Photo by Phil Lackey
Columbia Roller Derby: Founded in 2007, Juniors started rolling in 2011, WFTDA member since 2012, and 501(c)(3) since 2017
What started as the Columbia Quadsquad Rollergirls back in the resurgent era of roller derby in the early 2000s has gradually transformed into a more inclusive organization for both adult and junior skaters to excel in. Powered by-skaters, for skaters, Columbia Roller Derby is made possible by a community of volunteers passionate about the sport and we’re always welcoming newcomers curious about joining us on and off the track.
Roller Derby: then and now
Historically, roller derby started out as a banked track roller skating marathon race in the 1930’s. Over the years it morphed into a full-contact match-up, employing loose storylines and appealing to a wider audience through showbiz. By the 1950’s, roller derby was being played on T.V where it lived, more or less, until roughly the 1980’s.
Contemporary roller derby was reborn in 2003 as an all-female amateur flat track sport and quickly spread DIY (do-it-yourself) style around the United States. Leagues were able to form with very little start-up cost due to the evolution of playing the sport on a flat surface (as opposed to the more expensive banked track). Today modern roller derby is considered a serious sport. Many leagues have members spending up to 5 days a week training and working to better the sport from a competitive and structural standpoint. There are also national and international committees and organizations devoted to better standardization of rules, referees, and even roller derby announcers.
The rules of roller derby are simple: rotating groups of five skaters take to the track. Gameplay consists of a series of short matchups (“jams”) in which both teams designate a scoring player with a star on their helmet (the “jammer”) to accrue points by lapping members of the opposing team. Teams attempt to get their own jammer out of the “pack” (the group of non-scoring players) while hindering the opposing jammer–in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously. There are also penalties, resulting in the penalized player spending 30 seconds in the penalty box. While simple, there’s plenty of nuance to rules and gameplay. If you join us, we’d be happy to share what we know with you!
What is WFTDA?
WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) is the governing body of roller derby whose mission is to promote and foster “the sport of flat track roller derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship, and goodwill among member leagues.” Since it’s creation in 2006, WFTDA has grown to over +350 leagues worldwide. The rules of the sport have changed throughout the years and WFTDA is constantly studying ways the rules of Roller Derby can evolve further.
Flashback: Columbia Roller derby Joins the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association
Columbia, SC—March 12, 2012— The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is proud to announce that Columbia Roller Derby has been accepted as a member of the WFTDA, the national governing body for women’s amateur flat track roller derby in the U.S.
As a member, Columbia Roller Derby joins the ranks of over 75 skater-owned and operated leagues nationwide that have united to lead the growing sport of flat track roller derby. WFTDA member leagues engage in sanctioned interleague play, including regional and national tournaments. Columbia Roller Derby will be a Class B member in the east region.
Founded in 2004, the WFTDA promotes and fosters the sport of flat track roller derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, fair play, and goodwill among member leagues. The governing philosophy is “by the skaters, for the skaters.” Skaters are the primary owners, managers, and operators of each member league and of the association. WFTDA’s operational tasks include setting standards for rules, seasons and safety, and determining guidelines for the national and international athletic competitions of member leagues. All member leagues have a voice in the decision-making process, and agree to comply with the governing body’s policies.