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.
5.9.1 - Skaters must be skating and/or stepping in the counter-clockwise direction when executing a block. Skaters may not skate in the clockwise direction while executing a block. Skaters may not block while stopped on the track. These illegal blocking techniques include positional blocking. Clockwise movement is measured by the skates moving past a line perpendicular to the track boundaries.
5.9.2 - Skaters must be skating and/or stepping in the counter-clockwise direction when giving an assist. Skaters may not skate in the clockwise direction when giving or receiving an assist. Skaters may not give assists to skating teammates while stopped on the track. The initiator of the assist is responsible for the legality of the assist. Clockwise movement is measured by the skates moving past a line perpendicular to the track boundaries.
5.9.2.1 - A stopped or counter-clockwise stepping/skating skater may legally assist a stopped or downed teammate.
5.9.3 - Skaters are permitted to skate clockwise on the track provided they do not block, assist, or otherwise engage teammates or opponents.
5.9.4 - Skaters are permitted to stop on the track provided they do not block, assist, or otherwise engage teammates or opponents.
5.9.4.1 - A skater who is engaged in a block who then comes to a stop for any reason must cease all engagement until there is another legal opportunity to engage.
5.9.5 - Skaters may skate clockwise out of bounds when exiting the Penalty Box, but must return to play from the back of the pack (see Section 5.13 - Illegal Procedures).
5.9.6 - Skaters may block and/or assist while their body is facing any direction as long as they are moving in the counter-clockwise direction.
Examples of Legal Play
5.9.8 - Skating clockwise while out of bounds in order to avoid a Cutting the Track penalty (see Section 5.11 - Cutting the Track).
No Impact/No Penalty
5.9.13 - A stopped skater giving an assist that affects the recipient but does not improve the recipient’s relative position.
5.9.14 - A clockwise-skating or stepping skater giving an assist that affects the recipient but does not improve the recipient’s relative position.
5.9.15 - Any block by a stopped or clockwise-moving skater that forces the receiving opponent off balance, forward, backward, and/or sideways, but does not cause an opponent to lose relative position, or the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.
5.9.16 - A skater who, while blocking an opponent, momentarily comes to a stop, but resumes counter-clockwise skating and/or stepping at the first legal opportunity.
5.9.16.1 - If there is no legal opportunity to skate and/or step in the counter-clockwise direction, no penalty will be assessed as long as the stopped skater does not continue to engage.
Penalty
5.9.17 - A block by a stopped skater that includes physical contact that forces the receiving opponent to lose relative position, or allows the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.
5.9.18 - A clockwise block that forces the receiving opponent to lose relative position, or allows the initiator or a teammate to gain relative position.
5.9.19 - A clockwise skating and/or stepping skater giving an assist to a teammate who is neither down nor stopped that improves the recipient’s relative position. The penalty is given to the initiator of the assist.
5.9.20 - A stopped skater giving an assist to a teammate who is neither down nor stopped that improves the recipient’s relative position.
5.9.21 - Actively maintaining a stopped position (e.g., via braking or receiving an assist), or maintaining clockwise momentum, while impeding an opponent.
Expulsion
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 executing a clockwise or stopped block, whether or not the action was successful.
©2014 Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby may not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the WFTDA.
Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.
Copyright © Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Site by Spenlen Media.
All photos and content on this website are copyrighted by their respective creators. Please do not reproduce, print, or use any photos in any context without the express written permission of the WFTDA.