Since 2011, we have been playing by the World Organization of Roller Derby (W.O.R.D.) official rules.
A .pdf version of the rules can be found here, should you find yourself with a maddening amount of time and patience to read them.
Otherwise, allow us to summarize the basics of derby as well as the key points of the rules:
Positions:
There are 3 positions on a derby team.
- The Jammer is the point-scorer and can be recognized by the star she wears on her helmet.
- The Pivot sets the pace for the pack and can be recognized by a stripe down the middle of her helmet.
- The Blockers make up the brunt of the pack. Their job is to assist their jammer through the pack and to block the opposing jammer from getting through the pack. They do not have any special markings on their helmets.
How the Game is Played:
The game, called a "bout", is divided into four 15-minute quarters. These quarters are then divided into "jams" that last either 60 seconds or until the lead jammer calls off the jam (see below).
A jam begins with the blockers and pivots from each team packed up behind the pack start line, and both teams' jammers standing on the jammer start line, which is located about 20 feet behind the pack start line.
When a single whistle blows, the pack starts off around the track. Then two short whistle blows signal the jammers to begin their sprint. Their goal is to make it through the pack, then make a lap around the track in order to get back to the pack to start scoring points.
Lead Jammer
Whichever team's jammer makes it through the first pass through the pack first becomes the lead jammer. She maintains lead jammer status unless she is passed by the opposing team's jammer. The lead jammer has the sole ability to call off the jam at any point during the jam; she does this by placing both hands on her hips at the same time.
Scoring points
A team scores one point for each opposing team's blocker or pivot passed by their jammer on the second pass through the pack, and during each additional pass through the pack.
In addition, if a jammer completely laps the opposing team's jammer, her team will score a bonus point. This is called a "Grand Slam".
Thanks to the Gem City Rollergirls for making this fantastic video, which we're linking from YouTube!
LEGAL BLOCKING ZONES
A skater can hit an opposing team's skater in these zones only:
- Arms
- Chest and front/sides of torso below neck
- Hips
- Upper Thighs
ILLEGAL BLOCKING ZONES:
- Anywhere above the shoulders
- Back or booty
- On or below the knees
A skater can hit an opposing team's skater using these parts of her body only:
- Arms from shoulder to elbows
- Torso
- Hips and booty
- Upper Thighs
ILLEGAL BLOCKING:
- Using the point of the elbow
- Forearms or hands- ABSOLUTELY NO PUSHING OR GRABBING!
- Using the head
Penalties:
Penalties will be issued for any infraction of the game rules by a player, including:
- Blocking To or Using Illegal Zones
- Blocking while Out of Bounds
- Skating While Out of Bounds
- Tripping
- Unnecessary Roughness
- Unsportswomanlike Conduct
Depending on the severity of the action, a player can be issued a minor or a major penalty.
- A penalty is considered major when it causes the opposing player to fall or lose their relative position. This is punishable by having the jam repeated, minus the player(s) who caused the penalty.
- All other penalties, minors, are punishable by a "challenge" deemed by the spin of the penalty wheel- these are fun and often include crowd participation!!!