Roller Derby
Pictures from bout: Bronx Gridlock vs. Manhattan Mayhem. A primer on the sport: A bout consists of two 30-minute periods divided into segments of play called "jams." Three blockers and one pivot from each team skate from the front line. One jammer from each team starts 20-feet behind the pack. Jammers are responsible for scoring points. The first referee whistle starts the pack of blockers rolling, while a second whistle sets the jammers in motion. Jammers attempt to break through the pack and lap the other players. The blockers play defensive and offensive, trying to prevent the opposing jammer from breaking through, while aiding their own jammer in a successful pass. The pivot sets the pace for the pack, and is the last line of defense against a jammer passing. The pack must remain tight (within 20-feet of each other) at all times. Any girl outside of these limits, is considered "out of play." A jammer doesn't score any points during her first pass. In subsequent passes, she scores one point for each opposing skater she passes (unless she fouls them or passes them while out of bounds). The jammer's goal is to pick up the maximum four points per lap. If a jammer completely laps the opposing team's jammer, she picks up an additional fifth point for a "Grand Slam." Each jam lasts two minutes (or until a foul is called); an unlimited number of jams can be played during the 30-minute period. For more information on the GGRD league or the touring team, visit www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com. Posted On: July 13, 2007
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