Question:

If at the end of a jam there is a split pack, or no pack, does a Jammer earn points for opposing out-of-play skaters out in front of her?

Answer:

If there is not a legal pack at the end of a jam, the Jammer does not score on opposing Blockers ahead of the Engagement Zone. A pack is required for 7.5.7 to be in effect.

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:

Rule 4.1.2 states that a split pack is not a legal pack, so does that therefore mean that blockers are considered out of play and cannot block or assist? Or is rule 4.3.2.3 the answer?

Answer:

During a split pack, there is no legal pack defined, therefore any blocking or assisting is “out of play” and therefore illegal, the same as if it were out of bounds or outside the legal Engagement Zone. During a split pack the only thing skaters can legally do is reform a legal pack.

Rule 4.3.2.3 makes specific reference to a legal pack, so this rule only applies when there is a legally defined pack. 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.