New York Shock Exchange Top the Initial 2012 MRDA Rankings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/9/2012 – The MRDA has released its first rankings of the 2012 season and the first rankings since the 2011 Championship. All of the movement in the rankings reflects the top six teams’ performances at the Championship with no movement in the 7 through 11 spots. The biggest mover was the St. Louis GateKeepers, who fell from the #1 spot to #4 after their fourth-place showing at Championships. The New York Shock Exchange moved up from #2 to the top spot after beating the Puget Sound Outcasts, who now reside at #2, in the championship bout. The previous rankings are available here.

There were no new teams in the rankings this time, but that is sure to change now that the MRDA has more teams than ever competing to be ranked. As it continues in its mission to grow men’s roller derby, the MRDA has nearly doubled to 20 teams in the past year.

In the coming months, two tournaments will give these new teams an opportunity to break into the rankings. The Spring Roll Invitational hosted by the Fort Wayne Derby Girls takes place May 12th and 13th and will feature 13 MRDA leagues. And on June 9th and 10th, the Puget Sound Outcasts host Throwdown in the Sound for which they are still accepting applications.

These tournaments and many upcoming MRDA bouts will help determine who will compete for the 2012 MRDA Championships. The top eight finishers in the end-of-season rankings will receive invitations to compete in the October 20th and 21st event hosted by the St. Louis GateKeepers.

2012 MRDA Initial Season Rankings

New York Shock Exchange – NYC, NY

Puget Sound Outcast Derby – Tacoma, WA

Magic City Misfits – Jacksonville, FL

St. Louis GateKeepers – St. Louis, MO

Dallas Deception – Dallas, TX

Pioneer Valley Roller Derby (The Dirty Dozen) – Northampton, MA

Your Mom Men’s Derby – Des Moines, Iowa

Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby (Twin Cities Terrors) – Minneapolis/St Paul, MN

Harm City Homicide – Baltimore, MD

Connecticut Death Quads – Waterbury, CT

Race City Rebels – Indianapolis, IN

Unranked (In Alphabetical Order)

Burlington Bombers Roller Derby (The Bomb Quads) – Burlington, VT

Capital District Trauma Authority – Albany, NY

Cowtown Butchers Mens Roller Derby – Kansas City, MO

Lane County Concussion – Eugene, OR

Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby – Lancaster, MA

Portland Men’s Roller Derby – Portland, OR

Quadfathers – Utica, NY

Rock City Riot – Fargo, ND

Sioux City Korn Stalkers – Sioux City, IA

The 2012 MRDA Champion will be Crowned in St. Louis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2012 – The St. Louis Gatekeepers will host the 2012 Men’s Roller Derby Association Championship “Gateway to the Best.” This fast and heavy-hitting weekend takes place October 20-21, 2012 and will feature the MRDA’s top eight teams in the end-of-season rankings. Competition for those spots will be especially tough as the MRDA continues in its mission to encourage the growth and development of men’s roller derby by nearly doubling in the past year to 20 teams.

The Gatekeepers will work closely with the MRDA to build on the success of last year’s inaugural championship. The Gatekeepers, founded in November 2009, have grown to become one of the most successful teams in men’s roller derby, skill-wise and in sheer number of skaters. They bring a wealth of tournament knowledge by virtue of participating in last year’s championship as well as competing in Spring Roll men’s tournament.

The 2012 MRDA Championship will be held at the Midwest Sport Hockey Complex. With a new Sport Court surface installed this past November, Midwest Sport is the premier inline roller hockey facility in the Midwest making it the ideal spot for high-caliber roller derby. And, ample stadium seating will provide a quality spectator experience. The complex is located in beautiful Edgar M. Queeny County Park in the St. Louis suburb of Ballwin, just 20 minutes from the city.

Currently, the MRDA is accepting applications for officials for this year’s championship. Visit http://tinyurl.com/72d3z4d to apply for a chance to be part of history. Or, if you have questions regarding officiating, contact [email protected].

Looking for other ways to get involved? Please contact

Volunteering: [email protected]

Sponsorship and Vending: [email protected]

Announcing/Media: [email protected]

Press: [email protected]

Stay tuned to http://mrdachampionships.com/ for more information including ticket sales as the tournament approaches. And, if you have any general inquiries, contact [email protected].

Book your flights now and see you in October!

Lane County Concussion and Capital District Trauma Authority Join MRDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 February 2012 – Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is proud to announce today its 20th and 21st members, Lane County Concussion from Eugene, Oregon and Capital District Trauma Authority from Albany, New York. As new members of MRDA, they join the ranks of the elite men’s leagues that are skater owned and operated. MRDA is the governing body for male flat track roller derby, and engages in sanctioned interleague play that includes a championship tournament.

Congratulation to our new members of MRDA and keep in touch with our 2012 MRDA Season and future events on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MensRollerDerbyAssociation and on our website: http://www.mrda.org

About MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about Lane County Concussion: http://www.lanecountyconcussion.com

For more information about Capital District Trauma Authority: http://www.cdmrd.com

Spring Roll 2012: Fort Wayne Derby Girls Host MRDA Invitational

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 February 2012 – On May 12-13, 2012, the Fort Wayne Derby Girls will host Spring Roll 2012. This event will feature 13 of the top ranking Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) teams from around the country including the MRDA 2011 Champions, New York Shock Exchange (NYSE). There will be 2 days of action packed roller derby that will also include WFTDA game play in the form of FWDG Bomb Squad (All-stars) and S.W.A.T. taking on teams from the Killamazoo Derby Darlins.

MRDA Leagues attending Spring Roll 2012:

Central Mass Maelstrom (Massachusetts)
Connecticut Death Quads (Connecticut)
Harm City Homicide (Maryland)
Magic City Misfits (Florida)
Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby (Minnesota)
New York Shock Exchange (New York)
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby (Massachusetts)
Portland Men’s Roller Derby (Oregon)
Race City Rebels (Indiana)
Rock City Riot (North Dakota)
Saint Louis GateKeepers (Missouri)
Sioux City Korn Stalkers (Iowa)
Your MOM Men’s Derby (Iowa)

FWDG has issued a request for volunteers for Spring Roll 2012, and is accepting applications for officiating. The link to the Officiating Application: http://www.fwderbygirls.com/events/SpringRoll.php

For more information on Officiating @ Spring Roll 2012 email: [email protected]
For general information email: [email protected]

About the MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s roller derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about MRDA check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MensRollerDerbyAssociation and on our website: http://www.mrda.org

MRDA and WFTDA Partner to Offer MRDA Insurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12/31/2011 – The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) are pleased to announce that WFTDA will expand its insurance program in 2012 to become the official insurance provider for the MRDA. This partnership allows for universal coverage throughout both associations.

Due to the strong local-level connections between WFTDA member leagues and MRDA leagues, many MRDA skaters are already enrolled in WFTDA insurance as officials or coaches but previously were not covered as roller derby competitors. This partnership simplifies the insurance coverage and allows MRDA and WFTDA leagues to build their relationship on the track as well as off by giving men’s and women’s leagues the ability to cross train, scrimmage and even bout together. This coverage also includes all officials, allowing them to train, officiate and skate with both associations under one insurance policy.

“Insurance has previously been an obstacle for putting on events that involved both sexes. The door is now open for easy, worry-free scrimmages, bouts and events,” said Scott Meyer, MRDA Vice President.

As is the case with WFTDA member and apprentice leagues, MRDA members will not be required to enroll in the new MRDA insurance. However, most will likely choose that option.

“Our insurance program is tailored to meet the specific needs of roller derby leagues, so U.S.-based women’s leagues have generally been eager to enroll in our insurance program as soon as they become affiliated as apprentice members,” said Shelli Wiggins, WFTDA Insurance Administrator.

More detailed information about the insurance program is available at http://wftda.com/resources/insurance and http://www.mrda.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Scott Meyer, MRDA Vice President – [email protected]
Kali Schumitz, WFTDA Public Relations – [email protected]
Juliana Gonzales, WFTDA Executive Director – 512-587-1859, [email protected]

About MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now, we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include umbrella insurance coverage and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

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 athletic competitions of member leagues. There are currently 130 WFTDA member leagues and 71 leagues in the WFTDA Apprentice program. WFTDA is governed by a five-member, volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.

Portland Men’s Roller Derby Joins MRDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28 December 2011 – The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is proud to announce today its member, Portland Men’s Roller Derby (PMRD) from Portland, Oregon. As new members of the MRDA, they join the ranks of the elite men’s leagues that are skater owned and operated. MRDA is the governing body for male flat track roller derby, and engages in sanctioned interleague play that includes a championship tournament.

Congratulations to our new members of MRDA and keep in touch with our fast approaching 2012 MRDA Season and future events on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MensRollerDerbyAssociation and on our website: http://www.mrda.org

About the MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about Portland Men’s Roller Derby: http://www.stumptownderby.com

Graham Espe Joins the Executive Board of Directors as Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2011 – The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the addition of Graham “Grambo” Espe to the MRDA Executive Board of Directors. Grambo is devoted to flat track roller derby as a skater and administrator, as a member of Central New York Roller Derby he has played a vital role on their Board of Directors and in the men’s league he is the current President of Quadfathers Men’s Roller Derby. Grambo joins the MRDA Executive Board of Directors, where he will assume the duties of Secretary and maintain guidance and oversight of the mission and policies of the MRDA.

About MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now, we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include umbrella insurance coverage and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about MRDA visit us at: www.mrda.org

MRDA Announces Opening of New Member Application Period

Immediate Release

November 8, 2011 – Following multiple revisions, the New Membership Application is official, and becomes effective immediately; leagues interested in becoming members of Men’s Roller Derby Association will apply to join with our online application form.

Applications will be accepted through 31 January, 2012. After the application is submitted, it may take up to 3 weeks for your application to be approved. This will allow MRDA member leagues the proper time to follow up on questions and to vote on your request.

For more information on becoming a member league – please contact our Director of Member Relations: Uncle Jesse McNasty at: [email protected]

For full details, and to download the MRDA Application, visit the Membership Requirements section here: http://www.mrda.org/membershiprequirements/

About MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about MRDA visit us at: http://www.mrda.org

Girl Fawkes Joins the Executive Board of Directors as Treasurer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2011 – The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the addition of Jill “Girl Fawkes” Vidal to the MRDA Executive Board of Directors. Girl Fawkes is devoted to flat track roller derby as a skater for the WFTDA league Conneticut Rollergirls, and as manager of the MRDA league Connecticut Death Quads. Now, Girl Fawkes joins the MRDA Executive Board of Directors, where she will maintain oversight of the financial condition of the MRDA.

About MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about MRDA visit us at: http://www.mrda.org

Ozarks Derby Brigade and Burlington Bomb Quads Join MRDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 October 2011– The Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is proud to announce today its 17th and 18th members, the Ozarks Derby Brigade of Springfield, Missouri and the Bomb Quads from the Burlington Bombers Roller Derby league of Burlington, Vermont. As new members of the MRDA, they join the ranks of the elite men’s leagues that are skater owned and operated. MRDA is the governing body for male flat track roller derby, and engages in sanctioned interleague play that includes a championship tournament.

Congratulation to our new members of MRDA and keep in touch with our fast approaching 2011 MRDA Championships here: http://www.nyshockexchange.com/mrda-championships

About the MRDA

The Men’s Derby Coalition was founded in 2007 as a loose federation of men’s derby leagues. The Men’s Roller Derby Association is a new incarnation of the MDC legacy. With the same passionate men and women at the helm of MRDA, we continue to promote men’s derby through resource sharing. But now – we are focused on developing more benefits to leagues who become members. Such benefits include: umbrella insurance coverage, and the ability to compete in the annual MRDA Championship tournament. With encouragement from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), MRDA hopes to build a strong and influential organization like WFTDA. Our aim is to complement their contributions to the sport of roller derby and offer new perspectives to the derby community.

For more information about MRDA visit us at: http://www.mrda.org

For more information about Ozarks Derby Brigade: http://www.ozarksderbybrigade.com

For more information about Burlington Bomb Quads: http://www.burlingtonbombers.com