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.
9.2.1.1 - The referees are responsible for determining that both teams have the correct number of skaters in the jam, taking into account skaters in the penalty box. (See Section 2.4.4 for details on starting with too few skaters.)
9.2.1.1.1 - If the jam starts with too many skaters, the referees must direct the last Blocker who entered to leave the track. If that skater cannot be identified, the Blocker that is closest to the referees must be directed off the track. The team may be penalized according to 6.13 Illegal Procedures.
9.2.1.1.2 - If the jam starts with too many skaters and the extra skater cannot be directed off the track, the referee must stop the jam. The team must be penalized according to Section 6.13.23.
9.2.1.1.4 - Referees do not warn skaters or teams when they line up out of position (e.g. Blockers lining up in front of the Pivot Line).
9.2.1.2 - The referees will ensure that the skaters are wearing all required safety equipment, the correct uniforms, and the correct skater designations.
9.2.3.1 - The referees determine who has earned Lead Jammer status. Lead Jammer status is indicated by official hand signal, by blowing two short whistle blasts, and by pointing at the Lead Jammer.
9.2.4 - The Jammer Referees are responsible for counting and signaling score according to the guidelines laid out in Section 8 - Scoring. They must communicate this score after each jam to the scorekeeper or scoreboard as per the WFTDA Referee and Officiating Standard Practices document.
9.2.5 - Safety is the number one priority for referees. Illegal game play that causes an unsafe environment is not to be tolerated. The referees are to assess and enforce penalties and expulsions as described in Section 6 - Penalties and Section 7 - Penalty Enforcement. Referees will use their discretion and their decisions are binding.
9.2.5.1 - Referees will use all officially designated hand signals as means to properly communicate to scorekeepers/penalty trackers, skaters, announcers, and fellow referees.
9.2.5.2.2 - Exclusively use a skater’s team color and charter number for calling penalties on that skater.
9.2.5.3.1 - Use officiating numbers, charter names, or other abbreviations or systems outside of a skater’s number and team color.
9.2.6.1.2 - Injury. Referees will only call off a jam in the case of a serious injury or an injury that could endanger another skater.
9.2.6.1.8 - Too many skaters on the track. After the jam has started referees will expeditiously direct any extra skaters so that the jam does not have to be called off (see Section 9.2.6.2.6).
9.2.6.2.5 - Technical difficulty or mechanical malfunction (including skate trouble) that is a safety hazard to continued play.
9.2.6.2.7 - Venue malfunctions (including power outages) that are a safety hazard to continued play.
9.2.6.2.8 - Physical interference (including fans on the track) that interferes with continued play.
9.2.6.3 - In the event that a referee must call off a jam prior to its natural conclusion (per Sections 9.2.6.2.3–9.2.6.2.8) with time remaining on the jam clock but not on the period clock, the points from the jam will remain and an additional jam may occur at the Head Referee’s discretion.
9.2.6.3.1 - The WFTDA Games Committee may review the Head Referee’s decision for an additional jam for WFTDA Sanctioned bouts.
9.2.7.2.1 - A team fails to show up to a WFTDA sanctioned bout or tournament. The Head Referee must make this decision in conjunction with WFTDA Games Committee representatives.
9.2.8 - Referees may break up fights at their discretion and play will resume as quickly as possible.
9.2.9 - Referees have the option of calling an Official Timeout if they feel that there is a situation that would interfere with the safety of the skaters or crowd, or that would interfere with proper game play.
9.2.10 - In the event that there is a disagreement regarding a referee’s call or scoring, only the Captains or their Designated Alternates may discuss the ruling with the referees. Skaters, coaches, or managers may act as Designated Alternates.
9.2.11 - Official Review. A team request for a review of a referee decision. There is no limit to the type of objection brought up during an official review.
9.2.11.1 - A Captain or Designated Alternate requests an official review by asking the Head Referee for a timeout.
©2012 Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the WFTDA.
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