The Sport. The Strategy. The Thrill.
Welcome to Roller Derby 101, your guide to understanding the fast-paced, full-contact world of roller derby! Whether you’re a new skater, a curious fan, or just wondering what all the excitement is about, we’ve got you covered.
What is Roller Derby?
Roller derby is a high-energy, full-contact sport played on roller skates. Two teams battle it out on an oval track, combining speed, strategy, and strength to score points and stop their opponents.
- Played on Quad Skates – No inlines here!
- Two Teams, Five Skaters Each – One Jammer and four Blockers per team.
- Two-Minute Jams – Short bursts of non-stop action.
- Points Scored by the Jammer – Jammers score points by lapping opposing skaters.
- Blockers Play Offense & Defense – They help their jammer while stopping the other team’s.
The Basics of the Game
The Players
- Jammer – The point scorer, identified by a star on their helmet.
- Pivot – A special blocker who can take over as the jammer mid-jam.
- Blockers – The muscle of the team, working together to control the pack.
The Gameplay
- The Pack – The largest group of blockers from both teams skating together.
- The Jam – A two-minute round where jammers race through the pack to score.
- Lead Jammer – The first jammer to break through the pack can call off the jam early.
- Scoring – After the first lap, jammers earn one point for each opposing skater they pass.
The Rules
Roller derby is tough, but it’s not a free-for-all! Some common penalties include:
- Cutting the Track – Skating out of bounds and re-entering unfairly.
- Back Blocking – Hitting another skater from behind.
- Forearm/Elbow – Using arms or hands to block.
- Direction of Play – Moving against the track flow.
How Can You Get Involved?
Roller derby is for everyone—whether you want to skate, officiate, or cheer from the stands!
- Join Our Rising Phoenix Program – No experience? No problem! We’ll teach you everything from skating basics to gameplay strategy.
- Be a Fan – Come watch live games and experience the action up close.
- Volunteer or Officiate – Help keep the game rolling as a non-skating official (NSO) or referee.