Gameplay

ROLLER DERBY EXPLAINED

What is roller derby? It’s a unique demonstration of athletic women playing both offense and defense simultaneously, dishing out hard hits and amazing agility with every lap. Beneath every entertaining name and flashy uniform is a woman who has learned to exhibit speed, balance, endurance, teamwork, and dedication.

Here is what Roller Derby is all about:

1. The Bout: The name of the game, why we do this. Every bout consists of two thirty-minute periods and is packed full of spills and thrills.

2. The Jam: Each period is split up into “jams,” which can last up to two minutes. Five players from each team may be on the track at a time. After lining up on the track, two pivots and three blockers from each team take off in a “pack” at the head ref’s single whistle. A jammer from each team lines up 33 ft behind the pivots and blasts off at the sound of the second whistle.

3. The Score: As in all sports, the highest score wins, but how does a team get points? Scoring begins when a jammer passes the pack for the second time, accruing one point per opposing team member passed. Blockers play offense and defense simultaneously, blocking the opposing jammer while helping their own jammer score.
Lead Jammer: The first jammer to legally pass the pack is assigned lead jammer. The lead jammer has the ability to call of the jam at any time by placing her hand on her hips.

4. The Players: Here’s a who’s who: Each team’s has a pivot that wears a striped helmet cover. The pivot sets the pack’s pace, rallies her team...and just might take on the jammer’s star. Blockers assist their jammer and defend against the opposing jammer with hip-checks, hard hits and agile moves. And no bout would be complete without jammers. The only point-scorers in roller derby, these fast footed skaters sport a star on both sides of their helmet.

5. Legalities

What is legal- Skaters may:
Use shoulders and hips to block
Push or Whip a teammate

What’s not- Skaters may not:
Blocking with elbows, forearms, or head
Intentionally trip another skater
Push or grab an opposing skater