PENNSYLVANIA SLED DOG CLUB - DRY LAND RACING RULES

LAST REVISION AUGUST 9, 2006

  1. THESE RULES WERE VOTED ON AND APPROVED ON AUGUST 9, 2006 VIA THE PSDC BOARD.
  2. RECOMMENDED TRAIL DISTANCES
    3. Potential Classes OfferedRecommended Trail Distance
    Canicross (Men and Women)1-2 Miles
    1-2 Dog Bikejor2-3 Miles
    1-2 Dog Scooter2-3 Miles
    2-4 Dog Gig2-3 Miles
    6-8 Dog Gig3-4 Miles
    1. A plus or minus trail length variance should be considered, depending on temperature, humidity, and trail conditions.
  3. TEMPERATURE CUT-OFF
    1. If the race site temperature reaches +60° Fahrenheit, the Race Marshall shall cancel the race or not run anymore classes that day.
    2. If the race site temperature is between 50° and 59° Fahrenheit, the Race Marshall should consider running shorter trails for the safety of the dogs.
    3. The Race Marshall must take both the temperature and the humidity into consideration, when deciding if to hold the race.
  4. DRIVER'S MEETING
    1. There will be a Driver's meeting no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the first class. A complete trail map, with hazards indicated, will be posted. Trail markers that will be used on the course, will be displayed.
  5. AGGRESSIVE DOGS
    1. Dogs showing repeated aggression towards dogs on other teams can be disqualified from the event at the discretion of the Race Marshall.
  6. EQUIPMENT
    1. GIGS
      1. The Race Marshall shall conduct Gig Inspection starting at least ONE HOUR BEFORE the start of the event. All gigs must be inspected.
      2. The Gig Inspection should be done by an inspection crew that the Race Marshall appoints and leads. The Race Marshall will have veto power over the gig approval decisions.
      3. Gigs must meet the following criteria to be allowed in the race:
        1. Adequate brakes
        2. Tires must be fully inflated
        3. General sound mechanical condition
      4. Gigs that pass inspection will be given a marker that must be visible to race officials at the start line.
      5. Multiple heats will be run to allow competitors to share gigs for those that do not have them or whose gigs did not pass inspection. It is the responsibility of the Driver to find an approved gig and make arrangements with the race officials to be placed in an appropriate heat.
      6. DOG BAGS MAY BE USED BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED.
        1. IF A DRIVER HAS TO DROP A DOG FOR ANY REASON, THE DRIVER MUST MOVE THEIR TEAM ENTIRELY OFF THE RACE TRAIL.
        2. IF THE DRIVER HAS A DOG BAG AND CAN SAFELY LOAD THE INJURED DOG, THEY MAY DO SO AND CONTINUE ON IN THE RACE WITH NO PENALTY. IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE A DOG BAG OR CAN NOT SAFETY LOAD A DOG THE DRIVER MUST WAIT WITH THEIR TEAM, ENTIRELY OFF THE TRAIL FOR THE HEAT TO END AND TRAIL HELP TO ARRIVE.
        3. IF A DRIVER FINISHES A HEAT WITH AN INJURED DOG (NOT IN A DOG BAG, THE DRIVER HAS RUN THE INJURED DOG), THE DRIVER WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM ALL CLASSES ENTERED.
        4. DRIVERS WHO PULL THEIR TEAM OFF THE TRAIL DUE TO AN INJURED DOG AND WAIT WITH THEIR DOGS UNTIL THE HEAT IS OVER AND TRAIL HELP HAS ARRIVED WILL BE ALLOWED TO RACE THE FOLLOWING DAY AS EXHIBITION, HOWEVER THE INJURED DOG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN AND THE DOG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE REPLACED.
    2. BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS
      1. Bicycles and scooters do not have to be approved by the Race Marshall during the gig inspection period, but must have adequate brakes, properly inflated tires and in sound mechanical condition. The Race Marshall reserves the right to disqualify unsafe bicycles and scooters from competition at the starting line. If equipment is in question, it shall be the responsibility of the Driver to check their equipment with the Race Marshall prior to the race.
      2. Bicycle and scooter lines must have a built in bungee and be 7-12 feet when fully extended.
      3. Bicycles with the chain disengaged may be used in the scooter class.
      4. Bicycles shall not have "coaster" brakes.
    3. CANICROSS
      1. Canicross runners must use a skijor style belt and be attached to their dog with a tug line having a built in bungee and be 7-12 feet when fully extended.
      2. Men and Women drivers will constitute separate classes, however the Mens' and Women's classes may be run together.
  7. STARTING TIME
    1. The tentative starting times for each class will be posted prior to the Driver's meeting. No class will be started while another class is in progress.
  8. TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN STARTS
    1. Canicross ? There will be a mass start for the men followed 1 minute later with a mass start for the women. Men and women may start together at the Race Marshall's discretion.
    2. Bikejor, Scooter, and 2-4 Dog Gig ? One minute start intervals will be used, with the exception of extenuating circumstances related to trail conditions or weather as determined by the Race Marshall.
    3. 6-8 Dog Gig ? Two minute start intervals will be used.
  9. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
    1. The name and location of medical assistance for both humans and dogs will be available at the race site.
  10. PASSING RULE
    1. These rules do not apply to canicross classes.
    2. The PASSING DRIVER has the right of way when the lead dog(s) come within 30 feet of the overtaken team.
    3. The OVERTAKEN TEAM shall steer to one side, slow their team down or if requested stop their team.
    4. The OVERTAKEN TEAM shall not repass so long the team in front is moving forward until after no less than 2 minutes or ½ mile in all classes. Unless at any lesser interval both Drivers are in agreement.
    5. TEAMS FOLLOWING EACH OTHER shall maintain a distance of not less than one team length, except in the last ¼ mile of the race.
    6. NO DRIVER SHALL INTERFERE WITH A COMPETING TEAM.
  11. PROTESTS
    1. To file a protest you must obtain a copy of the PSDC protest form from the Race Marshall. The protest procedure must be started within an hour of the completion of the class for which the protest is being filed. The form must be turned into the Race Marshall.
  12. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
    1. Rabies certificates must be available for inspection by the Race Marshall if requested. Teams competing in purebred classes, AKC or CKC paperwork must be available as well.
    2. For 2-Day races, Drivers are to use the same stake-out area for their dogs, both days.
    3. The Driver is responsible for cleaning up their stake-out area. No debris of any kind is to be left at the race site.
    4. For 2-Day races, dogs will be marked on Day It is the Driver's responsibility to make sure their team stops and is able to be marked accordingly.
    5. The Driver must fill out all entry and Driver's report forms legibly so the statistician will be able to record names and results accurately.
    6. All equipment should be in sound and functional condition. The line judge or the Race Marshall CAN STOP A DRIVER FROM RACING if they feel that the Driver's equipment is unsafe, unsound or unfunctional.
    7. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
      1. HELMETS - All gig, bike and scooter class participants are required to wear helmets. Bicycle, motorcycle, ski or equine style helmets are all acceptable.
      2. Helmets are not required for Canicross.
    8. SAFETY GLASSES ? All gig, bike and scooter participants are required to wear safety glasses. Any eyewear that sufficiently covers the eye area will be acceptable.
    9. Safety glasses are not required for Canicross.
  13. LOOSE DOGS
    1. Loose dogs are NOT allowed at the race site (on or off the trail), it is the Driver's responsibility to have their dogs secure and on lines at all time.
  14. WHIPS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED.
  15. Racers must be 12 years of age; racers between the age of 12-17 must have a parent or guardians permission to participate in any dryland race.
    1. Children under 12 years old will be allowed to participate in the "Kid & Mutt Dash." This event shall have no entry fee.
  16. The Race Marshall is the FINAL AUTHORITY AT THE RACE. The Drivers must comply with all rulings and decisions made by the Race Marshall.