Although roller derby is an exciting full contact sport on quad roller skates, there is much more to the sport than a bunch of women knocking each other down. It is a sport of skill, strategy, and athleticism. Watching derby for the first time may be difficult without a little bit of background.
The Basics
Games are called bouts and each bout is broken down into jams. There are two teams skating counter clockwise on a flat, oval track. Only five players per term are allowed on the track -- One jammer, who wears the star, and four blockers. One of the blockers can be a pivot and they wear the helmet cover with a stripe.
The jammer is the only player on the track that can score points, while their blockers jobs are to stop the other team's jammer from scoring points, while clearing a path for their own jammer. The jammer's objective is to lap as many opposing blockers as they can before the jam ends. They score one point for every blocker that is legally passed.
A whistle signifies the start of each jam. At this whistle, the skaters are able to begin engaging. The first jammer to make it through the pack is named the lead jammer. Each jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the lead jammer may strategically call it off at any time.
Referees will issue penalties to players who take actions like cutting the track or hitting another player in a non-legal manner. Skaters who receive penalties are required to serve 30 seconds in the penalty box before they are able to return to the track.
Check out the WFTDA website for a full set of rules, or check out the video below!
The jammer is the only player on the track that can score points, while their blockers jobs are to stop the other team's jammer from scoring points, while clearing a path for their own jammer. The jammer's objective is to lap as many opposing blockers as they can before the jam ends. They score one point for every blocker that is legally passed.
A whistle signifies the start of each jam. At this whistle, the skaters are able to begin engaging. The first jammer to make it through the pack is named the lead jammer. Each jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the lead jammer may strategically call it off at any time.
Referees will issue penalties to players who take actions like cutting the track or hitting another player in a non-legal manner. Skaters who receive penalties are required to serve 30 seconds in the penalty box before they are able to return to the track.
Check out the WFTDA website for a full set of rules, or check out the video below!