Talk Derby to Me: What is Derby?
Okay, so you’re wondering… what in the hell is roller derby and how is it played? Let’s make this simple and give you a crash course in Derby 101. Just as a football team has its positions of quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, etc., roller derby has its key positions, too. There are three different positions for the skaters called the Pivot, Blocker, and Jammer. Each has a very distinctive but clearly defined role. And keep in mind that we look a helluva lot better in skirts and fishnets than any football player ever could!
The PIVOT is the first skater in a pack formation. The Pivot sets the pace of the game and is identified by the stripe on her helmet. The Pivot has a dual role and also acts as a Blocker.
The BLOCKER lines up behind the Pivot. The Blocker tries to stop the opposing Jammer from scoring points. The Blocker also plays offense by helping her own team’s Jammer make her way through the pack.
The JAMMER attempts to blaze past the other skaters ahead of her. The Jammer scores points by passing members of the opposing team. She wears a helmet with a star.
Alrighty then, those are the players. So how’s the game go? Each team is represented on the track by five players. The group of skaters (or pack) takes on the formation of a pyramid. There is a Pivot from each team in front and three Blockers from each team behind the Pivot. When the whistle blows, the pack makes its start. After a second whistle is blown, the Jammer from each team takes off and claws her way through the pack in a race to the lead. Once the lead position is established by a Jammer, she is then referred to as the Lead Jammer. After the Jammers lap the pack one time, they re-enter the fray once again and make their way through the ranks. As they pass each member of the opposing team, one point is scored. A jam is permitted to last no more than two minutes; however, it is the Lead Jammer’s prerogative to call off the jam at any given moment.
It might look like there aren’t any rules for roller derby but there are. Penalties are meted out for moves such as false starts, illegal holding and blocking, intentional tripping and falling, excessive skating out of bounds and what not. And yeah, mayhem and general brouhaha might ensue. Then again, what do you expect when you have ten fiercely competitive women who are careening around the rink at breakneck speeds, all with the goal of winning the game?! Roller derby…. it’s how HARD girls roll!!!
Roller Derby Explained
Enola, PA — May 4, 2008 — The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is proud to announce today that H.A.R.D. has been accepted as a member of the WFTDA, the national governing body for women’s amateur flat track roller derby in the U.S.
As a new member of the WFTDA, H.A.R.D. joins the ranks of over 30 all-female, skater owned and operated leagues nationwide that have united to lead the growing sport of women’s flat track roller derby. WFTDA member leagues engage in sanctioned interleague play, including regional and national tournaments. H.A.R.D will be a Division III member in the east region.
About the WFTDA
Founded in 2004, the WFTDA promotes and fosters the sport of women’s flat track derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship, and goodwill among member leagues. The governing philosophy is “by the skaters, for the skaters.” Women skaters are primary owners, managers, and operators of each member league and of the association. WFTDA’s operational tasks include setting standards for rules, seasons and safety, and determining guidelines for the national and international athletic competitions of member leagues. All member leagues have a voice in the decision-making process, and agree to comply with the governing body’s policies. For more information, visit www.wftda.com.
