ROLLER DERBY
Roller derby is a hard hitting, fast paced contact sport. Its played by two teams of five members, roller skating in the same direction around a track. The game play consists of a series of 2 minute jams, where the jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to obstruct the opposing jammer while helping their own jammer break through the pack.
The sport dates back to the 1930's, starting off much more about the theatrical element and entertainment, rather than the athleticism and skill that is shown nowadays. Primarily a female orientated sport, with teams consisting of just women. The male intrest has boomed and all male teams also co ed teams, even jounior teams are just as popular today. Going to watch a bout is the easyiest way to not only understand the rules but to get completley hooked!
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THE BOUT
Each game of derby is called a bout, it is played between two teams, both with five players in a lineup on the track.The lineup is made up of one pivot, three blockers, and a jammer. The pivot is recognized by her striped helmet cover, the jammer wears a helmet cover with a star on each side, and the blockers have no helmet covers. Each game is 60 minutes, made up of two 30 minute periods that are further broken down into two minute jams.
BASIC GAMEPLAY
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The pack is made up of pivots and blockers. At the start of the jam, the pack lines up along the jam line. Pivots and blockers in the front, with jammers positioned 20 feet behind them. A referee or time keeper will signal the start of the jam with a single whistle and the pack will start skating.
PROTECTIVE GEAR
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This consists of, a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. A mouth guard and ovcourse the skates. Each peice of protective wear plays its own important role in keeping the wearer safe.
SKATERS
Within each team there are three important roles. The Jammer, who wears the star helmet cover and scores the points. The blockers, who wear no helmet covers, who help to obstruct the opposing teams jammer. Last but no means least The Pivot, who wears a striped helmet cover. Who establishes team strategy during play and sets the pace of the pack. The pivot can also be converted to a jammer, if the initial jammers helmet cover is correctly transferred in a 'star pass' manoeuvre.
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LEGAL CONTACT
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Contact between opponents is limited to legal blocking zones and legal target zones.
These are, the arms and hands, the chest, front and side of the torso. The hips, the mid and upper thigh (including the inner portion).
Illegal Target Zones: For safety reasons, a skater may not be hit in the following places. Anywhere above the shoulders, the back of the torso, back of the bum, or back of the thigh and below the mid-thigh.
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