Penalties are broken down into four categories, based on their severity:

No impact/No penalty

The action had no effect on the safety of the skaters or game. For example, an illegal hit that did not cause the receiving opposing skater to adjust her skating or position in any way.

Minor

The action had a minor impact on the safety of the skaters or the game. For example, an illegal hit that caused the receiving opposing skater to stumble slightly, but not fall down or impact her position.

Major

The action had a major impact on the game or the potential for injury of the skater. For example, an illegal hit that caused the receiving opposing skater to fall, go out of bounds, or lose position.

Expulsion

Egregious actions that have the potential for serious injury or other acts of unsports-lady-like conduct. For example, willful and/or reckless illegal contact, or gross insubordination.

Each time a skater receives four minor penalties, or a single major penalty, she is required to spend one minute in the penalty box. If the skater receives too many penalty minutes during the course of a bout (7 during a regulation WFTDA bout consisting of two 30-minute periods, 5 during an NSRG home bout consisting of two 20-minute periods), she will be expelled from the bout (fouled out).