RULES, Etiquette, and safety

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Rules
Race Etiquette & Safety 101
How to Cross Timing Mats Safely

We will have a referee at the event responsible to ensure fairness and sportmanship as well as to enforce all rules.

Rules

• Cross-drafting between sexes is allowed.
• Cross-drafting between events is not allowed.
• Ski-poles and roller-skis are not permitted.
• Bicycles are not permitted on course.
• Baby strollers are only permitted in the 2k kids and 5k family events.
• Personal support bicycles or other support vehicles are not permitted.
• Drafting off bicycles or lead vehicle is not permitted.
• A CSI-certified helmet must be worn at all times. 
• Other protective equipment is highly recommended.
• Blocking, pushing, holding, or hindering in any way the progress of a competitor is not allowed.
• Physically assisting a teammate by pushing or pulling is not allowed.
• Verbal or physical abuse of race officials and festival staff will not be tolerated.
• All other generally accepted practices regarding fair play and sportsmanlike conduct apply.
• Festival organizers and chief referree will act as the sole and final arbiter of any disputes or complaints.
• Any skater who fails to follow the rules and regulations may, at the organizers sole discretion, be penalized, disqualified, or evicted from the event.
• The 21 km relay comprises a minimum of 2 skaters and a maximum of 4 skaters.  Exchange zones will be at both ends of the course and hand-off from one skater to another will be done by touching your team member.  All exchanges will be monitored.
  

Race Etiquette and Safety 101

• Keep right.
• Pass on the left when possible.
• Say clearly "Passing Left" or "Passing Right" when passing.
• Verbally and visually point out road hazards to other skaters.
• Scan the road ahead for obstacles and choose your path early and wisely. Last minute changes in direction are dangerous to you and others.
• Don't litter. Use designated areas to dispose of race refuse.
• Race finish chutes are often the site of many mishaps -- don't be part of one! Slow down immediately after crossing the finish line and leave the finish chute area as soon as possible to make room for other finishers coming behind you.
• Be courteous to race organizers, volunteers, and spectators. You represent our sport. Serve as an example to follow.

How to Cross Timing Mats Safely

Never attempt to jump or hop over a timing mat! This is extremely risky, foolhardy, and dangerous and your finishing time will not be recorded. DO do the following:

• Keep low.
• Deep knee bend.
• Keep your weight back.
• Feet shoulder width apart.
• Hands in front or bracing knees for additional support.
• Non-breaking foot slightly ahead of your breaking foot.

What this will do is lower your center of gravity so you are more stable and less likely to fall. When you cross the mat, your speed will drop, so having one foot slightly forward and keeping your knees bent will prevent you from pitching forward when your speed drops.