COUREUR DES BOIS Rules
Transcription
COUREUR DES BOIS Rules
MRX COUREUR DES BOIS COMPETITOR’S DOCUMENT MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 1 The Muskoka River X Coureur des Bois is a long, physically and psychologically demanding event. You must be prepared to race over a 2-day period and in excess of 24hrs without stopping. It is expected that you be in good physical condition and reasonable health. You must be completely self-sufficient for the entire race, carrying all the supplies required, including food, hydration, and mandatory equipment. The course will cover large, exposed in-land lakes as well as flat-water and swift-water rivers, mixed with portages. Seasonal conditions can be unpredictable and can change quickly: You may be exposed to wind, waves, rain, snow, or sub-zero temperatures. The course is quite remote in areas, with periods where you will travel along routes that have limited access both during the day and night. If you experience an adverse event, you must be prepared and equipped to be self-sufficient. In addition to the supplies you will need to complete the race, you are expected to maintain supplies that will ensure your self-sufficiency for at least one additional full day. Although emergency response plans have been established and a GPS emergency transmitter is provided, do not be overconfident that these systems will be able to provide you with assistance in a manner that addresses immediate emergency situations. Multiple factors may interfere with the timely receipt of and response to an emergency notification. It is critical that you are competent at paddling. You must be competent in and have sufficient resources for self-rescue techniques, first aid, and wilderness survival. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 2 1. REGISTRATION 1.1: THE ORGANIZER The Muskoka River X is organized and staged by River X Racing Inc. (Race Management). Race management reserves the right to add, modify, replace or cancel venues or events at any time. Race Management reserves the right to make changes and amendments to these rules and regulations at any time. In the event that changes are made, Race Management will endeavor to inform all registered teams of updates as they occur. 1.2: TEAM MEMBERS Each team must register in a defined category (canoe/kayak/SUP ~ solo/tandem/relay). 1. A team must consist of the registered members throughout the race. a. No substitution after on-site registration is complete. 2. Age Limits: Aged 13 year and older. a. 13-15 years of age may compete with a resume evidencing experience with multi-day long distance paddling and wilderness travel signed by their parent/guardian, and must compete with their parent/guardian. b. 18 years or younger require a signed waiver of liability by the parent/guardian. c. The minimum age for solo competitors is 19 yrs. 3. Eligibility: No specific skills will be tested in registration. a. All participants must be (1) competent in paddling the vessel indicated within their chosen category, (2) of sufficient physical condition and health to participant in the event for the duration of the event, (3) competent to self-rescue, and (4) competent in first aid, wilderness survival skill, and navigation. b. Participants assume full responsibility for adequately preparing themselves, learning necessary skills, and physically conditioning themselves for the unique demands of this event. c. Race management reserves the right to remove any team from the registered team list at or before on-site registration should race management determine that the team is not suitably prepared to safety participate in the event or may act in a way that will be harmful to themselves, other participants (including but not limited to competitors, volunteers, media, staff, community), or the event as a whole. In this situation the team will be notified immediately of the decision and all fees will be refunded. d. Race Management reserves the right to restrict registration of any individual(s) without explanation. 1.3: REGISTRATION PROCESS 1. Registration: a. Completed on-line registration details and pay a $100 deposit will be required to secure your registration. b. Race Management will email an invoice detailing outstanding fees and payment instructions: Payment must be completed within 4 weeks of being sent an invoice. c. Payment must be received in full to be considered “registered”. d. Registrations will not be accepted 3 weeks prior to the event. 2. Waiting List: a. A wait list will occur on a first come-first serve basis once the maximum number of registered teams has been reached. b. Should a spot become available teams will be offered the spot based on their position MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 3 within the “cue”. 3. Withdrawing Registration: a. Withdraw on or before 8 weeks prior to on-site registration: Full refund less a $100 administrative fee. b. Withdraw within 8 weeks of on-site registration: No refund. c. Any merchandise paid for will be mailed to the address on file. 4. Registration Insurance: a. $40 per team / must be paid for at the time of registration (1.b-c) / no retroactive purchasing of registration insurance b. Guarantees a full refund of registration fees if team withdraws 2 weeks prior to On-Site Registration. c. No refund if the team withdraws within 2 weeks of on-site registration. d. Any merchandise paid for will be mailed to the address on file. 5. Changing of Categories: a. May occur up to 4 weeks in advance of on-site registration with no administration fee with the purchase of registration insurance. b. May occur up to 4 weeks in advance with a $10 administrative fee with no registration insurance. c. No change within 4 weeks of on-site registration. 6. On-Site Registration: a. Mandatory process of confirming team arrival and completion of all required pre-race processes on-site, in Huntsville, Ontario, the day prior to the start of the race. (See itinerary for details.) b. To be considered an officially registered team, the following must complete: 1. Any outstanding payments 2. $60 fully-refundable deposit for GPS tracker 3. Racer Authentication 4. Waivers and Medical Forms 5. Gear Check c. No refund will be provided if a team is unable to complete the on-site registration. 1.4: CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT If the race is cancelled or postponed as a result of factors beyond the control of Race Management, (including but not limited to severe weather, war, flood, pandemic, or anything else that may make the event dangerous to participants, staff and volunteers), Race Management will attempt to reschedule the race to the subsequent year. No refunds will be issued if a re-scheduled date is not possible. If a new date is offered, no refund will be granted to registrants who are unable to participate in the rescheduled event. There are no exceptions to this policy and no transfers of fees to subsequent events. 2. CATEGORIES 2.1: C1 / K1 / SUP SOLO: The same solo competitor completes the entire race on his or her own, without any outside assistance, using the same watercraft. 2.2: C2 TANDEM: The same pair of competitors completes the entire race on their own without any outside assistance, using the same watercraft. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 4 2.5: CATEGORY SUMMARY: a. C1-Solo: b. K1-Solo: c. SUP-Solo: d. C2-Tandem: Male & Female Male & Female Male & Female Male & Female & Co-Ed Notes: C: Canoe / K: Kayak / SUP: Stand Up Paddle board 3. WATERCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS It is the team’s responsibility to ensure their watercraft meets specifications as defined below: 3.1: TANDEM CANOES (C2) Canoes that are built for back country/wilderness touring but are also suitable for racing against similar craft. This category commonly referred to as “C2 Stock” is a recognized and standardized racing category throughout North America. Canoes not meeting the following specifications are not permitted. Length: Maximum of 18’6” / Minimum 17’ Width: Minimum of 14.4% of length at 4” waterline (i.e., 32” for 18’6” length / 29.4” for 17’ length) Depth: Minimum @ Bow (17”); Centre (12 ½”); Stern (16”) • Canoes with concave hulls are not permitted. Pro-class or modified boats that are specifically designed for flat-water racing are not permitted. • Skegs or rudders are not permitted. • If you intend to use a canoe not included on the pre-approved list, please indicate the manufacture and model at the time of registration to ensure specifications can be clarified in advance for pre-race approval. • Pre-approved C2 canoes are as follows: Handcrafted Canoes Grand Huron; Nith River Swift Winisk; Temagami; Keewaydin; Cruiser 222 Langford Northwind Blue Water Freedom Explorer 17’9”; Freedom Tripper 17 Wenonah Jensen 17’; Jensen 18’; Sundowner; Minnesota II; Odyssey Champlain; Escape 17’ 6”; Escapade Grasse River Boatworks Traveler 17’ 5"; Traveler 18’ 6"; Monarch Mad River Lamoille; Horizon; Expedition 18’6” & 17’6” Bell Canoe Works Northwind; Northwood Savage River Works Susquehanna Souris River Canoe Quetico 18.5; Quetico 17; Wilderness 18 Clipper Canoes Jensen 17; Tripper; Ranger 17; MacKenzie 18’ 6”; Sea Clipper; Whitewater II; Jensen 18 Stock Scott Trillium 17 Nova Craft Cronje 17 Old Town Koru; Penobscot 17 & 174; Tripper 172 Sawyer Cruiser; 222 Cruiser H2O Horizon; Boundary; Slingshot 222 MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 5 3.2: SOLO CANOES Canoes that are built for back country/wilderness touring but are also suitable for racing against similar craft. Canoes not meeting the following specifications are not permitted. Length: Maximum of 17’2” / Minimum 15’ Width: No minimum / No maximum. • Canoes with concave hulls are not permitted. Pro-class or modified boats that are specifically designed for flat-water racing are not permitted. • It is the team’s responsibility to ensure canoe being used meets specifications. • Skegs or rudders are not permitted. • Pre-approved C1 canoes are as follows: Swift: Shearwater Blue Water: Splitwater Wenonah: Advantage; Prism; Encouter; Solitude; Solo Plus; Wilderness Grasse River Boatworks: Classic; Classix XL Mad River: Independence; Bell Canoe Works: Magic; Merlin II; Touring; Savage River Works: Blackwater; Otegan (modified) Souris River Canoe: Tranquility Clipper Canoes: Freedom; Solitude Sawyer: Summer Song; DY Special; Shock Wave Placid Boatworks Rapidfire; Shadow H2O Solo 16-6 3.3: KAYAK Kayak is an open class but must meet the following specification: Length: Minimum of 16’ / Maximum of 20’ Width: Minimum of 18” at 4” water line • Unless the watercraft is a “sit-on-top”, all watercraft must have a spray deck with them at all times during the event. • Skegs or rudders are permitted. • Pro-class or modified boats that are specifically designed for flat-water racing are not permitted. • It is the team’s responsibility to ensure that the kayak being used meets specifications. 3.4: STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS (SUP) SUP is an open class but must meet the following specifications: Length: Minimum of 12’ / No maximum Width: No minimum / No maximum • All watercraft must have the demonstrated capacity to carry all mandatory equipment in a secure manner. • Skegs or rudders may be used on the bottom or stern • It is the team’s responsibility to ensure the SUP being used meets specifications. 3.5: PADDLES 1. All Canoes and SUPs must be paddled with single-blade paddles. 2. All styles of paddles are permitted included bent-shaft paddles (canoe/SUP) and wingstyle paddles (kayak). Carbon, wood, or plastic paddles are permitted. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 6 4. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT 4.1: AT NO TIME IS A TEAM TO ACCEPT SUPPORT OF ANY KIND. Teams are expected to meet their hydration, nutrition, and equipment needs independently. Teams will also be responsible for the supply and handling of all equipment required for the race, unless otherwise noted in the Mandatory Gear List. No support teams. No re-supplies at any point during the event. 4.3: MANDATORY GEAR LIST and GEAR CHECK. All teams must pass a gear check at registration, prior to the start of the race. Any team found without the mandatory gear during the race will receive a time penalty. There may be a gear check at an undisclosed point during the race to ensure all teams are carrying the required equipment. The Mandatory Gear List specifies the minimum gear required to compete in the Muskoka River X Coureur des Bois event. Where there is room for discretion we have left it off the list. 4.4: MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: Per TEAM at all times during the race a. Number plate (provided at registration): Must be attached to the starboard and port side bow, above the waterline, at all times during the race. b. One (1) paddle for each team member (spare paddle is recommended) c. A buoyant towline of >50ft attached to the watercraft and accessible: “Throw bag” attached to watercraft is acceptable. (Required by Transport Canada). d. Bailing device (canoe/kayak only): In-floor bailer systems are allowable. (Required by Transport Canada). e. Spray Skirt: Applies to closed cockpit kayaks only. Surf-ski style kayaks are exempt. f. Stern/Bow Signal Light: For boat identification. Must be turned on at dusk and must remain on until teams arrive at the Finish Line, or sunrise. The light must be attached to the stern or bow of the watercraft in a manner that allows the watercraft to be identified in a 360-degree manner. The stern light should have at least 24 hours of “real life” burn time in the event that teams need to paddle from dusk to dawn for both overnight sections of the race. Example of a stern light is a rear bicycle light. (Required by Transport Canada). g. Navigation light: For night navigation, travel, and signaling on water: May be mounted to the front of the vessel or as a headlamp. It is recommended that lighting system should be turned on at dusk and should remain on until teams arrive at the Finish Line, or sunrise. It is mandatory that team use navigation lights when portaging at dusk/night. The lighting system should have at least 24 hours of “real life” burn time in the event that teams need to paddle from dusk to dawn for both overnight sections of the race. h. Maps and Course Details (provided at On-Site Registration) i. One (1) GPS emergency transmitter (provided by race management during On-Site Registration)* j. One (1) Cell Phone: Turned off and sealed in a watertight bag. k. One (1) Orange garbage bag for signaling (provided at On-Site Registration). l. One (1) Compass m. One (1) Timing device n. One (1) Waterproof map bag o. Dry bag (for storage of all mandatory items that must remain dry to be effective) MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 7 p. Waterproof method of starting fire q. One (1) Utility Knife r. Shelter: This shelter will actually be used at the mandatory layover at Oxtongue Lake. The shelter must be capable of withstanding wind/rain/snow. Minimum requirements include a tent or bevy sack large enough to accommodate all members of the team. Tarps alone will not pass gear check. s. Basic First Aid Kit including: o Closure bandages (x8) o Adhesive Tape (1 roll) o Gauze Roll (1 roll) o Blister Pads (x8) o Antibiotic Ointment (1 tube) o Antibacterial Towelettes (x8) o Anti-Inflammatory Tablets (x6) o Electrolyte Replacement (x4 servings) o Tensor Bandage (1 roll) o Scissors (x1) t. Hull repair kit: Means to repair damaged/leaking hull for the type of watercraft being paddled. (See FAQ document for details.) Per INDIVIDUAL COMPETITOR at all times during the race a. One (1) Life Jacket (Canadian Department of Transportation/U.S. Coast Guard approved) must be worn at all times while on the water or in the water: Self-inflating PFDs are not permitted. b. One (1) Whistle (must be attached to the life jacket at all times) c. One (1) Emergency Headlamp/flashlight: In addition to navigation and signal lights d. One (1) waterproof jacket and pant set. e. Two (2) full sets of fall-winter/medium-heavy weight top and bottom clothing set (noncotton). This is extra to what the competitor wears at the start of the race. Summer/light-weight tops and bottoms are not sufficient and will not pass gear check. f. Two (2) set of medium-heavy weight socks (non-cotton). This is extra to what the competitor wears at the start of the race. Summer/light-weight socks will not pass gear check. g. One (1) toque or hat that provides warmth. h. One (1) set of gloves that provide warmth. i. One (1) sleeping blanket or equivalent: This source of warmth will actually be used at the mandatory layover at Oxtongue Lake and must be capable of withstanding sub-zero temperatures. Examples include sleeping bags, down jacket/pants to be worn inside tent/bevy. Thin “survival blankets” are not sufficient. j. Minimum 2 L capacity for hydration k. Means of making clean, drinking water for the duration of the race, plus 24 hours l. Race Nutrition to sustain the competitor throughout 48 hours of racing plus the means to prepare the food/nutrition. m. Camp Stove: Cooking at Oxtongue layover must be done over a camp stove therefore teams must equip themselves with equipment and supplies that enable them to prepare any meal they anticipate eating, in addition to hot liquids. There will be no cooking fire at Oxtongue. u. Emergency Nutrition sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the competitor for an additional 24 hours or the equivalent of 2300 calories and means of preparing this nutrition. (Important Example: If a competitor brings a dehydrated meal to fulfill their emergency MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 8 nutrition then a means of cooking this meal is also a requirement.): This nutrition is in addition to nutrition consumed by the competitor during the race. n. Soled footwear sufficient for portaging (i.e., river shoes, sports sandals, running shoes, etc.). Must be close-toed. o. Not Required/Strongly Recommended: Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat / Sleeping Mat 4.5: $60 FULLY REFUNDABLE SECURITY DEPOSIT per team for the GPS tracker will be required at On-Site Registration. Damage to any equipment provided by race management, beyond a reasonable level of wear and tear or loss of equipment will result the security deposit being used for repair to damages or replacement of the unit. 5. FORBIDDEN EQUIPMENT The following is a list of equipment that is forbidden during the Muskoka River X. Any team possessing any of these items will receive a penalty. • GPS device with mapping & location capabilities other than one (1) Cell Phone that is turned-off prior to and during the race: The only circumstance whereby the Cell Phone may be used is during an emergency situation or adverse event to contact the Race Director. • Two-way radios or any other communication devices other than the one (1) Cell Phone, as indicated above. • Weapons of any sort (with the exception of the mandatory knife) • Any mode of transportation not authorized by race management • Maps not provided by race management • Amplified or earphone music devices are not allowed. Teams must be able to hear running water/rapids/waterfalls, distress calls, etc. • Any device or item deemed to offers an unfair advantage or poses a risk to the team, other competitors, or the public. Please check with Race Management prior to start of race if you have any items that may be questionable. 6. RACEBRIEFING (Pre-Race “Captain’s Meeting”) ALL TEAM CAPTAINS MUST ATTEND THE RACE BRIEFING held the evening prior to the start of the race. Please check the Race Itinerary for details. The race briefing will review the course & starting procedures, check point / transition area procedures, individual responsibility and liability, safety/emergency procedures, GPS Tracking procedures, finish line procedures, cut-off procedures, other topics TBA and questions & answers. The team captain is responsible for attending this meeting and is responsible for being aware of details, instructions, and procedures disclosed and discussed at this meeting. 7. NAVIGATION In the spirit of expeditions and backcountry travel, teams will be required to navigate the entire race solely by map and compass. 7.1: MAPS: At registration, each team will receive topographic maps required for the race and a MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 9 detailed course instruction matched to UTM coordinates. The course instructions will include relevant narrative descriptions of the course and a list of all checkpoints, relevant obstacles, and waypoints. Each checkpoint, obstacle or waypoint will be denoted by a 6-digit UTM (for 1:50000) and 8-digit UTM (for 1:24000) grid coordinate. The racecourse, obstacles, and waypoints will not be explicitly marked on the maps. It is the responsibility of each team to correctly plot the UTM coordinates on the map as well as determine the appropriate route to complete the course: This experience is part of the event! 7.2: Navigation will occur solely by map and compass. The maps provided to teams during On-Site Registration are the only maps permitted on the course. Any team found using maps other than those provided or any device that is programmable with coordinators / waypoints / topographic maps for the purpose navigation aid is not permitted. 7.3: GPS enabled navigation aids that allow for mapping of routes are not permitted. 7.4: Check Points and Waypoint are mandatory locations along the chosen route, and will be completed in a consecutive order, and only be the means of travel described in this document. 7.5: At each of the Check Points and required Waypoints the team is responsible to “check-in” with Race Staff in a manner that allows the Race Staff to authenticate their team number. Failure to checkin may result in a penalty. 8. TIMING & RANKING 8.1: There will be one official race clock for the entire race and all teams. The clock will start at 0700am on the day of the race, as follows: • Wave #1 Start: 07:00hrs Sharp! o C1 - K1 - SUP (Solo) • Wave #2 Start: 07:10hrs Sharp! o C2 Tandem 8.2: Teams showing up late for the start of their respective wave may start at the next wave, or between 07:10hrs and 07:15hrs. Teams starting after 07:15hrs will not be ranked and will be disqualified from the race. 8.3: The clock will remain running until all teams are off the course. The official time for each team will be recorded when all members reach the finish line. If a team receives a time penalty they must wait out the duration of their time penalty at a designated area prior to crossing the finish line. In so doing, the order that teams cross the finish line will represent the official rankings and results. 8.4: Cut-off times Day 1: If a team does not reach the Tea Lake Check Point before the established cut-off time the team and their watercraft will be transported to the Oxtongue Lake campsite. The team will complete the mandatory layover and continue on Day 2 but will be ranked behind those teams that completed Day 1. Cut-off Times are as follows: o Tea Lake Dam CP: 1700hrs MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 10 Day 2: If a team does not reach the Check Point before the established cut-off time the team their watercraft will be removed from the course and transported back to the Start/Finish Line by Race Management. Cut-off Times are as follows: o Check Point #1: 1410hrs, Saturday o Check Point #2: 2110hrs, Saturday o Check Point #3: 0400hrs, Sunday 8.5: The first team to cross the finish line, having successfully passed through all checkpoints / waypoints in order, and with any penalties applied will be the winner. 8.6: All team members (including relay team members) must be present at the time of passing through the finish line. 8.7: Rankings will be assigned for each unique category, based on time that team successfully passing through the finish line. 9. RACE PLATE and SPONSORSHIP 9.1: All watercraft must have an official race plate attached to the port and starboard bow of the watercraft, above the waterline, at all times during the race. 9.2: Teams are free to wear any other items or logos for their team sponsors. Logs, slogan, etc. must be free of profanity, vulgarity, or discriminatory references. 10. SAFETY 10.1: All competitors must read and understand the “Safety Instructions to Participants” contained within the “2016 Course Instructions” document, provided at on-site registration. 10.2: GPS trackers must be attached to the watercraft or participant in a visible location, facing up and in an open area with clear line of site to the sky, for the duration of the race. Teams will be provided with full instructions and documentation prior to the start of the event. 10.3: Cell phones are required as a supplemental safety mechanism to communicate with Race Management. Cell phones are required to be turned-off prior to the start of the race and to remain turned-off unless they are required for use to communicate with Race Management. The use of a cell phone during the race for purposes other than communication with Race Management may result in a penalty. 10.4: Upon arrival at each checkpoints and the finish line, a qualified medical staff will assess each participant. Any competitor deemed not fit to continue the event will be withdrawn from the race by race management and will receive further medical attention, as considered appropriate OR will remain within the care of the medical staff until such time as they are deemed fit to continue. Competitors deemed not fit to continue the race will be transported back to the Start/Finish Line, along with their gear and watercraft and ranked as DNF. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 11 10.5: Teams are required to provide assistance to another team in distress. Teams failing to provide assistance to a team in distress will be disqualified from the race. Teams that do offer assistance in emergency situations may be awarded a time bonus to account for the time spent providing assistance. 10.6: In the event of a critical incident, for example, a capsized boat, broken paddle, physical injury, etc., teams may receive support from another team: No penalty will be incurred for receiving assistance from another registered team. 10.7: In the event of a critical incident, for example, a capsized boat, broken paddle, physical injury, etc., teams may receive support from an individual not competing in the race: If assistance is received in a manner that facilitates the completion of the race the team may receive a time penalty. 10.8: All repairs to equipment that occur after the start of the race must be made with supplies that teams have on-hand, or supplies provided by another registered team. Using supplies obtain through other methods may result in a time penalty, as per 10.7. 10.9: Severe weather conditions (i.e., high wind/wave, small craft warnings, etc.) may restrict safe travel for certain sections of the course. Race Management reserves the right to make changes to the course or restrict travel on certain sections due to weather conditions. 10.10: During periods of active lightening, all teams are expected to remove themselves from the water in the safest manner possible. Teams will remain on dry land until lightening has passed before continuing the race. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 10.11: It is mandatory that all team members wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times during the water sections of the course. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 10.12: While on the lake sections of the Day 2 course a safety “chase” boat will be traveling and sweeping the course. Do not expect the boat to be in your vicinity at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure that your team is competent in self-rescue techniques in open water. If you do end up on shore and require assistance, use the orange plastic bag (provided) as a singling device and active the Emergency Plan. 10.13: While on the river sections of the course, there will be no safety boat. Do not expect a safety team to be in your vicinity at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure that your team is competent in self-rescue techniques in open water and wilderness survival, safety, and first aid. 11. ALCOHOL, DRUG USE AND IV’S The use of any illicit or illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication not prescribed to the user for that specific use is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification from the race and removal from the course. Similarly, the use of IV’s other than those administered by qualified medical staff is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification from the race and removal from the course. In cases of blatant disregard for this ruling, competitors or teams in violation may be permanently banned from future events. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 12 12. INFRACTIONS & PENALTIES 12.1: Race Management reserves the right to issue time penalties or disqualifications or remove teams from the course if teams violate any of the rules and regulations of the race, place themselves in unacceptable situations of risk, place other competitors at risk, place the public at risk, or jeopardize the event and/or Race Management. The severity of the penalty will be dependent on the severity of the offence and will be decided by the Race Management. 12.2: The following is a list of predetermined safety/risk related infractions and the corresponding penalty. There are no exceptions to the penalties within this list: • Failure to comply with and/or interference with the implementation of procedures associated with Check Point medical staff and/or procedures associated with Race Management, the Emergency Response Team and the implementation of the Emergency Response Plan o Immediate disqualifications from the current event and all future events. • Failure to comply with decisions and rulings of the Race Management: Unless a protest is officially submitted as per 12.4, all decisions by Race Management shall be final. o Immediate disqualifications from the current event and all future events. • Failure to wear a PFD while on the water. o Immediate disqualifications from the current event and all future events. • Failure to provide assistance to a team in distress. o Immediate disqualifications from the current event and all future events. • Failure to have stern light (signal light) turned on between the times of sunset and sunrise, while on the water. o Disqualification • Travel within restricted areas around hydro dams, as defined by safety markers/buoys, and safety lines unless otherwise explicitly identified in the Course Instructions. o Disqualification • Deviation from the portage routes as detailed in the Course Instructions, including the running of rapids/chutes/waterfalls whereby the portage route was explicitly identified in the Course Instructions. o Disqualification • Not checking in with Race Staff at mandatory Waypoints and Check Points 1 thru 3 and Finish Line. o Disqualification • Weapons of any sort (except as required for Mandatory Equipment). o Disqualification • Use of amplified or ear-phone music devices o Disqualification 12.3: The following is a list of predetermined sportsmanship related infractions and the corresponding penalty. Race Management reserves the right of discretion (to increase or decrease the penalty depending on the circumstance) on penalties less than Disqualification. • Any mode of transportation not authorized by Race Management. o Disqualification: No exceptions to the penalty. • Use of a kayak paddle within a canoe or SUP category. o Disqualification: No exceptions to the penalty. • Changing the team composition during the race: Substituting one or more members of the team MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 13 • • • • • • • • • • with a non-registered individual. o Disqualification: No exceptions to the penalty. Use of a GPS device with mapping & location capabilities other than during circumstance whereby the Cell Phone is used during an emergency situation or adverse event to contact the Race Director. o 2 hour infraction Use of two-way radios or any other communication devices other than the one (1) Cell Phone, as indicated above. o 2 hour infraction Deviation from the general course direction as detailed in the Course Instructions. o 2 hours per infraction Receiving any outside assistance during the race as per 4.1, 4.2, 10.7, and 10.8. o 1 hour per infraction Unfair behavior/intentional interference with another team’s progress o 1 hour per infraction Possessing maps of the race course area other than those provided by race management o 1 hour Failure to have issued number plates attached to watercraft in required locations. o 30 minutes Missing mandatory equipment o 30 minutes per item Relay Team early transition prior to in-coming team registering with Check Point staff. o 30 minutes per infraction Failure to comply with Environmental Responsibility (Section 13) o 30 minutes per infraction 12.4: Participants may report infractions in writing to the Race Management at any point during the event but no later than on (1) hour prior to the start of the Post-Race Meal and Awards. 12.5: A recipient of an infraction allegation who wishes to lodge a protest shall submit the protest to an alleged infraction in writing accompanied by $50.00 administrative fee to Race Management, no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the Post-Race Meal and Awards. 13. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY All event participants must act in an environmentally responsible manner at all times during the event, including registration, pre-race activities and post-race activities. Specifically, teams should obey the following principles: 1. No litter, gear or any other object will be left on the racecourse, at the start line or host site except in designated disposal locations 2. All human waste must be buried or properly disposed of in all situations and must not be done so within 50 meters of a water source 3. No cutting of vegetation of any type or deliberately causing unnecessary damage to vegetation or unnecessary erosion in areas with loose ground 4. Every effort must be made to avoid harassing animals of any type in their natural habitat. In all encounters with wild animals the animal has the right of way 5. If a competitor or team notices litter, gear or any other object left by another participant MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 14 it is that team’s responsibility to pack it out to the next checkpoint to be left with the checkpoint staff 6. No open fires unless at predetermined locations or if needed during an emergency situation for purposes of warmth and cooking. 14. CATEGORY SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS In addition to the rules and regulations indicated above, the following are rules and regulations that apply to specific race categories: 14.1: SOLO COMPETITORS The same solo competitor must start and finish the race. If the solo competitor is not able to complete the race for any reason, no substitution is permitted. The competitor, their watercraft and gear will be transported back to the Start/Finish Line by Race Management. 14.2: TANDEM Both team members must start and finish the race. If a team member is not able to complete the race for any reason, the team, their watercraft and gear will be transported back to the Start/Finish Line by Race Management. 14.3: SUP a. Competitors must start and finish the race standing on the board. b. Competitors may generate forward movement within a kneeling position. c. Competitors may sit on their board for rest periods, without generating any forward movement. 14.4: KAYAK a) All kayaks will carry equipment sufficient for self-rescue for the entire duration of the race. b) All closed cockpit kayaks must have a spray skirt with them at all times during the event. The participant will decide if the conditions warrant using the spray skirt. MRX Coureur des Bois: R March 20, 2016 15