The first thing one must know is that “roller derby is not fake.” The skaters, while developing their own personas, which can include elaborate costumes, outrageous hair and over–the–top makeup, nevertheless must abide by all the rules established by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).

How it’s played

Each team puts five players on the rink at one time: four blockers and one jammer for each two–minute jam. The jammers, who wear a cloth cap with a star on it over their helmets, make their way through the opposing team’s blockers. The first jammer to make her way through the opposing team’s blockers is now eligible to score points for her team with every subsequent successful, legal pass through the pack. Referees, who often have their own special names, keep track of scoring and penalties.

Scoring

An eligible jammer scores one point for every opposing blocker that she legally passes.

What not to do

Derby girls are not allowed to punch, clothesline, or kick other contenders, but they can still hip and shoulder check in the floor. Minor penalties can result in a skater being designated for the penalty boxes. Repeated infractions can get a skater tossed from the bout.