The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

6.8 - Out of Bounds Engagement

6.8.1 - Skaters must be in bounds when initiating a block.

6.8.2 - Skaters may not pick up momentum for a block until in bounds.

6.8.3 - If a skater forces an opponent out of bounds while blocking, the initiating Blocker must cease blocking before their own skates touch outside the track boundary. No part of the initiating Blocker’s skate may touch the ground outside the track boundary.

6.8.4 - A skater who is in bounds need not yield right of way to the out of bounds skater.

6.8.5 - A skater may not initiate contact with an opponent who is completely outside the track boundary.

6.8.6 - An in-bounds skater may actively block or hit a returning skater when any part of the returning skater’s skate is touching any in bounds track territory. The returning skater has crossed the track boundary but remains out of bounds by definition as long as any part of their skates are still touching any out of bounds territory. However, by entering the track, the returning skater becomes a target and can be hit.

6.8.7 - A skater who is straddling the line may not engage, block, or assist because the skater has one skate down outside the track boundary and is out of bounds by definition.

6.8.8 - A skater who is straddling the line may be hit by a skater who is on the track since the straddling skater has one skate down inside the track boundary.

6.8.9 - If a skater jumps and ceases all contact with the ground, the skater’s prior in bounds/out of bounds status is maintained until contact with the ground re-establishes in bounds/out of bounds status.

6.8.10 - Downed skaters returning to the track are subject to blocking out of bounds penalties, even if the downed skater has fallen small.

6.8.11 - There is no penalty for blocking a skater who has jumped off both skates and left contact with the track from in bounds.

6.8.12 - A skater initiating or continuing a block while hanging a skate or other body part over the track boundary, but not touching outside the track boundary, is not blocking from out of bounds.

6.8.13 - A skater returning to the track from out of bounds while down, without making contact to any opponents or forcing them to fall or lose relative position, is not blocking from out of bounds.

6.8.14 - Any contact from out of bounds that does not cause the receiving opposing skater to fall or lose relative position.

6.8.15 - Continuing a block after any part of the initiating Blocker is touching the ground outside the track boundary.

6.8.16 - Any contact with an opponent who is touching the track exclusively outside the track boundary that does not affect the opposing skater’s ability to return to play.

6.8.17 - Any contact to opponents initiated by a downed skater returning to the track from out of bounds that does not force opposing in-play skaters to fall or lose relative position.

6.8.18 - Any assist from out of bounds that does not cause the receiving skater to improve their relative position.

6.8.19 - Any contact or blocking from out of bounds that causes the receiving opposing skater to fall or lose relative position.

6.8.20 - Continuing a block which causes the receiving skater to fall where there is continued blocking contact past the point where any part of the initiating Blocker is touching out of bounds.

6.8.21 - A downed skater returning to the track from out of bounds who forces any opposing in-play skaters to fall or lose relative position.

6.8.22 - Any contact with an opponent who is touching the track exclusively outside the track boundary that causes the opponent to fall or affects the opposing skater’s ability to return to play.

6.8.23 - Any assist from out of bounds that causes the receiving skater to improve their relative position.

The following egregious acts will be automatic game expulsion 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 block an out of bounds opponent in an egregious manner while executing an illegal block.

6.8.24 - Intentional, negligent, or reckless contact with an out of bounds opponent while executing a block in an illegal manner.