Question:

Does a Jammer have to pass blockers both ahead of the pack and out of play in order to become Lead Jammer?

Answer:

No, players ahead of the legal Engagement Zone* do not prevent a Jammer from becoming Lead Jammer. The first Jammer to legally pass the frontmost in-play Blocker, having previously and legally passed all in-play Blockers will earn Lead Jammer status. The Jammer must be in bounds for all passes.

*Engagement Zone - The zone in which players may legally engage. The legal Engagement Zone extends from 20’ behind the rearmost pack member to 20’ in front of the foremost pack member, between the inside and outside track boundaries. Jammers may engage each other outside of the Engagement Zone.

Question:
During a Split Pack or No Pack situation, can a Jammer become Lead Jammer if she passes all players legally and in bounds?

If so, when is her initial trip through the pack complete (i.e. when can she no longer re-pass anyone she fouled)?

Answer:

Yes, Jammers can still become Lead Jammer during a split pack or no pack situation. The first Jammer to pass the frontmost player, having previously legally passed all other players will earn Lead Jammer.  The Jammer must be in bounds for all passes. Passed players need not be in bounds for the Jammer to become Lead Jammer.

Her initial pass is complete when she is 20 feet ahead of the frontmost skater.  (Under most circumstances a legal pack will reform quickly, and when there is a legal pack the initial pass is completed when the Jammer reaches 20 feet ahead of the frontmost pack skater.)

Question:
If one Jammer fouls the opposing Jammer on the initial pass, is the Jammer who committed the foul still eligible to be Lead Jammer?

Answer:
Yes she is still eligible to be Lead Jammer, provided that the foul was not a major penalty or fourth minor penalty.  Passing the opposing Jammer is not a criteria for earning Lead Jammer status.