EMPIRE SLED DOG RACE RULES

DRIVERS

 

  1. First day start positions will be determined by receipt of entry form and fee. There will be single starts.  The first form received will be the first musher out as determined by the race committee.  If a driver requests a later start position, the request must be made to the committee before race day.  Second day start positions will be determined by the ending positions from the first day's race; fastest time on day one will be the first one out on day two.

  2. At the time of entry it must be understood that the driver will race under the published rules.  All entered drivers will attend the rules meeting or will be disqualified; therefore, no driver substitution will be allowed after the rules meeting.  Drivers missing roll call will be fined $25.00.

  3. Drivers are responsible for getting their team to the start line at their designated start time.  The brush bow shall determine the start of the race.  If a team misses their start time they will go to the end of their class; however, their time will begin at their designated start time.

  4. Qualification:  The Committee reserves the right to reject any entry in any Empire event.

  5. Each team MUST keep assigned parking space on both days.

DOGS

  1. The cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs by a driver is strictly prohibited, and can result in disqualification.

  2. All dogs are required to be vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Corona.  Rabies Vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.  Written proof of Rabies vaccination must be provided to the race organization.  Distemper, Parvo, and Corona may be administered by a licensed veterinarian or a layperson.  If administered by a layperson, proof of purchase must be submitted to the race organization.

  3. All drivers are responsible for the conduct of their dogs before, during, and after each race.  Each driver shall direct his/her handlers to keep both start/finish areas clear of litter.

  4. It is the drivers' responsibility to have their dogs marked prior to the race by a race official/  Only dogs passing the Vet Check will be marked.  Any dog dropped will be marked out and cannot be reentered or substituted for the duration of the race.  Any unmarked dogs will disqualify the entire team.  A maximum of 8 dogs in the 8 dog class and 6 dogs in the 6 dog class will be marked for each driver.

  5. Six dog teams can start with four dogs and eight dog teams can start with six.  Dogs must be dropped at the start/finish line.  Any dog needing to be carried shall be done so in a secure humane fashion.  The Judge, in consultation with the Race Vet, has the authority to force the dropping of a dog.  A team must finish with at least 5 dogs standing (8-dog team) or 4 dogs standing (6-dog team).  Any dog crossing the finish line in the basket will be marked out.

  6. All drugs are prohibited except those provided by the race veterinarians.  In case of doubt, consult with the Race Vet or Chief Judge.  The Chief Judge and the Race Vet reserve the right to test any dog.

  EQUIPMENT

  1. All harnesses shall be padded around the neck and chest areas.

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

  3. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, brush bow, snowhook and/or snub line, showshoes and bindings, tool capable of cutting cable/rope gangline, booties (1 set for each dog), and first aid kit (ace bandage and pressure bandages).  Also required is a sled bag capable of restraining a struggling dog, and if necessary, covering a severely injured or dead dog.

  4. Whips will not be allowed.

COURSE

  1. The course is laid out with suitable markers and groomed to a standard set by the race committee.  The team and driver must urn the full course as marked.  "No man's land" will be posted on the trail.  Six dog will be approximately 1/2 mile out from the finish.  Eight dog will be approximately 3/4 mile out from the finish.

  2. When passing another team the musher shall call "trail", the overtaken team must relinquish the trail and assist the passing team when necessary.

  3. When neither of two or more teams are able to pull away from the other, the drivers shall mutually decide on the appropriate team to lead out.

  4. In a head-on passing situation the homeward bound team has the right-of-way, and the outward bound team must relinquish the trail.  Exceptions: (A) When the outward bound team is moving downhill, in which case the outward bound team has the right-of-way.  (B) In the event a six dog team meets an eight dog team, both homebound, right-of-way will be musher etiquette.

  5. In the case of a lost team, the team will not be disqualified if the driver regains control of the team, provided that the team and driver complete the entire race trail and comply with the rules.

  6. All teams must follow the trail as marked.  As long as the team and driver continue on the trail when separated, the driver may continue on when regaining control.

  7. Mushers may receive assistance by any means and by anyone in recovering their team in appropriate ways.  Pacing of any kind is strictly prohibited.

  8. Teams inadvertently leaving the course must regain the course at the point at which it was left, then continue on.

  9. It is the mushers responsibility to check for traffic at road crossings.  There are a minimum o crossings in the race and an attempt will be made to secure these crossings.

FINISH

  1. The nose of the lead dog crossing the finish line (with Musher) signals a team's official finish.

  2. Final positions will be awarded from a total elapsed time for both days of racing.

  3. The Chief Judge has the final work over all safety considerations for both dogs and drivers.  He has authority to interpret rules at the driver's meeting, alter a participant's official running time, disqualify dogs, teams, drivers and determine winners and subsequent placing.

  4. Any musher wishing to register a written protest must do so no later than 1/2 hour after the end of each day.  Any written protest must be accompanied by a $25.00 deposit.  Protests shall be handed directly to the Chief Judge and shall not be discussed with spectators or news media.

RACE FEES

  1. Additional $25 fee for registrations postmarked during week before the race

  2. Full entry fee will be refunded if cancellation is requested, and postmarked, on or prior to December 13th.  Half-fee will be refunded if cancellation is requested, and postmarked, on or prior to December 27th.  No refund after a postmark date of December 29th, 2002.

  3. In the event that the race is canceled, $25 of the race registration received for the January 4th & 5th race is non-refundable for entries that withdraw before the rescheduled date of January 24th & 25th, 2004.