Player Positions:
The pack consists of one pivot and three blockers from each team.
The PIVOT is indicated by a stripe on her helmet. She stands in front of the blockers and keeps the pace of the pack. The pivot also acts as a blocker.
BLOCKERS do not have a helmet covers. Blockers try to help their jammer through the pack white simultaneously trying to keep the opposing jammer from getting through.
The JAMMER has a star on her helmet. She starts 20 feet behind the pack and, on her second and subsequent times through the pack, she scores one point for every opposing player she legally passes.
The Start:
When the first whistle blows, the jam begins and the pack starts to move.
The jammers take off on the second whistle blast (double whistle).
Lead Jammer and Scoring:
The first jammer to make it through the pack legally (with no penalties and without skating out of bounds) is declared the lead jammer. A jam may last up to two minutes; however the skater declared lead jammer may call off the jam at any time by touching her hips with her hands.
The lead jammer is not always the jammer in the front. A jammer referee will declare lead jammer and will point at that jammer as she skates around the track. If neither jammer makes it through the pack legally on the first lap, there is NO lead jammer, and the jam will run the full two minutes unless called off by referees.
The second time a jammer skates through the pack, she may begin scoring points. Each jammer gets one point for each opposing skate she passes legally. Additionally, if a jammer laps the opposing jammer, she scores a point.
Four whistle blasts signals the end of a jam.
Down and Derby:
When blocking, the arms must be bent at the sides, not extended. Body checks are legal blocks.
Illegal blocks:
- grabbing or pulling
- intentionally falling in front of an opponent
- tripping an opponent
- blocking from behind
- clothes lining
- using elbows to block in an upward or downward motion
- jabbing
Illegal blocking will result in a minor or major penalty, depending on the severity of the action. Penalties are assessed at the referees’ discretion. Four minor penalties will result in one minute in the penalty box.
Fighting is prohibited. Fighting will result in a major penalty (one minute in the penalty box) or possible expulsion from the period or bout.
For more information on how to play rollerderby:
