Lesson #14: Pack formation ========================== *by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil* `Watch this lesson on YouTube `_ Last updated: May 27, 2018 Concepts -------- - The pack is a fundamental aspect of game play - Its location determines the engagement zone where most blocking takes place - A blocker that exits the engagement zone is warned to return. - Failing to return warrants a penalty. - Intentionally destroying the pack can be a penalty. - The nonexistence of a pack (a “no pack” situation) triggers a set of strict rules for blockers to re-establish its existence - Failing to reform the pack warrants a penalty. - The location of an individual skater is measured at the centerpoint between their hips. Definitions ----------- - Pack - The largest group of upright, in bounds blockers skating or standing in close proximity (10’ links) containing members from both teams. - “Largest” means two or more equal-sized groups cannot constitute a pack. - “Upright, in bounds” means down or out of bounds skaters are not part of the pack. - This includes skaters straddling the line. - “Blockers” means Jammers are not part of the pack. - “Close proximity” is measured at the centerpoint of the track. The skater needs to be mentally “slid” to the center of the in-bounds area of track. Ten feet is then measured forward and backward from that point. - “Members of both teams” means a group with only one team present cannot be a pack. - Engagement zone - An area stretching from 20 feet in front of the pack to 20 feet behind it. - Blocking is illegal outside of this zone. - Exception: jammer vs. jammer blocking is legal. - In play - The status of any blocker who is upright and in bounds within the engagement zone. - Jammers who are upright and in bounds are in play. They need not be in the engagement zone. - Out of play - The status of any blocker who is upright and in bounds, but not inside the engagement zone. - If there is no engagement zone, all blockers are out of play. - No pack - When no group of blockers meets the definition of a pack - Split pack - A type of “no pack” situation wherein there are two or more equally valid packs. Homework -------- - *After going over this lesson, I strongly suggest going over the pack formation exercise packet available in the Zebra Huddle files section. It is an exceedingly useful assignment for a ref trainee learning about pack formation. (Approximate time: 15 minutes)*