Q: A skater is using pads constructed with Kevlar, rather than a hard protective shell. Is this allowable?

Per the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines , protective equipment like knee, wrist, and elbow pads must have a hard protective shell. This hard protective shell may be present underneath a foam layer, as is the case with some hockey-style pads.

Question 1

During the course of game play, a Skater falls and hits their head and temporarily loses consciousness. The medical staff performs the SCAT test, and clears the Skater as the Skater shows no signs of concussion at the time of the test. Should the Skater return to the game?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

A loss of consciousness is a sign of a traumatic brain injury and the participant should be removed from play.  It is important to trust your concussion knowledge and your instincts and support each other. Any time a loss of consciousness occurs, the participant must provide a doctor’s clearance before being permitted to return to play, and return to play protocols must be followed.

Question 2

Can someone who uses a wheelchair perform duties as a non-skating official? What about bench staff using a knee scooter?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Persons using medical apparatuses such as knee scooters or wheelchairs are allowed to participate in designated bench areas.

Bench staff designated as Alternates may travel in and out of other zones as applicable when active game play has stopped.
Team benches and Non-Skating Officials using a medical apparatus may be located in the infield (Zone A) in an area that is clearly demarcated (as per section 2.3 in the Risk Management Guidelines).

Question 3

In order to protect the throat from being hit after a neck injury, a Skater wishes to wear a foam throat guard. Is this allowable?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a piece of protective equipment and is allowable per the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines as long as it does not restrict the skater’s movement.

Question 4

A skater is using pads constructed with Kevlar, rather than a hard protective shell. Is this allowable?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Per the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines, protective equipment like knee, wrist, and elbow pads must have a hard protective shell. This hard protective shell may be present underneath a foam layer, as is the case with some hockey-style pads.

Question 5

A skater wishes to wear a bandana, medical breathing mask, or PPE over their mouth when skating, to manage a medical condition. If they are wearing their mouth guard, is this allowable?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Yes. Officials may ask for verification that a mouth guard is in place at any time while participating, but should allow the mask or bandana to be worn. A doctor’s note is not required.

Question 6

A skater at practice wears equipment that is not allowable per the guidelines such as a caged face mask. Is this allowable since it is not a sanctioned game?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

No. Leagues with WFTDA Insurance must adhere to the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines at all times, whether it’s a practice, game, sanctioned game, or scrimmage. The WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines are there to mitigate risk at all times. Violations to the Risk Management Guidelines will result in denied claims.

Question 7

Can I add a face mask to my helmet? What about a caged face mask/shield?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Yes, If the face mask is manufactured for the brand of helmet that you have. Otherwise, you cannot modify equipment or it may alter the integrity of your safety gear.

Any style of caged face mask/shield (including plastic) is not permitted under section 4.2. Optional Gear of the Risk Management Guidelines.

See the WFTDA Guide for Equipment Check for examples of allowed visors and face masks.

Question 8

Do we have to follow the Risk Management Guidelines while at practice and scrimmages?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Participant safety and risk mitigation is crucial in all aspects of roller derby, not just at games. If you have WFTDA insurance, adherence to the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines is required at all times, including games, practices, and scrimmages. Violations to the WFTDA Risk Management Guidelines will result in denied claims (this is stated prior to purchasing insurance).

Question 9

I have to slide on my knee pads or elbow pads. Can’t I just cut the sleeve out?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

No, you cannot modify your equipment. It must be worn per manufacturer's guidelines.

Question 10

Are tinted visors allowed?

wonderpance · Accepted Answer

Tinted visors are allowed as long as they are transparent. Mirrored or iridium visors are not allowed as they are not transparent on both sides.

It is not required that the visor wearer's eyes are visible. Some venues may make a visor seem darker, but it is still allowed as long as it's transparent.

WFTDA Risk Management does not approve specific equipment, but will work with manufacturers to advise them on meeting our guidelines. The S1 Lifer Helmet tinted visor and Triple 8’s tinted visor are both allowed, and we have approved the wording on both of those products.

WFTDA Risk Management Clarifications

Risk Management Clarifications