WHAT IS OSDA?
Formed in 2007, the Old School Derby Association, combines aspects of both old school and modern roller derby, to create a fast-paced, action-packed, ultra-competive version of the sport.
Old School rules were created by melding many of the current developments in Flat Track Derby with the rules used by Old School Banked Track Roller Derby skaters, and are easily transferable to a banked track setting.
Old School rules were created by melding many of the current developments in Flat Track Derby with the rules used by Old School Banked Track Roller Derby skaters, and are easily transferable to a banked track setting.
Backed by the Roller Derby Hall of Fame, and many great roller derby legends, the OSDA was created for those who want to skate something more akin to what the original Roller Derby was like.
The organization membership is open to all; men, women, co-ed, flat track and banked track. Leagues may qualify to compete in any, or all, of the following divisions, and are nationally ranked.
Scenario 1: The whistle blows: The pack takes off around the track, and the jam officially begins. Each jam can last up to 90 seconds. The Jammers race to get through the pack first. The first to emerge from the pack is considered the “Lead Jammer.” The Lead Jammer can change throughout the game as the two Jammers battle for front position. The Jammers continue lapping the pack as many times as they can, scoring points for each opposing team member they pass.
The lead Jammer may call off the jam at any point after their initial pass through the pack by placing their hands on their hips, however, they must be inbounds and on their feet to do so. The teams then have 30 seconds to regroup and get back on the line. If a jam starts without all the players from each team, that team will be short those players for the rest of the jam, creating a power play situation for the opposing team.
Scenario 2: One team’s Jammer gets hung up in the pack during their initial pass through the pack, but the other team’s Jammer emerges through the pack. As soon as that Jammer’s foot reaches the front of the pack, the opposing Pivot may assume Jammer status and take off after the other Jammer, thereby creating a fast-paced, high-endurance game.
Blocking and Penalties: It is legal to block an opposing player with your body, hips or upper arms (shoulder and tricep) only. This is where the excitement of Roller Derby really comes to life! You will see the skaters get pretty creative, as they search for new methods of stopping and deflecting opponents using only the legal blocking zones allowed. From double spin whips, to a mightily-thrown tri-block, OSDA skaters are some of the most skilled skaters in the nation.
Illegal blocks would consist of any usage of hands such as punching, pushing, shoving, or grabbing. Any striking with forearms, elbows, tripping, kicking or blows to the head are also illegal. Vindictive skaters will be called on all penalties and removed from the jam immediately. If the jam ends and the penalty box time has not run out, that team start the next jam short one skater until the penalty time is over.
~ Mos Deathly, OSDA Flat-Track Director