Roller Derby Terms!

While I'm usually pretty good about explaining derby-specific terms as I use them, sooner or later I'll get to the point where I just don't care about being that polite anymore, haha.  And so, here's a page for you to alphabetically look up the words that might have left you scratching your noggins.

You're welcome ;)

Free to suggest any terms I may have left out.  I will try to update the list as the words come up.

  • 27-in-5 - One of the most dreaded physical skills tests that a fresh meat skater must pass in order to be considered bout-ready.  A skater must be able to complete 27 laps on a standard derby track in 5 minutes, so it's a test of both speed and endurance.  (Formerly the 25-in-5)
  • Blocker - One of the skater positions.  Blockers attempt to impede imposing jammers while assisting their own. Each team has 4 blockers on the track (unless a blocker has been sent to the penalty box).
  • Bout - What a roller derby game or match is called.  Bouts consist of an hour of game play.
  • Boutfit - A skater's bout outfit/uniform/costume.  
  • Calling-Off - When a lead jammer calls a jam short of its 2 minute length.  This can be done for any reason, though it's typically for strategic purposes (e.g. calling a jam off before the opposing jammer has had a chance to score points).  A lead jammer calls-off a jam by repeatedly tapping her hands to her hips.  
  • Derby Name - Also referred to as a skater name.  Though it is not required, it is a common practice for skaters to adopt a pseudonym (think of it like a stage name).  They are often violent or sexual in nature.
  • Derby Wife - Essentially a skater's best friend in the league.  Polygamy is a common practice ;P
  • Fresh meat - A new/rookie skater.  Rookies must pass both a skills and written test in order to be considered bout-ready (and to shed their fresh meat status). 
  • Jam - A single round. A jam lasts 2 minutes at maximum, though more often than not it is called shorter ("called off") before then by a lead jammer.
  • Jammer - The only player who has the ability to score points.  Each team sends out 1 jammer per jam.  Jammers are identified by the stars on their helmets.  
  • Lead Jammer - The first jammer to legally make it through the pack on the first pass is awarded the status of "Lead Jammer."  This gives them the special ability to "call-off" a jam short. 
  • Merby - A nickname for Men's roller derby and male derby skaters.
  • NSO (Non-Skating Official) - NSOs are crucial members of the league.  They do everything from keeping score, to tracking penalties, timing jams, running the penalty box and just being plain awesome. 
  • Panty - Nickname for helmet covers used to clearly indicate the jammer and the pivot. 
  • Period - The first or second half of a bout.  Each period is 30 minutes of game play.
  • Pivot - A pivot is a blocker, but specifically a blocker who helps set the pace/lead the pack.  Pivots can also take over as a jammer if their jammer has "passed the star" (passed their star-marked helmet cover) to the pivot.  Each team sends 1 pivot each jam.  Pivots wear a stripe on their helmets. 
  • Refs - Short for referee (I sincerely hope you didn't actually need to look this up).  Several refs are needed to successfully run a bout.  Ideally there should be 7 placed at various positions (inside, outside, jam ref, head ref).  
  • Skills Test - In order to be considered bout-ready, a skater must have passed both a physical skills and a written test.  It is required of any skater wishing to scrimmage/bout due to the potentially very dangerous nature of the sport.
  • Star Pass - A jammer can pass on their jamming responsibilities to their pivot in the middle of a jam by passing her the jammer panty.  Once a star pass is completed, the jammer becomes a blocker for the rest of the jam.  If the jammer had lead jammer status, it has now been relinquished. 
  • WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) - The governing body of flat-track roller derby.
  • Zebra - Nickname for referees (due to their black and white striped shirts). 


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