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🏛️Official — WFTDA
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Handshake/high-five line after every bout
Regardless of score or how physical the game got, both teams line up and skate past each other exchanging handshakes, high-fives, or 'good game' after the final whistle. Skipping or half-hearting this line is seen as a serious breach of derby's sportsmanship culture.
" Inline skates are not permitted; only quad-style roller skates satisfy the equipment requirement.
— Section 1.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume inline skates are fine because they're commonly used in roller derby, but the official verdict specifies quad-style roller skates specifically for compliance with equipment requirements due to their unique design features that enhance safety and gameplay mechanics in this fast-paced sport.
Flat track roller derby is played on a flat (non-banked) oval track, distinguishing it from the historical banked-track version of the sport. Section 2 of the WFTDA rules requires that the track "conform to the standardized dimensions of the WFTDA...
— Section 2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that roller derby tracks are flat solely based on their name, forgetting that it's also about standardized dimensions as per WFTDA rules. The confusion arises because they overlook the importance of those specific standard dimensions in ensuring fair gameplay and consistent track conditions across all leagues.
Per Section 1.2, for each Jam a team must field one Jammer and at most four Blockers, for a maximum of five skaters per team on the track at a time. A team must always have at least one Blocker on the track who is not currently serving a penalty.
— Section 1.2, Section 5.1, Section 5.1.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a team can field more than five skaters if they have fewer penalties, which is incorrect according to Section 4 of the WFTDA rules. The confusion arises because they overlook the specific requirement for at least one non-penalty blocker on the track at all times.
A game lasts 60 minutes of total play, divided into two 30-minute periods separated by a halftime. Within each period, play is broken into Jams.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a Jam is just another term for a full 30-minute period of play, forgetting that within each 30-minute period, there are multiple Jams happening back-to-back. The confusion arises because they overlook how the game structure works, thinking it's a straightforward division into halves and quarters without realizing the rhythm of continuous action within those periods.
Per Section 3.1, a Jammer earns one point every time they legally lap an opposing Blocker — that is, pass the same opponent a second time in succession — provided that pass is earned rather than gained through an illegal maneuver. Only the Jammer with possession of the Star may score points.
— Section 3.1, Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.4, Section 3.5
Why people argue about this
People often assume that scoring points in Roller Derby is as simple as a Jammer passing an opponent once, which leads them to argue about whether a pass was "legal" or if it should be scored at all. The real confusion arises because they overlook the crucial part that only the Jammer with the Star can score and must legally lap their opponents twice consecutively.
A skater assessed a penalty must serve 30 seconds of Jam time in the Penalty Box; the final 10 seconds of that time must be served standing. Penalty time is only tracked during active Jams and in the pauses between them.
— Section 4
Why people argue about this
People often assume that skaters can choose when during their 30 seconds in the Penalty Box they stand still, leading to arguments about whether they should start immediately or wait until a natural pause in play. The confusion arises because this rule only specifies timing and not the exact execution within those 40 seconds.
The Contact Penalty framework in Section 4.1 exists primarily as a safety mechanism: Illegal Target Zones (back of the body, head/neck, lower legs) and Illegal Blocking Zones (head/neck, forearms, lower legs) are defined specifically to discourage...
— Section 1.2, Section 4.1
Why people argue about this
People often debate why exactly these illegal zones are defined so rigidly when they can still lead to intense collisions and scoring plays. They misunderstand that while it's about safety, the rules also serve as a strategic guideline for players to know where contact is not permitted, allowing for safer but still dynamic gameplay.