The Players
Each team will field a Jammer, a Pivot, and 3 Blockers.
JAMMER!
PIVOT!
Jammers are the point scorers, they wear the Star on their helmet cover.
Pivots are the Blockers that play a tactical role in the game by directing their team.
The Pivot wears the striped helmet cover.
Blockers work together to stop or delay the opposing Jammer and Blockers, and help to defend and assist their own Jammer through the pack. Blockers do not wear helmet covers.
photographs by : wix derby pix
The Game
The Pivot and Blockers from both teams line up on the track between the Pivot line and the Jammer line, these players are referred to as the 'pack'. The Jammers from both teams line up on or behind the Jammer line, which is positioned 30 feet behind the pivot line.
The Jam Timer (NSO) starts the jam with one whistle and the Jammers skate forward, in to the pack of blockers, fighting to get through first to gain 'Lead Jammer' status.
The aim of both Jammers is to get through the pack cleanly and be first to pass all skaters to become 'Lead Jammer'. The Lead Jammer controls the duration of the Jam and can call off the Jam at the most advantageous time. The Jammers start to score on their second pass through the pack - one point for each opposing team member they pass legally.
photograph by : roller derby on film
The Basics
Roller Derby is a fast paced, full contact, team sport played on quad skates on an oval 'track' which requires speed, strategy and athleticism.
Referees control the game and enforce the rules to ensure a fair and safe bout. NSOs (Non-Skating Officials) keep track of points, penalties and time to ensure a smoothly operated and documented game.
The essentials of a game or ‘bout’ are;
Two teams of 14 per side who pit five skaters at a time against each other in a fast paced, 2 minute jam. Each bout consists of two 30 minute halves.
Roller Derby is a sport that uses strategy, tactics, skills and teamwork to score points and to stop the opposing team from scoring. Teams play both defensive and offensive at the same time making the action fast and fierce!