NEW ZEALAND FEDERATION OF SLED DOG SPORTS

 

SPEED RACE RULES

AMENDED MAY 2005.

 

Based on the April 1988 version of the "Gig Race Rules (Wheel)" of the International Sled Dog Racing Association, Inc.  The ISDRA has not amended these rules up to and including January 1994.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

DRIVER:                                a person who drivers a dog team entered in the race.

EVENT:                                  a meeting of contestants for the purpose of competing in one event which may involve several race classes.

HEAT:                                    a completion of the trail once.

ORGANISATION:              the organisation in charge of running the event.

RACE:                                    a competition in a specified class and may be comprised of one or more heats.

RACE AREA:                       all designated parking areas, spectator areas, team holding areas, start/finish chutes, officiating areas and the trail area.

RACE MARSHAL:             the person who shall have supreme authority at an event.

RACE JUDGE:                     Rules Enforcing Officer, has the authority as the Race Marshal/Chief Judge, except in the question of disqualification.  References to the Race Marshal in these rules shall also apply for the Race Judge(s), when appropriate.

SLED:                                     Also includes a Pulka for the purpose of these rules.

MAY:                                                  Shall be construed as being permissive.

SHALL:                                  Shall be construed as being imperative.

SHOULD:                              Shall be construed as being advisory.

 

 

PART I - ENTRY RULES

 

A.       ELIGIBILITY

            1.        Entries

a.             An entry for a race shall be submitted prior to the start of the race, subject to entry deadlines as determined by the race‑giving organisation.

                                   i.            All entry forms should provide a section for the date of birth of all animals participating in the event.

b.             The race‑giving organisation may reject any entry for just cause.

i.            Any rejected entrant shall be notified within 7 days of receipt of entry.

            2.        Drivers

                       a.        The driver starting a team in the first heat of a race shall drive that team throughout the race.

                       b.        A change in driver can only be made as a result of illness or injury to the authorised entrant and must have the approval of the Race Marshal.

                       c.         Any driver disqualified in any heat of the race is not eligible to compete in the remainder of the race.

            3.        Dogs

                       a.        The Race Marshal may disallow entry of any team or dog for just cause.

                       b.        Any team or dog coming to the starting line, which, in the opinion of the Race Marshal, is unfit or incapable of safely completing the trail, shall be disqualified.

                       c.         Any team or dog not starting the first heat of a race shall not be eligible to compete in the remainder of the race.

                       d.        Any team or dog disqualified in any heat of the race shall not be eligible to compete in the remainder of the race.

e.             Dogs participating in a race must be at least twelve (12) months old.

            4.        Disease

                       a.        No dog or equipment shall be brought from a kennel where rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, or any other contagious disease exists.

                       b.        If the Race Veterinarian diagnoses any dog present in the race area to have a contagious disease, that team shall be disqualified and shall immediately leave the race area.                              

            5.        Identification

                       a.        In races of more than one heat, each dog shall be marked for identification prior to the start of the first heat of the race.

                       b.        Dogs dropped from teams after the first heat of a race involving more than two (2) heats, shall be marked a second time to indicate their disqualification to run in subsequent heats.

            6.        Size of team

                       a.        A Limited Eight‑Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs, and not less than six (6) dogs.

                       b.        A Limited Six‑Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, and not less than four (4) dogs.

                       c.         A Limited Four‑Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than four (4) dogs, and not less than Three (3) dogs.

                       d.        A Limited Three‑Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than three (3) dogs, and not less than two (2) dogs.

                       e.         A Limited Two-Dog Class Team shall consist of two (2) dogs.  One dog may be bagged at any time during the race at the mushers discretion.

f.              After the first heat and each subsequent heat, a driver may voluntarily reduce the size of the team, subject to their classes minimum.

g.            Class minimums also apply to freight classes

            7.        Temperature

                       a.        If the temperature reaches 13 degrees C (55 degrees F), before the start of the race, the race cannot start.  Once the race has commenced, if the temperature rises above 13 degrees, mushers shall be notified and teams may start at the musher’s discretion.

                       b.        If, at the discretion of the Race Marshal, the humidity has reached a high that would be detrimental to the health of the dogs, the classes not yet run shall be cancelled for that day.

 

B.        MEDICATIONS ADMINISTERED TO DOGS

            1.        Prohibited Drugs

                       See the "NZFSS List of Forbidden Substances and Methods for Dogs".

            2.        NZFSS will allow a positive test for previously declared paraciticides in the test for prohibited substances in sled dogs.  It is incumbent upon the driver/owner to declare all foreign substances used in his/her sled dogs before testing occurs.

            3.        Drug Testing

                       a.        If an organisation intends to test for prohibited drugs, it shall use NZFSS Drug Testing Procedures and shall declare so on the entry form.

                       b.        Whenever a specimen is requested for testing, the owner or driver shall be present (or his/her representative) and shall declare in writing to the sampling official all medications administered to the dog(s) within 72 hours preceding the start of the event.

                       c.         If an owner or driver refuses to allow a sample to be collected from a dog, that team shall be disqualified from the event.

                       d.        If any dog in a team shows a positive test of a prohibited drug, that team is subject to disqualification, the decision to be made following a hearing.

                       e.         The external use of DMSO and Topical Cortico-Steroids are limited to the use on feet only, in ointments, and provided by a registered veterinarian.

                       f.         Where testing is due to an appeal, the person lodging the appeal shall be required to pay the costs at the time the appeal is lodged, eg $250 per dog.  Where the appeal is lodged against a team the decision as to which dogs are tested rests with the person lodging the appeal.

 

C.        EQUIPMENT

            1.        Inspection

                       a.        Drivers, teams and equipment shall be available for inspection in the vehicle holding area at least ten (10) minutes before their scheduled time of departure.

                       b.        A team in harness shall not be required to stand for inspection longer than six (6) minutes before the scheduled time of departure.

                       c.         Inspection shall take place in an area that does not interfere with teams in the start or finish chutes.

                        d.        A team shall be available for inspection after each heat at the request of the Race Marshal.

e.             All equipment is subject to the approval of the Race Marshal.

            2.        Harnesses and Lines

                       a.        All dogs shall be harnessed in single file or double file.

                       b.        All dogs shall be fastened to the tug line by a neck line and tail line with the exception of the leader(s) which shall be harnessed in the team by a tail line but may run with or without a neck line.

c.            A snub line may be carried on the sled it shall not be used in any manner other than to tie down and hold the sled.

d.            A rubber shock absorber and safety line shall be fitted to the tug line.

            3.        Wheeled Rigs/Sleds

                       a.        Shall have a platform capable of safely and securely holding any dog on the team.

                                   i.             All Wheeled Rigs/Sleds must carry a dog bag capable of safely restraining a struggling dog and if necessary covering a severely injured or dead dog. The dog bag may be integrated with the rig.

                       b.        All Wheeled Rigs must have a minimum of three wheels but shall be capable of being driven and controlled by a single driver.

                       c.         Shall be free standing.

                       d.        Shall have an adequate brake system.

                       e.         Shall be equipped with a manual steering mechanism.

                       f.         Shall not exceed 160cm (64 inches) overall width.

                       g.        May be motorised but used with the understanding that the motor will not be used under the agreement of entry.

                       h.        The use of a motorised rig will be stated by the entrant on the entry form.

                       i.         Freight Class

                                   i.            For two (2) dogs a minimum of 45kg (100 pounds) of weight shall be securely added to the weight of the rig ie rig + 45kg = total weight carried.

                                   ii.           For every additional dog added to the team a further minimum of 23kg (50 pounds) shall be securely attached to the rig/sled. Freight Weight will be calculated on the class maximum not the team size.

iii.         Weights shall be checked by the Race Marshal after the completion of the race on adequate or appropriate scales.

iv.               Where possible scales should be made available before the race for drivers to check their weights.

                       j.          No inline rig (scooters).

            4.        Single Dog Class & 2 Dog Bike/Scooter Class

                       a.        Towed vehicle shall have no more than two (2) wheels.

                       b.        Shall have a safe steering mechanism.

                       c.         Shall have an adequate braking system.

                       d.        Pedals shall have to be removed or disabled, as pedalling is not permitted.

                        e.         Freight Class (Single Dog Only)

                                   i.            The towed vehicle may also be a rig/sled as described in C. 3. Wheeled rigs/sleds   above but excluding the requirement to carry a dog bag (3.a.i) .

                                   ii.           For the one dog class the towed vehicle and freight combined shall weigh a            minimum 35kg.

            5.        Other Equipment

                       a.        A muzzle or any collar that can be hooked as a full choke shall be prohibited.

                       b.        Safety approved helmets shall be worn by all mushers in the single dog class (optional for Ski Jouring).

                       c.         A racing number for each driver shall be provided by the race-giving organisation.  The driver shall display this number on his/her person throughout the race.

 

D.       FINISH TIME DISQUALIFICATION (Optional)

            1.        A team shall be disqualified from competing in subsequent heats if its total elapsed time exceeds either 1.25 or 1.50 times the average time of the three fastest teams in the same heat of the same class.

            2.        All entrants shall be notified, prior to entry, if a time qualification factor is to be used, stating which factor and to which classes it shall be applied.

 

PART II - START / FINISH RULES

 

A.       DRAWING

            1.        The starting positions for the first heat of a race shall be determined by a drawing held prior to the race at a time and place designated by the race-giving organisation.

            2.        The owner, driver or designated proxy of each team shall draw their own starting position.  In their absence, the starting position shall be drawn by the Race Marshal or his representative.

            3.        The order of the draw shall not be changed either by addition or substitution. Late entries shall be added in order of receipt.

 

B.        SINGLE START RACE

            1.        The first days starting positions shall be determined by the draw with Number 1 starting first, Number 2 starting second, etc.

            2.        The second day's starting positions shall be determined by the first day's times, with the fastest teams starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc.

            3.        In races of more than two (2) heats,

                       a.        the total elapsed time of the previous heats shall determine the starting positions with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc.

                       b.        or, at the option of the race-giving organisation, the elapsed time of the previous single heat shall determine the starting positions with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc.

                       c.         If the optional start (b. above) is to apply to the race, all entrants shall be notified prior to making entry, stating to which classes it shall apply.

 

C.        DUAL START RACE

            1.        The first day's starting positions shall be determined by the draw with the Numbers 1 and 2 starting together first, Numbers 3 and 4 starting together second, etc.

            2.        The second day's starting positions shall be determined by the first day's times. The finishing list will be divided into two groups, with the fastest team in the faster group starting with the fastest team in the slower group, followed by the second fastest teams in each group, etc.

            3.        In races of more than two (2) heats, the total elapsed time of the previous heats will determine the groupings and starting positions, with the fastest teams in each group starting first, etc.

            4.        If option b.(under "single start race") is to apply to a race of more than two (2) heats, the elapsed time of the previous single heat shall de­termine the groupings and starting positions, with the fastest teams in each group starting first, etc.

 

D.       EQUAL TIMES

            1.        If the total elapsed time of two teams is identical, the order of start for these teams shall be the reverse order in which they started in the preceding heat.

            2.        Teams with equal times for the entire race, shall be awarded the higher finishing position.

            3.        The purse for the tied place and the next lower places(s) shall be combined and divided equally among those teams tied for that place.

 

E.        STARTING POINT AND TIME

            1.        The brushbow of sled or front wheel of rig shall determine the starting point of the team.

            2.        Trail time for all teams shall begin at the original scheduled time of departure, except for a late starting team, for which trail time begins at the second scheduled time of departure.  However the team will be penalised with x minutes extra racing time for late starting.  (x = one starting interval).

            3.        A team which fails to be in the starting position at its scheduled starting time, will be declared a "late starting team".

                       a.        A late-starting team shall not be allowed to start until after the last team entered in its class has started, and after the prescribed start­ing interval.

                       b.        A late-starting team shall not interfere with any other team.

                       c.         If more than one team is declared late, those teams shall start in their originally scheduled starting order.

                       d.        If a team is late to the starting line for its second scheduled time of departure for any one heat, that team shall be disqualified.

                       e.         Late-starting teams should be counted down as if they were there  ie no musher should be required to come to the line before their allotted start time.

            4.        A team not clearing the Starting Chute (Minimum distance 30 metres [100 feet]) prior to the scheduled start of the next team may be disqualified.

 

F.        ASSISTANCE IN THE STARTING CHUTE

            1.        The amount and type of assistance in the starting chute shall be determined and announced by the Race Marshal prior to the start of the first heat of the event.

            2.        Once a team is beyond the starting chute area in an official start, all Trail Rules shall apply.

 

G.       FINISH

            1.        A team shall have finished the heat when the first dog on the team crosses the finish line.

            2.        If a loose team crosses the finish line ahead of its driver, that team shall have finished when the driver reaches the finish line.

3.             When a dual starting chute is used as a finish chute, a team may return on either trail.

 

PART III - TRAIL RULES

 

A.       FOLLOWING THE TRAIL

            1.        A team and driver shall run the entire course as established by the race‑giving organisation.

                       a.        The course shall be of a suitable surface, avoiding such surfaces as concrete, black top and sharp rock gravel, except for necessary road crossings.

            2.        If a team leaves the trail, the driver shall return the team to the point at which they left the trail.

            3.        The trail shall be followed as marked:

                       a.        "Right turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the right side of the trail.

                       b.        "Left turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the left side of the trail.

                       c.         "Straight ahead" shall be indicated by blue markers.

                       d.        "Caution" shall be indicated by yellow or orange markers.

                       e.         The “End of the Starting Chute"  (minimum length, 30 meters (100 feet)) shall be indicated by markers on both sides of the trail.

                       f.         A "800 metre" (1/2 mile) marker shall be placed 800 metres from the finish line to indicate the start of the "No‑Right‑Of‑Way Zone."

 

B.        DRIVING A TEAM

            1.        A driver may ride the rig/sled, pedal or run as wished.

            2.        Any driver accepting a ride on any vehicle other than his/her own rig, shall be disqualified unless in case of a loose team or dog.

            3.        A driver shall not interfere with a competing team.

            4.        All dogs starting a heat shall complete the entire course, either hitched in the team or carried on the rig.

            5.        A dog becoming unfit after departure shall be carried on the rig.

            6.        Carrying a passenger at any time during the race shall be prohibited unless:

                       a.        Called for in the conditions of the race.

                       b.        Giving a ride to a driver in an emergency situation.

            7.        The bike or rig/sled must be behind the dog(s) at all times while in motion.