The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

NOTE: You are viewing the March 1, 2014 revision of The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby, which is officially retired.

The current version of the rules can be found at Rules Central.

5.8 - Out of Bounds Engagement

5.8.1 - Skaters must be in bounds when engaging other skaters.

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

5.8.3 - 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.

5.8.4 - A skater who is in bounds need not yield right of way to any out-of-bounds skater, or make room for said out-of-bounds skater to return in bounds.

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

5.8.6 - An in-bounds skater may block an opponent who is straddling.

5.8.7 - 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.

5.8.8 - Downed skaters returning to the track are subject to Blocking Out of Bounds penalties, even if the downed skater has “fallen small.”

Examples of Legal Play

5.8.9 - Executing a block on an opponent who is straddling.

5.8.10 - Continuing a block on a skater who is completely out of bounds, so long as the initiator is still in bounds.

No Impact/No Penalty

5.8.11 - Any contact initiated by an out-of-bounds or straddling skater that does not cause an opponent to lose relative position, or the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.

5.8.12 - Continuing a block after the initiator has adopted an out-of-bounds (or straddling) position, that does not cause an opponent to lose relative position, or the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.

5.8.13 - Any contact with an opponent who is touching the track exclusively outside the track boundary (i.e., an out-of-bounds opponent who is not straddling) that does not affect the opponent’s upright status or ability to return to play.

5.8.14 - Any contact to opponents initiated by a downed skater returning to the track from out of bounds that does not cause an opponent to lose relative position, or the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.

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

Penalty

5.8.16 - Any contact or blocking initiated by an out-of-bounds skater that causes the receiving opponent to lose relative position, or allows the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position (e.g., to regain in-bounds status).

5.8.17 - Continuing a block that causes the receiving opponent to fall, where there is continued blocking contact past the point where any part of the initiating Blocker is touching out of bounds.

5.8.18 - A downed skater returning to the track from out of bounds who forces any opponents to lose relative position, or allows the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.

5.8.19 - Initiating contact to an opponent who is completely out of bounds, that causes the opponent to fall or affects the opponent’s ability to return to play.

5.8.20 - Any assist by an out-of-bounds skater that causes the receiving teammate to improve their relative position.

Expulsion

The following egregious acts will be automatic game expulsion. Expulsions will be issued for a conscious and forceful attempt to block an out-of-bounds opponent in an egregious manner.

5.8.21 - Negligent or reckless contact to an out-of-bounds opponent.

5.8.22 - Initiating negligent or reckless contact to an opponent by a skater who is out of bounds.

Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.