Roller derby is a type of competitive sport involving players competing whilst on roller skates. What would be called a roller derby "game" to anyone unfamiliar with the sport is actually labeled as a "bout". Within bouts, two teams of players compete against each other to win. Winning the bout requires one of the teams to score the most points within the time limit that the bout lasts. However, both teams have only two minute round intervals, called jams, in which they must score as much points as possible.
Derby Names: All roller derby players are required to pick another name, or alias, that they will be called by during a bout. Each player must pick an individual name that has not already been picked by any other roller derby player.
Equipment: Because roller derby is a high-contact sport, players are required to wear a lot of equipment. In addition to wearing 4-wheeled roller skates, players must wear a helmet, mouth guard, wrist pads, elbow pads, and knee pads.
Scoring: As mentioned previously, only the jammers can score points for their teams. One jammer from each team plays in every jam. Firstly, the jammer must overlap the pack of players, which will not result in any points scored. After passing the pack once, every opposing team member the jammer passes will result in point earned towards the jammer's team.
Blocking: Blockers or Pivots may intend to block members of the opposing team or jammer by knocking players out of bounds or preventing them from moving forward. Physical contact is often used to block; however, physical contact can only be made in the region between a player's shoulder and mid-thigh. Physical contact can not be made using the head, elbows, hands, feet, either.
Penalties: Referees determine penalties and there are numerous penalties that are involved in this sport. The result of a penalty is similar to a penalty in hockey. The player who fouled must sit in the penalty box for thirty seconds before returning to the jam. It is also similar to basketball in that a player can "foul out" of a game. After receiving their seventh penalty of the bout, the player must sit in the penalty box and is thrown out of the bout.
Jammer: The jammer is indicated by a cap placed over a player's helmet; the cap with a star on it is worn by the jammer. This player is in charge of scoring the points for their team within a jam. To score, jammers must break through the pack of all the players and overlap the pack, as well. The more opposing team members the jammer can pass after first overlapping the pack, the more points the jammer scores for their team. Jammers also have the ability to end a round at any time by tapping both their wrists to their hips repeatedly.
Blocker: Any other player who does not have a cap over their helmet is considered a blocker. Their contribution to the team is blocking, of course. These players make attempts to block the opposing team's jammer from breaking through the pack and their own team members to gain points. Blockers can push or pull each other, as well as form human chains in order to knock other opposing team players or their jammer out of bounds.
Pivot: The pivot is also indicated by a cap on the player's helmet; the striped cap is worn by the pivot. This player is often in charge of relaying a strategy to the rest of their team as well as setting the pace for the pack. Their role is similar to that of a blocker; they must prevent the jammer from getting past the pack and their team members. The pivot has the power to become the jammer within a jam, as well.
The two teams start by lining up at one point of a roller-rink. When a whistle is blown, a two minute countdown starts. Within that two minute time slot, both teams aim to gain points. Every team member continues to ride laps around the rink within a pack, while completing their intended task according to the type of player they are. While the jammers attempts to gain points, all other players attempt to block the opposing team members and jammer.
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