What primarily determines who is considered the lead jammer?

The lead jammer is determined primarily by the first jammer who successfully breaks through the pack and passes all blockers legally. This is crucial for the game strategy because being designated as the lead jammer allows that skater to have the power to call off the jam at any time, which can be advantageous in controlling the pace of the game and maximizing point scoring opportunities.

While speed can be a factor in successfully breaking through the pack, it is not the defining criteria for lead jammer status. Scoring points depends on the number of laps completed during the jam rather than prior points scored, and strategy may play a role in achieving lead status, but it is the act of breaking through legally that is the most critical element in this determination. Thus, the correct answer underscores the importance of the initial breakthrough into the pack as the key to gaining lead jammer status.