Jams

Play begins by blockers lining up on the tracks starting line (the pivot line). The jammers start from the jammer line, a second starting line 30 feet behind the pivot line.Jams begin on a single short whistle blast where both jammers and blockers may begin engaging immediately.The pack is the largest single group of blockers containing members of both teams skating in proximity, arranged such that each are within 10 feet of the next.While blockers are required to maintain the pack, they are permitted to skate freely within the area of the track beginning 20 feet behind the pack and ending 20 feet ahead of it, an area known as the engagement zone.The first jammer to exit the front of the pack, having legally passed all blockers at least once, earns the status of lead jammer. 7 Once earned, lead jammer status cannot be transferred to other skaters, but certain actions (notably, being sent to the penalty box) can cause it to be lost. After the initial pass through the pack, each jammer scores a point every time they lap any member of the opposing team.