}

The first jammer to break through the pack earns the status of "lead jammer".{{rp|7}} A designated referee blows the whistle twice and continually points at the jammer to confer lead jammer status, which lets that jammer stop the jam at any time by repeatedly placing hands on hips.{{rp|}} Lead jammer status cannot be transferred to other skaters, but certain actions (such as being sent to the penalty box) cancel lead jammer status, meaning that the jam has no lead jammer and must continue for the full two-minute period.{{rp|8}} If the jam is not called off by the lead jammer, it ends after two minutes.{{rp|5}} If time remains in the period, teams then have 30 seconds to get on the track and line up for the next jam.{{rp|5}} If the 30-minute period ends while a jam is underway, the jam plays out to its natural conclusion.

File:BlockerOnPivot.ogv.]]

A skater may block an opponent to impede their movement or to force them out of bounds. The blocker must be upright, skating counterclockwise, in bounds, and within the engagement zone. Groups of blockers on the same team typically create formations, known as walls, to prevent the opposing blocker from passing. Blocking with hands, elbows, head, and feet is prohibited, as is contact above the shoulders, below mid-thigh, or to the back.{{rp|14}}

File:Roller derby, Amsterdam Derby Dames against the Ruhr Pott Roller Girls from Essen, Germany.jpg.]]

Referees penalize rules violations.{{rp|36}} A player receiving a penalty is removed from play and must sit in the penalty box for 30 seconds of jam time.{{rp|29}} If the jam ends during this interval, the player remains in the penalty box during the subsequent jam until the interval ends.{{rp|30}} While the penalty is being served, the penalized player's team plays short-handed, as in ice hockey. A player "fouls out" of the game on the seventh penalty, and is required to return to the locker room.{{rp|32}}

A "power jam", derived from ice hockey's "power play", refers to a scenario when one team's jammer is sent to the penalty box.{{Cite web|url=https://svrollergirls.wordpress.com/roller-derby-a-glossary/|title=Roller derby: A glossary|date=5 February 2009|publisher=Silicon Valley Roller Girls|access-date=2018-06-26}} In this case, that jammer's team cannot score. If the lead jammer is penalized, no one can prematurely end the jam.

It would be pointless to play if neither team could score; thus, both jammers cannot serve a penalty at the same time. If one jammer is sent to the penalty box while the opposing jammer is already serving a penalty, the opposing jammer is released from the penalty box early. The second jammer's penalty is then only as long as the amount of time the first jammer spent in the box.{{rp|31}}

File:Quad roller skates with leather protections (DSC07433).jpg

Players skate on four-wheeled ("quad") roller skates,{{rp|11}} and are required to wear protective equipment, including a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and mouth guards. All current sets of roller derby rules explicitly forbid inline skates for players. (USARS requires quad skates for all skaters. WFTDA and MRDA permit inline skates for referees, but virtually all referees wear quad skates.) Individual teams may mandate additional gear, such as padded knee length pants, similar to what aggressive skateboarders wear, and sex-specific gear such as a hard-case sports bra and protective cups.{{rp|39}}

Offense and defense are played simultaneously,{{Cite news |title=A Local Roller Derby Team Shows Its Toughness at a Saturday Bout but Doesn't Get a Win |author=Brauns, Katie |newspaper=Bend Bulletin |date=2009-04-14 |access-date=2011-12-12 |url=http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090412%2FSPORTS05%2F904120421%2F1041&nav |archive-date=2012-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909115326/http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090412%2FSPORTS05%2F904120421%2F1041&nav |url-status=dead }} a volatile aspect that complicates strategy and tactics. For example, one team's blockers may take offensive action to create a gap in the opposing wall for their jammer to pass through, but this same maneuver could potentially weaken their own defenses and allow the opposing team's jammer to score.{{cite web|last=Vodoo|first=Big Daddy|title=Roller Derby Strategies and Plays|url=http://bigarmy.net/index.php?topic=74.0|publisher=Little City Roller Girs|access-date=2011-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402214334/http://bigarmy.net/index.php?topic=74.0|archive-date=2012-04-02|url-status=dead}}{{cite book|last=Joulwan|first=Melissa|title=Rollergirl: Totally True Tales from the Track - p 94|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wGizDBbRfjYC&pg=PA95 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781416538554|date=2007-04-06}}

Strategies (high-level plans toward achieving the game's goal, which is to outscore the opposition) include the following:

• Ending the jam: The lead jammer can "call off" or end the jam at any time, controlling the opposition's ability to score points. The strategy for a jam is not to score a lot of points but to outscore the opposition. Often, the lead jammer scores as many points as possible on the first scoring trip, and then ends the jam before the opposing jammer has the opportunity to score any points.{{cite web|title=Game Play: Strategy|url=http://www.atlantarollergirls.com/site_admin/about/the-game/strategy|publisher=Atlanta Roller Girls|access-date=22 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928095235/http://www.atlantarollergirls.com/site_admin/about/the-game/strategy|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} If the jammer gets the lead but is then passed by the opposing jammer, they may decide to call off the jam without scoring any points themself in order to prevent the other team's jammer from scoring any points.
• Passing the star: The jammer for a team may "pass the star" (may perform a "star pass") to the pivot—that is, hand the helmet cover with the star to the pivot, which turns the pivot into the jammer.{{rp|9}} Passing the star does not nullify any earned pass of an opponent that the former jammer made, but passing the star forward never constitutes an earned pass. A jammer might pass the star because of fatigue, injury, or because the pivot is in a better position to score.{{cite web|url=http://fivepointgrandslam.blogspot.com/2011/07/by-position-pivotno-1.html|title=Five Point Grand Slam: By the Position – Pivot/No. 1|first=Tripp|last=Crouse|date=15 July 2011|website=Fivepointgrandslam.blogspot.com|access-date=1 November 2017}} Passing the star is also sometimes referred to as "passing the panty", as helmet covers are sometimes known as "panties".{{cite web|url=https://derbystein.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/passing-the-panty/|title=Passing the Panty|date=9 August 2015|website=Derbystein.wordpress.com|access-date=1 November 2017}}
• Killing a penalty: Captained by the pivot, blockers adapt their play to a penalty situation. For example, a short-handed team may try to make the pack skate faster to slow down scoring action until the team returns to full strength.Before 2013, there were "major" and "minor" penalties, the former included any player's fourth penalty, and it was strategic for a key player to deliberately commit such a penalty when it would have least effect.

Tactics (deliberate conceptual tasks in support of the strategy) may include the following:

• Walling up: Two or more blockers skate together to make it difficult for the opposing team (especially its jammer) to maneuver. They may skate side by side and use a "wide stance" to maximize the blockade, but must not link with or grasp each other, or otherwise form an impenetrable connection. The ability to suddenly form a wall denies the opposition time to respond. A wall can inhibit, slow down, and ultimately trap the opposing jammer. An effective wall may last for an entire jam. Variations on the tactic include the following:
• Backwards bracing, in which one skater, forward of the wall, skates backward to sight the jammer and direct teammates forming the wall.
• A skater may break off from the wall to actively challenge the opposing jammer, with a teammate replacing the skater in the wall.{{cite web|last=Bump|first=Speed|title=Strategy 101: The Wall|url=https://www.rosecityrollers.com/strategy-101-the-wall/|publisher=Rose City Rollers|access-date=22 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614171821/https://www.rosecityrollers.com/strategy-101-the-wall/|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=dead}}
• If the opposing jammer tries to pass the wall on one side, players may abandon the other side to fortify the active side of the wall.

File:Roller Derby (22).jpg skaters (in purple) form a wall, limiting their opponents' movement, while their jammer (leftmost skater in purple) takes a hip whip to accelerate past the pack]]

• Jammer tactics, in response to a wall or other obstacles by the opposing team's defense, include the following:
• Pushing through gaps in the wall or inducing the wall to separate by use of physical force.
• Evading the obstacle to one side or the other.
• Juking, where the jammer seems to be skating to one side but quickly shifts to the other side.
• Rolling around the end of the obstacle (spinning 360°) to end up ahead of it.{{Cite web|url=https://pivotstar.com/evasive-jamming-pt1/|title=Roller Derby Training: Evasive Jamming – Part One|author=Lucy Croysdill|publisher=pivotstar.com|access-date=2018-09-29|archive-date=2018-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930085623/https://pivotstar.com/evasive-jamming-pt1/|url-status=dead}}
• Using teammates to impede the defense from adjusting, such as by setting screens.
• Using a whip, where one or more teammates grasp the jammer's hand(s) and swing the jammer forward, transferring speed and momentum to the jammer.{{cite book|last=Joulwan|first=Melissa|title=Rollergirl: Totally True Tales from the Track - p 95|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wGizDBbRfjYC&pg=PA95 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=9781416538554|date=2007-04-06}}
• Apex Jump: Using the inside curve of the track to leap out of bounds but land in bounds, passing opposing players.
• Goating: The pack is defined as the largest group of in-bounds blockers, skating in proximity, containing members from both teams.{{rp|11}} In the "goat-herding" tactic, one team surrounds a blocker of the opposing team and then slows so that that group becomes the pack. The rest of the opposing team, skating ahead, are thus put out of play and cannot legally block the goat-herders' jammer.
• Running back or recycling: When a skater bumps the opponent jammer off the track, the jammer can only re-enter the track behind the skater. The skater skates clockwise on the track toward the rear of the engagement zone to maximize the time the jammer must spend before returning to action.{{cite news| url = http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/western-style-roller-derby-windy-city-rollers/Content?oid=2592374| title = Game Changer| work = Chicago Reader| date = 21 October 2010| first = Ling |last = Ma| access-date = 31 October 2010}}
• Bridging: By separating up to {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}}, blockers can stretch both the pack and the engagement zone, allowing teammates to keep hindering the opposition jammer. For example, in the strategy of running back (see above), coordinated action by the four skaters other than the jammer could force the opponent jammer to detour a full {{convert|40|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} before returning to action.{{cite web|last1=Falcon|first1=M|title=Derby Techniques of Interest Part 1: Knocking a jammer out of bounds and forming a bridge|url=http://www.tbayrollergirls.com/derby-techniques-of-interest/|publisher=Thunder Bay Roller Derby League|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920015953/http://www.tbayrollergirls.com/derby-techniques-of-interest/|url-status=dead}}

File:Roller Derby wide view.jpg

WFTDA bouts are officiated by three to seven skating referees and many non-skating officials (NSOs).{{rp|35}} Volunteer leagues adapt when fewer than the optimal number of officials are present.

Up to four referees skate on the inside of the track. In flat-track derby, up to three additional referees skate on the outside of the track. They call penalties, award points, and ensure safe game play.{{rp|36}} Referees must wear skates and typically wear white and black stripes.{{rp|38}}

NSOs take up a range of positions inside and outside the track, start and time the jams, record and display scores and penalties communicated by referees, record the number of each skater on track for a given jam, and time and record skaters in the penalty box.

{{Section rewrite|date=February 2025}}

{{Main|History of roller derby}}

File:Roller Derby 1950.jpg]] The growing popularity of roller skating in the United States led to the formation of organized multi-day endurance races for cash prizes as early as the mid-1880s.{{Cite news|title=Remarkable roller-skating feat|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=1884-04-13|page=10}}{{Cite news|title=A six-day roller skate race|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=1885-03-02|page=10}}{{Cite news|title=On rollers for six days: beginning the race at the Madison-Square Garden. Thirty-six entries, including Frank Hart and several champions—cheering the start|newspaper=New York Times|date=2 March 1885|page=10}} Speed and endurance races continued to be held on both flat and banked tracks in the century's first three decades{{Cite news|title=Roller marathon thrills and jars: 100 boys meet with adventures and tumbles in West Side Boulevard race. Dodge cars and autos. But records are smashed by contestants in red tights, overalls, etc|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=1908-11-27|page=5}} and spectators enjoyed the spills and falls of the skaters.{{Cite news|title=Roller skating on banked track: old-time sport is revived with speed contests at the Garden|newspaper=New York Times|date=1922-12-17|page=11}}{{Cite news|title=24-hour roller race: Ollie Moore will be teamed with Willie Blackburn at Garden|newspaper=New York Times|date=1914-12-17|page=S2}} The term derby was used to refer to such races by 1922.{{Cite news|title=Roller derby on tomorrow|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=1922-04-24|page=20}}{{#tag:ref | "Roland Cloni of Akron, world's champion roller skater, who yesterday tried out the track in the Broadway armory, where the national roller skating derby will be held this week, asserted new world's records can be established for flat tracks. The derby will open tomorrow and run until Saturday."|group="note"}}

The endurance races began to transform into the contemporary form of the sport in the mid-1930s, when promoter Leo Seltzer{{#tag:ref | Sources disagree on whether it was Leo alone or with his brother, the skate maker Oscar Seltzer.{{Cite book|title=San Francisco Bizarro: A Guide to Notorious Sights, Lusty Pursuits, and Downright Freakiness in the City by the Bay|last=Boulware|first=Jack|year=2000|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-312-20671-2|page=79}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/07.24.97/rollerqueen-9730.html|title=Blood on the Tracks|last=Luker|first=Kelly|date=1997-07-23|access-date=2008-07-13|newspaper=Metro Santa Cruz}}|group="note"}}{{#tag:ref | "Roller derby has entertained the masses in one form or another since the 1930s, when brothers Leo and Oscar Seltzer conceptualized the idea of a skating contest on a Chicago restaurant tablecloth."|group="note"}} created the Transcontinental Roller Derby, a month-long simulation of a road race between two-person teams of professional skaters.{{Cite news|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|last=Rasmussen|first=Cecilia|date=1999-02-21|title=L.A. Then and Now: The Man Who Got Roller Derby Rolling Along}} The spectacle became a popular touring exhibition.{{Cite news|magazine=Time|title=Roller Derby|date=1936-02-03|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,755740-1,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314011739/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,755740-1,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2009|access-date=2008-07-13}}{{Cite news|magazine=Time|date=1936-09-21|title=Variations|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,756673,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215090218/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,756673,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2008|access-date=2008-07-13}} In the late 1930s, sportswriter Damon Runyon persuaded Seltzer to change the Roller Derby rules to increase skater contact. By 1939, after experimenting with different team and scoring arrangements, Seltzer's created a touring company of four pairs of teams (always billed as the local "home" team versus either New York or Chicago),{{Cite book

|title=Five Strides on the Banked Track: The life and times of the Roller Derby|last=Deford|first=Frank|year=1971|publisher=Little, Brown and Company|page=84|isbn=0-316-17920-5}} with two five-person teams on the track at once, scoring points when its members lapped opponents.{{cite web|url=http://www.rollerskatingmuseum.com/derby.htm |title=Roller Derby at the National Museum of Roller Skating |year=2004 |access-date=2007-06-08 |publisher=National Roller Skating Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222193457/http://www.rollerskatingmuseum.com/derby.htm |archive-date=2007-02-22 |url-status=dead }}

On November 29, 1948, before television viewership was widespread, Roller Derby debuted on New York television.{{rp|89}} The broadcasts increased spectator turnout for live matches.{{Cite magazine |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/12/14/a-forward-roll-dusted-off-and-spiffed-up-the-roller-derby-is-aiming-to-regain-the-hold-it-once-had-on-tv/ |title=A Forward Roll: Dusted off and spiffed up, the Roller Derby is aiming to regain the hold it once had on TV |date=1998-12-14 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last1=Rushin |first1=Steve |author-link=Steve Rushin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908040817/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1014779/index.htm |archive-date=2008-09-08 |access-date=2018-04-24 |url-status=live}} For the 1949–1950 season, Seltzer formed the National Roller Derby League (NRDL), comprising six teams.{{cite web

|url=http://www.ktvu.com/station/1854338/detail.html

|title=Roller Derby

|publisher=KTVU-TV

|year=2004

|access-date=2007-06-08

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405093016/http://www.ktvu.com/station/1854338/detail.html

|archive-date= 2007-04-05

}}{{rp|95}} NRDL season playoffs sold out Madison Square Garden for a week. During the late 1950s and 1960s, the sport was broadcast on several networks, but attendance declined. Jerry Seltzer (Leo's son), the Roller Derby "commissioner", hoped to use television to expand the live spectator base. He adapted the sport for television by developing scripted story lines and rules designed to improve television appeal, but derby's popularity had declined.{{cite book|last=Deford|first=Frank|title=Five Strides on the Banked Track: The Life and Times of the Roller Derby|publisher=Little, Brown and Company|year=1971|isbn=0-316-17920-5}}

1989 saw the debut of RollerGames, an even more theatrical variant of roller derby for national audiences. It used a figure-8 track and rules adapted for this track. Bill Griffiths, Sr. served as commissioner while his son, Bill Griffiths, Jr., managed the L.A. T-Birds, who (according to the storyline) were seeking revenge on the Violators (led by Skull) for cheating in the Commissioner's Cup. The other teams included the Maniacs (led by Guru Drew), Bad Attitude (led by Ms. Georgia Hase), the Rockers (led by DJ Terringo and consisting of skaters who were also professional rock and roll musicians), and Hot Flash (led by Juan Valdez Lopez). It ran one season, because some of its syndicators went bankrupt.

In 1999, TNN debuted RollerJam, which used the classic rules and banked oval track, but allowed inline skates (although some skaters wore traditional quad skates). Jerry Seltzer was commissioner for this version.

File:Roller derby track.svg

File:Attacker (2222615188).jpg

File:NewZealandRollerDerby2010-11-27.jpg, Australia, in November 2010]]

Roller derby began its modern revival in Austin, Texas in the early 2000s as an all-female, woman-organized amateur sport.{{Citation |newspaper=New York Times|title=Pushing the Limit: The Dude of Roller Derby and His vision|last=Brick|first=Michael|date=2008-12-17|access-date=2008-12-17|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/sports/othersports/18devildan.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all}} By August 2006, there were over 135 similar leagues.{{Citation |newspaper=New York Times |title=With Names That Could Kill, Women Rev Up Roller Derby|last=La Gorce|first=Tammy|date=2008-11-07|access-date=2008-12-17|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/nyregion/new-jersey/09rollernj.html}} (New York print edition: 2008-11-09 p. NJ6) Leagues outside the U.S. also began forming in 2006, and international competition soon followed. There are over 2,000 amateur leagues worldwide{{cite web|url=http://flattrackstats.com/teams|title=Teams - Roller Derby Stats & Rankings - Flat Track Stats|website=flattrackstats.com|access-date=2017-11-01}} in countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgpbPuVdVEo | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/kgpbPuVdVEo| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Paris, les filles et le Roller Derby (Paris Roller Girls) |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-04-08 |access-date=2013-02-15}}{{cbignore}} Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Norway,{{cite web|url=http://www.oslorollerderby.no/|title=Oslo Roller Derby|access-date=2013-01-30}} Sweden,{{cite web|url=http://www.derbyroster.com/|title=Roller Derby Worldwide|access-date=2011-09-08|author=Cat O'Ninetails|year=2011}} Denmark,{{cite web|url=http://www.copenhagenrollerderby.com/|title=Copenhagen Roller Derby|website=Copenhagenrollerderby.com|access-date=2017-11-01}} Israel,{{Cite web |url=http://tlvderbygirls.com/about-he/tlvderbygirls-he/ |title=TLV Derby Girls Official site|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714124806/http://tlvderbygirls.com/about-he/tlvderbygirls-he/ |archive-date=2014-07-14 }} Singapore,{{cite web|url=http://thechillipadis.wordpress.com/|title=Roller Derby Singapore|website=Roller Derby Singapore|access-date=1 November 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20111219-316951.html|title=New roller derby sport kicks off in Singapore|publisher=asiaone.com|date=2011-12-19|access-date=2012-02-04|archive-date=2012-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110122536/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20111219-316951.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cprKMZhL82M | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/cprKMZhL82M| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Roller Derby Singapore | CPDG | Teaser Video |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-04-01 |access-date=2013-02-15}}{{cbignore}} UAE,{{cite web|author=Dani |url=http://www.dubairollerderby.com/1/post/2012/10/in-the-beginning.html |title=In the beginning |publisher=Dubai Roller Derby |date=2012-10-13 |access-date=2013-10-15}}{{cite news|url=http://www.timeoutdubai.com/sportandoutdoor/features/38264-21-sports-in-dubai-this-week#.UPxsU325du0 |title=21 sports in Dubai this week - Sport & Outdoor Features |newspaper=Time Out Dubai |date=2013-01-15 |access-date=2013-02-15}} Egypt,{{cite web |url=http://www.derbylife.com/articles/2012/11/close_and_personal_cairollers_cairo_egypt |title=Up Close and Personal with the CaiRollers of Cairo, Egypt |website=DerbyLife.com |access-date=2013-02-15 |archive-date=2013-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128223825/http://www.derbylife.com/articles/2012/11/close_and_personal_cairollers_cairo_egypt |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://jezebel.com/5963517/egypts-cairollers-have-best-name-ever-are-super-rad-rollergirls |title=Egypt's Cairollers Have Best Name Ever, Are Super Rad Rollergirls |website=Jezebel.com |date=2012-11-27 |access-date=2013-02-15}}{{cite web |url=http://rollerderbyjesus.com/2013/01/18/thoughts-on-the-start-of-the-12th-year-of-modern-roller-derby/ |title=thoughts on the start of the 12th year of Modern Roller Derby « Jerry Seltzer |website=Rollerderbyjesus.com |date=2013-01-18 |access-date=2013-02-15 |archive-date=2014-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301143046/http://rollerderbyjesus.com/2013/01/18/thoughts-on-the-start-of-the-12th-year-of-modern-roller-derby/ |url-status=dead }} Thailand,{{Citation|last=Welle (www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche|title=Top stories in 90 seconds {{!}} DW {{!}} 05.01.2022|url=https://www.dw.com/en/top-stories-in-90-seconds/av-49496622|language=en-GB|access-date=2022-01-05}} and China.{{Cite web|last=jknotts|date=2019-09-08|title=Why Roller Derby is the Toughest Sport on Eight Wheels|url=https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2019/09/08/why-roller-derby-is-the-toughest-sport-on-eight-wheels|access-date=2022-01-05|website=www.thebeijinger.com|language=EN}} In many international leagues, gear and equipment must be imported.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/03/13/cairollers-bring-roller-derby-to-egypt/|title=Cairollers Bring Roller Derby to Egypt|website=Dailynewsegypt.com|date=13 March 2013 }} Roller derby's contemporary resurgence has been regarded as an aspect of globalization which demonstrates "the speed with which pop culture is now transported by highly mobile expatriates and social media, while also highlighting the changing role of women in many societies".

Many roller derby leagues are amateur, self-organized and all-female{{cite web|last=Whittaker |first=Richard |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:921441 |title=Electric Skaterland: Austin births a Roller Derby revolution Austin Sports |website=AustinChronicle.com |access-date=2010-08-31}} and were formed in a do-it-yourself spirit by relatively new enthusiasts.{{cite video |date=2008-02-22 |title=The Dames: The Story of the Boston Roller Derby League |url=http://www.cctvcambridge.org/node/2495/play |format=QuickTime |publisher=Cambridge Community Television |location=Cambridge, MA |access-date=2008-06-23 |time=26:50 |archive-date=2008-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515132050/http://www.cctvcambridge.org/node/2495/play |url-status=dead }} See also the [http://www.cctvcambridge.org/thedames accompanying blog post] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501212837/http://cctvcambridge.org/thedames |date=2008-05-01 }}. In many leagues (especially in the U.S.), a punk{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/may/23/ussport.stevenwells|title=Roller derby gets a good punking |date=2005-05-23 |location=London |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Steven|last=Wells}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2009/11/13/punk-on-the-rocks-roller-derby-wreckers|title=Punk On The Rocks: Roller Derby Wrecker|website=Ourstage.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331220535/http://www.ourstage.com/blog/2009/11/13/punk-on-the-rocks-roller-derby-wreckers|archive-date=2012-03-31|url-status=usurped}} aesthetic and/or third-wave feminist{{Citation|url=http://youngerwomenstaskforce.blogspot.com/2006/10/roller-derby-uniting-younger-women-one.html|title= Roller Derby: Uniting Younger Women, One Bout at a Time|date=2006-10-26 |access-date=2008-06-18 |author=Jackie|publisher=Younger Women's Task Force}} (This is a post on the main YWTF blog.) ethic is prominent.{{cite web |url=http://uncleboise.com/feature.boi?a=167 |title=Oddballs: Roller Derby |author=Pat Zanghi |publisher=Uncle Boise |date=2010-04-22 |access-date=2009-05-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528174435/http://uncleboise.com/feature.boi?a=167 |archive-date=2010-05-28}} Members of fledgling leagues often practice and strategize together, regardless of team affiliation, between bouts.{{cite web|title=Soldiers in the Roller Derby|url=http://armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/2009/06/soldiers-in-the-roller-derby/|publisher=Army Live}} Most compete on flat tracks, though several leagues skate on banked tracks, with more in the planning stages.{{cite web |url=http://www.renorollergirls.com/ |title=Reno Roller Girls |publisher=Reno Roller Girls |access-date=2010-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202200406/http://renorollergirls.com/ |archive-date=2011-02-02 |url-status=usurped }}

Each league typically features local teams in public bouts that are popular with a diverse fan base.{{cite web |url=http://wftda.com/sponsors/2011-demographic-information |title=WFTDA 2011 Demographic Survey Results |publisher=WFTDA |access-date=2011-03-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402145943/http://wftda.com/sponsors/2011-demographic-information |archive-date=2011-04-02}} Some venues host audiences ranging up to 7,000.{{cite web|url=http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2011/04/new_jersey_roller_derby_packs.html|title=New Jersey Roller Derby packs thousands into Convention Hall - Video - NJ.com|website=Videos.nj.com|access-date=2017-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307185711/http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2011/04/new_jersey_roller_derby_packs.html|archive-date=2016-03-07|url-status=dead}} Successful local leagues have formed traveling teams comprising the league's best players to compete with comparable teams from other cities and regions. In February 2012, the International Olympic Committee considered roller derby, amongst eight other sports, for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games.{{cite web |last=Van |first=Samantha |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ycn-10930615 |title=Roller Derby May Be Included in 2020 Olympics: A Female's Reaction |website=Sports.yahoo.com |access-date=2012-03-06 |archive-date=2013-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316060407/http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ycn-10930615 |url-status=dead }}

{{cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/video/?%2Fvideo%2Fsports%2F2012%2F05%2F11%2Fnr-baldwin-roller-derby.cnn#/video/sports/2012/05/11/nr-baldwin-roller-derby.cnn | work=CNN | title=CNN.com Video}}

In 2009, the feature film Whip It featured roller derby and introduced a wider audience to the sport. The WFTDA encouraged leagues to coordinate with promotions during the film's release to increase awareness of the leagues.{{cite web|last=Loca|first=Chica|title=Whip It-Marketing Session|url=http://wftda.com/wftda-whip-it-marketing-rollercon2009.pdf|publisher=WFTDA|access-date=24 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820052255/http://wftda.com/wftda-whip-it-marketing-rollercon2009.pdf|archive-date=20 August 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Furthermore, corporate advertising has used roller derby themes in television commercials for insurance,{{Cite web

| url = https://www.youtube.com/embed/9xPFC5qkJ1k

| title = Shannon and Heather's aha moment commercial - YouTube

| website = www.YouTube.com

| access-date = 2016-03-01

}} a breakfast cereal,{{YouTube|zDxFHNF8kTg|Cheerios TV ad}} and an over-the-counter analgesic.{{YouTube|bm8BTcL-MQI|Aleve TV ad}}

Most players in roller leagues skate under pseudonyms, also called "derby names" or "skater names". These typically use word play with satirical, mock-violent or sexual puns, alliteration, and allusions to pop culture. Referees often use derby names as well,{{Citation|url=http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/blogs/justice_feelgood_marshall/2008/12/killbox_retires_sort|title=Killbox retires (sort of)|publisher=Derby News Network|author=Tracy "Justice Feelgood Marshall" Williams|date=2008-12-08|access-date=2008-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225211439/http://derbynewsnetwork.com/blogs/justice_feelgood_marshall/2008/12/killbox_retires_sort|archive-date=2010-12-25|url-status=dead}} often shown on the backs of their striped uniforms. Some players claim their names represent alter egos that they adopt while skating.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattleschild.com/article/seattle-derby-brats-no-flash-in-the-pan1|title=Seattle Derby Brats – No Flash in the Pan|access-date=2010-08-23|quote=It's like your alter ego," Grianne says, "You don't want to be announced as Grianne Hunter. You want to be something tougher.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124005030/http://www.seattleschild.com/article/seattle-derby-brats-no-flash-in-the-pan1|archive-date=2011-01-24|url-status=dead}}

Whether a team should skate under real names or derby names is sometimes debated.{{cite web|url=http://www.denverrollerdolls.org/index.php/teams/mile-high-club/|title=Denver Roller Dolls—Teams—Mile High Club|access-date=2009-07-19|quote=This season, 13 of the team's members are making the switch from derby names to real names.}} Some derby names are obscene, a subject of some internal controversy.{{cite web |url=http://www.derbylife.com/articles/2011/09/derby_names_not_ready_prime_time |title=Derby Names: Not Ready for Prime Time |website=DerbyLife.com |date=2011-09-14 |access-date=2011-09-24 |archive-date=2011-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002234910/http://www.derbylife.com/articles/2011/09/derby_names_not_ready_prime_time |url-status=dead }}

Copying of derby names has attracted legal and sociological analysis as an example of indigenous development of property rights. New players are encouraged to check derby names against an international roster to ensure they are not already in use.{{Cite web |url=https://www.derbyrollcall.com/ |title=Derby Roll Call |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821140439/http://www.derbyrollcall.com/ |archive-date=2018-08-21 |url-status=live}}

The names of roller derby events are also as sardonic and convoluted—for example, Night of the Rolling Dead (Night of the Living Dead), Knocktoberfest (Oktoberfest), Spanksgiving (Thanksgiving), Seasons Beatings (Seasons Greetings), Grandma Got Run Over By a Rollergirl ("Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"), Cinco de May-hem (Cinco de Mayo), and War of the Wheels (War of the Worlds).{{cite web |url=http://www.treasurevalleyrollergirls.net/news.html |title=Treasure Valley Rollergirls |publisher=Treasure Valley Rollergirls |access-date=2010-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724112536/http://www.treasurevalleyrollergirls.net/news.html |archive-date=2011-07-24 |url-status=usurped }}

File:DerbySpiralFractureFIXED.JPGs and others tend to an injured skater.]]

Roller derby is a contact sport, and injuries can occur. Superficial injuries include bruising.{{Citation|title=How Roller Derby Works|publisher=HowStuffWorks, Inc.|last=Wilson|first=Tracy|url=http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/roller-derby6.htm|access-date=2008-06-22|date=2005-11-07}} However, torn ligaments, broken bones, and concussions also occur.{{Cite web

| url = http://www.nj.com/morristown/index.ssf/2008/11/anatomy_of_a_concussion.html

| title = Anatomy of a concussion

| website = NJ.com

| access-date = 2016-03-01

| date = 2008-11-20

}}{{Cite web

| url = http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/dain-bramage/393/

| title = Dain Bramage

| website = Roller Derby

| language = en-US

| access-date = 2016-03-01

| archive-date = 2011-11-01

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111101050541/http://blog.timesunion.com/rollerderby/dain-bramage/393/

| url-status = dead

}}{{cite web|url=http://rollerderbydisorder.blogspot.com/2008/06/pcl-injuries-in-roller-derby.html|title=PCL Injuries in Roller Derby|last=Ryder|first=Kari|access-date=2008-06-22|date=2008-06-19}}

Some leagues prominently display their injuries, to embellish the image of violence or machismo.{{Citation|url=http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/injuries.html |title=Injury Gallery |publisher=Rat City Rollergirls |access-date=2008-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026040642/http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/injuries.html |archive-date=2007-10-26|url-status=dead }}{{Citation|url=http://www.mnrollergirls.com/photos/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814113205/http://www.mnrollergirls.com/photos/index_SIMPLE.php?album=Pabst_Bruise_Gallery |archive-date=2007-08-14 |title=Pabst Bruise Gallery |publisher=Minnesota RollerGirls |access-date=2008-06-22 |url-status=dead }} However, some skaters say the sport is reasonably safe if skaters take precautions.{{Cite web

| url = http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5090

| title = Derby injuries? - SkateLog Forum

| website = Skatelogforum.com

| access-date = 2016-03-01

| archive-date = 2016-03-03

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215853/http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5090

| url-status = dead

}} The rules require appropriate medical professionals on-site at every bout,{{rp|39}} even if not required by laws or arena regulations. The WFTDA offers insurance for leagues in the United States with legal liability and accident coverage, but it recommends that skaters also carry their own primary medical insurance.{{Cite web|url=https://wftda.org/resources/insurance|title=WFTDA Insurance Program|publisher=WFTDA|access-date=2018-06-18}}

File:2011-04-03 DustDevil (FoCo v Pacific)-1005.jpg

Although the early 2000s revival of roller derby was initially all-female, some leagues later introduced all-male teams and all-gender games; {{as of|2013|05|lc=yes}} there were over 140 junior roller derby programs in the United States, and many more around the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.derbyroster.com/index.php|title=Roller Derby Worldwide|access-date=2013-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111173106/http://www.derbyroster.com/index.php|archive-date=2013-01-11|url-status=dead}}

College roller derby is also expanding in the United States. The University of Arizona's Derby Cats describe themselves as the first-ever official college flat-track roller derby team.{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2014/05/college-roller-derby-can-maiden-asia-haute-flash-and-stone-cold-jane-austen-save-college-sports-from-itself.html|title=Could Roller Derby Be the Brighter Future of College Sports?|last=Looser|first=Devoney|date=2014-05-02|website=Slate Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-10-22}} The first intercollegiate derby bout took place on March 3, 2018, when the Claremont Colleges roller derby team defeated Arizona State University.{{Cite web|url=http://scrippsvoice.com/5c-roller-derby-team-victorious-against-asu-in-first-ever-intercollegiate-derby-bout-on-the-west-coast/|title=5C Roller Derby Team Victorious Against ASU in First Ever Intercollegiate Derby Bout on the West Coast|last=Patel|first=Rena|date=2018-03-28|website=The Scripps Voice|language=en-US|access-date=2022-09-24}}

The website FlatTrackStats compiles ratings of WFTDA teams, adjusting them after every bout based on how the actual score compares to the predicted score. The WFTDA's own Stats Repository has comparable information and often is updated at halftime of a bout.{{Cite web |url=https://thederbyapex.com/wftda-stats-and-stat-books-actually-rule-8ca92febfc3?gi=73b8debf075e |title=WFTDA Stats Actually Rule |publisher=The Derby Apex |date=2017-05-18}}

Roller derby bouts are now streamed online, and there are archived videos of past bouts and tournaments. The WFTDA offers live streaming video of its tournaments at wftda.tv. Derby News Network offered live streaming video and archived video including events outside the WFTDA.

FiveOnFive magazine covers roller derby and diverse aspects such as business, training, junior roller derby, and nutrition.{{cite web|url=http://www.fiveonfivemag.com/|title=fiveonfive » women's flat track roller derby magazine|website=Fiveonfivemag.com|access-date=2017-11-01}}

{{Main|List of roller derby associations}}

The largest governing body for the sport is the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), with 397 full member leagues and 48 apprentice leagues.{{Cite web |title=WFTDA Leagues |publisher=WFTDA |date=2017 |access-date=2017-07-08 |url=https://wftda.com/wftda-leagues/}} WFTDA membership is a major goal of aspiring leagues.{{Cite web

| url = https://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/8/13/4614248/roller-derby-wftda-profile

| title = The rise of roller derby

| last = Dator

| first = James

| date = 13 August 2013

| publisher = SBNation.com

| access-date = 2016-03-01

}} Other associations support either mixed-gender or men-only derby; the largest organization supporting male roller derby is the Men's Roller Derby Association (MRDA).{{cite web|url=http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-ii/|title=The State of Derby – Part II: OSDA and JRDA|access-date=2011-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825054013/http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-ii/|archive-date=2011-08-25|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-iii-modern-derby-athletic-endeavor/|title=The State of Derby – Part III: Modern Athletic Derby Endeavor|website=Rollerderbyinsidetrack.com|access-date=2017-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905202747/http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-iii-modern-derby-athletic-endeavor/|archive-date=2011-09-05|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-iv-mens-roller-derby-association/ |title=The State of Derby – Part IV: Men's Roller Derby Association |author=Captain Gorgeous |publisher=Roller Derby Inside Track |date=2011-06-28 |access-date=2011-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915071123/http://www.rollerderbyinsidetrack.com/features/2011/the-state-of-derby-part-iv-mens-roller-derby-association/ |archive-date=2011-09-15}} Within the United States, the Junior Roller Derby Association governs play by those under 18. It modifies the WFTDA rules for minors at three skill levels, with the lowest level allowing no intentional contact between skaters, and the highest allowing full contact; additional rules are also changed according to the needs of youth skaters.{{cite web|url=https://www.juniorrollerderby.org/rules|title=RULES|website=Junior Roller Derby Association|access-date=2024-08-12}} Some U.S. leagues decline affiliation with a national organization because they prefer local governance.{{cite web|url=http://wftda.com/files/usars-reqest-for-endorsement.pdf|author=USA Roller Sports|title=To Whom It May Concern|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026094549/http://wftda.com/files/usars-reqest-for-endorsement.pdf |archive-date=2011-10-26}}{{Cite web |url=http://wftda.com/press/open-letter-to-usars|title=Open Letter to USA Roller Sports|publisher=Women's Flat Track Derby Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010173737/http://wftda.com/press/open-letter-to-usars |archive-date=2011-10-10|access-date=2012-02-04|date=2011-05-12}}

Although WFTDA has been the largest worldwide roller-derby organization, the IOC has recognized World Skate (formerly Fédération Internationale de Roller Sports) as the only governing body able to sanction international roller derby competitions within the Olympic Movement. Disputes between World Skate and WFTDA has meant that only 4 teams were present in the first Roller Derby World Championships organized by World Skate in 2017, as part of the 2017 World Roller Games{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollerderbynotes.com/2016/12/29/firs-unveils-first-edition-of-international-roller-derby-rules/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230180028/http://www.rollerderbynotes.com/2016/12/29/firs-unveils-first-edition-of-international-roller-derby-rules/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 30, 2016|publisher=rollerderbynotes.com|access-date=2023-04-11|title=FIRS unveils 1st edition of international Roller Derby rules|date=30 December 2016 }}

USA Roller Sports (USARS) is recognized by the International Roller Sports Federation (FIRS) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the National Governing Body of competitive roller sports in the United States, including speed, figure, hockey, roller derby and slalom. WFTDA and USARS maintain a reciprocity agreement for insurance purposes.{{cite web |url=http://usarollersports.org/roller-derby/usars-wftda-reciprocity|access-date=2011-10-12|publisher=USA Roller Sports |date=2009-06-24 |title=USARS / WFTDA Reciprocity |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006141048/http://usarollersports.org/roller-derby/usars-wftda-reciprocity|archive-date=2011-10-06}}

Outside the United States, many roller derby leagues enjoy support from their national skate federations, such as Skate Australia,{{cite web |url=http://www.skateaustralia.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=273 |title=Ballarat Junior Roller Derby Star Set for Battle |author=Rachel Afflick |access-date=2011-10-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007142434/http://www.skateaustralia.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=273 |archive-date=2011-10-07}} the British Roller Sports Federation,{{cite web|title=Roller Derby is now recognised as a sport in the UK, and UKRDA the National Association|url=http://www.euroderby.org/news/125-roller-derby-is-now-recognised-as-a-sport-in-the-uk-and-ukrda-the-national-association|website=Euroderby.org|access-date=2011-10-02}}{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} and Roller Sports Canada.{{cite web|url=http://rollersports.ca/roller-derby/|title=Roller Derby|date=2010-01-07 |website=Rollersports.ca|access-date=2017-11-01}} In Europe, roller derby was recognized as a sport in Paris in 2010 by the Federation Internationale de Roller Sports (FIRS), which reports directly to the International Olympic Committee. As of 2017, FIRS has been accepted as the international rule set by the International Olympic Committee. Teams competed under the FIRS rules at the 2017 Nanjing Games.{{cite web|url=http://www.rollersports.org/|title=Rolling Up to Tokio 2020|website=Rollersports.org|access-date=2017-11-01}} The former Canadian Women's Roller Derby Association worked with the American federation.{{cite web |publisher=Roller Derby Association of Canada |access-date=2011-10-12 |title=Welcome to the CWRDA |url=http://www.cwrda.ca/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026035120/http://www.cwrda.ca/ |archive-date=2011-10-26}}

Since 2006, the WFTDA has sponsored an annual championship. In 2008, it adopted the "Big 5" format: four regional playoffs and a final championship tournament.{{cite web|title=The Big 5 WFTDA Sponsored Tournaments |url=http://wftda.com/The-Big-5 |publisher=WFTDA |access-date=2011-11-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115205158/http://wftda.com/The-Big-5|archive-date=2011-11-15}} As of 2019, the WFTDA postseason includes two playoffs that feed into the Championship tournament, plus three standalone, regionally-based Continental Cups.{{cite web |title=2019 WFTDA Postseason Dates and Locations Released |url=https://wftda.com/2019postseason/ |website=WFTDA |access-date=16 August 2019 |date=1 March 2019}} The WFTDA also recognizes eligible tournaments hosted by member leagues.{{cite web|title=WFTDA Recognized Events|url= http://wftda.com/events|publisher=WFTDA|access-date=2011-11-15}}

Internationally, the first Roller Derby World Cup took place in Toronto, Canada, in December 2011.{{cite web|title=Blood & Thunder Roller Derby World Cup 2011|url=http://bloodandthundermag.com/WorldCup2011.htm|publisher=Blood & Thunder Magazine|access-date=2011-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812175511/http://bloodandthundermag.com/WorldCup2011.htm|archive-date=2011-08-12|url-status=dead}} The second World Cup took place in Dallas, Texas, in December 2014.{{cite web|title=Dallas to Host 2014 Roller Derby World Cup|url=http://www.rollerderbyworldcup.com/2013/06/10/dallas-to-host-2014-roller-derby-world-cup/|publisher=Blood & Thunder Magazine|date=2013-06-10|access-date=2014-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214162640/http://www.rollerderbyworldcup.com/2013/06/10/dallas-to-host-2014-roller-derby-world-cup/|archive-date=2014-12-14|url-status=dead}}

Since 2012, USARS has held an annual Roller Derby National Championship. In 2017, FIRS and the USOC recognized USARS to participate in the 2017 Nanjing games.

The largest roller derby tournament in the southern hemisphere, The Great Southern Slam, has been held biannually in Adelaide, South Australia since 2010.

Zaina Arafat said in the Virginia Quarterly Review that roller derby defies heteronormativity and patriarchal standards. In Egypt, Arafat says, there are expectations that a woman will not show visible scars, will have an unblemished body for her husband, and will refrain from activities that may damage her body. She says roller derby in Egypt is subversive, as it acts as an indirect political statement.Arafat, Zaina, "POWER JAM: Roller Derby as Political Act", Virginia Quarterly Review, vol. 93, no. 3, Summer2017, pp. 36-59.

Author Carly Giesler said that skaters enact sexualities that create or reclaim an identity, and their role parodies "hegemonic scripts of sexuality" through the use of costumes, derby names and personas. Roller derby acts as a unique stage for female athletes, letting them rebut constraints society places on women and female athletes. Giesler said that female sports objectifies them for the male gaze, but roller derby turns this on its head by disregarding gender roles and norms.Gieseler, Carly. "Derby Drag: Parodying Sexualities in the Sport of Roller Derby". Sexualities, vol. 17, no. 5-6, 2014, pp. 758–776., doi:10.1177/1363460714531268.

{{Portal|Sports|Feminism}}

• Bibliography of roller derby
• List of roller derby leagues
• List of roller derby associations

{{reflist|group=Note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://rules.wftda.com The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby] (WFTDA), with illustrations and case rulings; links for PDF and single-web-page formats
• [http://flattrackstats.com/ Flat Track Stats]—Statistical aggregation of WFTDA sanctioned roller derby
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130413042903/http://rollerderbyforum.com/ Roller Derby Forum]

{{Roller derby by country}}

{{Team Sport}}

{{Women's sports}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:Roller sports

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