Frequently Asked Questions for Heartland Havoc Players, Referees, and Other Support Staff

Where do I find....?
View our guide to Columbus (pdf)

What's the schedule for the weekend?
View the schedule from a participant's view here.

When are 14 player game rosters due?
Game rosters will be due according to the below chart; if a roster is turned in late the previous game roster will be used. Hurt Reynolds is the Keeper of Important Papers. He and Spoon will have the responsibility to track all of the roster ins and outs (amongst other duties). He will also be printing the important papers using those game rosters. Note: your roster of 14 must contain skaters from the team roster submitted on or before July 20.

All Team rosters are to be given to Spoon or Hurt Reynolds. Saturday and Sunday rosters should be turned in by hand.

To whom do we submit rosters?
Fourteen player game rosters will be due to Hurt Reynolds or Spoon (stats dudes) by email prior to August 17 and in person after that by the designated time (see above).

What are uniform requirements?
Uniforms requirements follow those of WFTDA, therefore teams should note that they are required to bring both a light colored jersey and a dark colored jersey. Short, simple, easy to read numbers are strongly encouraged. High contrast between uniform top and the name and number is highly encouraged as well!

Rules? We’re playing with rules?
Shockingly enough, we are playing by rules. We will be using the most up-to-date version of the official WFTDA rule set. Endless Justin will keep captains abreast of any issues pertaining to rules.

What is the locker room situation?
Lockers are downstairs from the playing floor. There are dedicated elevators and stairs to get to and from them. Teams will have a room on the playing floor available for period breaks, but these are extremely small and cannot be used to store equipment and bags.

What is the skate surface?
The Ohio Roller Girls have bought a skating surface from Skate Court (www.icecourt.com) and will be using it for the first time at the Heartland Havoc! Basically, it is very similar to sport court.

How much warm up time will we have?
There will be approximately one hour between each game, so teams will have plenty of warm up time. The entire schedule is subject to slight change as unexpected things may arise, but teams can anticipate a minimum of 20 minutes of on track warm up time before each game.

Who do we go to if we have questions while in Columbus?
Each team will have a “wrangler” assigned to them when they check in. This will be a member of the Ohio Roller Girls (or their support staff). This wrangler will give them a tour of the facility, her contact information, and will be the one to ensure that the visiting team knows what is going on at all times. Other than that, see next FAQ.

Who is in charge of what?

How many of us get in free of charge?
Each team roster (of 20) will be admitted into the event free of charge. In addition, the two support staff members listed on the registration Excel document will be admitted into the event free of charge. Thus, a total of 22 entries per team is allowed. Note: if your roster contains less than 20 skaters, you are welcome to use the complementary entries for additional support staff. Referees, announcers, and statisticians who have already been verified as volunteers by Endless Justin (refs, stats) or The Tank (announcers) do not count towards a team’s 22 complementary entries.

Can our alternates sit on the bench with the team during a game for which they are not on the roster? And how many?
Only the 14 players on that specific game roster will be allowed on the bench during game play. In addition, up to two support staff may be on the bench with the team. Anyone interfering with game play may be asked to leave the bench at any time by the Head Referee should he deem it necessary.

Will we be able to bring in our own food/drink?
Unfortunately, the convention center is under contract with ARAMARK that stipulates no outside food or drink can be brought in. This includes EVERYONE. Please ensure that any water bottle being used on the track is not bottled for commercial sale (so bring your refillables!); drinking fountains are in close proximity to the track for refilling. All players and staff will have access to a catered hospitality room in the adjacent Hyatt (room number to be announced when teams check in). There will be vendors in Battelle Hall serving such items as nachos and hot dogs, and downstairs from Battelle is a food court with a variety of choices available (http://www.columbusconventions.com/shops/food.asp). Also, as the Columbus Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown Columbus, there are plenty of restaurants within a short walk of the event.

What is the parking situation?
There is plenty of parking available at and around the Columbus Convention Center (http://www.columbusconventions.com/info/parking.asp). In addition to pay lots that are connected to the center itself (the most convenient of which, as its elevator takes you directly to Battelle Hall, is accessible via Nationwide Boulevard), there is metered street parking all around the downtown area. Also, for patrons of the Hyatt Regency, valet parking is available for the duration of your stay (contact the Hyatt for rates: 614-463-1234).

Will there be Internet access in Battelle?
There will not be Internet access available in Battelle hall. The Hyatt Regency does have Internet access available for a fee (contact the Hyatt for rates: 614-463-1234).

Can we set up our own merch booth? And if so, what do we do?
Yes, of course! Each participating league will have access to half of a table along our “Merch Alley” to peddle their wares throughout the weekend. Your league wrangler will be able to direct you to the available space. Please be aware that the track is not visible from the merch tables.

Can we bring a photographer/videographer?
All photographers must be registered before the event with Alli Catraz, VP of Communications for OHRG. They will be required to sign an agreement and abide by all policies. League photographers MUST maintain a safe distance from all players, team benches, and the track. We reserve the right to limit access to a game to the playing leagues’ own photographers and press if necessary due to space and/or safety and event production concerns. Any violation may result in press privileges being revoked and/or ejection from the event. Unfortunately, we cannot offer free admission to league photographers.

We are not yet able to give permission to league videographers because of potential broadcast agreements with WFTDA. Videographers should also contact Alli Catraz to be kept in the loop as any information becomes available. If we cannot allow in your own videographers, we will likely still be able to offer footage that is taken to participating leagues for training purposes.

Will we be getting our deposit back? And when?
It is the intention of the Ohio Roller Girls to split profits from the event (with the exception of merchandise, yet inclusion of programs) evenly amongst all twelve participating leagues. Thus, upon completion of the event’s books, each league will receive their portion of the profit. A better idea of a timeline for reimbursement will be available upon completion of the event.