3.0 Trail Procedure

3.0 Trail Procedure
3.1 The Driver
3.1.1 A driver may ride, scoot or run as and when they wish but see Rules 3.4 and 3.5.3.
3.1.2 Physical and verbal abuse of dogs is strictly prohibited at the Event Site.
3.1.3 Wilful interference by a Driver with other competing teams in any way is prohibited. Teams experiencing difficulty must make every effort not to impede other Competitors.
3.2 Classifications
A Class .. No more than 8 dogs, no less than 5.
B Class .. No more than 6 dogs, no less than 4.
C Class .. No more than 4 dogs, no less than 3.
D Class .. Two dogs only.
E Class .. No more than 3 dogs, no less than 2.
Unlimited .. No less than 5 dogs.
.2 Class .. Mixed Sled Dog Breeds, when Siberian Only Classes are scheduled.
J Class .. Age of Driver 8-11 one dog (over 12 months);
12-15 one or two dogs (over 12 months)
Cani-cross Class .. 1 dog & a Competitor racing on foot.
Bike-joring Class .. 1 dog & a Driver pedalling a bicycle.
Scooter Class .. 1 dog & a Driver riding a two wheeled scooter.
3.3 Dogs
3.3.1 All dogs must be properly harnessed in the team and all dogs must be fastened by a neck line. Exception: Lead dogs must be properly harnessed in the team, but may run with or without a neckline. In cani-cross, bike-joring & scooter classes the dog harness shall not allow the dog to escape.
3.3.2 Any dog suffering injury or becoming unfit to run during the competition must be taken out of the team and must be carried in the dog bag. No dog will be allowed to run free alongside, in front or, or behind the rig/sled at any time.
3.3.3 Any team falling behind the required minimum of fit dogs for the Class entered must retire. If this reduction in number of fit dogs occurs on the trail because of injury or sickness, then no attempt should be made to complete the course. In the event of an emergency, Drivers must use their discretion as to whether to proceed with the depleted team to the Finish (subject to Rule 3.1.3) or whether to alert a passing Driver or contact a Marshal or spectator to seek assistance.
3.3.4 All dogs starting any heat must complete that heat whether running or being carried in the bag other than Rule 3.3.3 above.
3.3.5 After the first heat, a Driver may drop any dog they wish from subsequent heat(s), subject always to the minimum specified. See Rules 3.2 and 3.3.3.
3.3.6 A dog may not take part in more than one Class or Team during any one day other than scheduled Junior/Novelty Events.
3.4 Passengers
One person must be sitting on a secured seat when travelling.
3.5 Following the Course
3.5.1 A Team and Driver must follow the full course as laid out by the Rally Organiser and as described at the Mushers' Meeting.
3.5.2 If a Team does leave the designated trail, the Driver must return the Team to the point at which they left the Trail. A Team and Driver meeting this condition may then continue the course without penalty.
3.5.3 The Driver must not be forward of his Team unless physically in contact and in control of the lead dog(s).
3.5.4 Both Team and Driver must cover the entire course without unauthorised assistance.
3.6 Outside Assistance
3.6.1 All Teams may receive similar assistance of any kind from Officials stationed at designated points along the trail if so authorised by the Rally Organiser. All competitors will be notified of permissible assistance at the Mushers' Meeting.
3.6.2 An individual Team may receive assistance from anyone only if that Team becomes unmanageable.
3.6.3 No person is allowed to assist a Team by wilfully pacing it.
3.7 Loose Teams
3.7.1 Everyone should be encouraged to stop and hold any loose team.
3.7.2 A loose team interfering with other Teams will be disqualified.
3.8 Right of Way
3.8.1 A Team not leaving the Start Line within 30 seconds of the designated Start Time must retire from the Start Area and await instruction from the Rally Organiser or his appointed Start Marshal. See Rule 2.2.5.
3.8.2 A Team not clearing the Starting Chute Marker prior to the scheduled Start Time of the following Team will be disqualified.
3.8.3 When passing in opposite directions on a single trail:
3.8.3.1 On a hill, the Team travelling downhill has Right of Way.
3.8.3.2 On level ground, the Rally Organiser shall determine the Outgoing or Incoming Team shall have Right of Way and this will be specified at the Mushers' Meeting.
3.8.3.3 The Rally Organiser will suggest the side on which to pass and this will be specified at the Mushers' Meeting.
3.8.4 No Incoming Team shall have Right of Way over another Incoming Team from a point to be established by the Rally Organiser, but within 800 m. (0.5 ml) of the Finish Line. See Rule 1.6.
3.9 Passing
3.9.1 An Overtaking Team has Right of Way over the preceding Team when the Overtaking Team comes within 15 m. (50 ft.) of the Team ahead.
3.9.2 Under these conditions, the Overtaking Team Driver should call TRAIL. Upon hearing this call, the Preceding Driver must make way for the Over- taking Team bringing their Team to a full stop, if requested. See Rule 3.1.3.
3.9.3 The Overtaken Team may request and receive the Right of Way to re-pass:
3.9.3.1 In Unlimited Class after 4 mins. or 1,600 m.. (1 ml.)
3.9.3.2 In Limited Classes after 2 mins., or 800 m. (0.5 ml.)
3.9.3.3 If the Drivers concerned are in agreement, at a lesser time or distance interval.
3.9.4 Passing Teams becoming tangled as a result of the pass may request the Overtaken Team to wait for a period not exceeding 60 seconds in an Unlimited Class, or a period not exceeding 30 seconds in a Limited Class. If the Overtaking Team should stop for any other reason, then the Over- taken Team may ask for TRAIL and be given Right of Way in accordance with Rule 3.9.2.
3.9.5 Following Team shall maintain an interval of not less than one team length behind the preceding rig/sled.

Date:21 Aug 2008