WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY?
Flat track roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport that requires speed, strategy, and athleticism. The flat track version of the sport evolved in 2001, and has quickly grown to encompass more than 400 leagues worldwide. This is in large part due to the ease of setting up a flat track--it can be done on any flat surface that is suitable for skating, such as skating rinks, basketball courts, parking lots, and even airplane hangars. This greatly reduces the capital needed to start up a roller derby league, and allows small groups of people to get a fledgling league off the ground. The DIY spirit that drives the sport allows roller derby leagues to create their own unique identities and adapt their structures to reflect their local communities.Hey, how do you win the game?
The team with the most points after two 30 minute periods wins the game.
Well how do you score points?
The sprinting skater with a star on her helmet is the Jammer. Each team has one Jammer. The Jammer is the only skater who can score points by passing Blockers on the opposing team. If Jammers are not in bounds or make illegal contact with opposing skaters, they do not score points. Jammers do not score on their first pass through the pack.
Who are the Blockers?
There are four Blockers from each team on the floor at one time. Together, the eight of them make a pack. Blockers play offense by assisting their Jammer at the same time they play defense and block the opposing Jammer.
Why does that one girl have a stripe on her helmet?
The girl with the stripe is called the Pivot. The Pivot is a Blocker who sets the pace of the pack. She watches for the opposing team's Jammer and calls out plays accordingly. If a Jammer passes her star helmet cover to the Pivot, the Pivot can take over the Jammer position.
What's this Lead Jammer thing the announcers keep talking about?
The Lead Jammer is the first Jammer to pass through the pack legally. The Lead Jammer is the only person who can call off a jam prior to the full two minutes. She calls off the jam by repeatedly placing her hands on her hips. The lead Jammer is identified by a Jammer Referee pointing to her with "L" shaped arms while following beside her inside the track. Sometimes there is no Lead Jammer and the jam lasts the full 2 minutes.
Why are girls sent to the penalty box?
Girls are sent to the penalty box because they have accumulated four minor penalties or committed one major penalty. The difference between a major and a minor penalty is whether the violation causes a "change in play". The standard time in the box is one minute, but girls do extra time for getting sassy with the refs.
Why isn't anyone blocking?
When the pack does not skate together, this is called a "no pack situation" and no one is allowed to block or assist. At this point in time, you the fan should begin to yell, "Pack it up!" If a Jammer is 20 feet behind or 20 feet in front of the pack, Blockers should NOT engage her. Hence, everyone yells, "20 feet!"