Roller Derby 101

Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on roller skates. The rules can vary, but the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and the Men's Roller Derby Association (MRDA) are two major organizations that set rules for flat track roller derby.

Here are some key aspects of the rules, particularly focusing on positional play:

  1. Basic Gameplay:

    • Each team fields five skaters at a time.

    • The game consists of a series of short matchups called "jams," each lasting up to two minutes.

    • Both teams have a jammer who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.

  2. Jammers and Blockers:

    • Jammers are the point scorers. They wear a star on their helmets.

    • Blockers are responsible for both assisting their jammer and impeding the opposing jammer.

  3. Positional Play:

    • Blockers work together to create a wall or defensive formation to impede the progress of the opposing jammer.

    • The pack is the largest group of in-bounds blockers, containing members from both teams.

    • The pivot is a special blocker who can become the jammer if needed.

  4. Penalties:

    • Players can receive penalties for actions like tripping, blocking with the head, back-blocking, cutting the track, etc.

    • Players must serve time in the penalty box when penalized, leaving their team at a numerical disadvantage.

  5. Lead Jammer:

    • The first jammer to break through the pack legally and inbounds is declared the lead jammer.

    • The lead jammer has the ability to call off the jam before the two minutes are up.

  6. Scoring:

    • Jammers score points for each opposing blocker they legally pass after their initial pass.

    • Points are earned on subsequent passes through the pack.

  7. Strategy:

    • Teams often employ strategic plays, such as "offense" (assisting their jammer) and "defense" (blocking the opposing jammer).

    • Effective communication is crucial among teammates to coordinate strategy during a jam.

  8. Equipment:

    • Skaters must wear protective gear, including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and mouthguards.