| Roller derby is a fascinating sport that has | | | | spread from Chicago to other areas of the |
| evolved greatly throughout the last eighty years. | | | | country. The track was dismantled and moved |
| Teams are generally comprised of all women, | | | | each time, though it would stay in cities for |
| however there are a few mixed or all male | | | | several months before moving to the next. The |
| teams as well. The Women's Flat Track Derby | | | | roller derby began to evolve into a race between |
| Association (WFTDA) includes approximately sixty | | | | two teams, five members each. One of the team |
| all girl teams which compete throughout the US. | | | | members would be designated the "jammer". |
| There are different leagues within the WFTDA, | | | | Their job was to lap the opposing team members. |
| but the association sets the rules for competitions | | | | This was the first time in history that woman |
| between the leagues. The WFTDA also organizes | | | | competed on the same terms as men in a team |
| championships and tracks the rankings of it's | | | | sport. The track began to change over time, it's |
| members. There is also the Old School Derby | | | | elevation being raised to forty five degrees and |
| Association which was formed in 2007 and | | | | rails being added for safety. |
| promotes the sport. Their rules are based on the | | | | Roller Derby was broadcasted in the 1940's for |
| early versions of Roller derby, but do include | | | | the first time and was an instant success. As the |
| newer rules to accommodate the defensive | | | | game evolved, it included more body contact and |
| aspects of the game as it is played now. But how | | | | had more similarities to American football. In the |
| did it begin? | | | | 1960's, female roller derby participants were seen |
| The sport was created in the 1930's by Leo | | | | as role models, independent women to be looked |
| Saltzer, though the first roller derby wasn't seen | | | | up to. As the 70's rolled around, it's popularity |
| until 1935 in Chicago. During that time, the craze | | | | decreased, most likely do to high gas prices |
| was marathon dance competitions which lasted | | | | affecting transportation. Full time staff and |
| several hours and tested their participants | | | | competitors were replaced by part time leagues. |
| endurance. Marathon roller skating events could | | | | Its popularity waned throughout the next few |
| last even longer. As the sport got more popular, it | | | | decades, however it was still very much alive. |