The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

6.3 - Low Blocking

Skaters may not trip or intentionally fall in front of another skater. Any contact which is initiated below the legal target zone that causes the skater to stumble or fall is considered tripping and/or low blocking. Downed skaters returning to the track are subject to tripping/low blocking penalties even on the first instance, even if the downed skater has fallen small.

6.3.1 - Contact between skates and wheels that is part of the normal skating motion.

6.3.2 - A skater who “falls small” in an effort to avoid low blocking.

6.3.3 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion which lands below the legal target zone that causes an opposing skater to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

6.3.4 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion initiated with a part of the body below the legal blocking zone that causes an opposing skater to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

6.3.5 - A downed skater returning to the track that causes an opposing skater to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

6.3.6 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion which lands below the legal target zone and causes an opposing skater to fall or lose relative position.

6.3.7 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion initiated with a part of the body below the legal blocking zone that causes an opposing skater to fall or lose relative position.

6.3.8 - Flailing and sprawling skaters who low block an opponent causing the recipient to fall or lose relative position.

6.3.9 - Habitual contact between skates and wheels that is part of the normal skating motion that causes an opposing skater to stumble, fall, or lose relative position. The intent is to penalize skaters whose normal skating motion is dangerous to opponents. A single skater who repeatedly low blocks other skaters, even in normal skating motions, is adversely affecting game play and safety.

6.3.10 - A skater who habitually falls in front of opposing skaters, causing them to stumble or fall or lose relative position, even if the skater “falls small.” The intent is to penalize a skater who repeatedly falls as the skater is a danger to opponents. A single skater who repeatedly low blocks other skaters, even when “falling small” is adversely affecting game play and safety.

6.3.11 - A downed skater returning to the track that causes an opposing skater to fall or lose relative position.

6.3.12 - Intentionally taking a knee in an attempt to avoid a block.

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 attempt to trip an opponent, whether or not the action was successful.

6.3.13 - Intentional tripping with feet or hands.

6.3.14 - Slide tackling an opponent.

6.3.15 - Intentionally kicking another skater.