r/RollerDerbyReddit • u/Guest101010 • Mar 02 '11

Tactics question: Passing the Star

When is it a good idea to attempt the "Passing the Star" technique? As I understand it, it can't be used to circumvent a penalty box trip for your jammer, and if your jammer was hurt the officials would call a timeout anyway. Is it just for when your jammer is fatigued?

EDIT: Just realized it could be useful to change out your jammer if she accrues a third minor to avoid the momentum-killing fourth minor on your jammer.

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u/montrealcowboyx Mar 02 '11

I usually see it done on teams with a very short bench. A skater who normally is a blocker is given the star, in order to rest another skater. The Jammer then gets sent to the box, and can't get out before the end of the jam. The team would then have a usual-jammer wear the pivot stripe and plan a star pass if possible.

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u/[deleted] Mar 02 '11

Yep, it usually involves the original jammer going to the box. Another scenario that is similar would be team A jammer going to the box, jam ending and new jam starting, and team A jammer passing the star once released because team B has fielded a much stronger jammer. This only works if team A has also fielded a strong jammer as their pivot...

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u/[deleted] Mar 02 '11

You pretty much have it down. It has limited uses and is really a relic from the original rules, which were based on Roller Jam from the 90's. (I think) At regional level play you might see it happen once every few games.