roller derby 101
GAMEPLAY
A roller derby bout (game) consists of two 30-minute periods, and each period is split up into increments called jams. Each jam goes for a maximum of two minutes with 30 seconds between each jam. Jams can be called off before two minutes by the lead jammer.
Each team has five skaters (one jammer, four blockers) on the track during a jam. During the jam, the blockers make up the “pack” while playing both offense and defense, while the jammer’s goal is to pass the pack.
points
The jammer on each team is responsible for scoring points. They must first make an initial pass through the pack before they can score points. After their initial pass, the jammer scores one point for each skater they lap/pass on the opposing team.
The first jammer to exit the pack on the initial pass is declared “lead jammer.” They have the advantage of calling the jam off before two minutes to prevent the other team’s jammer from scoring points.
the track
Cherry City Roller Derby plays flat track roller derby. The track is a large, flat, oval shape with referee lane on each side of the skater track.
There are two primary lines on one side of the track, the jammer line and the pivot line. Jammers must start behind the jammer line and blockers start between the jammer and pivot line.
Smaller lines in the middle of the track mark every ten feet for monitoring the pack.
LEARN MORE:
The complete WFTDA rulebook can be found at rules.wftda.com, or as a PDF.
JRDA plays by the same rules as WFTDA, but with some modifications. JRDA Rules Website
Roller Derby Basics printable cheat-sheet to bring to the next bout
Roller Derby penalty quick reference guide