League History | League Mission Statement | League Vision
MARD All-Stars Mission Statement | MARD All-Stars Vision
Mass Attack Roller Derby (MARD) is a female flat track roller derby league founded in November 2010. Silver City Sports Complex is the home rink for MARD in Taunton, Massachusetts.
League History
Mass Attack Roller Derby (MARD) is a diverse group of athletes based in the southern Massachusetts area. The league was established in November 2010 by skaters Jam Dizzle and Tofu Typhoon, who both had formerly skated with other leagues. They originally conceived of starting a roller derby league in southern MA in order to shorten their own commutes to practice, and to provide easier access to roller derby for the local community; however, Mass Attack Roller Derby was also founded with the intent of becoming a nationally competitive WFTDA member league. Jam and Tofu began stirring interest on through email and the Internet (Facebook, Craigslist, etc.) until they had a core group of skaters who would become MARD’s founding members.
In 2011, MARD’s first season began with just a few skaters and a handful of other participants. The league expanded very quickly though, accumulating enough dedicated members—both skaters and supportive staff—to make their first competitive season a great success. By the end of the season in November 2011, MARD had completed 4 home team bouts between 3 teams and 2 travel team bouts.
In January 2012, MARD held their first ever recruit try-outs and league member reassessments in order to ensure that all of our skaters (new or veteran) are capable of performing all of the WFTDA minimum required skills. Skaters were also evaluated on both WFTDA rules and basic roller derby strategies.
Skaters who passed the minimum skills assessment and demonstrated an understanding of WFTDA rules and derby strategy were invited to try-out for the Mass Attack All-Stars, the travel team. First ever Mass Attack All-Stars try-outs and reassessments were also held in January 2012.
League Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster and participate in national and international competition, by supporting and developing athletes with the dedication and physical and mental strength and endurance needed to compete on a national and international level. In furtherance of this mission, we will follow the rules and guidelines of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), and seek to participate in the WFDTA Apprentice Program, with the goal of eventually obtaining full WFTDA membership.
We will provide women of Southeastern Massachusetts and the surrounding region with the opportunity to train, participate, and compete in this challenging and exciting sport. We seek to empower women through athleticism, discipline, sportswomanship, and teamwork, playing with integrity and respect for all our derby sisters. We place character before appearance, and aim to bring together a group of strong and diverse women committed to the pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track.
We are a skater owned and operated not-for-profit organization. We aim to be fully sponsored and financially sustainable, with the resources necessary to train athletes for, compete in, and promote the sport of women’s flat track roller derby. We are organized exclusively for the purposes of a qualified amateur sports organization, as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
League Vision
Mass Attack Roller Derby is a reputable WFTDA member league, with an all-star team ranked number one in the nation. MARD continues to practice hard, pushing each skater to their maximum potential, and exploring the future of flat track roller derby by keeping up to the most up to date changes in the sport. MARD is financially stable in that skaters are not required to pay dues, travel expenses, or uniform expenses. MARD has an exclusive bouting venue and practice space and is highly sought after as the league to join in the roller derby community. MARD is recognized by the community of South Eastern Massachusetts, and has the greatest support from the local fan base. Community leaders, such as mayors, support MARD as one of the leading positive influences in the community.
MARD All-Stars Mission Statement
To include the most skilled and dedicated athletes from Mass Attack Roller Derby, who train individually and as a team in all skills of roller derby. The team will adhere to a consistently challenging training regimen both physically and mentally for the purpose of being ranked #1 in the country. Traveling regionally, nationally, and internationally to compete with opponents of varied skill levels, the team will be diligent in developing its strengths, solidarity, and unity. Leadership (captain, co-captain and coach) will make all decisions in light of the health, safety, and best interest of the team.
MARD All-Stars Vision
Mass Attack All-Stars have taken the #1 rank in WFTDA. The team has 14 dedicated, full members and 6 up and coming members waiting for their opportunity to become full time members. The team has sufficient funds in the bank for travel and compensation and is highly sought after as a team other leagues wish to play. Mass Attack All-Stars are also known for their generous hospitality, genuine sportswomenship, and sick dance moves on wheels.
You can catch the rollergirls of Mass Attack at Silver City open skates most Saturday nights from 7:30 -10:00. We’re the ones in the crazy socks and full gear – come say hi!
