Question:

Can players re-enter the track the in front of the opponent who forced them out of bounds, if that opponent is herself currently out of bounds?

Answer:

Yes skaters can re-enter the track in front of out-of-bounds opponents. Rule 6.2.10.1 states that a “skater cutting around a downed or out-of-bounds player is not bettering her position.”  However out-of-bounds players will be penalized for cutting around in bounds players.

Question:

If a skater’s hips are ahead of a Blocker’s hips when that Blocker knocks her out of bounds, is that skater still eligible to be penalized for cutting the track if she returns to play in front of that Blocker?

Answer:

Yes, she is still eligible to receive penalties for cutting the track. Players must re-enter the track behind the player who forced them out of bounds, regardless of hip position and regardless of who was originally in front. The in bounds player successfully put the out of bounds player at a disadvantage by legally knocking her out of bounds and out of play and the out of bounds player cannot negate that advantage.