May 12, 2015
The January 1, 2015 Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby removed the prohibition of warning Skaters for Illegal Procedure penalties that require a warning once the jam has started. What should I warn for and under what circumstances?
Similar to equipment issues and number violations, Referees may warn for Illegal Procedure penalties such as False Starts, Out of Position starts and Too Many Skaters. Referees should not warn for strategic attempts to draw penalties by an opponent, such as a Pivot starting by touching the Pivot Line. No warnings should be given for too few Skaters fielded, such as failing to field a Jammer.
Warnings are a low priority in the 30 seconds between jams but Officials should attempt to give them when doing so will not distract from other duties. After the Jam Timer has verbalized the five second warning, no warnings should be given so that the Officials may concentrate on the upcoming jam. At this time, the WFTDA is not issuing standardized verbal cues for warnings.
Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.