Be A Rollergirl!

How does Roller Derby work?

THE GAME/RULES:
Roller derby takes place on a circuit track. Each game consists of either three 20-minute periods or two 30-minute periods.

To begin the jam, the two teams send five players each onto the track — three blockers (defense), one pivot (last line of defense) and one jammer (scorer). Helmet covers indicate positions: a striped cover is used for pivots, a cover with two stars is used for jammers, and no cover is used for blockers.

Pivots and blockers from both teams start the game by forming a single pack. The pivots line up next to each other, followed by a line of four blockers, followed by a line of two blockers. The two jammers are positioned 20 feet behind the pack.

The referee signals the start with a whistle. The entire pack moves counterclockwise, during which time players can change position. All pivots/blockers must remain in the pack (i.e., 20 feet in front of or behind any other player who is not considered out of the pack). When the last person in the pack has passed the pivot line, the referee blows the whistle again, and the jammers begin their run.

A jam is a 2-minute period when teams attempt to score points. Points can only be scored by the jammers, who attempt to pass the pack and lap around as many times as possible. After passing the pack the first time, jammers earn one point each time they pass an opposing blocker/pivot. During a jam, all pivots/blockers must remain in the pack. If a pivot/blocker falls or otherwise becomes separated from the pack, she is out of play (i.e., cannot block or assist the jammers) until she catches up to the pack.

The first jammer to pass all pivots and blockers once the jam begins wins the status of lead jammer for the remainder of the jam. The lead jammer can decide to end the jam at any time before the 2 minutes are up. She does this by placing her hands on her hips, which signals the referee to officially call off the jam. At the end of each jam, players have 30 seconds to re-form the pack and continue play.

To impede the progress of the opposing team's jammer, players may block using body parts above the hips, excluding forearms, hands, and head. Elbows may be used in blocking, but cannot be swung at other players or used to hook an opponent's arm. Penalties are given to skaters who block illegally, fight or behave in an unsportsmanlike manner, or otherwise break the rules. Possible penalties include sending players to a penalty box (during which time opposing jammers can score points by passing the penalty box) and expulsion of players.

While not yet a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the Bakersfield Rollergirls are working towards affiliation and have adopted the WFTDA rules and standards.

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MODERN ROLLER DERBY LEAGUES:
A grassroots revival of roller derby in 2001 organized by women unaffiliated with previous incarnations of the sport restored a focus on athleticism. By 2006, over 135 all-female leagues had been founded, including the Bakersfield Rollergirls. Nearly all contemporary roller derby leagues are all-female and self-organized, many are incorporated as LLC's and a few are non-profit organizations.

These leagues have adopted traditional quad skates, and most compete on flat tracks. "Uniforms" are very creative and often risque, and team members choose outrageous skater names. However, the games are true sporting events, unscripted and athletic. Players practice and strategize several times a week between public matches, called bouts. Teams often travel long distances to compete with the roller derby leagues of other cities and states. Skaters are unpaid; most spend quite a bit of money for monthly dues and to purchase their own equipment.

Click on logos below for links to other leagues.
(Leagues without a link have disbanded.)

Click here to buy this poster (featuring 99 logos less cool than Bakersfield's) from Sin City Skates.

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