Lesson #27: Clockwise play ========================== *by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil* `Watch this lesson on YouTube `_ Last updated: January 21, 2018 General ------- - Although roller derby is played counterclockwise, it is legal to skate clockwise. - Exception: a rear group reforming the pack during a no pack situation - Exception: out of play blockers to the rear of the engagement zone - The direction a skater is facing while skating clockwise is irrelevant. - Skaters are never required to skate clockwise - Exception: out of play blockers to the front of the engagement zone when the pack is stopped or moving clockwise. Clockwise jammers ----------------- - Jammers rarely skate clockwise except to avoid track cuts. - There is no “running lap count” for jammers. - A jammer that falls behind can be absorbed into the prior trip through the pack. - No missed points or credit toward lead jammer can be obtained - No matter how many times a jammer is lapped by the pack, the jammer needs only pass through the pack and exit the front of the engagement zone to return to the current lap. - Eating the baby - Jammer A knocks Jammer B out of bounds at the start of the jam, after which Jammer A skates clockwise to the front of the pack. Jammer B must enter behind them, which is behind the pack of their prior lap. Jammer A then skates counterclockwise on their regular initial trip. Jammer B must effectively pass through the pack twice to complete their initial trip. Clockwise pack movement ----------------------- - The game does not change directions when the pack travels clockwise - The front and rear of the pack do not switch sides - Jammers must still pass skaters in the counterclockwise direction to earn passes on opposing blockers - Clockwise-moving skaters cannot legally initiate blocks or assists - Counterclockwise skating jammers can legally initiate blocks against clockwise skaters. - Cutting the track and track re-entry rules are not altered. - Skaters must still re-enter behind (ie; clockwise) skaters to avoid illegally gaining position - Out of play rules regarding no pack situations do not change - The rear group must still skate counterclockwise to reform - The front group can stop their clockwise motion as fast as they want and remain still until the counterclockwise group reaches them - Destruction penalties are assessed as normal. If the team makes a sudden, marked, and rapid stop or change of direction (including back to counterclockwise), it should be met with a penalty