The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

5.5 - Use of Forearms and Hands

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

5.5.2 - Incidental forearm or hand contact between opponents is acceptable.

5.5.3 - Contact, including extended contact, made with forearms or hands that are pulled into the body.

5.5.4 - A block initiated with the shoulder, sending an opponent forwards or sideways, in which there is either simultaneous or subsequent contact with forearms or hands.

5.5.5 - Illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opponent off balance, forward, and/or sideways but does not cause the opponent to lose relative position or the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position. For example, a slight but observable push with the hands or forearms.

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

5.5.7 - Any illegal forearm or hand contact to an opponent that forces the receiving opponent off balance, forward, and/or sideways and causes the opponent to lose relative position.

5.5.8 - Any illegal forearm or hand contact allowing the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position, or causing an opponent to lose relative position.

5.5.9 - Use of hands or forearms to grab or hold onto an opponent impeding that opponent’s mobility.

5.5.10 - Contact to an opponent, using the hands or forearms, in order to assist oneself in blocking an opponent.

The following egregious acts using the forearms or hands will be automatic game expulsions. 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.

5.5.11 - Holding or pinning an opponent to the ground.

5.5.12 - Shoving an opponent.