Pre-Jam Positioning

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).