THE RULES

Here's a two-minute video that covers the basics of flat-track roller derby: 

What is Roller Derby?

Roller Derby is a full contact sport that has been around since about 1922. In past decades, roller derby has primarily been a professional or paid sport for both women and men. Contemporary roller derby is exclusively amateur, predominantly female (with over 950 women's leagues in 34 countries) and operates on an international circuit fully run “by the skaters for the skaters.” WFTDA, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, hosts a series of regional championships in the US, and a Championship Tournament which is open to all WFTDA-member leagues. 

You may have seen Roller Derby on TV - there were televised bouts as late as 2001, although the sport was most popular in the 1970s. By contrast with previous forms of roller derby, WFTDA Roller Derby is less about the entertainment value, and more about the sport. There are no staged hits, no fighting, and the winner of each bout is the team which out-performs the competition in a very physical, full-contact sport. Crossroads City Derby bouts are family-friendly events; kids under 12 are admitted free.

The Game

A “bout” lasts a total of 60 minutes, divided into two periods of 30 minutes, with each “Jam” lasting about two minutes. There is no limit to the number of jams allowed in each period. A pack is comprised of 10 skaters, five on each team. On each team there are a maximum of four blockers and one Jammer. The Jammer’s role is to score points for her team; she earns one point for each opposing skater she passes on the track.

Read all about this fantastic sport on the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) website. You can also follow the latest news, scores and behind the scenes on Derby News Network.

Helpful Links

WFTDA Rules May 26, 2010