The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

5.7 - Multi-Player Blocks

Skaters often work together to execute more effective blocks on opponents. In some cases, however, teammates working together can create an unfair advantage for themselves, relative to an opponent who is trying to pass them, or an unsafe environment. As such, it is illegal for teammates to prevent an opponent from passing them via grasping, linking, or forming an impenetrable wall (See Section 10 - Glossary for Grasping, Linking, Impenetrable).

5.7.1 - Grasping a teammate, so long as an opponent is not physically impeded from passing between said teammates due to the grasp.

5.7.2 - Linking with a teammate, so long as an opponent is not physically impeded from passing between said teammates due to the link.

5.7.3 - Forming an impenetrable wall with a teammate, so long as an opponent is not physically impeded from passing between said teammates.

5.7.4 - Impeding an opponent, physically or not, by touching a teammate without grasping or linking, so long as the wall is not impenetrable.

5.7.5 - Initiating a block while linking, grasping, or as part of an impenetrable wall, so long as an opponent is not impeded from passing between the connected teammates.

5.7.6 - Positionally (but not physically) impeding an opponent using a link, grasp, or impenetrable wall.

5.7.7 - Not applicable.

5.7.8 - Grasping a teammate in a manner that, upon a physical challenge by an opponent, prevents said opponent from passing between said teammates.

5.7.8.1 - The penalty will be issued to the grasper. If both teammates are grasping, the penalty will be issued to the grasper closest to the referee.

5.7.9 - Linking with a teammate in a manner that, upon a physical challenge by an opponent, prevents said opponent from passing between said teammates.

5.7.9.1 - The penalty will be issued to the initiator of the link. If neither skater can be identified as the initiator of the link, the penalty will be issued to the linker closest to the referee.

5.7.10 - Two teammates forming an impenetrable wall that, upon a physical challenge by an opponent, prevents said opponent from passing between said teammates.

5.7.10.1 - The penalty will be issued to the skater most responsible for the wall’s impenetrability. If neither skater can be identified as most responsible, the penalty will be issued to the skater closest to the referee.

The following egregious acts will be automatic game expulsions. Expulsions will be issued for a conscious and forceful attempt to block an opponent in an egregious manner while forming a multi-player block.

5.7.11 - Negligent or reckless contact with an opponent while forming a multi-player block in an illegal manner.