What is roller derby?
Roller derby is a contact sport, predominantly female but inclusive, played on quad skates (four wheels) on a track.
Two teams compete in jams of two minutes: on one side, a jammer tries to make her way through the opposing pack to score points.
On the other side, the blockers do everything to stop her — while trying to advance their own jammer.
It's fast, strategic, and requires as much composure as endurance. But beyond the game, it's mainly a community:
we fall, we laugh, and we start again..
What is Roller Derby?
Roller derby is a contact sport, predominantly female but inclusive, played on quad skates (four wheels) on a track.
Two teams compete in jams of two minutes: on one side, a jammer tries to make her way through the opposing pack to score points.
On the other side, the blockers do everything to stop her — while trying to advance their own jammer.
It's fast, strategic, and requires as much composure as endurance. But beyond the game, it's mainly a community:
we fall, we laugh, and we start again..
the rules – in brief
duration of a match
A match lasts 1 hour, divided into two halves of 30 minutes with a halftime of 15 minutes. Jams last a maximum of 2 minutes each but can be shorter if the lead jammer stops it before.
duration of a match
A match lasts 1 hour, divided into two halves of 30 minutes with a halftime of 15 minutes. Jams last a maximum of 2 minutes each but can be shorter if the lead jammer stops it before.
the points
For each opposing player that the jammer passes,
she scores 1 point.
the points
For each opposing player that the jammer passes, she scores 1 point.
the positions
jammer (star on the helmet)
Score points by getting through the opposing pack.
pivot (stripe on the helmet)
Can become a jammer by receiving the star — it's called a
star pass.
pivot (stripe on the helmet)
Can become a jammer by receiving the star —
it's called a star pass.
tripod
This trio of players acts as the defense. They prevent the opposing jammer from passing but also help their own team's jammer to pass through strategic means.
butts
Part of the tripod and hold
the opposing jammer.
butts
Part of the tripod and hold the opposing jammer.
brace
Communicates with the tripod (skating backwards) to inform it of what is happening behind and to adjust the strategy accordingly.
other definitions
pack
It is the group of the two tripods within a radius of 20 feet (6 m). This is where the action happens.
no pack
Players are too far apart and must reform the pack.
no pack
Players are too far apart and must reform the pack.
power jam
One of the two jammers is in penalty — so there is only one jammer who can score points.
lead jam
The first jammer to pass through the pack. They have the advantage and can stop the jam when
they want.
lead jam
The first jammer to pass through the pack. They have the advantage and can stop the jam when they want.
Penalties — the most common
When a player commits an infraction, they must spend 30 seconds in the penalty box.
The last 10 seconds must be served standing up. After 7 penalties in a match, a player is ejected for the remainder of the game.
Contact in an illegal zone
Hitting the back, head/neck, or lower legs (below mid-thigh) of an opponent is prohibited, regardless of intent.
Contact in an illegal zone
Hitting the back, head/neck, or lower legs (below mid-thigh) of an opponent is prohibited, regardless of intent.
Block with an illegal blocking zone
Blocking with the head, forearm (unless it is glued to the torso), or lower legs is penalized, especially if it destabilizes the opponent.
Block with an illegal blocking zone
Blocking with the head, forearm (unless it is glued to the torso), or lower legs is penalized, especially if it
unbalance the opponent.
Illegal off-track exit
Use the outside of the track to pass an opponent and gain a position, instead of passing them legally on the inside.
Illegal off-track exit
Use the outside of the track to pass an opponent and gain a position, instead of passing them legally
on the inside.
Pack break
An action that destroys the pack or prevents its reformation — for example, intentionally moving away from the group.
Pack break
An action that destroys the pack or prevents its reformation — for example, intentionally moving away from the group.
Multi-block
Two or more players gripping together to form an impenetrable wall.
Multi-block
Two or more players gripping together to form a
impenetrable wall.
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Disrespect towards an opponent, a referee, or anyone else involved in the match.
On cherche des arbitres — patins
ou pas, viens jaser.
We're looking for referees — skates or not, come chat.
the equipment
Roller derby requires complete equipment for your safety — but you don't need to buy everything at once, nor brand new.
Here's what you need to get on the track and why each piece matters and is MANDATORY.
Helmet
Non-negotiable. Depending on the model, you can even add a visor — handy if you wear glasses!
Helmet
Non-negotiable. Depending on the model, you can even add a visor — handy if you wear glasses!
quad skates
Mandatory for roller derby.
Finding your ideal pair can take time, but once it's done… you’ll be sparkling!
quad skates
Mandatory for roller derby.
Finding your ideal pair can take time, but once it's done… you’ll be sparkling!
knee pads
Same as for elbows: you'll be delighted to have them from your first fall (and there will be others,
I promise).
knee pads
Same as for elbows: you’ll be glad to have them from your first fall
(and there will be more, I promise).
mouthguard
Essential to keep your star smile. There are several types and colors — you have the right to have style, even in your mouth.
mouthguard
Essential to keep your star smile. There are several types and colors — you have the right to have style, even in your mouth.
elbow pads
You don't realize how much it can hurt until you try it. Trust yourself: you'll thank them.
elbow pads
You don’t realize how much it can hurt until you’ve tried.
Trust me:
you’ll thank them.
wrist guards
You'll make it profitable veeeeery quickly... believe me!
wrist guards
You'll make it profitable veeeeery quickly... believe me!
where to find the equipment?
We understand that when starting a new sport, especially one that is somewhat niche, searching for equipment is not an easy task.
Fortunately for you, we've been through that before!
Your number one protection. A good roller skate helmet (not a bike helmet!) absorbs falls and protects what matters most.
There are two types of helmets compatible for derby, official helmets and hockey helmets. All must be multi-impact helmets.
You can add a visor if needed (depending on the model).
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife
Sherbrooke
Décathlon (casque pour patin à roulette ou skateboard)
Econosport (hockey helmet, to be checked on site)
The heart of your equipment. Comfort, fit, and good wheels make all the difference between an enjoyable practice and a frustrating one. Quad skates are mandatory for derby practice.
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife sera le meilleur endroit si t'as de conseil, d'essayer et de voir les patins. La boutique appartient à des joueuses de derby de l'equipe des New Skids On The Block. Tu peux y aller les yeux fermés.
Sherbrooke
Unfortunately, there is no store that sells quad skates, however you can find them online on sites like Amazon, RollerGirl, etc. There are also the manufacturers' own websites that sell them directly. You also have Facebook Marketplace where you can find nice deals.
Wrist guards
The natural reflex when falling is to put your hands out. These protections prevent wrist injuries during these falls.
Elbow pads
Elbows often take the first impact in case of a fall. A good pair absorbs the impact and allows you to get back up faster.
Knee pads
Knees often touch the ground — whether to brake or after a fall. Sturdy knee pads are essential.
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife offers combo packs that include all the protections. But you can also buy them separately if you wish.
Sherbrook
Padded shorts, chest protectors for women, joint braces: depending on your comfort and needs, these additional protections help you play with confidence.
Stores:
Montreal
Chest protector
Padded shorts
Online
Chest protector
Padded shorts
You can also look on sites like Amazon for other references.
For the rest, you just need to go to a pharmacy and if necessary, ask what support would be best for you based on what you want and what your body needs.
Your number one protection. A good roller skating helmet (not a bike helmet!) absorbs falls and protects what matters most.
There are two types of compatible helmets for derby, official helmets and hockey helmets. All must be multi-impact helmets.
You can add a visor if needed
(depending on the model).
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife
Sherbrooke
Decathlon (helmet for roller skating
or skateboarding)
Econosport (hockey helmet, to be checked on site)
The heart of your equipment. Comfort, fit, and good wheels make all the difference between an enjoyable practice and a frustrating one. Quad skates are mandatory for practicing
derby.
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife sera le meilleur endroit si t'as de conseil, d'essayer et de voir les patins. La boutique appartient à des joueuses de derby de l'equipe des New Skids On The Block. Tu peux y aller les
yeux fermés.
Sherbrooke
Unfortunately, there is no store that sells quad skates, however you can find them online on sites like Amazon, RollerGirl, etc. There are also the manufacturers' own websites that sell them directly. You also have Facebook Marketplace where you can find nice deals.
Wrist guards
Le réflexe naturel en tombant, c'est de mettre les mains.
Ces protections évitent les blessures aux poignets lors de
ces chutes.
Elbow pads
Elbows often take the first impact in a fall. A good pair absorbs the impact and allows you to get up
faster.
Knee pads
Knees often touch the ground — whether to brake or after a fall. Sturdy knee pads are essential.
Stores:
Montreal
Lowlife offers combo packs that include all the protections. But you can also buy them separately if you wish.
Sherbrook
Padded shorts, chest protectors for women, joint braces: depending on your comfort and needs, these additional protections help you play with confidence.
Stores:
Montreal
Chest protector
Padded shorts
Online
Chest protector
Padded shorts
You can also look on sites like Amazon for other references.
For the rest, you just need to go to a pharmacy and if necessary, ask what support would be best for you based on what you want and what your body needs.