The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

7.1 - Passes

(See Section 10 - Glossary for Pass (noun) and Pass (verb) for definitions of when passes begin and end.)

7.1.1 - A Jammer does not score points on opposing Blockers on their first pass through the pack. This “initial pass” is to determine Lead Jammer status (see Section 2.4 - Lead Jammer).

7.1.1.1 - During an overtime jam, an exception is made: The initial pass is considered to be a scoring pass, and there is no Lead Jammer (see Section 1.6 - Overtime).

7.1.2 - A Jammer may score a Jammer Lap Point on their initial pass.

7.1.3 - After completing their initial pass, a Jammer scores points by passing opponents on their second and subsequent passes. These are considered “scoring passes.” A Jammer can score a maximum of one point per opposing Blocker per scoring pass. Jammer Lap Points are independent of scoring passes. In order to receive a point for passing an opponent, the Jammer must:

7.1.3.1 - Pass the opponents’ hips while in bounds and upright, legally, while wearing the Jammer helmet cover with the stars visible, without committing penalties.

7.1.3.2 - Any legal pass counts. If a Jammer becomes ineligible for a point by committing an illegal action or passing while out of bounds, the Jammer is allowed an opportunity to re-pass and score the point.

7.1.3.3 - Passes while airborne will result in points only if:

7.1.3.3.1 - The Jammer was in bounds when they left the track,

7.1.3.3.2 - The Jammer lands in bounds,

7.1.3.3.3 - The Jammer’s skate is the first part of the Jammer to make contact with the track, and

7.1.3.3.4 - The Jammer’s skate re-connects with the track prior to the end of the jam.

7.1.3.4 - A Jammer who is in bounds but down may earn points for opposing Blockers who were ahead of the Jammer but skate clockwise behind the downed Jammer. This is considered to be a pass.

7.1.3.5 - The Jammer’s scoring pass is complete (and their next scoring pass begins) once the Jammer has exited the Engagement Zone. If there is no pack, the scoring pass ends when the Jammer passes the foremost Blocker. If the Jammer is ahead of all Blockers, their pass ends immediately if a No Pack situation is declared (see Section 2.4 - Lead Jammer and Section 3.1 - Pack Definition)

7.1.4 - A Jammer’s initial pass through the pack begins as soon as the Jammer is behind the pack after the jam-starting whistle. If no pack is defined, the initial pass begins as soon as the Jammer is immediately behind the rearmost Blocker.

7.1.5 - Each pass through the pack (either initial or scoring) ends, and the next pass begins, when the Jammer exits the front of the Engagement Zone.

7.1.5.1 - If a Jammer exits the front of the Engagement Zone but is then lapped by the pack, that Jammer returns to their previous pass until re-exiting the front of the Engagement Zone. (See Section 7.2.2.1 for points scored before a Jammer returns to their previous pass.)

7.1.5.2 - If a Jammer falls behind and is lapped by the pack before completing their initial pass, it will not be considered their initial pass. The Jammer’s forward engagement of the pack on their subsequent pass will be considered their initial pass.

7.1.5.3 - Even if a Jammer is lapped by the pack more than once (as in Section 7.1.5.1 or Section 7.1.5.2), when they complete a pass by exiting the front of the Engagement Zone, they will return to the pass they had been on prior to having ever been lapped (see Section 7.1.3.5).