New Official FAQ

Mason-Dixon Roller Vixens

So, you want to be an Official?

Men and women 18 and older can be Officials for Mason-Dixon Roller Vixens. They are a part of the league and are an essential part of the game.

How do you play Roller Derby?

There are two teams of five players skating laps on an asymmetrical oval track. Each team has one scoring member called a jammer, three blockers, and one pivot on the track at one time. The blockers and Pivots form a skating pack. The pack starts skating at the first whistle, and then the jammers (who start behind the pack) start skating at the second whistle. The jammers then have to skate through the pack. The first one through the pack is called the lead jammer. Lead jammer is a strategic status that allows them to call of the jam early. Both jammers continue to sprint around the pack a second time and get through the pack again.

On their second and future trips, they get a point for every opponent they pass. The blockers and pivot try to stop the other team’s jammer from passing and help their team’s jammer get through. The Jam goes on for 2 minutes or until the Lead Jammer calls it off.

What do I need to do as an Official?

There are up to seven skating officials on the floor at a time. Two skating officials keep track of the jammers, while the others will be watching for penalties in the pack on the inside and outside of the track. Then there are anywhere from twelve to seventeen non-skating officials working the bout as well. One will be keeping the scoreboard updated, a couple will be tracking who’s going to the penalty box, and two will be a penalty box time keeper and more. There is a lot going on, on the track and you will be in the thick of it.

Do I need to know how to skate?

No. To start off, we do not require any previous skating experience, although if you want to be a skating official you will have to learn. There will time to learn at practice but mostly it will be up to you to, to get up to speed. To help you do so, we have a deal with Turner Skate Palace for active member of MDRV, but till then there are also many off-skates positions that are needed, just in case you prefer shoes without wheels on them.

What if I get hurt?

Although it is unlikely, Officials, like players, can get hurt. Players occasionally fly off the track and may take you out. This is why protective gear is required for all on-skates positions. We also train, stretch and practice falling to help reduce injuries and their severity. Secondary health insurance is required. This is not debatable. The secondary insurance is obtained through WFTDA/USARS (not needed for those off skates). We will give you all the info to acquire this insurance. This will help cover any injuries you may sustain during practice if your primary insurance won’t cover it. We require insurance to skate with the MDRV because we care about you.

How much of my time will it take up?

Weekly practice is important if you are going to learn the skills required to be an Official. In addition, Officials are welcome to participate in all fundraisers, and events. When we are holding regular practices or benefits, we will give you advanced notice of when they are. This team is DIY and relies on its members to form and support the league. Your fellow Officials will also rely on you to be involved in order to keep track of the game. You will miss out on important skills if you don’t attend practices and bouts. Plus just like the skater we have an attendance policy, just not as strict as theirs.

What equipment do I need?

You will need a whistle, and a stopwatch. In addition, every on-skate Official will be required to wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, kneepads, and a pair of quad roller skates or Roller blades. (Everyone prefers you have quad but we understand if you don’t)

Purchasing gear:

We have a sponsorship with Bruised Boutique and Wicked Skate wear, who will sell you protective equipment at a discounted price, as well as discounts on skates from several online retailers, you may also purchase skates from Poison Princess (our rink owner and team member). Talk to your Local MDRV skater for more discounts! We will help you get into the right kind of skate for roller derby.

Ok I’m ready! What else do I need to know?

We will help teach you the rules of the game and how to enforce them.

A list of the rules: http://www.wftda.com

Our website www.masondixonrollervixens.com

Any other additional information: Email: mdrvrefs@gmail.com