Roller Derby 101
Nope, we don't skate on a banked track like the ones from the 70's, or the one from the movie Whip It. We (like most other derby leagues in the nation) skate on a flat, 88 foot oval track. And no, we don't punch eachother, wrestle, or any of that nonsense, but don't let that fool you -- there's still an aweful lot of hitting. Hard hitting. However, we follow strict rules and we wear safety gear. Our games are called "Bouts" and we follow the current Women's Flat Track Derby Association rules. There are a LOT of rules. Rules, rules, rules. Did we mention there are rules? Well, luckily for you we won't get into all that right now. Let's just go over the basics.
Ready class? BEGIN!
Two teams face off at each bout. Each team can have up to 14 skaters on the roster. Bouts are an hour long, split into 2 thirty minute halves made up of 2 minute "race" periods called Jams. Confused yet? C'mon, stick with it, it'll make sense, I promise.
During a jam, each team can have four blockers and one jammer on the track.
Ready class? BEGIN!
Two teams face off at each bout. Each team can have up to 14 skaters on the roster. Bouts are an hour long, split into 2 thirty minute halves made up of 2 minute "race" periods called Jams. Confused yet? C'mon, stick with it, it'll make sense, I promise.
During a jam, each team can have four blockers and one jammer on the track.
Still a little confused? That's okay, don't feel bad; you're not as dumb as you look.
Check out this video for a more in depth look at gameplay (with audio and moving pictures!)
Check out this video for a more in depth look at gameplay (with audio and moving pictures!)
Well class, you've done well. You get an A+ for effort. If you have any questions at all, feel free to drop us a line!
Big thanks to Atlanta Rolllergirls and to Hammer City Roller Girls for the graphic and video!
Big thanks to Atlanta Rolllergirls and to Hammer City Roller Girls for the graphic and video!