Roller Derby 101

Junior roller derby is governed by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA). Check out their web site for all-you-can-eat rules, policies, and stats. Here are the basics:

Download our two-page visual guide

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

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

    • Points are earned on subsequent passes through the pack.

    • 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.