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