Audio Recording of Rules

[Miranda Wrights]

Since I'm in the car all the time, I decided to make an audio recording of the rules for myself.  Is this something that would be useful to others?  I'm considering posting it to iTunes (free of course and heavily saturated with "Copywrite Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) 2010".  (Am lawyer=am paranoid).  I would like to beta test it with folks around the northeast, but probably hold off if I get "that's a horrible idea" responses here.

Thoughts?

If it sounds good, any other thoughts about how to spread it further afield?

(FYI: You would get to hear my New York infused Wisconsin accent)

[Major Wood]

While I agree it may be useful, I would definitely not only get direct consent from WFTDA, but also give them free use of the file.
This is the exact method that I have used with my web version of each rules set.

The worst they can say is no, which is better than them finding out after the fact and being pissed off about it.

As a lawyer, you know it's a lot easier (and definitely cheaper) to avoid lawsuits than it is to deal with them.

[Cruel Hand Luke]

I LOVE this idea.
I would be more than happy to help make this happen.

[Major Wood]

I believe that one of the recent DMCA exemptions would be helpful here. My understanding is that if there is an e-book (that is, a digital work that is readable on an e-book reader) that has no audio equivalent, you may use the text to speech function of the e-book reader to record an audio version.

I still recommend asking the WFTDA first.

[FNZebra]

When you make the pitch to WFTDA folks, please make certain to mention how important wide distribution of this would be for those derby folks (skaters and refs) for whom the written word can be difficult to process.

So this is something of an ADA issue. A lot more people have something that might be classified as a dyslexia-type of processing issue than you might realize.

Plus it'd be something nifty  to add to the playlist while you're cranking out some cardio mileage on the trail/treadmill/bike.

[high angle hell]

I agree with Major Wood to get approval first. That is a great idea that you have come up with. Not only would it be helpful just for Referees but also would be helpful to the skaters and coachs as well to help them understand the rules and have less problems! Good luck to ya.. Your on the right track.

[Black Adder]

Have the WFTDA ever thought of a 'Rules DVD' showing skaters displaying the actions and then the calls being explained? With Roller Derby growing so fast internationally (and I know, I'm from Australia) it would be a great resource for new leagues to buy to show freshies and as a Ref I know I'd buy one...

[high angle hell]

Have the WFTDA ever thought of a 'Rules DVD' showing skaters displaying the actions and then the calls being explained? With Roller Derby growing so fast internationally (and I know, I'm from Australia) it would be a great resource for new leagues to buy to show freshies and as a Ref I know I'd buy one...

That is a great idea as well. I would definately buy one if it happen to be produced.

[Darkjester]

The problem with a Rules DVD as described is the drastic changes that can occur from Rules Set to Rules Set.
 for example:
3.1 ANY part of a skater or skate coming in front of the blocker who blocked her out =Cutting the Track.

4.0 Only an Upright and skating skater coming in front= Cutting the track.

Given that the rules seem to come out with a major change 1x a year with the ability to make it a drastic change, DVD production would be rather limited and difficult to maintain on a annual if not more basis.

[Griz]

You know.. this could come in very handy for the visually impaired referees....

Just saying!

[Darkjester]

What??? I didn't see anything..