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| | Issue #20.06 :: 09/03/2008 - 09/09/2008 | How it’s played
You may go to a derby bout to see the ladies (and the crashes), but if you really want to know what’s going on, keep reading
| BY AMY FENNELL CHRISTIAN
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AUGUSTA, GA - We know, we know — you don’t give a damn about who’s winning or how points are scored. You’re here to see the lovely ladies in revealing “boutfits” beat the shit out of each other.
But roller derby, for all its on-rink mayhem, is actually a pretty simple game… once you get the hang of it. It goes something like this.
There are three positions in roller derby: jammer, pivot and blocker. The jammer, who is identified by a star on her helmet, scores points. The pivot, with a stripe on her helmet, sets the pace (and acts as a fourth blocker). And the blockers, well, block the opposing jammer, as well as help their own jammer make it through the pack. Blockers don’t have anything on their helmets, unless it happens to be a sign that says something like “Please hit me.”
Bouts normally last for three 20-minute periods and have between five- and 10-minute intermissions between each period. Each period includes unlimited jams that can last no longer than two minutes.
Each team has one jammer, one pivot and three blockers on the rink (that’s 10 people total) when the first whistle blows, sending the blockers and pivots off around the track. When the pack gets about 20 feet ahead, a second whistle blows, sending the jammers off to catch up.
No points are scored during the jammers’ first trip through the pack — they’re just trying to get the best position because the first jammer through the pack is lead jammer. That means the lead jammer can possibly score more points, as well as call off a jam earlier than the two-minute max by putting her hands on her hips.
Why would she do that? To keep the other team from scoring points. Jammers have to think strategically.
Jammers score by passing people — one point per opponent while they’re in bounds. But it’s the blockers’ job to both keep the opposing jammer from getting in the lead position and keep her from scoring points. That’s when you’ll have a lot of contact and probably some crashes.
Once a jam ends, teams have 30 seconds to get back to the start for the next jam. Otherwise, they’ll be penalized. Each team gets one 30-second time out per period, but they can’t call time outs during jams.
Rules to live by
Players can’t block or push a player in front of them.
Players may not block with their feet or purposefully trip their opponents.
Players may only block with their arms from the elbows down, and their arms should never be extended, but always bent.
Players may not grab, pull or hold another player.
Players should be careful not to block with their elbows.
Pivots and blockers may not chase down a jammer who is 20 feet in front of the pack.
Pivots and blockers may not block if they are out of the pack (officials determine what the pack is — generally, it’s any five players within 10 feet of each other).
Players can be assessed minor penalties, and four minor penalties equals a major penalty, which will land a player in the penalty box for one minute.
Soul City Sirens Bout
Skateland
Sunday, Sept. 7
7 p.m.
Bring your own chair | |
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