Penn Jersey Roller Derby proudly plays by the ruleset of the Old School Derby Association (OSDA). OSDA takes the original game of the 50's and 60's and improves on it, producing a balanced and intense game where every jam is crucial, and the focus on offense and defense is equally important.
The Old School Derby Association was founded in 2007 with the goal of blending together the modern incarnation of flat-track derby with the rules and techniques used in the original banked track games. With the help of former professional skaters, the OSDA ruleset was created, and it can be used for flat track, banked track, co-ed, and old school games. Currently, there are six member leagues in the US.
Some of the unique points of the OSDA ruleset include:
- Lead Jammer Status- The status of lead jammer can change within a jam. If a jammer breaks first and is passed by the other team's jammer, they lose the lead jammer status and the right to call off the jam. Jammers are also only allowed to call off the jam when they are in bounds and on their feet. This forces our jammers to give it their all every jam.
- Pivots can also break as jammers. If one team's jammer gets out and the opposing team's jammer is stuck in the pack, the pivot can take off after the jammer, without exchanging helmet covers. This keeps every jam a continual effort for both offense and defense that is both exciting for our fans and also prevents huge point spreads.
- Other features of OSDA include one whistle to start the jam rather than separate pack and jammer whistles, a 20ft rule of engagement, players serving penalties as soon as they are called, specialized rules for banked track and co-ed games, and most importantly make our games one that is as great to watch as it is to play.
Download the ruleset below or come to one of our games and see it firsthand.
