Pacific Tri States Alliance Race Rules

Can Be downloaded here as a PDF

I. ENTRY RULES

A) ELIGIBILITY

1. ENTRIES

a. An entry for a race shall be submitted by the Wednesday prior to the start of the race. Acceptance of late entries and late fees to be determined by the race giving organization

b. The race-giving organization may reject any entry for just cause.

c. The race-giving organization shall prohibit any person convicted of animal abuse or neglect at a misdemeanor or greater level from participating in races.

2. DRIVERS

a. All drivers must report to the Drivers Meeting at times listed on the entry – both days. At the discretion of the Race Marshal, a time penalty of 10% of day time may be imposed for late arrivals. (For each class entered.) For those mushers who completely miss the meeting - disqualification.

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

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

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

e. Drivers disqualified from a heat for animal abuse shall not be eligible for further participation in any class that is part of that event.

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 the 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. No dog is to be used for more than 1 event, except peewee & junior, unless approved by race giving organization.

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 and/or Race Marshal determines 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 the race with more than two (2) heats, shall be marked a second time to indicate their disqualification from the team.

6. SIZE OF TEAM

a. An Unlimited Team shall consist of not less than seven (7) dogs in the first heat, and not less than five (5) dogs in any subsequent heat.

b. A Limited Ten-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than ten (10) dogs, not less than seven (7) dogs.

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

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

e. A Limited Four-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than four (4) dogs, and not less than three (3) dogs.

f. A Limited Three-Dog Class Team shall not consist of more than (3) dogs and not less than (2) dogs.

g. A Skijoring Advanced Team shall consist of not more than three (3) dogs, and not less than one (1) dog. The race giving organization may reduce the maximum for safety reasons.

h. Skijoring Novice Team shall consist of not more than two (2) dogs, and not less than one (1)dog. The race giving organization may reduce the maximum for safety reasons.

i. A Novice Team shall consist of not more than four (4) dogs, and not less than two (2)dogs. The race giving organization may reduce the maximum for safety reasons.

j. A Junior Team shall consist of not more than two (2) dogs, and not less than one (1) dog. The race giving organization may reduce the maximum for safety reasons.

k. A Twelve (12) dog mid distance team shall consist of not more than twelve (12) dogs, and not less than six (6) dogs.

l. A Six (6) dog mid distance team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, and not less than four (4) dogs.

m. A Pee Wee class team will consist of only one (1) dog teams.

n. After the first heat and each ensuing heat, a driver may voluntarily reduce the size of the team, subject to minimums.

7. AGE LIMITATIONS – ALL SUBJECT TO RACE MARSHAL APPROVAL

a. Pee Wee driver minimum age four (4) years old. Subject to Race Marshal approval.

b. Junior driver minimum age seven (7) years old, maximum age fourteen (14) years old. Subject to Race Marshal approval.

c. Skijoring minimum age ten (10) years old. Subject to Race Marshal approval.

d. Novice driver minimum age ten (10) years old.

1. Subject to Race Marshal approval.
   

2. Ten (10) to fourteen (14) year olds eligible to compete for prizes no matter how many wins.
   

3. Fifteen (15) years old and older eligible to compete for prizes until end of season after incurring three (3) wins.

e. Four dog driver minimum age fourteen (14) years old.

f. Six dog driver minimum age fifteen (15) years old.

g. Eight dog driver minimum age sixteen (16) years old.

h. Six (6) dog mid distance driver minimum age sixteen (16) years old.

i. Twelve (12) dog mid distance driver minimum age (18) years old.

B) MEDICATIONS ADMINISTERED TO DOGS - PROHIBITED DRUGS

1. THE USE OF INTERNAL MEDICINES, INJECTIONS, OR STIMULANTS to the dogs before, during, or after a race, except for medicinal purposes at the direction of a veterinarian is prohibited.

2. DRUG TESTING

a. If an organization intends to test for drugs, it shall declare so on the entry form. It is recommended that the organization use the ISDRA Drug testing procedures.

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 non prescribed drug, that team is subject to disqualification, the decision to be made following a hearing.

C) EQUIPMENT

1.INSPECTION

a. Drivers, teams, and equipment shall be available for inspection before and after each heat at the request of the Race Marshal.

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

2. HARNESSES and LINES

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

b. All team dogs shall be fastened to the gangline by a neckline and tugline. Dual leaders shall be fastened to each other by a neckline and to the gangline with a tugline.

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

3. SLEDS

a. A sled shall be capable of adequately carrying the driver and have a basket capable of carrying a dog.

b. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, brushbow and snowhook.

c. A sled shall be equipped with a dog bag adequate for the safety of the dog, capable of restraining a struggling or incapacitated dog and covering a dog. No part of the dog should be able to extend beyond the bottom, sides or back of the basket

4. SKIJORING EQUIPMENT

a. Skijoring teams must be attached via harness and towline to the skijorer’s belt, in a safe and secure manner leaving the skijors hands free of the line.

b. Line length minimum seven feet (7’) maximum twelve feet (12’) as measured from the skier’s belt buckle to the snap on the dogs harness.

c. Belt minimum width across back will be three inches (3”).

d. In the interest of safety it is recommended that there be a quick release device within arm’s length of the skijorer.

e. All team dogs shall be fastened to the gangline by a neckline and a tugline. Dual leaders shall be fastened to each other by a neckline, and to the gangline with a tugline.

5. OTHER EQUIPMENT

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

b. A racing number for each driver shall be provided by the race-giving organization. The driver shall display this number on his person throughout the race.

c. A race-giving organization may prohibit the use of signal whips on any or all portions of the race trail. Organizations who elect this option shall declare so on the entry form.


d. Signal whip length may be limited by the race giving organization starting with a minimum of one (1 ) meter. Maximum length from butt to the end of the popper shall be stated on the entry form.

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.

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 organization.

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 day’s 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 team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc.

3. In races of more than two heats,

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

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

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

4. If a class is broken into two (2) or more brackets, on the second day the teams stay in the same bracket, with the team with the fastest time out first, second fastest team starting second, etc..

C) GROUP START RACE

1. A group consists of two (2) or more (up to and including all) drivers starting together.

2. The first day’s starting positions shall be determined by a random draw. If the starting group consists of two (2) teams then #1 and #2 start first, #3 and #4 start second, etc. If the starting group consists of three (3) teams, #1, #2 and #3 start first, #4, #5 and #6 start second, etc.

3. Starting positions for all subsequent heats of the race shall be determined by option a. or b. below. In all cases the finishing list will be divided into groups equal to the number of teams starting together (e.g., 2 teams, 2 lists, 4 teams, 4 lists, etc.) The fastest team in each group will start first, followed by the second fastest team in each group, etc.

a. Starting positions may be determined by the elapsed time of the previous heats (one (1) or more combined).

b. Starting positions may be determined by the elapsed time of the previous single heat. In races of more than two (2) heats, entrants must be notified prior to making entry that this option will be used (notification must include to which classes it will apply).

4. When the starting group consists of all drivers entered (mass start) subsequent heats should normally have starting locations identical to the first day. At the discretion of the RGO option 3.a or 3.b. may be used.

D) EQUAL TIMES

1. For all races except those in which the starting group consists of all drivers (mass start), if the total elapsed time of two teams is identical, the order of start for those teams shall be the reverse order in which they started in the preceding heat.

2. For races in which the starting group consists of all drivers (mass start), in the case of a tie, where the first day’s starting order is not being used to determine the starting order in subsequent heats, the Race Marshal shall decide the starting position by the flip of a coin.

3. Teams with equal times for the entire race shall be awarded (share) the higher finishing position.

4. 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 brush bow of the sled/skijorer’s ski tips shall determine the starting point of the team.

2. Trail time for all teams shall begin at the originally scheduled time of departure.

3. A team that fails to be stopped in the starting position at its scheduled starting time shall be declared a late starting team.

1. 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.
   

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

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

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

4. A team not clearing the starting chute (minimum distance 100 feet for single starts, 100 yards for group starts) prior to the scheduled start of the next team may be disqualified.

F) ASSISTANCE IN THE STARTING CHUTE

1. Unless otherwise specified by the Race Marshal prior to the start of the first heat of the event:

a. Any amount or type of assistance is allowed to a team prior to the actual starting time. Once a team’s starting time has commenced, only the chute judge or officials designated to assist may help in the chute.


b. In the event of a tangle or a dogfight, unlimited help is allowed.

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 multiple starting chutes are used as a finishing chute a team may return on any trail.

III. TRAIL RULES

A) FOLLOWING THE TRAIL

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

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 marked as follows:

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 markers.

e. The end of the Starting Chute (minimum length, 100 feet for single starts) shall be indicated by markers on both sides of the trail.

f. A marker shall be placed to indicate the start of the ‘NO-RIGHT-OF-WAY ZONE” 1/2 mile from the finish unless trail conditions dictate otherwise. The trail within the ‘NO-RIGHT-OF-WAY-ZONE’ should be at least 10 (ten) feet wide and aligned so that an overtaking team may pass freely on the run.

B) DRIVING A TEAM

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

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

3. All dogs starting a heat shall complete the entire course, either hitched in the team or carried on the sled. If the Race Marshal determines that all dogs did not complete the entire course as above, that team shall be disqualified.

4. A dog removed from the team must be loaded in the sled and enclosed in a dog bag adequate for the condition the dog is in.

5. 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.

6. The Skijorer shall follow the dogs on skis. Pacing the dog(s) by skiing ahead is forbidden. However, skijorers are allowed to assist the dog(s) to move in the proper direction by leading them by the harness, collar or neckline.

C) ASSISTANCE ON THE TRAIL

1. All teams may receive similar assistance of any type from officials stationed at designated points along the trail as authorized by the Race Marshal.

2. Drivers running in the same heat may assist each other in any manner authorized by the Race Marshal.

3. Handler and spectator assistance shall be limited to holding the sled, except in the case of a loose team, or a team so unmanageable as to create a clear and present danger to itself, other teams or persons.

4. No one shall assist a team by willfully pacing it.

D) LOOSE TEAMS and DOGS

1. All drivers must assume that a loose team or dog is an endangered team or dog.

2. A loose team or dog shall not delay or interfere with another team.

3. a. The driver of the loose team must overtake the loose team by the quickest means available to ensure the safety of the loose team.

b. In the event that a driver cannot quickly and safely recover his/her team, the driver must accept assistance, including a ride when available to recover his/her team. Failure to accept available assistance may result in disqualification of the driver of the loose team. The Race Marshal shall determine if a driver is to be disqualified.

c. Any person(s) is/are encouraged to stop and hold a loose team.

d. Drivers who receive a ride to recover a team will be assessed a time penalty of 20% of the total elapsed time of the heat in which they received a ride.

E) RIGHT OF WAY

1. When teams are passing on a single trail:

a. The team traveling down hill shall have the right-of-way.

b. On level terrain, the Race Marshal shall determine and announce, prior to the start of the race, whether the in-coming or outgoing team has the right-of-way.

2. In the one-half (1/2) mile “No-right-of-way finish zone”, no team shall have the right of way over a finishing team.

F) PASSING

1. In races where teams have started sequentially, one behind the other at predetermined intervals, passing rules are defined in subsection F.

2. When a team driver intends to pass another team, the passing team driver may demand the right of way when the lead dog(s) comes within fifty (50) feet of the sled of the overtaken team.

3. If demanded by the overtaking team driver, the overtaken team shall make way for the passing team by steering the sled to one side of the trail, slowing his team and stopping and keeping the team from moving forward.

4. If the passing team becomes tangled or bunched up in the course of the pass, to allow time to untangle and tighten lines, that team’s driver may require the overtaken team to remain stopped for up to one (1) minute in Unlimited and Limited Classes involving eight (8) or more dogs, one-half (1/2) minute in all other classes.

5. Once a team has been passed, that team shall not repass so long as the driver in front is making an effort to keep his team moving forward until

a. In Unlimited or Limited Classes involving eight (8) or more dogs, after no less than four (4) minutes or one (1) mile.

b. In Limited Classes involving fewer than eight (8) dogs, after no less than two (2) minutes or one-half (1/2) mile.

c. In All mid distance classes, after four (4) minutes or one (1) mile.

d. At any lesser interval when both drivers are in agreement.

EXCEPTION:

After a pass has been completed, a team that has been passed need not hold his/her team while the other driver

i. repairs gear or

ii. unhooks and transfers a dog or dogs from one position in the team to another position in the team or

iii. goes off the race trail before the above mentioned distance or time interval has elapsed. Loading a dog in the sled constitutes changing a dog’s position in the team.

6. A driver coming upon two or more teams stopped together, may pass all such teams. The stopped team drivers shall make every effort to clear the trail for the moving team(s).

7. Teams following each other shall maintain an interval of not less than one (1 ) team length, except when passing or in the “No-right-of way zone”.

8. When a team is overtaken in the “No-right-of-way zone”, that team does not have to stop and yield the trail.

9. No driver shall physically or verbally interfere with a competing team.

10. Skijorers need not come to a full stop, but must slow, yield the trail and give immediate right-of-way upon demand. Once a team has been passed, that team shall not repass for two (2) minutes or one-half (1/2) mile except by mutual agreement of both drivers. Unless passing or in the no-right-a-way zone, a competitor must maintain a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet between his/her dogs and the skijorer in front.

G) GROUP START RACES - PASSING

1. In group start races passes occurring between teams from different starting groups are also governed by rules as defined in Section III, subsection F. Passes occurring between teams within the same starting group (two or more, up to and including all teams starting together) are governed by rules defined in subsection G.

2. When the leader of an overtaking team is within fifty (50) feet of the overtaken team, the passing musher may request to be allowed to pass.

3. The driver of the overtaken team must allow an unrestricted pass. He or she must not obstruct the pass by using a whip, voice, excessive pedaling, or obstructing with the sled. Failure to facilitate an efficient pass will be grounds for a protest and disqualification.

4. In the event of a tangle between teams, the overtaking team will have the right-of-way, once the teams are untangled. In the event that an overtaking team becomes internally tangled, the overtaken team will not be required to stay behind the tangled team.

5. An overtaken team must allow the overtaking team two minutes or half-a-mile before attempting to repass. (Times and distances here are recommendations. If the RGO decided to use different criteria, they should be announced before the race.)

6. No driver shall interfere with a competing team.

H) NON RACING TEAMS

1. A disqualified team is considered a non racing team

2. No non racing team shall use the official race course or any part there of until all racing teams have returned.

IV. CONDUCT

A) RESPONSIBILITY and SPORTSMANSHIP

1. All drivers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, their designated handler, and themselves whenever in the race area or on the trail.

2. Verbal, physical abuse or threats made to any race official, trail help, race giving organization personnel, sponsors or other trail users will not be permitted or tolerated. Abusive behavior will lead to disqualification of a driver and team(s).

3. Common sense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. If the Race Marshal determines that driver, handler or team conduct at any time in the race area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/race, that team shall be disqualified.

B) ABUSE OF DOGS

1. Abuse of a dog, with or without an implement, shall be prohibited. If the Race Marshal determines that any dog has been abused, that team and driver shall be disqualified.

V RULES VIOLATIONS

A) REPORTS BY RACE OFFICIAL

1. Race officials shall report overt rule violations to the Race Marshal verbally, in person or by radio, immediately or directly following the heat in which the violation occurred.

2. The Race Marshal shall act, at his discretion, on any overt violations witnessed and reported by race officials.

B) REPORTS BY RACE CONTESTANTS

1. Drivers wishing to report an alleged violation of the rules by another contestant shall notify the Race Marshal immediately following the heat in which the incident occurred. Notification may be verbal.

2. If requested by Race Marshal, a verbal driver reports shall be followed with a written report, given to the Race Marshal within one (1 ) hour of the completion of the heat in which the alleged violation occurred.

C) PROTESTS and HEARINGS

1. Any driver implicated in a report of an alleged violation of the rules may request a hearing before the Race Marshal.

2. Said hearing shall be granted by the Race Marshal.

D) DISCIPLINARY ACTION

1. For violation of any Race Rule, the Race Marshal shall either issue a verbal warning to the driver, a time penalty, or disqualify the driver and team from the race.

a. No other disciplinary action shall be imposed.

b. Decisions shall be announced as promptly as practical but no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of any ensuing heat(s).

c. Any disciplinary action following the final heat of the race shall be acted upon prior to the awards ceremony.

d. In the case of drug testing, the above time schedule does not apply to allow for laboratory findings and hearings, should the latter become necessary.

2. In group start races, in the event of a team starting before the designated start of the driver’s starting group, the team should stop and allow all other teams in that group to pass it before proceeding or be subject to a time penalty assessed by the Race Marshal or Chief Judge, of not less than five (5) minutes. Intentional early starting shall be grounds for disqualification.