ARCHIVE · LEAGUES
Leagues
The professional organizations that operated Roller Derby — from the founding 1935 Transcontinental framework through the NRDL, IRDL, and competing circuits of the golden era.
International Roller Derby League (IRDL)
ca. 1960s – 1973
Operated under Jerry Seltzer's stewardship of Roller Derby Enterprises during the golden era. Documented in the 1963 yearbook and 1965 4-team playoff records.
International Roller Skating League (IRSL)
ca. 1970s
Late-era circuit referenced in workbook sources. Detailed organizational history pending further research.
International Skating Conference (ISC)
ca. 1970s
Late-era circuit referenced in workbook sources. Detailed organizational history pending further research.
National Roller Derby League (NRDL)
1949 – 1973
Six-team founding: New York Chiefs, Brooklyn Red Devils, Jersey Jolters, Philadelphia Panthers, Washington-Baltimore Jets, Chicago Westerners. The NRDL was the flagship Seltzer organization through 1973.
National Skating Derby / Roller Games
ca. 1958 – 1980s
Bill Griffiths Sr.'s competing circuit, alternately known as National Skating Derby and Roller Games. Co-existed with NRDL during the golden era. Don Lastra worked Roller Games and Rock and Roller Games games.
Transcontinental Roller Derby
1935 – ca. 1940
Leo Seltzer's original 1935 framework. 25 male-female pairs competed in a transcontinental endurance contest at the Chicago Coliseum on August 13, 1935. The format would evolve into team-based banked-track derby over the next decade.