Lesson #14: Pack formation¶
by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil
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)