Women's Flat Track Derby Association Division 1 Explained

The Women's Flat Track Derby Association Division 1 (WFTDA Division 1) is the highest level of play in women's flat track roller derby.

Organisation

The division consists of the 36 highest-ranked members of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, based on performance over the previous year, who compete across three Playoff tournaments with 12 teams at each Playoff.[1]

Historically, the WFTDA instead operated four regions: East, North Central, South Central and West. At the start of 2013, these were redivided into three divisions, each operating worldwide. However, foreseeing continued growth in membership, the WFTDA stated that future developments were likely to include new regional structures alongside the divisional system.[2] Through 2016, under the original divisional system, Division 1 comprised the top 40 eligible teams, with the next 20 eligible teams qualifying for Division 2 Playoffs.

Teams in Division 1 play in bouts through the year, aiming to qualify for one of the three Division 1 Playoffs. Starting with 2015, sanctioned-game play requirements were modified to be simply any 4 WFTDA-sanctioned games played between December 1 of the previous calendar year and June 30, without a requirement to play a certain number of games against similarly-ranked opponents.[3] Teams which do not play a minimum number of sanctioned bouts are not permitted to compete at the Playoffs. The next 16-ranked teams as of June of the calendar year remain eligible for Division 2 Playoffs.

Member leagues

The 2017 Division 1 member list was announced by the WFTDA on July 14.[4] Two teams that were in the top 36 on June 30 - #23 Adelaide Roller Derby of Adelaide, Australia, and #26 Team United Women's Roller Derby of Des Moines, Iowa - did not meet gameplay requirements to qualify for WFTDA Playoffs.[5] Two eligible leagues, #31 Rocky Mountain Rollergirls of Denver, Colorado and #33 Blue Ridge Rollergirls of Asheville, North Carolina both declined,[6] and this allowed teams as low as #40 Wasatch Roller Derby to participate. As a result, the table below features 38 teams, including the two that declined participating in the 2017 Division 1 Playoffs.

LeagueCityCountryYear(s) of membership
Victorian Roller Derby League (VRDL)A CoruñaSpain2018
2×4 Roller DerbyBuenos AiresArgentina2017
Angel City Derby GirlsLos Angeles, CAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Ann Arbor Roller DerbyAnn Arbor, MIUnited States2016, 2017
Arch Rival Roller DerbySt. Louis, MOUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Arizona Roller DerbyPhoenix, AZUnited States2013, 2015, 2016, 2017
Atlanta RollergirlsAtlanta, GAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Bay Area DerbyOakland, CAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Blue Ridge RollergirlsAsheville, NCUnited States2017
Calgary Roller Derby AssociationCalgary, ABCanada2017
Charlottesville Derby DamesCharlottesville, VAUnited States2015, 2017
Charm City Roller GirlsBaltimore, MDUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
Crime City RollersMalmöSweden2015, 2016, 2017
Dallas Derby DevilsDallas, TXUnited States2015, 2016, 2017
Denver Roller DerbyDenver, COUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Detroit Roller DerbyDetroit, MIUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Gotham Girls Roller DerbyNew York, NYUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Helsinki Roller DerbyHelsinkiFinland2015, 2016, 2017
Houston Roller DerbyHouston, TXUnited States2013, 2014, 2017
Jacksonville RollerGirlsJacksonville, FLUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Kallio Rolling RainbowHelsinkiFinland2016, 2017
London RollergirlsLondonEngland2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Mad Rollin' DollsMadison, WIUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Minnesota RollerGirlsSaint Paul, MNUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Montreal Roller DerbyMontreal, QCCanada2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Philly Roller DerbyPhiladelphia, PAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Queen City Roller GirlsBuffalo, NYUnited States2015, 2016, 2017
Rainy City Roller DerbyManchesterEngland2016, 2017
Rat City Roller DerbySeattle, WAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Rocky Mountain RollergirlsDenver, COUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Rose City RollersPortland, ORUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Santa Cruz Derby GirlsSanta Cruz, CAUnited States2014, 2016, 2017
Stockholm Roller DerbyStockholmSweden2015, 2016, 2017
Tampa Roller DerbyTampa, FLUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Terminal City RollergirlsVancouver, BCCanada2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Texas RollergirlsAustin, TXUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Victorian Roller Derby LeagueMelbourne, VICAustralia2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Wasatch Roller DerbySalt Lake City, UTUnited States2013, 2014, 2017
Windy City RollersChicago, ILUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Notes

Past members

The initial Division 1 membership list for 2013 was based upon the team's rankings as of June 30, 2012. The 2014 Division 1 membership list was announced on 9 December 2013, based on the overall rankings that took effect as of 30 November 2013.[7] [8] The same methodology was employed in 2014, and membership of Division 1 that year mostly comprised teams from the United States, but also Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Eight teams which were original members dropped out of Division 1 membership at the conclusion of the 2013 WFTDA season.[9] Since then, additional teams have dropped out of Division 1.

Starting in 2015, division assignments were announced based on June 30 rankings, and in-division gameplay requirements were removed. As the annual June 30 rankings now determines Playoff position, and as the divisional definition is only used for playoff assignments, the rankings as of June 30, 2016 determine Division 1 membership.[10] Membership includes all teams that are eligible for Division 1 Playoffs, even if a team declines their invitation to Playoffs, as well as teams ranked beyond the usual Division 1 cutoff who are invited due to higher-ranked teams not competing. Teams that do not meet minimum gameplay requirements are ineligible to receive a Playoffs invitation and therefore not included as Division 1 members. In 2016 Division 1 also included members from Finland and Sweden.

LeagueCityCountryYear(s) of membershipCurrent status
Bleeding Heartland RollergirlsBloomington, INUnited States2014out of Playoffs
Boston Roller DerbyBoston, MAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016Division 2
Brewcity BruisersMilwaukee, WIUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Carolina RollergirlsRaleigh, NCUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Chicago Outfit Roller DerbyChicago, ILUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Cincinnati RollergirlsCincinnati, OHUnited States2013, 2014out of Playoffs
DC RollergirlsWashington, DCUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Dutchland RollersLancaster, PAUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Glasgow Roller DerbyGlasgowScotland2015out of Playoffs
Jet City RollergirlsEverett, WAUnited States2014Division 2
Kansas City Roller WarriorsKansas City, MOUnited States2013, 2014out of Playoffs
Naptown Roller DerbyIndianapolis, INUnited States2013, 2014, 2016Division 2
Nashville RollergirlsNashville, TNUnited States2013, 2014out of Playoffs
New Hampshire Roller DerbyNashua, NHUnited States2014out of Playoffs
No Coast Derby GirlsLincoln, NEUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016Division 2
Ohio Roller DerbyColumbus, OHUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016Division 2
Oklahoma Victory DollsOklahoma City, OKUnited States2014Division 2
Oly RollersOlympia, WAUnited States2013, 2014inactive in WFTDA play
Omaha RollergirlsOmaha, NEUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Pikes Peak Derby DamesColorado Springs, COUnited States2015out of Playoffs
Rideau Valley Roller GirlsOttawa, ONCanada2015out of Playoffs
Sacred City Derby GirlsSacramento, CAUnited States2013, 2014, 2016out of Playoffs
Steel City Roller DerbyPittsburgh, PAUnited States2013, 2014, 2015, 2016out of Playoffs
Sun State Roller GirlsBrisbane, QLDAustralia2013, 2014, 2015, 2016Division 2
Tallahassee RollergirlsTallahassee, FLUnited States2013out of Playoffs
Team United Women's Roller DerbyDes Moines, IAUnited States2015, 2016out of Playoffs
Toronto Roller DerbyToronto, ONCanada2014, 2015out of Playoffs
Tri-City Roller DerbyKitchener-Waterloo, ONCanada2015out of Playoffs
Notes

Division 1 Playoffs

Prior to 2015, teams in Division 1 played in bouts through the year, aiming to qualify for one of the four Division 1 Playoffs. Each Playoff includes ten teams. However, Division 1 teams are not guaranteed a playoff spot, as teams in lower divisions can qualify by being ranked among the top forty WFTDA members. Additionally, teams which do not play a minimum number of sanctioned bouts are not permitted to compete at the Playoffs, with Division 1 teams required to play at least 4 WFTDA-sanctioned bouts following the previous year's championship and the current year's June 30, with at least 3 of those being against other D1 teams.[11]

After 2015, in-division gameplay requirements for playoff consideration were dropped, leaving the June 30 rankings as the sole determinant of division eligibility.

2013 Playoffs

All four of the 2013 Playoffs were played in the United States. The top three teams from each Playoff qualify for the WFTDA Championships, and the London Rollergirls became the first ever non-U.S. team to achieve this.[12] The Oly Rollers, who on June 30, 2013 were ranked 3rd overall, chose not to compete in the required minimum sanctioned games, with the full knowledge they would miss the WFTDA tournaments as a result.[13] Oly still remains a member of the WFTDA and could have qualified for 2014 WFTDA playoffs if they met their requirements.

LocationDatesChampionsSecondThird
Fort Wayne, IN6-8 September 2013Denver Roller DollsOhio RollergirlsLondon Rollergirls
Richmond, VA13-15 September 2013Texas RollergirlsPhilly Roller GirlsAngel City Derby Girls
Asheville, NC20-22 September 2013Gotham Girls Roller DerbyRocky Mountain RollergirlsWindy City Rollers
Salem, OR27-29 September 2013B.ay A.rea D.erby GirlsAtlanta RollergirlsRat City Rollergirls

2014 Playoffs

All four of the 2014 Playoff tournaments were again played in the United States, and again the top three teams from each tournament qualified for the 2014 WFTDA Championships.

LocationDatesChampionsSecondThird
Sacramento, CA[14] 5-7 September 2014Gotham Girls Roller Derby[15] Denver Roller DollsMinnesota Rollergirls[16]
Evansville, IN[17] 19-21 September 2014London Rollergirls[18] Windy City RollersTexas Rollergirls
Salt Lake City, UT[19] 26-28 September 2014B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls[20] Angel City Derby GirlsRocky Mountain Rollergirls
Charleston, WV[21] 3-5 October 2014Rose City Rollers[22] Victorian Roller Derby League[23] Philly Roller Girls

2015 Playoffs

The same format was used for the 2015 Playoffs.[24]

LocationDatesChampionsSecondThird
4–6 September 2015 B.ay A.rea D.erby GirlsArch Rival Roller Girls
11–13 September 2015 Rat City Rollergirls
18–20 September 2015 Denver Roller Derby
2–4 October 2015 Gotham Girls Roller DerbyAngel City Derby GirlsMinnesota RollerGirls

2016 Playoffs

The 2016 Division 1 Playoffs followed the same format as previous years, once again distributing the qualifying teams using an S-curve seeding structure.[25] For the first time, two of the Division 1 tournaments were held outside the United States, both in Canada: the first in Montreal, hosted by Montreal Roller Derby,[26] and the second in Vancouver, hosted by Terminal City Rollergirls.[27] Montreal Roller Derby became the first Canadian team to qualify for the Division 1 Championship by placing third at their own tournament in September.[28]

LocationDatesChampionsSecondThird
Montreal, QC[29] 2–4 September 2016 London RollergirlsMontreal Roller Derby
Columbia, SC[30] 9–11 September 2016 Jacksonville RollerGirls
Vancouver, BC[31] 16–18 September 2016 Angel City Derby GirlsRat City Rollergirls
Madison, WI[32] 23–25 September 2016 Gotham Girls Roller DerbyMinnesota RollerGirls

2017 Playoffs

A new structure was announced for 2017, whereby Division 1 membership was reduced to the top 36 eligible teams, to be spread over three Playoff tournaments with 12 teams each; the top four teams from each playoff will advance to Championships. The 2017 Division 1 Playoffs were held in Seattle, Washington September 1–3, Malmö, Sweden September 8–10, and Dallas, Texas September 22–24, feeding into the 2017 Championships in Philadelphia.[33] The participating teams were announced on July 14, 2017.[34]

LocationDatesChampionsSecondThirdFourth
Seattle, WA[35] 1–3 September 2017 Angel City Derby GirlsRat City Rollergirls
Malmö, SWE[36] 8–10 September 2017 Gotham Girls Roller DerbyLondon RollergirlsCrime City Rollers
Dallas, TX[37] 22–24 September 2017 Minnesota RollerGirls

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WFTDA Releases Tournament Locations and New Playoffs and Championships Structure – WFTDA. wftda.com. WFTDA. 31 January 2017. 30 January 2017.
  2. Web site: WFTDA COMPETITIVE DIVISIONS SYSTEM. wftda.com. WFTDA. 24 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20130120122407/http://wftda.com/files/wftda-competitive-divisions-system.pdf. 20 January 2013.
  3. Web site: WFTDA Releases Nov. 30 Rankings, Announces Change to Division Assignment Process. WFTDA. 30 December 2016. 15 December 2014.
  4. Web site: WFTDA Releases June 30 Rankings and 2017 Playoffs Seeding – WFTDA. wftda.com. WFTDA. 22 August 2017. 14 July 2017.
  5. Web site: Deadwards. Lisa. 2017 WFTDA June Rankings and Tournament Seeding. Derby Central. 22 August 2017. 14 July 2017.
  6. Web site: The 2017 WFTDA Playoff Placement Announcement Is Out!. The Apex. 22 August 2017. 14 July 2017.
  7. Web site: Nov. 30 WFTDA Rankings, New Division Assignments Released. WFTDA. 30 December 2016. 9 December 2013.
  8. Web site: Rankings: November 30, 2013 – WFTDA. wftda.com. WFTDA. 24 August 2017. 30 November 2013.
  9. Web site: Jennings. Hannah. WFTDA Releases November Rankings – Top 3 stable, big gain for London. Derby News Network. 6 January 2014. 11 December 2013.
  10. Web site: Rankings: June 30, 2016. July 2016 . WFTDA. 22 November 2016.
  11. Web site: Coby. Alex Sassoon. Oly Tournament Eligibility in Question. Derby News Network. 6 January 2014. 8 June 2013.
  12. "Three Quarters of WFTDA D1 Championships Teams Set", WFTDA, 24 September 2013
  13. Web site: Coby. Alex Sassoon. Oly Confirms 2013 WFTDA Playoff Absence. Derby News Network. 6 January 2014. 19 June 2013.
  14. Web site: Mednick. Matthew. WFTDA Division I playoffs: Denver dusts Santa Cruz Derby Girls. Santa Cruz Sentinel. 28 March 2015. 5 September 2014.
  15. Web site: Wise. Beck. D1S: Gotham Surmounts Denver, 193-89. Derby News Network. 28 March 2015. 7 September 2014.
  16. Web site: Wise. Beck. D1S 3rd: Minnesota Slaughters Rat City, 197-142. Derby News Network. 28 March 2015. 7 September 2014.
  17. Web site: Frye. Andy. Meet Julie Brandt-Glass, The Usain Bolt Of Roller Derby. ESPN. 28 March 2015. 17 September 2014.
  18. Web site: London Rollergirls Win WFTDA Playoffs Evansville. WFTDA. 28 March 2015.
  19. Web site: Sheehan. Gavin. Wasatch Roller Derby: 2014 Championship Preview. City Weekly. 28 March 2015. 21 August 2014.
  20. Web site: Bay Area Wins WFTDA Playoffs Salt Lake City. WFTDA. 28 March 2015.
  21. Web site: Ten of world's best roller derby teams competing in Charleston. Herald-Dispatch. 28 March 2015. 30 September 2014.
  22. Web site: Vondersmith. Jason. Wheels of Justice compete to be queens of the world rink. Portland Tribune. 28 March 2015. 30 October 2014.
  23. Web site: Oct. 3-5: Charleston, West Virginia, USA. WFTDA. 28 March 2015.
  24. WFTDA, "2015 International Playoffs & Championships"
  25. Web site: 2016 International Tournaments - Who Plays Where?. WFTDA. 15 October 2016.
  26. Web site: Deadwards. Lisa. 2016 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Montréal Preview. Derby Central. 15 October 2016. 1 September 2016.
  27. Web site: Roller derby ready to rumble at Olympic Oval. Richmond News. 15 October 2016. 23 March 2016.
  28. Web site: Khaos. Merry. D1M 3rd Place: #4 Montréal punches champs ticket over #3 Bay Area, 178-166. Derby Central. 15 October 2016. 4 September 2016.
  29. Web site: 2016 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Montréal Central. Derby Central. 15 October 2016.
  30. Web site: 2016 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Columbia Central. Derby Central. 15 October 2016.
  31. Web site: 2016 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Vancouver Central. Derby Central. 15 October 2016.
  32. Web site: 2016 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Madison Central. Derby Central. 15 October 2016.
  33. Web site: WFTDA Releases Tournament Locations and New Playoffs and Championships Structure – WFTDA. wftda.com. WFTDA. 14 July 2017. 30 January 2017.
  34. Web site: Deadwards. Lisa. 2017 WFTDA June Rankings and Tournament Seeding. Derby Central. 14 July 2017. 14 July 2017.
  35. Web site: 2017 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Seattle Central. Derby Central. 4 January 2018. 5 September 2017.
  36. Web site: 2017 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Malmö Central. Derby Central. 4 January 2018. 12 September 2017.
  37. Web site: 2017 WFTDA D1 Playoffs: Dallas Central. Derby Central. 4 January 2018. 26 September 2017.

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