The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

4.3 - Jam Positioning

4.3.1 - Once the pack is in motion, Blockers may change location as long as they stay within the pack.

4.3.2 - In play/out of play: When a Blocker is positioned more than 20 feet (6 m) outside the pack or out of bounds that Blocker is out of play and subject to penalties specified in Section 6.10 - Out of Play.

4.3.2.1 - Blockers who are out of play may not engage the opposing Jammer or Blockers.

4.3.2.2 - Blockers who are out of play may not assist their Jammer or other teammates.

4.3.2.3 - Blockers who are not part of the pack as illustrated in Figure 1 but are still in play may block and assist.

• In the diagram, Group C is the pack as it is the largest group of Blockers skating in proximity and containing members of both teams.

• The two Blockers in Group B are not part of the pack because they are more than 10 feet (3 m) from the pack but are still considered in play as they are within 20 feet (6 m) of the pack. The Blockers are not in danger of an out of play penalty (see Section 6.10 - Out of Play).

• The two Blockers in Group A are considered out of play since they are more than 20 feet (6 m) from the nearest pack skater. Skaters in Group A may be warned they are out of play and will be penalized if they do not return to the Engagement Zone. If they block or assist, they will also receive out of play penalties (see Section 6.10 - Out of Play).

4.3.3 - Blockers who are out of play must slow down or speed up to return to the Engagement Zone.

4.3.3.1 - A Blocker who is more than 20 feet (6 m) in front of or behind the pack may receive an out of play warning by a referee. However, a referee is required to issue a warning prior to giving a penalty.

4.3.3.2 - Once out of play, a Blocker must yield the right of way to the opposing Jammer by physically moving out of the Jammer’s path. Any engagement, including passive/positional blocking, can result in a penalty. A warning is not required before issuing a penalty for blocking while out of play. (see Section 6.10 - Out of Play).

4.3.3.3 - A Blocker who is out of play must return to the Engagement Zone in the opposite way that Blocker left.

4.3.3.3.1 - If the Blocker exited the front of the Engagement Zone, that Blocker must drop back to be considered in play.

4.3.3.3.2 - To regain position in the pack after having fallen behind, a Blocker must return to the back of the pack by skating within the track boundaries to be considered back in play.

4.3.3.3.3 - Any Blocker who returns to the Engagement Zone in an illegal manner, such as lapping the pack or being lapped by the pack, is subject to penalties (see Section 6.10.14 and Section 6.10.15).

4.3.4 - The Jammers may engage each other anywhere inside the track boundaries for the duration of the jam. When a Jammer is outside of the Engagement Zone the Jammer may only engage the opposing Jammer (see Section 6.10.3).

4.3.4.1 - If an out of play opposing Blocker initiates contact with the Jammer, the Jammer may legally counter-block.

4.3.4.2 - Jammers may not assist teammates that are out of play.