What is an 'illegal pack'?

An 'illegal pack' refers to a situation in roller derby where the number of players from each team present in the pack does not meet the minimum requirement for legal play. Specifically, a pack becomes illegal when it has fewer than three skaters from each team, which is essential for the structure of gameplay. This ratio is critical because having at least three players per team allows for legal blocking and scoring opportunities within the game. When there are too few players, the dynamics of play are compromised, resulting in an 'illegal pack' which can lead to penalties or stoppages in the game. The structural integrity of the pack is vital to ensure that the game functions fairly and safely, adhering to the rules of roller derby.