The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

NOTE: You are viewing the January 1, 2013 revision of The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby, which is officially retired.

The current version of the rules can be found at Rules Central.

6.4 - Use of Elbows

6.4.1 - When engaging another skater, elbows may not be swung with a forward/backward motion.

6.4.2 - When engaging another skater, elbows may not be swung with upward or downward motion.

6.4.3 - The elbow must be bent while blocking with that arm.

6.4.4 - Contact may not be made exclusively with the point of the elbow (i.e. jabbing).

6.4.5 - Elbows may not be used to hook an opposing skater in any way (e.g. by wrapping one’s arm around an opponent’s arm).

No Impact / No Penalty

6.4.6 - Any illegal contact with the elbow or swinging motion of the elbow that forces the receiving opposing skater off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause the opposing skater to lose relative position.

Major Penalty

6.4.7 - Any illegal contact with the elbow or swinging motion of the elbow that lands above the shoulders.

6.4.8 - Any illegal swinging motion of the elbow or illegal elbow contact that forces the receiving opposing skater off balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes the opposing skater to lose relative position.

6.4.9 - Use of an elbow or arm to pin or hook an opponent’s arm in a manner as to impede the opponent’s mobility.

Expulsion

The following egregious acts will be automatic game expulsions and can be punished as a multi-game suspension (see Section 7.4.2.2). Expulsions will be issued for a conscious and forceful attempt to elbow an opponent egregiously, whether or not the action was successful.

6.4.10 - Intentional, negligent, or reckless contact with an opponent by using the elbow in an illegal manner.

Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.