The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

5.3 - Low Blocking

Skaters may not trip or intentionally fall in front of an opponent. Any contact initiated below the legal target zone that causes the opponent to stumble or fall is considered low blocking. Downed Skaters returning to the track are subject to Low Blocking penalties even on the first instance, even if the downed Skater has fallen small.

5.3.1 - Contact between skates and wheels that is part of the normal skating motion.

5.3.2 - A Skater who “falls small” in an effort to avoid low blocking, if no opponent’s relative position is affected.

5.3.3 - A downed Skater returning to the track who causes an opponent to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

5.3.4 - A Skater who “falls small” in an effort to avoid low blocking, affecting an opponent’s relative position.

5.3.5 - Any contact that lands below the legal target zone that causes an opponent to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

5.3.6 - Any contact initiated with a part of the body below the legal blocking zone that causes an opponent to stumble but not fall or lose relative position.

5.3.7 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion that lands below the legal target zone and causes an opponent to fall or lose relative position.

5.3.8 - Any contact outside of the normal skating motion initiated with a part of the body below the legal blocking/target zone that causes an opponent to fall or lose relative position.

5.3.9 - Any contact initiated with or to any part of the body below the legal blocking/target zone allowing the initiator or any teammate to gain position, or causing any opponent to lose relative position.

5.3.10 - Flailing and sprawling Skaters who low block an opponent causing the recipient to fall or lose relative position.

5.3.11 - Habitual contact between skates and wheels that is part of the normal skating motion that causes an opponent to stumble, fall, or lose relative position. The intent is to penalize Skaters whose normal skating motion is dangerous to opponents. A single Skater who repeatedly low blocks other opponents, even in normal skating motions, is adversely affecting game play and safety.

5.3.12 - A Skater who habitually falls in front of opponents, causing them to stumble, fall or lose relative position, even if the Skater “falls small.” The intent is to penalize a Skater who repeatedly falls as the Skater is a danger to opponents. A single Skater who repeatedly low blocks opponents, even when “falling small” is adversely affecting game play and safety.

5.3.13 - A downed Skater returning to the track who causes an opponent to fall or lose relative position.

The following egregious acts will be automatic game expulsions. Expulsions will be issued for a conscious attempt to low block an opponent, whether or not the action was successful.

5.3.14 - Intentional tripping with feet or hands.

5.3.15 - Slide tackling an opponent.