Rules Publications

Teams must have two sets of different color helmet covers available at a WFTDA sanctioned bout.

In the specific instance that the color of a team’s helmet cover is identical in color to the base color of a team’s helmets, an opposing team may challenge the use of those helmet covers if the design of a team’s helmets contain elements that could be confused as a Jammer star or a Pivot stripe. In the event of a challenge by the opposing team, the Head Referee must require use of the alternate color covers if the standard laid out above has been met. If the colors are not identical but very similar, the Head Referee may enforce the helmet cover switch, but is not required to.

Example: A team wearing matching black helmets with a silver design on each side of the helmet is using black Jammer and Pivot helmet covers with silver stars and Pivot stripes. If contested by the opposing team, the black helmet team must wear an alternate cover (non black) to eliminate any confusion of skater positions.

A number on a helmet cannot be confused for a star; however, that does not include numbers surrounded by logos or any design surrounding a number.

Prior to the start of a jam, Blockers and Pivots must be in position in pre-jam formation so that the pack will exist behind the pivot line and in front of the Jammer line at the time of the first whistle or immediately after the first whistle should the Jam begin with a No Pack. Pivot Blockers are considered in position when they are on the track on or behind the Pivot line and ahead of the Jammer line. Blockers are considered in position when they are on the track behind the Pivot line, behind the Pivot's hips if she is on the Pivot line, and ahead of the Jammer line. (See Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 6.13.5, 6.13.5.1-3, and 6.13.16 for reference.)

It is required that the majority of on the track Pivot Blockers and Blockers from each team begin in this pre-jam positioning.

If at the first whistle, the majority of on the track Blockers and Pivot Blockers from each team are not in position, the referee must immediately end the jam and an Official Timeout will be called. A minor illegal procedure false start penalty will be assessed to all skaters who were out of position at the start of the jam. Additionally, a major illegal procedure false start penalty will be assessed to the Pivot in that jam of the team(s) that did not field enough skaters in proper pre-jam position. If there is no Pivot in that jam, the penalty is issued to the last Non-Pivot Blocker to enter the track out of position to the extent that the referee is able to determine who that skater was. If there is not a Pivot in the jam and the referee is unable to determine the last skater out of position to enter the track, the referee issuing the illegal procedure must penalize the Blocker on the track closest him/her.

After the Official Timeout, a new jam will start as soon as possible (with no more than 30 seconds elapsing) once both teams are lined up in the proper pre-jam position (2.6.3.1). If at the start of a new jam there are not enough skaters on the track from each team in proper pre-jam formation, the referee will end the jam and additional penalties will be assessed.

Note: The Pre-Jam Positioning Publication is not to be applied if a skater false starts by lining up in front of a Pivot Blocker's hips or jumping the start whistle. In these situations the penalties for false starting should be enforced, but the jam should not be called off (See Sections 6.13.5 and 6.13.16).

When a team no longer has a skating Captain (C) due to expulsion, fouling out, injury, or emergency (in all cases the C is unable to skate the remainder of the bout), the team has the option to name a new Captain. The Designated Alternate (A) must stay the Designated Alternate and may not be named the new Captain. The skater that is newly designated the Captain will serve in that capacity for the remainder of the bout, or until she is expelled, has fouled out, or is injured. The onus is on the team to designate a new Captain, and to inform the Head Referee who is to be designated the C, it is not the Head Referee’s duty. Additionally, a team may not designate a new Alternate (skating or non-skating) should the A be unable to skate/coach/manage the remainder of the bout for the reasons listed.

If a situation arises where a team has not designated a new Captain and a penalty calls for the Captain to serve a penalty, the decision of who is to be designated the Captain may be made by the team at that time. If they choose not to designate a Captain, in the instances where the rules call for a Captain to serve a penalty, the Head Referee will select the skater to serve the penalty. The Head Referee may only do this if the team refuses to designate a Captain.

Q: Is a 5:2 referee configuration allowed by the Rules?

A: The Head Referee is a title or designation per 9.1.2. It is not a referee position or station. Per 9.1.3 there are two Jammer Referees and per 9.1.4 the remaining referees are Pack Referees. Per 9.1.4.1 no more than two Pack Referees can be stationed on the inside of the track. Per the rules, no more than 2 Pack Referees may be stationed on the inside of the track. Refereeing under a 5:2 ref configuration is against the rules and is not sanctionable.

Q: If a Jammer begins a jam without an opposing Jammer on the line and she false starts, is she still required to yield? Should it be automatically upgraded to a major?

A; An unopposed Jammer will be assessed a minor for a false start and must yield the illegally gained position. She does this by coming to a complete stop ceasing all forward momentum. If she does not yield by coming to a complete stop, the false start minor will be upgraded to a major. If a Jammer is in between the Pivot and Jammer starting lines at the time the Jammer starting whistle is blown, regardless of who she is front of, she will be assessed a false start minor penalty. The Jammer must yield her position to the opposing Jammer if there is one on the track. If there is no opposing Jammer on the track, the Jammer must come to a complete stop. If she fails to stop, the minor false start penalty will be upgraded to a major. Blockers may legally engage a Jammer who is between the Jammer and Pivot lines immediately after the first whistle starting the jam.