Great Video and thanks for posting it. I am going to be videotaping my first Roller Derby in a week and this really helped me understand the sport. Now when I go to check out a practice I won't look completely lost. Thanks
Thank you so much for posting this video. It really helped give me a visual on what's happening. I'm trying to learn as much as possible for the 2011 tryouts in New York! Thanks!
I remember watching this as a boy but never really understood the object of the game. Thanks for posting this. A nebulous concept in my mind has been clarified.
You're absolutely right and this explanation is quite a good one - I think it is what irishmakbeth was probably looking for when he posed his questions. You make the point that only someone who knows nothing about RD would make such and assumption - that is exactly what is happening here! Many people don't know a THING about roller derby and would like some more explanation from people involved. Don't attack people just because they don't initially understand something and are asking questions.
I;ve wanted to do this since I was 14 and finally found a team in my city. Im totally going to the fresh meat session next week and can't f-ing wait!!!! Thanks for posting this
@kastar2209 The pivots and blockers can be anywhere as long as they are a part of the pack. The pack is defined as the largest group of skaters, with skaters from both teams, skating within proximity (10 feet) of each other...or something like that...I havent read the most recent rule set. Other blockers must start a jam behind the pivot only if the pivot is lined up on the start line. After the jam starts pivots and blockers may move freely within the pack.
@ColouredHairStreaks Both jammers can score points, but the lead jammer has the advantage of being able to call off the jam at any time. Remember, every jam a new lead jammer (or no lead) is determined. The status doesn't carry over from jam to jam.
@wittyworldlee The same thing happens. They reset and start a new jam. This happens a lot. For example, if the lead jammer falls behind or is passed by the opposing jammer she can call it off before the opposing jammer can pass any of her players. The lead jammer's team doesn't score any points, but it also prevents the opposing team from scoring any points on that jam.
Thanks for this video! Im going to my first derby try-out tomorrow, and I wasn't really sure what to do but skate. At least I'll know what the hells going on now! :D
@BoonieBoon1989 No. you get points for each player in the penalty box, or any player that is "out of play" (20 feet behind or in front of the pack, etc. ) at the time the jammer passes the first opposing player that is in the pack. Also, only 2 blockers can be in the penalty box at a time, so if a third is assesed a penalty that sends her to the penalty box, and there are already 2 blockers in the box, her penalty is delayed until one of them returns to play.
@kris123kris Yes, only the jammers score points. The other players (blockers and the pivot) try to keep the opposing jammer from scoring, while assisting their own jammer through the pack.
@wittyworldlee They reset and it starts all over again. Each jam lasts until the lead jammer calls it off or 2 minutes passes. The bout is split into two 30 minute periods and there can be as many jams in each period as this rule allows.
@BansyHansy *OR* Jammer A is lead but she fell (or fell behind or whatever) and Jammer B is getting to the pack first and is about to score. Jammer A can call off the jam to prevent her from scoring. In this case neither jammer scores any points for that jam (assuming it is the first scoring pass for both jammers).
That was really interesting I wondered what/how to play. i met someone today who is on a rollerderby, she was trying to recruit me. sounds interesting, i might have to check it out.
And I agree that a youtube comments section isn't the easiest place to explain a whole sport, but hey its a video explaining Roller Derby and it's exposing the sport to a lot of people who haven't ever seen it before. As a supporter you should be eager to explain and advocate the sport in this forum - or provide good resources to learn more.
@robotXzombie Going to flat track removes the restrictively high cost and major headaches of building and maintaining a track. This opened up the sport to anyone who can find a smooth surface large enough for the track. There are still banked track derby leagues out there, but because of the low cost and ease of setting up a flat track, flat track roller derby has exploded in popularity.
cool cheers for the reply, yeah im definiately interested in joining in but im here in galway Ireland, what are the chances of it ever taking off over here, pretty slim id say!
very cool.... i plan on seeing the Santa Cruz Roller Girls in a coupla weeks, and now i'll know more about what's going on!:D it's gonna be hella fun and i hope they win!!!!
The trick in calling it off if you get points. The point is to score, then cut off the jam to prevent the other jammer from scoring. This is why it is valuable to be the first jammer out of the pack. this is important that, if late in the game and you are protecting a slim lead, you get the lead jammer position and then cut it off right away. It's like taking a knee in football at that point.
@FlatBlackLak Flat track Vs Banked track. Roller derby used to be played on an inclined (banked) track (like the one you see in the movie Whip It!), but now the majority of current teams play flat track roller derby, which can be played on any large flat surface (...well, any surface that is big enough for the track).
Blockers can absolutely hit other blockers, and the pivot, and the jammer. Hitting (or checking) is a pivotal part of the sport. However, there are a LOT of rules on how you are allowed to hit…no elbows…no punching…no hits to or below the knees…no hitting the head…and so on.
I'm hoping to join a team as soon as I get the hang of skating again. Unfortunately, the local rink is only open Friday's & Saturday's so it'll take awhile...):
@iluvmusik145 Only quad skates are allowed for WFTDA, and as far as I know, there aren't any current inline roller derby leagues (they tried something like it on inlines in the early 90's, I believe, but it didn't last long.) Referees may wear inline skates if they wish.
This was based on the WFTDA rules for 2006 (ver. 1.0) I know some leagues have added their own rules to line up in the way you mentioned, but, as of yet, there are no rules governing the inside or outside positioning of pivots or jammers. That may change with the new ruleset (ver. 2.1)...if they are ever released...when they do release them I'll have to re-do the entire animation...
@bdogdj ..Oh, and blocking to the thigh is not a penalty even if they fall. A low block (or trip) is from just above the knee down...The thigh is fair game.
You have already made up your mind about roller derby, so it doesn't matter what anyone says, but by your own definition roller derby is absolutely a sport. Direct competition between players toward a specific goal? Yup. The jammers are trying to score points by passing players of the opposing team. Technical ability? Yup. Skating skills (forward, backward, one foot, jumping, etc.), legal blocking and checking, forming effective walls, giving effective whips/pushes, and so on. (see next post)
A Jam is when the actual game play and scoring occurs in Roller Derby. It can last up to two minutes, but can be called off for strategy purposes. For example let's say the Jammer on Team "A" is the lead jammer and has scored 4 points, and the Jammer on Team "B" has not been able to score. Jammer "A" has the choice to either try to score more points, risking the "B" will also score, or she may call off the jam with a score of 4 to 0.
I'm interested in getting into roller derby and I am athletic (running/rowing/roller blading) but I have no experience doing this, should I practice by myself? would a derby team train you?
Any blockers not in the pack are scored upon as soon as the the first opposing player that IS in the pack is passed. So, instead of not being able to score on them, they are "free" points. There are always 4 points/pass that can be scored (a 5th point can be scored if the opposing jammer is lapped...Grand Slam!).
@adambungle ...Ran out of room... sorry... Tripping can be a Minor or Major based on the impact of the foul (almost all rules are based on this magical concept of "IMPACT"). If tripping (or a low block) causes the girl to stumble, but not fall or lose her relative position is a minor. Any low contact or tripping that causes her to fall or lose relative position is a major.
@BansyHansy @BansyHansy When a jammer is the Lead Jammer they can call it off any time they want by tapping their hips. Usually it is done to prevent the OTHER jammer from scoring any points. For example, Jammer A is lead jammer and has just scored 4 points on her second pass through the pack. Jammer B has not yest gotten to the pack on her scoring pass. Jammer A sees this and calls off the jam so that Jammer B can't score any points.
1)a jam is the 2 minute skate were the teams try to score points. the lead jamer might call it off to prevent the other team from score any or more points. 2)yes they can 3)the pivots are like the main blocker who yells out orders to get the jamer thourgh
First reply: The 60s version of derby was a show, yes. However, today's version is an intense SPORT. You have to be in top shape to play, or you will be left behind. It's not like softball, where you sit around half the time. Try finding 8 elementary-schoolers and challenge them to a game of tag where half of them are "it" and you have to stay inside the space of a single basketball court (about the same size as the derby track), and then you might experience the intensity of derby.
@adambungle The rules have changed slightly (and continue to change) since this video was produced, but most of it is the same, or close enough not to matter (I wouldn't use it to train referees...). Cutting the track is when any player passes any other player while out of bounds. Passing one player on the track, while out of bounds is a minor, passing more than one player on the track while out of bounds is a major.
Yes, any time after the first whistle blows. Even though the Pivots "set the pace of the pack" they do not need to stay in the front of the pack. Blockers and pivots may move areound as they wish within the pack.
Because you have roller blading experience, you probably have balance and are used to using the inner and outer muscles in your thigh (something I didn't have experience with as a runner)... I figured I could walk in and beat anyone around the track... not so much. Running and skating need very different muscles... I'm building those now, too. :)
i'm pretty sure the pivots are in the wrong formation. aren't they supposed to be opposite of their jammer? and form a diamond with the rest of the blockers?
omg i saw it first saw it today such a good movie, now im interested in this and i wanna start, im kinda mad im late on this im only 18 so i can only do recreational =[ but this allows time for me to get better
This is perfect! Thank you! I've looked all over for an explanation, but none have been this clear!
Great Video and thanks for posting it.
I am going to be videotaping my first Roller Derby in a week and this really helped me understand the sport. Now when I go to check out a practice I won't look completely lost. Thanks
Loved this video....just joined Derby League, and i watched Roller Derby as a child, but now i understand it a bit more!!! I am loving it!!!
Thank you so much for posting this video. It really helped give me a visual on what's happening. I'm trying to learn as much as possible for the 2011 tryouts in New York! Thanks!
Watched it when I was a kid and never had a clue how it worked...now I do. Thanks.
Went to our first Roller Derby last night. At first we were clueless to what was going on. This video was awesome at explaining it all. Thanks!
I remember watching this as a boy but never really understood the object of the game. Thanks for posting this. A nebulous concept in my mind has been clarified.
I'm taking my written test tomorrow and this was a great video. Thanks!
thanks im an english sportsman and now know the rules of another sport well explained worth watching thanks again
I find this video great with the understanding of the rules. Thank you so much for sharing.
Excellent video! I wish all instructional vids were like this.
You're absolutely right and this explanation is quite a good one - I think it is what irishmakbeth was probably looking for when he posed his questions. You make the point that only someone who knows nothing about RD would make such and assumption - that is exactly what is happening here! Many people don't know a THING about roller derby and would like some more explanation from people involved. Don't attack people just because they don't initially understand something and are asking questions.
Thanks for this brilliant explanation of this strange sport. You obviously had a lot of fun making the animation too !
This is so incredibly helpful it's insane!! Thanks a million!
Well done, this is a great explanation and it looks like you put a lot of work into it. Well done.
I;ve wanted to do this since I was 14 and finally found a team in my city. Im totally going to the fresh meat session next week and can't f-ing wait!!!! Thanks for posting this
Very visual that helpful. Millions Thanks :)
Good presentation, I like it.
This is awesome! I was wondering about the rules because I want to try it! Thanks a million!
Going to my first match tonight and I'm pumped! Now I'll know what I'm watching!
this was awesome...really love the song as well. Thnx for the explination...
That was a great video! I was invited to a bout but had no idea of how the game was played.
@kastar2209 The pivots and blockers can be anywhere as long as they are a part of the pack. The pack is defined as the largest group of skaters, with skaters from both teams, skating within proximity (10 feet) of each other...or something like that...I havent read the most recent rule set. Other blockers must start a jam behind the pivot only if the pivot is lined up on the start line. After the jam starts pivots and blockers may move freely within the pack.
Thank you for this video! I was wondering how this was played. Helpful vid!
@ColouredHairStreaks Both jammers can score points, but the lead jammer has the advantage of being able to call off the jam at any time. Remember, every jam a new lead jammer (or no lead) is determined. The status doesn't carry over from jam to jam.
owW1, Up thanks fr making this excellent informative video.
All those years I thougth it was just roll around the track and hit the other teams.
Great clip. Cheers for the thorough explanation. ;)
Please can we please just go back to this please? Not only the ruleset, but the culture of derby when this vid was made...I miss it every day.
@wittyworldlee The same thing happens. They reset and start a new jam.
This happens a lot.
For example, if the lead jammer falls behind or is passed by the opposing jammer she can call it off before the opposing jammer can pass any of her players. The lead jammer's team doesn't score any points, but it also prevents the opposing team from scoring any points on that jam.
Thanks for this video! Im going to my first derby try-out tomorrow, and I wasn't really sure what to do but skate. At least I'll know what the hells going on now! :D
This explained the rules really well, thanks.
@BoonieBoon1989 No. you get points for each player in the penalty box, or any player that is "out of play" (20 feet behind or in front of the pack, etc. ) at the time the jammer passes the first opposing player that is in the pack. Also, only 2 blockers can be in the penalty box at a time, so if a third is assesed a penalty that sends her to the penalty box, and there are already 2 blockers in the box, her penalty is delayed until one of them returns to play.
I have exams, why am I learning about roller Derby, this isn't physics.
shy0dusk fuck .. I have mathematics
A AWESOME GAME!!! thanks FOR THE EXPLANATION!!!
Thx, about to go to my first roller derby event :)
:) thanks for explaining this. i just saw the film whip it and was intrigued...never heard about this sport before and it looks amazing!
Ah that was very clear explanation. The animation really helped.
lol at the end when the player knocks off the camera hehe.
@kris123kris Yes, only the jammers score points. The other players (blockers and the pivot) try to keep the opposing jammer from scoring, while assisting their own jammer through the pack.
Cool. I have no idea how this game work before. I thought it was a bunch of people trying to pass eachothers. Thanks for the video.
@wittyworldlee They reset and it starts all over again. Each jam lasts until the lead jammer calls it off or 2 minutes passes. The bout is split into two 30 minute periods and there can be as many jams in each period as this rule allows.
@BansyHansy *OR* Jammer A is lead but she fell (or fell behind or whatever) and Jammer B is getting to the pack first and is about to score. Jammer A can call off the jam to prevent her from scoring. In this case neither jammer scores any points for that jam (assuming it is the first scoring pass for both jammers).
Yes, that's cool. Whenever I finish the updated version I'll try to let everyone know.
this helps alot! I know now what i am getting myself into
@kris123kris No. Teams only score points when their jammers pass opposing players legally (or lap the opposing jammer).
@sprangs1 No, but a lead jammer can lose her lead jammer status by removing the helmet cover with the star, or by going to the penalty box.
awesome cheers. during a jam can the lead jammer change if so how???
That was really interesting I wondered what/how to play. i met someone today who is on a rollerderby, she was trying to recruit me. sounds interesting, i might have to check it out.
Thanks for the rundown! I just joined as a new ref >:D
Thanks for the video very helpful...
And I agree that a youtube comments section isn't the easiest place to explain a whole sport, but hey its a video explaining Roller Derby and it's exposing the sport to a lot of people who haven't ever seen it before. As a supporter you should be eager to explain and advocate the sport in this forum - or provide good resources to learn more.
I used to watch this on TV when I was small. I was fascinated by it. I always thought it had a ball in it though.
@robotXzombie Going to flat track removes the restrictively high cost and major headaches of building and maintaining a track. This opened up the sport to anyone who can find a smooth surface large enough for the track. There are still banked track derby leagues out there, but because of the low cost and ease of setting up a flat track, flat track roller derby has exploded in popularity.
cool cheers for the reply, yeah im definiately interested in joining in but im here in galway Ireland, what are the chances of it ever taking off over here, pretty slim id say!
very cool.... i plan on seeing the Santa Cruz Roller Girls in a coupla weeks, and now i'll know more about what's going on!:D it's gonna be hella fun and i hope they win!!!!
The trick in calling it off if you get points. The point is to score, then cut off the jam to prevent the other jammer from scoring. This is why it is valuable to be the first jammer out of the pack. this is important that, if late in the game and you are protecting a slim lead, you get the lead jammer position and then cut it off right away. It's like taking a knee in football at that point.
Very informative. Thanks!
Thanks for posting!
@FlatBlackLak Flat track Vs Banked track. Roller derby used to be played on an inclined (banked) track (like the one you see in the movie Whip It!), but now the majority of current teams play flat track roller derby, which can be played on any large flat surface (...well, any surface that is big enough for the track).
Enlightening. What program did you use to make the animation?
Informative video...what songs did you use?
This helped me a lot
so helpful c:
my bestfriend does roller derby, and i had no idea how it was played.
i would of been confused if i watched her play.
Blockers can absolutely hit other blockers, and the pivot, and the jammer. Hitting (or checking) is a pivotal part of the sport. However, there are a LOT of rules on how you are allowed to hit…no elbows…no punching…no hits to or below the knees…no hitting the head…and so on.
I'm hoping to join a team as soon as I get the hang of skating again. Unfortunately, the local rink is only open Friday's & Saturday's so it'll take awhile...):
@iluvmusik145 Only quad skates are allowed for WFTDA, and as far as I know, there aren't any current inline roller derby leagues (they tried something like it on inlines in the early 90's, I believe, but it didn't last long.) Referees may wear inline skates if they wish.
This was based on the WFTDA rules for 2006 (ver. 1.0) I know some leagues have added their own rules to line up in the way you mentioned, but, as of yet, there are no rules governing the inside or outside positioning of pivots or jammers. That may change with the new ruleset (ver. 2.1)...if they are ever released...when they do release them I'll have to re-do the entire animation...
This is a really good explanation of Roller Derby, you can learn a lot from it. Go GCRG(GEM CITY ROLLERGIRLS)!
@bdogdj ..Oh, and blocking to the thigh is not a penalty even if they fall. A low block (or trip) is from just above the knee down...The thigh is fair game.
You have already made up your mind about roller derby, so it doesn't matter what anyone says, but by your own definition roller derby is absolutely a sport. Direct competition between players toward a specific goal? Yup. The jammers are trying to score points by passing players of the opposing team. Technical ability? Yup. Skating skills (forward, backward, one foot, jumping, etc.), legal blocking and checking, forming effective walls, giving effective whips/pushes, and so on. (see next post)
so does a game usually end as soon as the first jammer has more points than the opponent like in the video? or do they do more and more laps?
A Jam is when the actual game play and scoring occurs in Roller Derby. It can last up to two minutes, but can be called off for strategy purposes. For example let's say the Jammer on Team "A" is the lead jammer and has scored 4 points, and the Jammer on Team "B" has not been able to score. Jammer "A" has the choice to either try to score more points, risking the "B" will also score, or she may call off the jam with a score of 4 to 0.
I'm interested in getting into roller derby and I am athletic (running/rowing/roller blading) but I have no experience doing this, should I practice by myself? would a derby team train you?
Any blockers not in the pack are scored upon as soon as the the first opposing player that IS in the pack is passed. So, instead of not being able to score on them, they are "free" points.
There are always 4 points/pass that can be scored (a 5th point can be scored if the opposing jammer is lapped...Grand Slam!).
@adambungle ...Ran out of room... sorry...
Tripping can be a Minor or Major based on the impact of the foul (almost all rules are based on this magical concept of "IMPACT"). If tripping (or a low block) causes the girl to stumble, but not fall or lose her relative position is a minor. Any low contact or tripping that causes her to fall or lose relative position is a major.
holy shit, this video is baddass! i didn't know shit about derby but now i do!
@BansyHansy @BansyHansy When a jammer is the Lead Jammer they can call it off any time they want by tapping their hips. Usually it is done to prevent the OTHER jammer from scoring any points. For example, Jammer A is lead jammer and has just scored 4 points on her second pass through the pack. Jammer B has not yest gotten to the pack on her scoring pass. Jammer A sees this and calls off the jam so that Jammer B can't score any points.
Do you have to use those specific skates ? Because I have inline skates.
intresting song, as well as animated video.... that alone was intreng.
1)a jam is the 2 minute skate were the teams try to score points. the lead jamer might call it off to prevent the other team from score any or more points.
2)yes they can
3)the pivots are like the main blocker who yells out orders to get the jamer thourgh
can only the lead jammers score points? or can the opposing one too?
how can the opposing jammer score points when the are not lead jammers?
First reply: The 60s version of derby was a show, yes. However, today's version is an intense SPORT. You have to be in top shape to play, or you will be left behind. It's not like softball, where you sit around half the time. Try finding 8 elementary-schoolers and challenge them to a game of tag where half of them are "it" and you have to stay inside the space of a single basketball court (about the same size as the derby track), and then you might experience the intensity of derby.
Roller Derby saved my soul by uncle leon and the alibis is the name of the song.
@adambungle The rules have changed slightly (and continue to change) since this video was produced, but most of it is the same, or close enough not to matter (I wouldn't use it to train referees...).
Cutting the track is when any player passes any other player while out of bounds. Passing one player on the track, while out of bounds is a minor, passing more than one player on the track while out of bounds is a major.
H. Brawls - how do I get permission to use this as a teaching tool for my newbies on my team? let me know please.
Yes, any time after the first whistle blows.
Even though the Pivots "set the pace of the pack" they do not need to stay in the front of the pack. Blockers and pivots may move areound as they wish within the pack.
Are the blockers aloud to pass the pivots?
>_>
Because you have roller blading experience, you probably have balance and are used to using the inner and outer muscles in your thigh (something I didn't have experience with as a runner)... I figured I could walk in and beat anyone around the track... not so much.
Running and skating need very different muscles...
I'm building those now, too. :)
Okay great but if you want to know where roller girls stand on the issue of legalizing gay marriage, just click on my name.
what happens when the lead jammer 'calls it off' ? cool animation btw!
My son says the red head in the intro looks like me, lmao!
can the lead jammer change during a jam???
this vid is awesome!!!
i'm pretty sure the pivots are in the wrong formation. aren't they supposed to be opposite of their jammer? and form a diamond with the rest of the blockers?
Sounds awesome! Shame on the idiots that dismiss this as a sport, as if groping for an egg shaped ball sounds any less supid
thanks for the tutorial
well, it's derby season now! so start searching for the closest teams to you and check out their schedules!
omg i saw it first saw it today such a good movie, now im interested in this and i wanna start, im kinda mad im late on this im only 18 so i can only do recreational =[ but this allows time for me to get better
@SpringCityMotorsport Where do you live? With over 250 teams in the US alone the chances are pretty good there is a team playing near you.
did you use anim8er for this?
if not what did you use?
@missmittinz A jam is 2 minutes long unless the lead jammer calls it off.