The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

6.5 - Use of Forearms and Hands

6.5.1 - Forearms or hands may never be used to grab, hold, or push an opponent.

6.5.2 - Incidental forearm contact between skaters is acceptable.

6.5.3 - During forearm contact between skaters, the following are indications that a push has occurred:

6.5.3.1 - The initiating skater extends their arm during contact.

6.5.3.2 - The receiving skater is propelled forward or sideways.

6.5.4 - Contact made with the forearms when forearms are pulled into the body.

6.5.5 - Illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opposing skater off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause the opposing skater to lose relative position. This includes:

6.5.5.1 - A slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.

6.5.5.2 - A block initiated with the shoulder in which there is either a simultaneous or subsequent push with the forearm. A push is indicated by the initiating skater extending their arms while making contact with the forearms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forward or sideways.

6.5.6 - Extended touching (lasting three seconds or more) with the forearms or hands to an opponent’s legal and/or illegal target zone.

6.5.7 - Any illegal contact with hands or forearms above the shoulders.

6.5.8 - Any illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opposing skater off balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes the opposing skater to lose relative position. This includes:

6.5.8.1 - Contact with hands or forearms, as indicated by the initiating skater extending their arms, resulting in the receiving skater being propelled forward or sideways.

6.5.8.2 - Use of hands or forearms to grab or hold an opposing skater impeding that skater’s mobility, causing that skater to lose advantage, or forcing that skater to the ground.

The following egregious acts using the forearms or hands 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 commit any of the following egregious acts, whether or not the attempt was successful:

6.5.9 - Punching another skater.

6.5.10 - Holding or pinning another skater to the ground.

6.5.11 - Shoving an opponent.