Lesson #27: Clockwise play¶
by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil
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