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The MRDA and Men’s Roller Derby World Cup (MRDWC) are taking our relationship to the next level! Following extensive discussions between the boards of both organisations, and receiving majority support from their associated member bases, MRDWC will join the MRDA by 2020.

There is much work ahead of both organisations, but thanks to the close relationships forged since the creation of the MRDWC the process is expected to be smooth. Discussions will continue in order to facilitate a project timeline that allows for a full analysis of the MRDWC becoming part of the MRDA. MRDA Board of Directors will guide the formation of a dedicated workgroup, ensuring that MRDA members will continue to have a say in the future of their Association.

The first MRDWC was held in Birmingham, UK in 2014. Teams from 15 countries competed, viewers from all 7 continents watched, yes, that includes Antarctica. 2016 saw the MRDWC descend on Cowtown – Calgary, Alberta Canada. The event continued to grow, with 20 teams competing and total viewers across the world exceeding 27,000. In 2018 the event was held in Barcelona, 24 teams competed and the next event in St Louis is set to be even bigger.

MRDWC is proud of its support of gender diversity, particularly when it comes to officiating. At every event, the majority of Tournament Heads have not identified as male. MRDWC has even seen 3 wedding proposals, including one during the halftime break of the championship game.

The MRDA has supported the event since its inception, and is very much looking forward to welcoming the MRDWC to our Association. MRDA is committed to the growth of Men’s Roller Derby worldwide, hosting playoffs in Europe and North America since 2017. MRDA Champs will be held in Europe in 2020, with plans already in place to ensure that Champs happen outside of North America at least every 3 years.

The MRDA and MRDWC coming together will strengthen the MRDA’s position as the effective International Governing Body for Men’s Roller Derby, representing over 2000 skaters, officials, announcers, administrators and volunteers.

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Officiating applications are now open for the European and North America MRDA 2019 Playoffs, and the MRDA Championships 2019.

MRDA Playoffs are an exciting two day, one track events that will host the top 8 ranked MRDA teams from the regions and will be hosted by Granite City Brawlers and Mohawk Valley Roller Derby. MRDA Championships will be a three day, one track event featuring the top 12 MRDA teams and is hosted by Denver Ground Control.

Applications

Applications for European playoffs (Aberdeen, Scotland, UK)
http://bit.ly/MRDAEuroPlayoffs2019

Applications for North America playoffs (Rome, NY, USA)

http://bit.ly/MRDANAPlayoffs2019

Applications for MRDA Championships (Denver, CO, USA)

http://bit.ly/MRDAChamps2019

Application deadlines

April 29th, 2019; midnight EST

• Tournament Head Referee
• Tournament Head NSO
• Tournament Apprentice

May 13th, 2019; midnight EST

• Crew Head Referee
• Crew Head NSO

May 20th, 2019; midnight EST

• All other officiating applications

Further information regarding the event and applicant expectations is within the applications.

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the following changes to our Executive Board of Directors, who are responsible for overseeing the MRDA as the international governing body for men’s roller derby.

President

Jimmy Rage has stepped down as president. Sin Diesel is acting in a caretaker capacity in this role for the short term.

Vice President

D Baggins has stepped into the Vice President role, vacated by Sin Diesel.

“I am excited to take on the role as Vice President and it is something I have worked very hard towards. For the past two and a half years I have been the Committee Head of Insurance within the MRDA. During that time I have worked with the prior and current administration on various issues within our organization. I have always taken every opportunity I have been given, to take the ball and run with it and I will bring the same passion and dedication to the Vice President position that I have exemplified during the past 3 years. I would also like to strengthen our relationship with both the WFTDA and JRDA organizations, having already established a working relationship with them over the course of my time in derby. In my own league I have contributed as an NSO, a skater, and have served on my team’s Board of Directors as well as multiple committees. I believe this helps me bring a broad range of information and knowledge to the position of Vice President. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help grow this organization”

Director of Public Relations

Commando Roll is the new Director of Public Relations after Lumberjerk stepped down.

“Hi folks! I am Commando Roll from Sydney City SMASH in Australia. We were Australia’s first MRDA league so it is only fitting that the first board member from our part of the world is a member of SMASH. I have a background in Communications and Content Marketing and am excited about being able to bring my experience to the MRDA Board. I am very passionate about the growth of the MRDA, and working to continuously improve our sport and our association.”

In other movements within the MRDA structure, there has also been a change to our IT Leadership

Information Technology Director

Mooose was an important part of the development of MRDA Central and has stepped down from this key role. Now leading our Information Technology team is Dev Null.

“I’m Dev Null from Calgary Canada and I am one of the founders of Chinook City Roller Derby and currently play with the Glenmore Reservoir Dogs.  I’ve been in IT for 24 years doing everything from consultation to management.  I want to create an IT team for the MRDA who can build and implement the best possible system we can. If you are a full stack developer or a sysadmin please fill out the job form and we will find a place for you! I also hope to bring a measured approach to keeping the website changes coming while being open to feedback and new ideas.”

The MRDA would like to thank Jimmy Rage, Lumberjerk and Mooose for their tireless efforts on behalf of the MRDA members and wish them well for the future.