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MRDA Endorsed Tournaments 2018

Posted on March 21, 2018 - 11:00 am by

As the weather starts to warm up in the Northern Hemisphere, it can mean only one thing — tournament season is about to get underway! We’ve got a handful of MRDA Endorsed Tournaments already on the docket, which are going to keep your spring exciting and have big results when it comes time to see who’s going to Play-Offs!

 

Are you hosting a tournament that you’d like to see become MRDA endorsed? Please see our interest form here: https://goo.gl/forms/toMoc2hhHNZrdVBE3

 

April 14-15, April Angst, Philadelphia, PA

Come join us in the City of Brotherly Love for an exciting weekend of men’s roller derby hosted by The Philadelphia Hooligans! Formerly known as March Manness, this is the 3rd year of this tournament, appropriately renamed, April Angst. Come join the Philadelphia Hooligans and enjoy the sights and sounds of high level MRDA action.

Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1998864773662645/

May 4-6, The Big O, Eugene, OR

Emerald City Roller Derby (ECRD) is proud to announce that they will be hosting the 8th annual Big O Roller Derby Tournament at Lane County Events Center in Eugene, OR.  We are excited to be bringing together top adult and junior roller derby teams from around the world to compete in a 3-day, action packed roller derby tournament that has been heralded as THE early season tournament to establish team rankings in the WFTDA, MRDA and JRDA.  

ECRD is thrilled to be able to bring together top ranked WFTDA and MRDA teams such as the 2017 WFTDA World Champions Victorian Roller Derby League, the 2016 WFTDA World Champions Rose City Rollers, the reigning MRDA champions St. Louis Gatekeepers, and #2 ranked Bridgetown Roller Derby as well as crowd favorite Wheels of Mayhem.  Our Juniors division is expanding this year and includes JRDA #1 ranked Santa Cruz Derby Groms and #2 ranked Seattle Derby Brats. Adult and junior teams will be competing in multiple bouts on 3 separate tracks over 3 days for an exhilarating weekend of world class roller derby. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3182852, at the door or through ECRD and competing team members.  

Visit www.ECRG.com/BigO or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EmeraldCityRollerDerby/  for more information, including a full list of this year’s competitors, information on local events and a list of our generous sponsors.

 

May 12-13, Battle of Bunker Hill, Fitchburg, MA

Battle of Bunker Hill is back for its 3rd year! And this year we’re excited to announce that we’ll be featuring 4 MRDA teams and 4 WFTDA teams. Each of those groups will play a round robin over the course of two days. We are really excited to incorporate both MRDA sanctioned games and WFTDA sanctioned games this year!

The event will be held May 12-13, 2018 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Venue is the Wallace Civic Center: http://www.fitchburgfalcons.com/insideAthletics/wallace_civic_center/index

Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/173630103402827/

 

June 15-17, Wheels of Steel, Pittsburgh, PA

Wheels of Steel 3.0 is a men’s roller derby tournament featuring 8 MRDA Charter Teams from across the east coast and mid west. In its third year, 13 bracketed games will be played over this long weekend to crown this year’s Champion!

Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1914838078835044/?ti=as

Officiating Applications for MRDA Playoffs

Posted on February 22, 2018 - 3:00 am by

Officiating applications for MRDA Playoffs are open

 For immediate release

 02/21/2018 – Officiating applications are now open for the North America and European MRDA 2018 playoffs.  These exciting two day, one track events will host the top 8 ranked MRDA teams from the regions and will be hosted by Manchester Roller Derby and Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby.

Applications and deadlines for applications for each of the playoffs are noted below:

  • Applications for European playoffs; August 18-19, 2018 in Halifax, England

https://goo.gl/forms/wsJPVVnX3YODuNF33

  • Applications for North America playoffs; August 4-5, 2018 in Fitchburg, MA, USA

https://goo.gl/forms/f7RYTdyMSD4WltJY2

Application deadlines

March 16, 2018; midnight EST

  • Tournament Head Referee
  • Tournament Head NSO
  • Tournament Apprentice

April 13, 2018; midnight EST

  • All other officiating applications

Further information regarding the event and applicant expectations are within in the applications.

Update: MRDA Recognized Officials

Posted on February 20, 2018 - 9:00 am by

The MRDA Recognized Officials program was created as a way to acknowledge those officials who dedicated themselves to furthering officiating within MRDA. As the WFTDA and MRDA continue to align their values, policies and organizations; we find that this program will no longer be necessary under the joint Certification program that is set to be released later this year.

To that end, the MRDA will be suspending any new registrations of MRDA Recognized Officials effective immediately.

MRDA Announces February’s Skater of the Month: Tommy Gun

Posted on February 12, 2018 - 3:09 am by

Each month, the Men’s Roller Derby Association selects a skater that we believe to be the embodiment of the values we represent and the achievements that we wish to see all of our skaters attain. This skater showcases teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship both on and off the track. We believe that these values are the building blocks for any successful league, team, skater, and person.

This month, the MRDA is pleased to announce our choice for Skater of the Month to be: Tommy Gun of Bridgetown Roller Derby.

We were able to ask Tommy some questions about his role in the derby-verse and the interview is posted below.

Name: Tommy Gun
Number: 12
League Affiliation: Bridgetown
Position: Blocker/Pivot

Time in Derby: 6 years

What got you into roller derby?

That’s a funny story. I was in German class and we had to partner up. We were talking about sports in German and I told my class mate I played hockey all my life. She stops me and in English (which is funny because you would get in trouble for speaking English) tells me that she coaches men’s roller derby in Portland. She tells me to come out to a practice, so I did, and I have been playing ever since. Thanks, Hurt Vonnegut!

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

I think my biggest accomplishment is having the honor of making Team USA. Being able to skate against the best skaters around the World and to represent my country with my awesome USA teammates is something I never thought would happen.

How do you push yourself to be a better athlete?
I push myself to be a better athlete by being positive and having fun. This sport can be frustrating at times and it’s important to me to stay positive on and off the track. Also, my teammates help me push myself to be a better athlete. Without them I would not be the skater I am today.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Having fun is always my main goal but I think this year I have the same goal as everybody on my team and that is winning the gold medal in Portland.

Who inspires you the most?
The skaters in Portland inspire me the most. Wheels of Justice and Menace. The talent, skill level, and work ethic here is amazing.

What do you do outside of derby (work, fun, etc.)?

Outside of derby I like to hang out with my teammates. We do things together as a team, which to me is important, because being a family and trusting your teammates is a big part of this sport. I also like to work out outside of derby, which I think is important for any athlete. I also enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend Yoga Nabi Sari who skates for the Rose City Rollers.

What song do you listen to get pumped before a bout?

The Boys are back in town by Thin Lizzy.

What advice would you give to new skaters?

My advice would be to have fun, be patient, and don’t be afraid to fail.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to give a shout out to my coaches Licker n Split and Tarantula and to my teammates at Bridgetown especially my blocking line “3 men and a baby” Cozmo Damage, Demolition Man, and Juke Blocks Hero.

WFTDA, MRDA, and JRDA unite on an Anti-Abuse Statement and Call for Help

Posted on February 6, 2018 - 2:00 pm by

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5287″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5288″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1354″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Dear roller derby community,

When our beloved sport was founded in Austin, Texas more than a decade ago, it was clear that this was the start of something truly special. The incredible DIY spirit of our community, the revolutionary actions of groundbreaking women, and the powerful voices of athletes from a diverse spectrum of identities helped roller derby grow into something more celebrated and inclusive.

As the sport itself has changed, from minor penalties to Roller Derby World Cups and from the birth of National Governing Bodies to a revitalized Officiating Certification, the WFTDA has grown rapidly — along with our partner organizations, the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA).

Our collective growth has happened so quickly, in fact, that our policies and culture no longer serve the needs of our community, nor do they keep all members feeling safe and welcome.

Athletes, officials, and support staff have rightfully called out the WFTDA, the MRDA, and the JRDA for issues of ignorance, abuse, lack of inclusiveness, and lack of empathy for our community’s needs. We have been listening. We have heard the call to do better and are working to find ways to collaborate together so we can make roller derby safer for everyone.

What we have not done is clearly communicate that exclusion, abuse, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerable.

It is time to do so.

We are initiating a cross-organizational effort to investigate, develop, educate, improve reporting requirements, and implement more inclusive, and more proactive anti-abuse, anti-harassment, and anti-discrimination policies — policies that are worthy of the revolutionary sport that we have built. These policies will be supported by educational resources for our organizations, and for the roller derby community worldwide.

WFTDA, MRDA, and JRDA events are natural starting points for strengthening event-based Codes of Conduct. JRDA is leading the way with a clear and mandated Code of Conduct and an anti-bullying program; they are reinvesting in United We Skate Against Bullying to help share resources for tackling issues of bullying across our community by providing support and educational tools to all members. The WFTDA is currently reworking both an event-based and a member-focused Code of Conduct over the next few months, and a streamlined grievance process. The MRDA has spent this past fall overhauling its grievance process and reporting functions to make it easier for members to feel confident about reporting any issues. The MRDA is also looking to expand its member league Code of Conduct with a section dedicated to sexual harassment and its reporting.

But beyond this, all of our organizations are looking to build a deeper commitment to safety and inclusiveness at the league level. We need our member leagues and supporting community to take issues of harassment, abuse, and discrimination seriously. We need to report abuses and believe survivors. We need to work collaboratively and creatively to find a system that offers dignity and compassion.

Together, our organizations recognize that we need a system for fielding and responding to these issues, and we must work hand-in-hand with our members to make that happen. We are turning to you — our athletes, officials, announcers, photographers, volunteers, fans, and our member leagues — for help.

As the WFTDA, the MRDA, and JRDA work together in the coming months to collaborate on policy, we challenge our member organizations to work on their own at the league and local levels. Several of our member leagues have made their policies public, and we encourage others to do the same.

For those of you who are members of a WFTDA league, we ask that you work with your Skater and Official Reps to take ideas back to the forum. As you know, our Reps are the cornerstone of the work that is done within our organizations, and this work is important.

For MRDA members, we encourage you to forward ideas to MRDA Central directly or through your League Reps. You are also welcome to reach out to the Member Relations Committee or Executive Board if preferred.

JRDA members can bring questions and concerns to their Regional Coordinators or their league’s Member Congress representative. JRDA also has reporting available to members for abuse and harassment through our Grievance Form here.

We also know that many of you may not be members of our organizations, yet are still an important and valued part of our community. Your feedback, ideas, questions, and concerns are necessary to help develop the sport we all want to see. Please reach out to us using the following contact information:

WFTDA: [email protected]
MRDA: [email protected]
JRDA: [email protected]

To our friends who have been made to feel marginalized, or unsure of your place in the sport of roller derby, you are absolutely valued and wanted. To those of you who are survivors, we believe you.

Let’s do better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MRDA Announces New Executive Board of Directors

Posted on February 5, 2018 - 10:35 am by

MRDA Announces New Executive Board of Directors

For immediate release

 01/17/2018 – the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) is proud to announce the newly-elected Executive Board of Directors for the upcoming year as elected by MRDA member leagues.  The Executive Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the MRDA as the international governing body for men’s roller derby.

 

  President: Jimmy Rage

League Affiliation: Mass Maelstrom

 

• enthused • hyper • hysterical •

 

MRDA work powered by a big ol’ cup o earl grey with sugar and cream!  “Come to me, caffeine and bergamot!”

 

Photo credit: Hispanic Attack
  Vice President: Sin Diesel

League Affiliation: Philadelphia Hooligans

 

• tenacious • direct • loyal •

 

MRDA work powered by chimichangas, empanadas or a good asado!

 

Photo credit: Corinne Ryan Photography
Secretary: Goldie Gloves

League Affiliation: Casco Bay Roller Derby

 

• snap • crackle • pop •

 

MRDA work powered by chilaquiles.

No photo credit required.
  Treasurer: Girl Fawkes

League Affiliation: Connecticut Death Quads

 

• quixotic • tenacious • lit AF •

 

MRDA work powered by sushi boats during MRDA board meetings and tacos for MRDA paperwork and emails!

 

*Photo credit: Bob Dunnell
  Director of Member Relations: Wombo Combo

League Affiliation: Austin Anarchy

 

• fiesty • fun-sized • goofy •

 

MRDA work powered by a big bowl of ramen and a Topo Chico.

 

*Photo credit: Lady Sharknado Rollz
  Director of Officiating: Ninja Sassem

League Affiliation: St. Louis Gatekeepers

 

• tenacious • supportive • humorous •

 

MRDA work powered by…sushi!

 

*Photo credit: Bob Dunnell
  Director of Public Relations: Lumberjerk

League Affiliation: St. Louis Gatekeepers

 

• hungry • sleepy • positive •

 

MRDA work powered by breakfast food at any time of the day!

 

No photo credit required.

 

The new Executive Board of Directors took on their positions beginning January 15, 2018.

Winter 2018 Rankings

Posted on January 5, 2018 - 5:04 pm by

The Men’s Roller Derby Association is proud to announce the Winter Rankings for the 2018 season. The MRDA rankings committee calculated these rankings based on games played between 12/5/2016 through 12/4/2017. The rankings were voted on by the member leagues.

 
1    St. Louis Gatekeepers
2    Bridgetown Roller Derby
3    San Diego Aftershocks
4    Southern Discomfort
5    Roller Derby Toulouse
6    Manchester Roller Derby
7    New York Shock Exchange
8    Puget Sound Outcast Derby
9    Magic City Misfits
10    Vancouver Murder
11    Philadelphia Hooligans
12    Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder
13    Tyne and Fear Roller Derby
14    Austin Anarchy
15    Oklahoma Men’s Roller Derby
16    Mass Maelstrom
17    Race City Rebels
18    Thunderquads Roller Derby Masculino
19    Denver Ground Control
20    Toronto Men’s Roller Derby
21    Victoria Men’s Roller Derby
22    Wheels of Mayhem
23    Montreal Men’s Roller Derby
24    Minnesota Men’s Roller Derby
25    Glenmore Reservoir Dogs
26    Panam Squad
27    Drive-By City Rollers
28    Brisbane City Rollers
29    Varsity Derby League
30    Sydney City SMASH
31    Carolina Wreckingballs
32    Lane County Concussion
33    The Skaters Grim
34    Cincinnati Battering Rams
35    Wisconsin Men’s Roller Derby
36    Dakota Men’s Roller Derby
37    Collision Men’s Derby
38    Harm City Men’s Derby
39    Casco Bay Gentlemen’s Derby
40    Flour City Fear Men’s Roller Derby
41    Chicago Bruise Brothers
42    Capital City Hooligans
43    Detroit Men’s Roller Derby
44    Pittsburgh Blue Streaks
45    New Orleans Brass Roller Derby
46    Cleveland Men’s Roller Derby

Unranked Teams:
Atlanta Men’s Roller Derby
Barrow Infernos
Capital District Trauma Authority
Crash Test Brummies
Derby Club le Crès Lattes Montpellier
East Anglo Smacksons
Granite City Brawlers
Houston Men’s Roller Derby
Lille Moustaches
Manneken Beasts
Men’s Roller Derby Japan
Nottingham Roller Derby
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby
Quadfathers Men’s Roller Derby
Red Deer Dreadnaughts
Sioux City Korn Stalkers
South Wales Silures
Star City Offense
Tampa Bay Men’s Roller Derby
Texas Men’s Roller Derby
The Inhuman League
West Swedish Roller Derby Society
Wirral Roller Derby
                                                                                                                                         

MRDA announces 2018 Qualifiers and Championship Details

Posted on December 16, 2017 - 10:37 pm by

With the excitement and thrills of the 2017 Men’s Roller Derby Association Championships finally starting to settle, the MRDA announces the leagues and locations that will be hosting our 2018 North American Qualifier, European Qualifier, and Championship. After researching several applicants over many weeks, we are proud to announce the following:

The North American Qualifier (NAQ) will be hosted by Mass Maelstrom Roller Derby (Massachusetts, USA) on August 4th and 5th at

Fitchburg State University – Wallace Civic Center
1000 John Fitch Hwy
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Mass Maelstrom has been a staple in men’s derby for just under a decade and with the great action we saw at last season’s playoffs, 2018 NAQ is certain to be a great weekend of  derby.

Up next, the European Qualifier will be hosted by Manchester Roller Derby’s New Wheeled Order (Manchester, UK) on August 18th and 19th at

North Bridge Leisure Centre
North Bridge Street
Halifax, HX3 6TE
United Kingdom

With an impressive showing at the 2017 MRDA Cymru Clash, New Wheeled Order has been a team to watch for several seasons. The 2018 European Qualifier will highlight the best men’s derby Europe has to offer.

And finally, the Men’s Roller Derby Association is pleased to announce that 2018 Championship will be hosted by Portland Men’s Roller Derby (Portland, Oregon) on October 12th through 14th at

Salem Armory
2310 17th St NE
Salem, OR 97301

Who’s town? Bridgetown! Well, slightly down the road a bit. We are very excited to co-host with Portland Men’s Roller Derby bring you 2018 MRDA Champs. This league has the talent and know-how to put on one helluva show!

Now that the locations have been set and the dates are on the calendar, it’s time to put in the work! We saw a lot of growth in 2017 from all the leagues and teams within the Men’s Roller Derby Association and we can’t wait to see what happens next year! See you on the track!

The Men’s Roller Derby Association announces new member league!

Posted on December 16, 2017 - 10:36 pm by

MRDA, the international governing body of men’s roller derby, has added a new league to its ranks. This addition to the MRDA family hails from Houston, Texas. We’ve seen a lot of growth in the Lonestar state and we’re excited to see Houston on the map.

Houston Men’s Roller Derby
Houston, Texas, USA
http://www.houstonmensrollerderby.com/

This league worked hard to gain membership into the MRDA and we look forward to their contribution to men’s roller derby! Good luck and we will see you on the track!

More information on MRDA can be found at: www.mrda.org

The Men’s Roller Derby Association announces two new member leagues!

Posted on October 16, 2017 - 9:50 pm by

MRDA, the international governing body of men’s roller derby, has added two new leagues to its ranks. The first league, birthed from a team first seen at  Men’s Roller Derby World Cup, hails from Japan.

Men’s Roller Derby Japan – NinJapan Rollers
Japan
https://www.facebook.com/mrdj.web/

The second league represents Montpellier, France and is helping grow the number of leagues we’re seeing out of France.

Les Kamiquadz
Derby Club Lecres Lattes Montpellier
Montpellier, France

These leagues worked hard to gain membership into the MRDA and we look forward to their contribution to men’s roller derby! Good luck and we will see you on the track!