SECTION I – Event Organization

“Limited 3-Personnel Event”

a) Event Marshal & Judge
b) Trail Boss & Official
c) Timer

NO TREASURER
The Treasurer will not be required as no late entries will be accepted as all entries with payment should have been received at least 14 days prior to staging of an event.

NO ANOUNCER
All communication, trail layout & markers, starting times to be communicated via e-mail to accepted participants who have paid their entry fees in advance. Starting times and trail layouts will therefore be well known in advance.

A. EVENT MARSHAL & JUDGE

Will be responsible:-
1. To familiarise himself with the event rules.
2. For the starting and finishing lines.
3. To adjust starting times for different classes and events if the need arises during the event.
4. For taking entries.
5. For determining the starting order and providing the Trail Boss & Timer with a check list.
6. For event numbers.
7. To announce the event.
8. For all communications.
9. For any matter based upon the framework of the event and within the limits of the event rules.
10. To make sure rig holders and flag people are available.
11. To call the Mushers Meeting.
12. To inspect dogs and equipment in the holding area, (no time to be allowed for corrections).
13. To pick out dogs for drug testing, if required.
14. To reduce the size of any or all teams if warranted.

B. TRAIL BOSS & OFFICIAL

Will be responsible:-
1. To familiarise himself with the event rules.
2. To the Event Marshal.
3. For all trail equipment.
4. To advise the Event Marshal to postponement, cancellation, or delay of the start of a event, due to bad weather conditions or trail problems beyond human control.
5. Will inspect the trails prior to the event to ensure the safety of the dogs and drivers.
6. To mark the trail properly as per internationally accepted best practices.
7. To review the trail on event day prior to the start of the event, and mark dangerous or hazardous areas, clearly for observation well in advance for the mushers approaching these areas of concern.
8. To work directly with the Event Marshal.
9. To check the trail after each heat to assure that all teams have cleared the trail and to notify the Event Marshal.
10. To block all intersection on the trail not in use with orange netting indicating that that specific trail should not be taken.
11. To ensure signs to keep Spectators off the trail.
12. For taking down the trail markers at the end of the event.

C. TIMER

Will be responsible:-
1. To familiarise himself with the event rules.
2. To the Event Marshal.
3. For the proper and adequate timing devices, and be completely familiar with their use.
4. For the calculating, recording and posting of the times for all Participants in each heat.
5. To notify the Event Marshal of any ineligible drivers.

D. APPEALS COMMITTEE

To consist of the Event Marshal, Trail Boss & the Timer and their collective decision will be final.

SECTION II - Senior Event Rules

I. ELIGIBILITY

A. ENTRIES

1. An entry for an event shall be submitted prior to the start of the event, subject to the entry deadlines as determined.
2. The Event Marshal may reject any entry for just cause.

B. DRIVERS

1. The driver starting a team in the first heat of a event shall drive that team throughout the event.
2. A change in driver can only be made as a result of illness or injury to the authorized entrant and must have the prior approval of the Event Marshal.
3. Any driver disqualified in any heat of the event is not eligible to compete in that heat for the remainder of the event.
4. All drivers must be members in good standing of the Club, as defined in the Club’s Constitution.
5. All new drivers must attend a event clinic administered by the Sports Director or his assignee before being allowed to participate in an event; this includes Junior drivers participating for the first time in a Senior class event.
6. All new drivers must liaise with the Event Marshal before the start of the event to confirm that they have familiarised themselves with the HSC event rules. Failure to do so will result in a penalty as defined by the Event Marshal.
7. All drivers must pay all dues owed to the Club before being allowed to participate in an event.
8. Any Sportsman Driver who moves up into the Professional Class may not move back down into the Sportsman Class for the remainder of the scheduled event season unless authorized by the Event Marshal.

C. Dogs

1. The Event Marshal may disallow entry of any team or dog for just cause.
2. Any team or dog coming to the starting line, which, in the opinion of the Event Marshal / Event Veterinarian / Animal Welfare Officer or both, is unfit or incapable of safely completing the trail, shall be disqualified.
3. Any team or dog not starting the first heat of the event shall not be eligible to compete in the remainder of the event.

D. DISEASE

1. No dog or equipment shall be brought from a kennel where Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis or other contagious disease exists.
2. If the Event Veterinarian diagnoses any dog present in the event area to have a contagious disease, that team shall be disqualified and shall immediately leave the event area.
3. All dogs participating in an HSC event must have an produce their inoculation certificates for proof of the relevant inoculations which are up to date, and signed by a licensed veterinarian, or a letter of kennel inoculation signed by a veterinarian on his letter head stationary, stating that the entire kennel has been inoculated. Proof of inoculation, original or photocopy, must be furnished to the Club Secretary upon request.

E. IDENTIFICATION

In events of more than one heat, each dog may be marked for identification prior to the start of the first heat of the event.

F. SIZE OF TEAM

1. A Limited 8-Dog Class team shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs and not less than six (6) dogs.
2. A 6-Dog Class team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs and not less than four (4) dogs.
3. A Sportsman Class team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, and not less than four (4) dogs.
4. A 4-Dog Class team shall consist of not more than four (4) dogs, and not less than two (2) dogs.
5. After the first heat and each ensuing heat, a driver may voluntarily reduce the size of the team, subject to the class minimums.
6. The Event Marshal may reduce the size of any team that he determines is too large for the designated driver or allow a smaller team in any class.

G. MEDICATIONS ADMINISTERED TO DOGS

1. PROHIBITED DRUGS

All performance enhanced drugs, controlled stimulants or depressants shall be prohibited as listed in the in the World Anti-doping Agency document as available from the HSC website. This applies to both driver and dogs.

2. DRUG TESTING

a. If the Club intends to test for illegal medications, it shall use the same procedure for drug testing as is used internationally and shall declare so on the entry form.
b. Whenever a specimen is required for testing, the owner or driver shall be present (or their representative) and shall declare in writing to the sampling official, all medications administered to the dog(s) within 72 hours preceding the start of the event.
c. If an owner or driver refuses to allow a sample to be collected from a dog, that team shall be disqualified from the event.
d. If any dog in a team shows a positive test of a prohibited medication, that team is subject to disqualification, the decision to be made following a hearing.

H. EQUIPMENT

1. INSPECTION

a. Drivers, teams and equipment shall be available for inspection in the vehicle holding area at least ten (10) minutes before their scheduled time of departure.
b. A team in harness shall not be required to stand for inspection longer than six (6) minutes before the scheduled time of departure.
c. Inspection shall take place in an area that does not interfere with teams in the start or finish chutes.
d. A team shall be available for inspection after each heat at the request of the Event Marshal.
e. All equipment is subject to the approval of the Event Marshal.

2. HARNESSES AND LINES

a. All dogs shall be harnessed in single and/or double file.
b. All dogs shall be fastened to a gang-line by a neck-line and a tug-line with the exception of the leader(s) who shall be harnessed in the team by a tug-line but may run with or without a neck-line. However, in the case of trails with head-on passing during any portion of the trail, dual leaders shall be fastened to each other with a neckline.
c. A snub line may be carried on the rig but it shall not be used in any manner other than to tie down and hold the rig.

3. OTHER EQUIPMENT

a. A muzzle or any collar that may be hooked as a full choke shall be prohibited.
b. Whips are not be permitted.
c. An event number for each driver shall be provided at the drivers’ meeting prior to the start of the event. The driver shall display this number on his person throughout the heat. The number shall be returned to the event manager at the end of the heat.
d. Dogs’ feet may be properly protected with the use of booties.

I. FINISH TIME DISQUALIFICATION

A team shall be disqualified from competing in subsequent heats if its total time exceeds 1.50 times the average time of the five (5) fastest teams in the same heat of the same class, or unless suspended by the Event Marshal for a set time or event.

II. START – FINISH RULES

A. DRAWING

1. The staring positions for the first heat of a event shall be determined by a drawing held prior to the event as determined by the Event Manager.
2. Late entries shall be added in order of receipt.

B. SINGLE START EVENT

1. The first day’s starting order shall be determined by the draw with Number 1 starting first, Number 2 starting second, etc.
2. The second day’s starting positions shall be determined by the first day’s finish times, with the fastest team starting first, etc. for Professional Classes.
3. In the Sportsman Classes, the second days starting positions shall be the slowest out first.
4. In events of more than two heats, the total elapsed time of the previous heats shall determine the starting positions, with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team leaving second, etc.

C. EQUAL TIMES

1. If the total elapsed time of two teams is identical, the order of start for those teams shall be the reverse order in which they started in the preceding heat.
2. Teams with equal times for the entire event shall be awarded the higher finishing positions.

D. STARTING POINT AND LINE

1. The front wheel/s of the rig shall determine the starting point of the team.
2. A team that fails to be in the starting position at its scheduled starting time at the end of the countdown shall be declared a late starting team.

a. A late starting team shall not be allowed to start until after the last team entered in its class has started, and after the prescribed starting interval.
b. A team that has been declared late to the line shall be moved out of the way of other teams.
c. If more than one team is declared late, those teams shall start in their originally scheduled starting order after the last team in its class has started and after the prescribed starting order.
d. If a team is late to the starting line for its second scheduled time of departure for any one heat, that team shall be disqualified.
e. Late starting teams shall have their trail time increased by a penalty time factor as follows: three (3) minutes for an Open/8-Dog class driver, two (2) minutes for a 6-Dog Professional/Sportsman class driver and one (1) minute for a 4-Dog Professional/Sportsman class driver and for bikejoring, scooters and canicross.

3. A team not clearing the Starting Chute (minimum 30 meters) prior to he start of the next team may be disqualified at the discretion of the Event Marshal.
4. No driver may carry a passenger on the rig to the starting line.

E. ASSISTANCE IN STARTING CHUTE

1. Assistance in the starting chute shall be allowed as needed to assist in clearing the chute.
2. Once a team is beyond the starting chute area in an official start, all trail rules apply.

F. FINISH

1. Team shall have finished the heat when the nose of the first dog crosses the finish line.
2. If a loose team crosses the finish line ahead of the driver, that team shall have finished when the driver crosses the finish line.
3. Dog drivers, owners or any other persons are forbidden to assist a team by pacing it. Calling a team from the side lines or finish line is also forbidden.
4. No driver may carry a passenger on the rig from the finish line.

III. TRAIL RULES

A. FOLLOWING THE TRAIL

1. A team and driver shall run the full course as established by the Trail Boss.
2. If a loose team leaves the trail, the driver shall return the team to the point at which it left the trail.
3. The trail will be marked as follows:

a. “Right Turn” shall be indicated by a red marker on the right side of the trail.
b. “Left Turn” shall be indicated by a red marker on the left side of the trail.
c. “Straight Ahead” shall be indicated by blue or green markers.
d. “Caution” shall be indicated by a yellow or orange marker.
e. The end of the “Starting Chute” (Minimum of 30 meters) shall be indicated by markers on both sides of the trail.
f. The “800 meter” marker shall be placed 800 meters from the finish line to indicate the “No Right of Way” zone.

B. DRIVING A TEAM

1. A driver may ride, pedal or run as and when they wishes except that they must not run ahead of the rig for the purpose of pacing the team.
2. In the event that a driver cannot quickly and safely recover his/her team, the driver must accept assistance, including a ride when available to recover his/her team. Failure to accept available assistance may result in disqualification of the driver of the loose team. The Event Marshal shall determine if a driver is to be disqualified. Drivers who receive a ride to recover a team will be assessed a time penalty of 20% of their total elapsed time of the heat in which they received a ride.
3. A driver shall not interfere with competing teams.
4. All dogs starting a heat shall complete the entire course, either hitched in the team or carried on the rig.
5. A dog becoming unfit after departure shall be carried on the rig.
6. Carrying a passenger at any time during the event shall be prohibited unless:

a. giving a ride to a driver in an emergency situation.

B. ASSISTANCE ON THE TRAIL

1. All teams may receive similar assistance of any type from officials stationed at designated points along the trail as authorized by the Event Marshal.
2. Drivers running in the same heat may assist each other in any manner in the context of good sportsmanship.
3. Handler or spectator assistance shall be limited to holding the rig, except in the case of a loose team, or a team so unmanageable as to create a clear and present danger to themselves, other teams or persons.
4. If the driver is present in a non emergency situation, help is limited to holding the rig
5. If the driver is not present, the team should be stopped and held until the driver or event official claims the team.
6. No one shall assist a team by wilfully pacing it. Calling a team from the sidelines or finish line is also prohibited.

C. LOOSE TEAMS AND DOGS

1. A loose team or dog shall not delay or interfere with another team.
2. The driver shall regain their loose team or dog by the quickest means available to ensure the safety of the loose dog or team.
3. A loose team or dog may resume the trail without penalty provided the team/dog has completed the entire trail and the driver has received only authorized outside assistance.

a. Authorized outside assistance is limited to holding a loose team or dog, once it has been stopped.
b. Any person(s) may (and is encouraged to) stop and hold a loose team or dog.

D. RIGHT OF WAY

1. When teams are passing in opposite directions on a single trail:
a. the team travelling downhill shall have the right of way.
b. on level terrain, the incoming team shall have the right of way.
2. In the 800 meter “No Right of Way” finish zone, no team shall have the right of way over the incoming team.

E. PASSING

1. When approaching a team to be passed, the driver of the incoming team must call “TRAIL”, so that the team to be passed can move over to the left so as to clear the trail for the incoming team.
2. When one team intends to pass another, the passing team driver may request the right of way when the lead dog(s) come within fifteen (15) meter of the rig of the overtaken team.
3. The overtaken team shall make way for the passing team by moving to one side of the trail and by slowing or stopping if requested by the passing team driver.
4. Once the team has been passed, that team shall not re-pass until:

a. After an interval of time has passed to which both drivers are in agreement.
b. the passed team must give the passing team enough distance to pull way cleanly.

5. If the passing team becomes tangled as a result of the pass, that team’s driver may require the overtaken team’s driver to stop.

6. A driver coming upon two or more teams stopped together, may pass all such teams. The stopped team drivers will make every effort to clear the trail for the moving team(s).

7. Teams following each other shall maintain an interval of not less than one (1) team length, except when passing or in the “No Right of Way” zone.

8. The “Right of Way” rule cannot be exercised within the 800 meters finish line zone.

9. The incoming team shall have “Right of Way” i.e., the team to be passed shall not block the trail.

F. USE OF TRAILS

1. No dog team is to go out after the events for any reason during the course of the event.

2. No one is to use the event trails for training purposes from Wednesday prior to the event or after the event without the written permission of the Event Marshal and Trail Boss through midnight of the last day of the event.

3. During 1 day events, the recreational mushers may run the trail after the very last participant has completed at least 50% of their designated trail length and at the discretion of the Event Marshall.

IV. CONDUCT

A. RESPONSIBILITY AND SPORTSMANSHIP

1. All drivers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, their designated handler(s) and themselves whenever in the event area or on the trail.

2. Common sense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. If the Event Marshal determines that driver, handler(s), or team conduct at any time in the event area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/event, that team shall be disqualified.

3. Any injury to a dog or dogs during the course of a day’s event shall be reported by the driver or the Trail Boss to the Event Marshal.

4. Everyone must provide a sign for his/her own parking area and leave it between heats of the event. No signs shall be permitted before the start of the event. There will be space made for the Unlimited/8-dog drivers closest to the starting line.

5. All litter and dog droppings must be cleaned and removed from the holding area before leaving after each heat. Any failure to clean his/her area will result in a penalty to the driver.

B. ABUSE OF DOGS

Abuse of a dog, with or without an implement, strictly prohibited and will lead to disciplinary action being taken at Club or National level.

V. RULE VIOLATIONS

A. REPORT BY OFFICIALS

1. Event officials shall report rule violations to the Event Marshal verbally and in writing, in person or by radio, immediately or directly following the heat in which the violation occured.
2. The Event Marshal shall act, at his discretion, on any overt violations witnessed and reported by event officials.

B. REPORTS BY EVENT CONTESTANTS

1. Drivers wishing to report an alleged violation of the rules by another contestant shall notify the Event Marshal immediately following the heat in which the incident occurred.

2. All verbal driver reports shall be followed with a written report, given to the Event Marshal within one (1) hour of the completion of the heat in which the alleged violation occurred.

C. PROTEST AND HEARINGS

1. Any driver or event official implicated in a report of an alleged violation of the rules may make a protest and request a hearing before the Event Marshal, Trail Boss & Timer.

2. Said hearing shall be granted by the Event Marshal and held at the earliest convenience of all parties.

D. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

1. For violation of any HSC event rule, the Event Marshal shall either issue a verbal warning, impose an appropriate time penalty or disqualify the driver and team from the event.
2. Decisions shall be announced as promptly as practical but not later than two (2) hours prior to the start of any ensuing heat(s).

a. Any disciplinary action following the final heat of the event shall be acted upon prior to the awards ceremony.
b. In the case of drug testing, the above time schedule does not apply to allow for the laboratory findings and hearings, should the latter become necessary.
c. All teams will have any prizes withheld pending a negative result.

3. The decision of the Event Marshal shall be final.
SECTION III

Junior Event Rules

I. GENERAL - All Senior Event Rules will apply to Juniors where applicable.

II. DRIVERS

A. All drivers in events sponsored by the HSC shall be members of the club. Each driver shall display a legible number assigned by the Event Manager.

B. The age classifications are to be as follows:

1. One-dog drivers: 5 years up to and including 11 years of age.
2. Two/Three-dog drivers: 12 years and up to and including 17 years of age
3. Any change in this rule is entirely up to the Event Marshal.

C. A person having participated in the 2/3-dog class may not return to partake in the one-dog class unless the Event Marshal questions the driver’s ability. Any change must be made by the Event Marshal.

D. Any Junior driver who participates in a HSC Senior event may not partake in event a Junior event for the remainder of the scheduled season.

E. A driver may ride, pedal or run as and when he/she wishes except that they must not run in such a manner to pace their team.

F. All drivers shall clean their holding areas of all garbage and dog droppings which are to be removed from the area.

G. Drivers who come to the starting line emotionally and visibly upset will not be allowed to participate in the event.

III. DOGS AND EQUIPMENT

A. No dog that has been taking part in a Senior professional team in the current year may be used by a Junior team.
B. Any dog(s) from a Junior team will be allowed to run in the Senior Sportsman Class at a HSC event by a Senior driver identifying himself and dog(s) as such, in writing, to the Event Marshal prior to morning’s Drivers Meeting. The dog(s) may return to event as part of a Junior team at the next event.
C. No dogs in season/ “on heat” will be allowed at the event.
D. Drivers of fighting dogs will be warned of the first offense. Repetition will result in barring these dogs from further events.
E. All rigs will be equipped with a suitable braking system, well-working stearing mechanism, reliable gang lines and a compliant dog bag offering proper ventilation, workable zip and sufficient space to carry a injured dog.
F. No whips shall be permitted.
G. No cap pistols or any artificial noisemaker will be used to urge a team on.
H. The 2/3-Dog class shall use the 1.5 time qualification rule of the Seniors.

IV. AWARDS

A. Trophies or Medals/Ribbons shall be awarded as follows:

1. One-Dog class – down five places and Participation Ribbons to all drivers.
2. 2/3-Dog Class – down five places

SECTION V – Dryland Event Rules

These event rules shall assure a uniform regulation for Dryland events amongst the member.

A. General

1. If not specified otherwise, all regulations to obtain sanctioning for an event will apply.
2. Also Animal Welfare & Safety Regulations will apply.
3. If temperatures exceed 15 °C and/or humidity is high, measurements must be taken to protect the dogs e.g. by shortening the trail length and/or by changing the starting times.
4. Dogs running in off-snow events must have a minimum age of 12 months.
5. The Event Marshal may alter these rules, but only in the sense of an enhanced strictness. If so, this has to be communicated to all competitors in any which way as well as within a reasonable period of time before the event.

B. Start and Trail Rules

1. All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double hitch.
2. All dogs (other than lead dogs) shall be fastened to the gang-line by a neckline and a tug-line.
3. The foremost point of the front wheel determines the starting point of the team and shall not exceed the starting line until the start is given free.
4. The musher may stand on the cart/scooter, run or pedal as he/she wishes at any time.
5. The musher shall stay behind his dog(s) at all times. He shall not pace the dog(s) by running or driving ahead.
6. Pulling or forcing a dog to move forward by any means is strictly prohibited.
7. Dogs unfit to continue the event must be loaded onto the cart and transported back to the finish area for medical attention the fastest way. This must not be done by running in opposite direction to the trail unless the permission/order is given by the Event Marshal on the instant.
8. Alternatively the event marshal may identify dog dropping zones attended by qualified trail stewards. They must be able to initiate the appropriate steps for medical attention to a dog dropped at his/her location. The musher is responsible to secure the dog at the dog dropping zones.
9. If a dog becomes unfit, drivers must not continue their heat and take care of the dog(s) on the spot and call for assistance, if necessary.

C. Musher Age Categories

1. Junior Primary Boys (pb) & Girls (pg) – ages 5 to 11 years
2. Junior Boys (b) & Girls (g) – ages 12 to 17 years
3. Senior Men (m) & Women (w) – ages 18 to 39
4. Veteran Men (vm) & Women (vw) – ages 40 and above

D. Sled Dog Categories

Category 1: Purebred Registered or Working Titled Siberian Huskies
Category 2: Purebred Registered or Working Titled Alaskan Malamutes; Greenland Dogs & Samoyeds
Category 3: Other – Alaskan Huskies and those not included above

E. Event Classes

1. Cani-Walk (CW)
a. A cani-walk team consists of a musher walking solely on foot and one (1) dog.
b. The class may be divided up into categories - Junior (JCX/m), Senior (SCX/m) or Veteran (VCX/m) men (CX/m) and Junior (JCX/w), Senior (SCX/w) or Veteran (VCX/w) women (CX/w), if there are at least 3 starters of each sex.
c. There is no subdivision between teams with huskies and others.
d. Minimum age of the musher is 5 years.

2. Cani-Cross (CX)

a. A cani-cross team consists of a musher running solely on foot and one (1) dog.
b. The class may be divided up into men (CX/m) and women (CX/w), if there are at least 3 starters of each sex.
c. There is no subdivision between teams with huskies and others.
d. Minimum age of the musher is 5 years.

3. Bikejoring (BJ)

a. A bikejoring team consists of a musher riding a bicycle and one (1) dog.
b. The class may be divided into men (BJ/m) and women (BJ/w), if there are at least three (3) starters of each sex.
c. There is no subdivision between teams with huskies and others.
d. Minimum age of the musher is 12 years.

4. 1-Dog Scooter (S1)

a. A 1-dog scooter team consists of a musher riding a scooter pulled by one (1) dog.
b. The musher may stand on the scooter, pedal or run as he wishes at any time.
c. There is no subdivision between teams with huskies and others.
d. Minimum age of the musher is 12 years.

5. 2-Dog Scooter (S2)

a. A 2-Dog scooter team consists of a musher riding a scooter pulled by two (2) dogs in the first heat.
b. Dogs must run in double hitch.
c. There is no subdivision between teams with huskies and others.
d. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

6. 2-Dog Cart (D1, D2)

a. A 2-dog cart team consists of two (2) dogs in the first and in any subsequent heat.
b. Dogs must run in double hitch.
c. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

7. 4-Dog Cart (C1, C2)

a. A 4-dog team shall consist of not less than three (3) dogs in the first heat and not less than two (2) dogs in any subsequent heat.
b. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

8. 6-Dog Cart (B1, B2)

a. A 6-dog team shall consist of not less than five (5) dogs in the first heat and not less than four (4) dogs in any subsequent heat.
b. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

9. 8-Dog Cart (A)

a. An 8-dog team shall consist of not less than seven (7) dogs in the first heat and not less than five (5) dogs in any subsequent heat.
b. A passenger is recommended.
c. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

10. Open Cart (O)

a. An open team shall consist of not less than nine (9) dogs in the first heat and not less than seven (7) dogs in any subsequent heat.
b. A passenger is required.
c. Minimum age of the musher is 18 years.

11. Tour (T)

a. Training runs for distance-oriented teams allowing all of the above mentioned classes.
b. With timing, without classification.
c. Minimum age of the musher according to the respective team size.

12. Happy Dog (HD)

a. Mainly recreational runs for teams with all dogs in the team eight years or older.
b. With timing, without classification.
c. Minimum age of the musher according to the respective team size.


Classes with less than 3 starters will be run together with;

Cani-walk (all classes together)
Cani-Cross primary boys & girls	Cani-Cross junior boys & girls
Cani-Cross senior & veteran male	Cani-Cross senior & veteran female
Bikejoering 1-dog junior boys & girls	Bikejoering 2-dog junior boys & girls
Bikejoering 1-dog senior & veteran male	Bikejoering 2-dog senior & veteran female
Scooter 1-dog junior boys & girls	Scooter 2-dog junior boys & girls
Scooter 1 senior & veteran men	Scooter 2 senior & veteran women
D2	D1
C1	B1
C2	B2
B1	A
B2	B1
A	O
O	A

F. Equipment

1. General

a. It is highly recommended to wear gloves, a helmet, and protective eye gear. For mushers under the age of 18 this is a must.
b. The musher shall not be wearing shoes that could be dangerous to dogs (e.g. equipped with sharp-edged spikes). Same goes for wheels of carts, scooters and bikes.
c. A pre-event inspection and approval of rigs, scooters and bikes may be ordered by the event marshal and performed by him also being the chief judges.

2. Equipment – Dogs

a. The musher must carry one (1) extra dog leach and one (1) extra neckline.
b. At least one (1) chain or stake out-cable of approx. one (1) meter length with a snap hook mounted on both ends is mandatory, so that a dog can be secured at a dog dropping point. (Only if dog dropping points are offered.)

3. Equipment - Cani-Walk

a. The dog shall be attached to the musher by a snub line with shock absorber at all time.
b. The snub-line shall be attached to the musher by an appropriate hip belt.
c. The snub-line shall have a quick release connection (panic snap) on the contestant’s end.
d. With fully extended shock-absorber the snub-line shall not exceed 2,5 meters in length.

4. Equipment - Cani-Cross

a. The dog shall be attached to the musher by a snub line with shock absorber at all time.
b. The snub-line shall be attached to the musher by an appropriate hip belt.
c. The snub-line shall have a quick release connection (panic snap) on the contestant’s end.
d. With fully extended shock-absorber the snub-line shall not exceed 2,5 meters in length.

4. Equipment – Bikejoring

a. The bicycle must be built strong enough to carry a musher through rough terrain.
b. The dog shall be attached to the bicycle by a snub line with shock absorber at all time.
c. The bicycle must be equipped with an efficient brake on each wheel.
d. With fully extended shock-absorber the snub-line shall not exceed 2,5 meters in length.
e. All mushers must wear gloves and a helmet.
f. Protective eye-gear is highly recommended.

5. Equipment – Scooters

a. The scooter must be built strong enough to carry a musher through rough terrain.
b. The scooter must be equipped with an efficient brake on each wheel.
c. The scooter must not be equipped with any kind of mechanism that is suitable to propell it.
d. The dog shall be attached to the scooter by a snub line with shock absorber at all time.
e. With fully extended shock-absorber the snub-line shall not exceed 2,5 meters in length.
f. In the 1-dog and 2-dog scooter class bicycles with removed or disabled pedal mechanisms are allowed as a substitute.
g. In the 2-dog scooter class three-wheeled carts are also allowed as a substitute.

6. Equipment – Carts

a. The cart must be built strong enough to carry a musher plus an unfit dog, if necessary.
b. The cart must have four wheels. Up to three dogs a three-wheeled cart may be used.
c. A four-wheeled cart must have a brush bow at the full width of the cart. For a three-wheeled cart a brush bow is optional.
d. The cart must be equipped with a safe steering system.
e. The cart must be constructed in a way that a musher can control it in a standing position.
f. The cart must be equipped with an efficient brake on each wheel. At least two wheels must be block able. Exception: For safety reasons the front wheel of a three wheeled cart must not be equipped with an operational brake. If the front wheel is equipped with a brake, it has to be disabled.

g. The following are recommended minimum weights for a cart:

2-Dog : D class: 25 kg
4-Dog : C class: 30 kg
6-Dog : B class: 40 kg
8-Dog : A class: 50 kg
Open : O class: 80 kg

h. The cart must be equipped with a dog bag or a transport basket.
i. A safety line to tie down and secure the cart must be carried along.
j. A passenger on a cart is permitted if an unfit dog can be transported at the same time.
k. A quad may be used as an alternative in the A and O classes. The quad must have the same features as a cart. Engines must be removed or disabled.

SECTION VI – Miscellaneous Information

I. EVENT COURSE STANDARDS

A. The start and finish line shall be clearly marked so there will be no doubt as to location.
B. There shall be no sharp turns within the first 800 meters of the starting chute .
C. The course shall be laid out so that there will be no head-on passing within 1,6 km of the starting line if possible.
D. The trail shall be clearly marked with a minimum of 23 – 25 cm diameter markers.

1. Red Marker – indicating turn coming up. These markers will be placed on the same side of the trail as the turn. The first marker to be 15 - 30 meters from the turn. The second marker shall be approximately 10 meters from turn. Red markers shall not be placed on gradual curves.
2. Green/Blue Marker – indicates straight ahead. A blue marker may be placed 6 – 15 meters ahead of any questionable junction. This would clearly confirm the trail beyond the intersection. Blue Markers are “reassurance” to the drivers of the correctness of his/her course.
3. Bright Orange/Yellow Marker – indicates “CAUTION, DANGER AHEAD”. There should be two signs, one on each side of the trail, 30 meters before the obstacle.

E. Turns where trail officials are deemed not necessary shall be well brushed. Any questionable area should be brushed – such as both sides of an intersection if the trail is straight ahead.
F. Bridges should have a straight trail 45 meters before and after, and shall have snow fence onto the bridge if necessary.
G. 800 meters from finish zones shall be clearly marked.
H. Width of trail should be a minimum of 122 cm.
I. Snow fencing or other ample barriers shall be set up at start-finish lines to hold spectators back. This shall be approximately 60 meters on each side of trail.

J. Recommended class distances:

a. Limited/8-dog Class – not less than 13 km, not more than 18 km.
b. 6-Dog Sportsman – not less than 5 km, not more than 13 km.
c. 4-Dog Sportsman – not less than 5 km, not more than 7 km.
d. 2-Dog Junior – not less than 3 km, not more than 7km.
e. 1-Dog Junior – not less than 500 meter, not more than 2 km.

K. It is suggested that HSC trails per class be progressive, i.e., start with the minimum distance early in the season and build up to the maximum.
L. HSC reserves the right to alter trail distance due to unusual weather, obstructions and safety circumstances.
M. The Event Marshal has the authority to change the distance of a class due to unusual circumstances (i.e., weather, trail conditions) and for the safety of the dogs without affecting the distance ruling of any class.

II. EVENT STAGING/HOLDING AREA

A. The parking for mushers will be separate from the spectator parking if possible. A special area closer to the starting line will be set up for Open and 8-Dog mushers. 6-Dog teams and down shall park further away.
B. Provide a lane to starting chute wide enough to supply ample room for teams coming and going.
C. There should be two people appointed by the sponsor to park vehicles per instructions from HSC.
D. Toilet facilities should be in the staging/holding area.

III. DOG MARKING PROCEDURES

When desired, dog marking will be done according to the following procedure:

A. The Event Marshal will obtain dog marking and recording materials.
B. The Event Marshal will mark the dogs at the end of the first heat according to a confidential plan.
C. The Event Marshal will, on following heats, re-check markings and record number of dogs leaving on a team.
D. The Event Marshal will check number and marking of dogs returning at the end of the following heats.
E. The Event Marshal will document any irregularities in the Event Log.

IV. EVENT CLINIC RULES

A. In order to assure, to the best of the Club’s ability, the safety of all dogs and drivers competing in HSC events, it is necessary for the HSC to establish and adhere to specific rules governing event eligibility and competence. The Drivers’ Clinic will be utilized to determine such eligibility and competence for all new drivers.
B. Capability: A potential driver will show his capability as a driver at a Club run Clinic. The Event Marshal or his assistant will attest to the driver’s capability. In order to show their capability as a driver, each person must bring to the clinic the number of dogs required for the class, harnesses, gang lines, rig and stake-out equipment. Under the scrutiny of the Event Marshal or his assistant, the driver will show his ability to set out his dogs, rig his cart, harness his dogs, and with the help of a maximum of two handlers hitch his team to the cart.
C. Schedule: One clinic will be held prior to the first event of each season or as needed to support new drivers during the event season.

V. OFFICIAL STARTING TIMES –

The official starting time and order is up to the decision of the Event Manager depending upon weather conditions, number of teams entered, etc.

VI. DRIVERS’ MEETING

A. Each day of event, a short meeting of the drivers will be held with the intent of explaining the trail and the assignment of number bibs for the day of event. At this meeting, a large enough map of the trail shall be made available for all to use.

VII. FEES

Prior to the event season, a breakdown of all prizes and fees shall be available to all members.

SECTION VII - TROPHIES AND AWARDS

I. CHALLENGE TROPHIES
II. SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHIES
III. OTHER
IV. JUNIOR TROPHIES

SECTION VIII - POINT SYSTEM

The final weekend results (finish order) will be the basis of the Season’s Standings calculations. Every weekend event will be counted.

Points Formula:
{ 100 – [ ( 100 / x ) y ] } + (100 / x )
x = Number of teams
y = Position finished

So if a team finishes second with five teams in the class:
{ 100 – [ ( 100 / 5 ) 2 ] } + ( 100 / 5 )
{ 100 – [ ( 20 ) 2 ] } + 20
( 100 – 40 ) + 20
60 + 20 + 80 points for that weekend of event.

Points are earned only for events completed. Drivers disqualified on the first or second day of an event will receive no points for that weekend. Sportsman and Junior teams will accumulate points for all events. Drivers will receive the points, not the teams or the owner. If the entered driver is unable to drive his team one day of the event, he or she may have someone else drive the team and the entered driver will receive the points.