Roller Derby

Roller Derby Rules

The Roller Derby teams consist of 15 players, but only five players are on track at any one time. These include one jammer, the only member of the team who can score points. Four blockers aim to block the opposition jammer, lapping them and eventually score points. Some general rules are as follows-

• Roller Derby matches are played in teams over two equal periods of 30 minutes.
• The track of roller derby is an oval-shaped skating course with a flat surface. At the beginning of a match, the blockers from opposing team skate together as one single unit around the track. A whistle is blown as a signal after the pack passes the starting line and the last member of the trail is 30 feet from it.
• When the whistle is blown, the jammers skate as fast as possible so that they may be able to fight and make their way out through the pack (a group of blockers). If the jammer can break through the pack, scores are awarded.
• Each jammer gets an equal opportunity to score points as they race around in an oval track and perform their lapping over the members of the opposite team. If the jammer passes any other player from the opposing, they score one point.
• Blockers are allowed to use any kind of physical force so that they can prevent the opposition jammer from passing them. This also helps them to avoid the opposing team from gaining extra points.
• The jams are conducted for at least 2 minutes during the match.
• Penalties are issued in case of tripping, blocking players above shoulder or when they are out of bounds, sticking below the elbow.
• Any team with the highest points scored at the end of the match is regarded as the winner.