The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

6.11 - Cutting the Track

A skater that is in bounds need not yield the right of way to an out of bounds skater. Skaters that are out of bounds must find an entrance back in bounds that does not require in bounds skaters to move. When out of bounds, skaters must re-enter the track without bettering their position in relation to other skaters. Out of bounds skaters are subject to skating out of bounds penalties even if they do not cut the track (see Section 6.12 - Skating out of Bounds).

This section addresses penalties for cutting the track. Skaters must be upright and skating to receive cutting the track penalties. (See Section 6.8 - Out of Bounds Blocking for downed skaters re-entering and illegally blocking and Section 6.3 - Low Blocking).

Downed skaters that have re-entered the track are subject to applicable cutting the track penalties when they return to an in-bounds, upright, and skating position. Downed skaters are not to be penalized with cutting the track penalties, but are still subject to low blocking and blocking from out of bounds penalties. Skaters cannot drop back while in play in efforts to undo or avoid cutting the track penalties.

6.11.1 - Re-entering behind the initiator of the block. When sent out of bounds by a block, an opponent must re-enter the track without bettering their position in relation to other skaters. Re-entering the track from out of bounds in front of the initiator of the block is improving your relative position, regardless of who is in front when the block is executed. An in-bounds skater who forces an opponent out of bounds earns and establishes superior position. A skater may not return in bounds in front of another skater who blocked that skater out of bounds, except under the following circumstances where no penalty is to be issued:

6.11.1.1 - When the initiating skater is considered “in the box,” having been sent off the track for a penalty (see Section 7.2.2.2.2).

6.11.1.2 - When the initiating skater goes out of bounds at any time after the initiating block.

6.11.1.3 - When the initiating skater goes down or falls at any time after the initiating block.

6.11.1.4 - When the initiating skater exits out of the Engagement Zone at any time after the initiating block.

The outcome and aftermath of a block are complete when the receiving skater has re-established control of their own self on the track. If the receiving skater exits the track after the outcome and aftermath of a block, that skater is not required to re-enter behind the initiator of the previous block. The skater is, however, still subject to skating out of bounds penalties.

6.11.2 - Skaters straddling the track boundary line. Skaters are straddling the track boundary line when they are simultaneously touching both inside and outside the track boundary line. Straddling skaters are subject to cutting the track penalties when they are in bounds, upright, and skating. The boundary line is considered in bounds. Airborne skaters are not considered straddling skaters. (See Section 6.8.9 for the in bounds/out of bounds status of airborne skaters.)

6.11.3 - Examples of Cutting the Track

6.11.3.1 - An in-bounds, upright, and skating skater who returns completely in-bounds (having previously been either out-of-bounds or straddling), who does so in front of one or more in-play skaters, which results in the offending skater having bettered their position.

6.11.3.2 - An in-bounds, upright, and skating skater who returns completely in-bounds (having previously been either out-of-bounds or straddling), who does so in front of one or more in-bounds skaters during a no-pack scenario, which results in the offending skater having bettered their position relative to that/those in-bounds skater(s).

6.11.4 - A skater who has re-entered the track in front of a downed, out of bounds, or out of play skater is not bettering their position. However, such skaters are subject to cutting the track penalties for other in-play skaters and are still subject to skating out of bounds penalties.

6.11.5 - A skater who has re-entered the track in front of a skater who is “in the box,” having been sent off the track for a penalty.

6.11.6 - A skater straddling the track boundary line who then completely exits the track, regardless of which, or how many, skaters were passed while straddling.

6.11.7 - An out of bounds skater that steps one skate inside the track boundary to become a straddling skater and then steps back completely out of bounds, never removing out of bounds contact with the floor.

6.11.8 - Any of the scenarios in Sections 6.11.1.1–6.11.1.4.

While no penalty should be given for instances of “No Pass/No Penalty” infractions, neither should credit be given for a legal pass of the person being passed. This may result in, for instance, a Jammer failing to earn Lead Jammer status, despite being the first Jammer to clear the pack and having incurred no penalties.

6.11.9 - A skater cutting only one in-play teammate.

6.11.10 - A skater cutting any opposing in-play skater.

6.11.11 - A skater cutting more than one in-play teammate.

6.11.12 - Not applicable.