WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY?

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Roller Derby is a fast-paced, full contact, inclusive sport played on quad skates. Each "bout" consists of two, 30-minute periods played in “jams” that can last up to 2 minutes. Skating officials and non-skating officials monitor the game from inside and outside of the track to ensure safety and fairness. 

Each team starts with a "pack" of four skaters playing defense (“blockers”) and one player playing offense (“jammer”). The jammer must pass each opposing blocker while staying within the bounds of the track in order to make a legal lap. 

The jammer wears a star helmet cover and is the only skater who can score points. Jammers score points by passing opposing blockers hip.The first jammer to pass the opposing group of blockers (the “pack”) on their initial lap is designated as “lead jammer.”  The lead jammer has the power to stop the jam before two minutes are up. After an initial lap, jammers get one point for each opposing blocker they pass. 

The blockers attempt to stop the opposing jammer from passing them while assisting their own jammer in getting past the pack. Skaters block opponents with their hips and shoulders. The blocker with the striped  helmet cover is called the "pivot." The pivot  can become the jammer mid-jam. Blockers may not hit other skaters in or with their hands, head, or feet. Doing so leads to a penalty. 

Penalties are common and happen without stopping the game. Players report to the penalty box for 30 second penalties and then return to gameplay.