Women's Flat Track Derby Association

From MLB to NHL, any high-profile sport is guaranteed to come with an acronym or two, and derby is no different.

As roller derby grew from a grassroots hobby to an official sport, WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) was born. Complete with rankings and national tournaments, WFTDA is the centralized entity that ensures partnership among derby leagues nationwide. The Arch Rival Roller Girls were proud to become members of WFTDA in Fall, 2007.

The association, which was founded in April of 2004 as the United Leagues Committee (ULC), "promotes and fosters the sport of women's flat track derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship, and goodwill among member leagues." In keeping with the themes of empowerment, independence, and assertiveness that are so synonymous with roller derby, WFTDA leagues operate under the motto "by the skaters, for the skaters." Even when she isn't working hard on the track, any ARRG skater still has plenty of responsibilities, including recruiting, financial operations, marketing, and setting rules and seasons.

Since 2004, WFTDA has grown from 30 leagues to 66 leagues (as of January 2009). The leagues are divided into four regions: Eastern, North Central, South Central, and Western. A member of the North Central region, ARRG hopes to establish itself as a formidable competitor at both the regional and national level.