The Alamo City Rollergirls have just kicked off Season 5!
Understanding a Derby Bout
by Michelle Reyes LMT
Note: I wrote this up a year or two ago. Hope this makes sense to y'all.
This is in no way an official rendering of the rules, just my explanation to you.
5 players from each team take the track. 4 of these 5 make up "the pack".
"The Pack" consists of 1 pivot and 3 blockers.
The Pivot~ in the striped panty ~ sets the speed and sort of leads the pack.
The blockers play offense & defense simultaneously. Their job is to help their jammer (jammer explanation coming) get through 'the pack' while trying to keep the opposing team's jammer from getting through 'the pack'.
There is only one jammer from each team on the track during any jam.
The jammer ~ in the star panty~ is the only player on the track who racks up points. And points, as we all know, is how we tell who wins and who loses.
The pack lines up several feet in front of the jammers. The first whistle blows seting the pack in motion. After a few seconds another whistle blows sending the jammer's skates flying like the wind. It's a race now!
Each jammer must get through the pack once, legally, before they can begin racking up points for their team and each one wants lead jammer status.
Lead jammers have the privilege of calling a jam off before the 2 minute clock runs out, if they choose. It's a strategy most jammers use. It helps keep them somewhat rested while keeping the opposing jammer from scoring.
Each jam ~when the team is out on the track skating~is a maximum of 2 minutes, shorter if the lead jammer calls the jam.
ACRG plays 2 ~ 30 minute halves with a 20 minute intermission. You even get some live music at this time.
Hope this'll help you understand the next (or first) derby bout you attend.
For more information on Alamo City Rollergirls news, bout coverage, pictures, video & more make sure to check out the following sites:
www.alamocityrollergirls.com
www.myspace.com/alamocityrollergirls
www.myspace.com/lastejanas
www.twitter.com/ACRollergirls