RULES OF COMPETITION
Registration and Inquiries:
www.LaredosRioFest.com
CHAPTER I
GENERAL RULES
IMPORTANT CASH AWARDS DISCLAIMER: For multi-person boats, only one cash prize check will be awarded for the total amount of the winnings. It will be the sole responsibility of the winning teams to divide and distribute the amount amongst the individual team members.
1. Goals
The shared goal of the Laredo Hotel and Motel Association, Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee, and the Texas Canoe and Kayak Racing Association is to promote kayak-canoe racing and environmental stewardship of the Rio Grande/Bravo through fair competition between International athletes over a marked course. These rules are proposed in the knowledge that canoe and kayak racing follows different formats in both countries, and that competition on the river that they share represents the best possible venue for exchanging and promoting ideas for using the sport to improve quality of life for all who live on either shore.
2. Race Courses: See accompanying map(s)
The principal event is a down river race of approximately 33-mile length with cash prizes, from the Colombia International Bridge to Los Dos Laredos city park of Laredo, Texas.
A secondary 9-mile race with cash prizes will run from La Bota Ranch to the same finish line.
The 9-mile La Bota Ranch race will include two classes:
*One class will be K-1 (Women Only)
*A second class will be purely recreational open field competition
3. Awards
Multi-Person Unlimited and Four-Person Kayak (K4)
Men’s – Women’s – Mixed
$2,000/1,000/500/250 First through Fourth Place
International Canoe Federation Two-Person Kayak and Tandem Unlimited (Two-Person)
ICF K2 & Tandem Unlimited Men’s
$2,500/1,400/900/600/450/350/300/250/175/125 First through Tenth Place
ICF K2 & Tandem Unlimited Women’s Special Recognition
$1,000/750/500/250/200 First through Fifth Place
ICF K2& Tandem Unlimited Mixed Special Recognition
$300/200 First and Second Place
International Canoe Federation One-Person Kayak and Solo Unlimited
ICF K1 & Solo Unlimited Men’s
$2,500/1,500/1,000/500/400/200/150/100/75/50 First through Tenth Place
ICF K1 and Solo Unlimited Women’s Special Recognition
$1,000/500/250/200/100 First through Fifth Place
United States Canoe Association Two-Person Canoe
USCA C2 Men’s
$2,500/1,400/900/500/250/200/150/100 First through Eighth
USCA C2 Women’s Special Recognition
$1,000/500/250/200/100 First through Fifth
Standard Aluminum Special Recognition
$500/400/300/200/150/100 First through Sixth
United States and International Canoe Federation One-Person Canoe
USCA C1 and ICF C1
$1,750/1,250/600/400/300/150 First through Sixth
International Canoe Federation Two-Person Canoe
ICF C2
$800/600/250 First through Third
Recreational/Novice Class – 33 Mile – One or Two Person Canoe or Kayak
Open Class, Only Recreation Boat Categories, No Boat Specifications,
Men’s – Women’s – Mixed *INFLATABLE BOATS ARE NOT ALLOWED*
First through Fifth Special Awards – No Cash Prize Disbursements
International Canoe Federation Kayak 1-Person Women’s 9 Mile
ICF K1 Women’s
$500/250/200/150/100/50 First through Sixth
Recreational/Novice Class – 9 Mile One or Two Person Canoe or Kayak
Open Class, Only Recreational Boat Categories, No Boat Specifications, Men’s – Women’s – Mixed *INFLATABLE BOATS ARE NOT ALLOWED*
First through Third Special Awards – No Cash Prize Disbursements
In 2010, maximum cash prizes will be awarded irrespective of how many racers register for a particular class of competition. For example, if only 2 teams register under the Multi-Person Unlimited boat category and are qualified to start the race, cash prize awarded will be $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
4. Services
The host organization commits to provide competitors with the following:
* First aid
* Motorboat escort/sweep to assist in case of emergency
* Coordinated security and safety vigilance by appropriate authorities on ground and water over the entirety of the course with special attention at put ins and take outs
* A map for support teams on either side to locate, re-supply and cheer on competitors along the 33 mile route
* Shuttle services and vehicle security
* Commemorative t-shirt, meal and awards ceremony
5. Competitors
Competition is open to all clubs, associations and individuals who are considered physically fit for competition. It shall be the duty of the participants to ensure they are in appropriate physical condition. All competitors must sign the US Canoe Association and/or Laredos RioFest WAIVER AGREEMENT before start of the race.
For the 33-mile race, a cut off time of 3:30 pm to reach La Bota Ranch WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. Competitors participating in the 9-mile race starting from La Bota Ranch must finish the race by 4pm.
Any competitor refusing to take-out of the river when requested by the officials will forego the privilege of further emergency assistance and will be permanently banned from all future races.
USA Competitors: All Internal Revenue Service forms must be completed and submitted to Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee before cash prizes are awarded. USA competitors are solely responsible for reporting income to the IRS. Laredos RioFest will be reporting all cash payouts to the United States Government.
MEXICO/Non USA Resident Foreign National Competitors: by United States Government rules and regulations, all foreign national competitors eligible for cash prizes must complete IRS documentation and surrender 30% of their prize earnings. Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee is required by law to deduct the earnings and make payment directly to the United States Government.
Internal Revenue Service compliance documents can be found on the official race web site www.laredosriofest.com
CHAPTER II
RESTRICTIONS, RACE CATEGORIES AND CLASSES OF BOATS
1. Restrictions
It is prohibited to add foreign elements which grant competitors an advantage. No electrical or electronic components are allowed on the boats during the competition, except:
* Heart rate monitors,
* Cell phones
* GPS units
* Electric pumps, which are only allowable in unlimited classes
2. Race categories
Classifications for 33-mile race:
* Unlimited (Multi-Person Canoe - more than two competitors - and K4)
* Unlimited Tandem (inc. double surf-ski)
* Unlimited Solo (inc. single surf-ski)
* ICF K2
* ICF K1
*ICF K1 – Women Only 9-Mile
* USCA C2 & ICF C2
* USCA C1 & ICF C1
* Standard Canoe including Aluminum
*Recreational/Novice 33-mile
*Recreational /Novice 9-mile
Recreational Class:
* Minors (Male/Female) - (13 - 15) *Must have application and waiver signed by the same parent/guardian & competitors who are minors will only be allowed to compete if accompanied by a parent/guardian (or an adult recommended by the parent/guardian) in the same boat and must remain in the same boat at all times. All entries (parent, guardian or an adult recommended by the parent or guardian) must pay the registration fees.
*Youth (Male/Female) - (15-17) *Must have application and waiver signed by the same parent/guardian. To enter the 33 Rio Challenge (33-mile race) the youth must show proof of previous river race experience.
* Seniors - (35 years or more)
3. Boats
* ICF Kayaks
No minimum weight restrictions
Maximum Length (cm) K1 - 520 K2- 650 K4 - 1100
All kinds of building materials are permitted. Sections of longitudinal lines of the hull shall not be concave (only horizontal and vertically).
Rudders are allowed. The maximum thickness of the rudder blade shall not exceed 10 mm in the case of K1 and K2, or 12 mm in the case of K4. The rudder is not included in measurement of the boat’s length.
* ICF Canoes
No minimum weight restrictions.
Maximum Length (cm) C1 - 520 C2- 650 C4 - 1100
All kinds of building materials are permitted. Sections of longitudinal lines of the hull shall not be concave
(only horizontal and vertically). The canoe must be symmetrical in its longitudinal axis.
Any additions or rudders which serve to correct the direction of the canoe are not allowed.
A keel if any shall run the entire length of the canoe and not project more than 30 cm.
* USCA C1 and C2 Specifications -- Competition Cruiser (4X32 Spec):
Maximum length is 18 feet 6 inches (18’6”). Minimum width shall be 14 3/8% of the length (.14375 times the length) at the 4 inch water line, measured within 12 inches fore and aft of the center of the canoe.
The exterior surface of the transverse cross section below the 7-inch water line shall be convex, not concave, except at transitions to built-in keels.
The minimum height at the bow shall be 15 1/2 inches. The minimum depth for the rest of the canoe shall be 11 1/2 inches.
The sheer of the gunwale shall have a minimum radius of 30 inches and shall be an integral part of the boat with a continuous curve.
Water Removal: Any type of person-powered (or passive) bailer, pump or siphon may be used in any USCA boat
Rudders: There shall be no mechanical steering devices in any USCA canoe classes.
Materials: Canoes may be made of any material or combination of materials.
* USCA C2 Specifications - Pro Boat (3x27):
Maximum length of the hull shall be 18’6” (18 ft 6 in.)
Minimum heights, measured from the 0” waterline:
15” Bow
10” Center
10” Stern
The minimum-height gunwale line shall form a continuous, smooth arch-curve.
Minimum Width:
33” on the top, at the gunwale line
27” wide at the 3” waterline or 3” of draft
The points at which the 33” minimum top-width measurement and the 27” minimum waterline-width measurement are taken may be divided up to 14” maximum.
The 33” minimum top-width and the 27” minimum waterline-width, may be measured a maximum of 14” fore or aft of the center of the canoe.
The cross-section(s) of the hull at the location(s) of the 33” minimum top-width and the 27” minimum waterline-width shall have no more than 1/4” (one-quarter inch) concavity between the 3” waterline and the gunwale line of the hull.
No concave curve(s) are allowed under the 3” waterline. The imperfections from repairs will be tolerated but will have to be very minimal to conform to the regulations.
* Solo Unlimited
Any type of water craft propelled by one person. Only human powered propulsion allowed. A boat will not be allowed to race in this class if it qualifies or is designed to race in another class (i.e ICF K1).
* Tandem Unlimited
Any type of water craft propelled by two persons. Only human powered propulsion allowed. A boat will not be allowed to race in this class if it qualifies or is designed to race in another class (i.e ICF K2).
* Unlimited
Any type of water craft that is propelled by three or more persons. Only human powered propulsion allowed. A boat will not be allowed to race in this class if it qualifies or is designed to race in another class (i.e. any ICF class, Solo or Tandem Unlimited). ICF K4s will race in this class. Traditional Belizean 3-man canoes will race in this class.
* Standard Canoe includes Aluminum
Refers to a boat with traditional high curved stem and stern - both commercial and home manufactured boats will be allowed - made of all construction material types. Maximum length of 18 feet and 6 inches and a minimum width of 34 inches measured at the gunwales. Specifications should approximate a traditional Canadian two person canoe, “Beaver” aluminum boats not allowed in this class.
* Recreational/Novice Canoe/Kayak Class - Any type of solo or tandem recreational canoe or kayak that is manufactured or home made. Construction materials may include a variety of products including: wood, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, etc. Any canoe or kayak designed for racing and/or made of carbon fiber or Kevlar are prohibited from racing. All boats will be inspected and the judge’s decision of eligibility will be final.
CHAPTER III
ORGANIZATION OF POWERS
1. Officials
The competition will be conducted under the supervision of the following officers duly authorized by the Organizational Committee.
Executive Head Judge (USA)
Head Judge and Timekeeper (International Head Judge - Mexico; Timekeeper from USA)
Judge Course/Checkpoint (at least one each from Mexico and the United States)
Goal/Finish Judge (spotters) (at least one each from Mexico and the United States)
Registration officials (at least one each from Mexico and the United States)
All officials must have a badge or equivalent identification, supported and maintained that identifies them. If circumstances permit, a person may occupy more than one function.
The highest authority of a competition will be the Organizational Committee (OC), which consists of:
Owners of the Event (Laredo Hotel and Motel Association and Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee) - 1 Vote. Head Judge from both Countries: Mexico - 1 Vote, USA - 1 Vote
The Organizational Committee:
1. Organizes competition and oversees its development.
2. Reschedules the race in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances that make it impossible to carry out the competition.
3. Hears all objections and resolve all disputes that arise.
4. Decides matters relating to disqualification in case of violations of the rules.
5. Hears the judge’s version of any alleged offense, before rendering such judgment.
Decisions by the judges and the Organizational Committee are decisive and final.
6. Duties of Judges and Officials
All Judges and officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the event including good sportsmanship. When appropriate they will also assist or facilitate in matters of Emergency and Safety.
The Head Judges are additionally responsible for facilitating and coordinating the start & finish of the race(s) and all aspects of keeping official time.
Course and Checkpoint Judges are responsible for monitoring events on the race course, but must do so without hindering or assisting a racers progress and will coordinate all aspects of the race with the Head Judges.
Finish line Judges or “spotters” are responsible for assisting the Head Judge by tracking and recording finishing times and participant numbers and will coordinate all aspects of the race with the Head Judges.
7. Registration
As registration must necessarily occur in one country or the other, and as the Texas Canoe Racing Association has agreed to provide computers and timing equipment, administration will be based on the U.S. side. Accordingly, all Mexican competitors, if registering in Mexico, must have their completed registration forms submitted to the OC by 9pm the evening prior to the race. Race day registration is only available for the 33 mile race on the U.S. side from 7 to 8:30am at the long course starting line. Race day registration for the 9 mile race will be held at the La Bota Ranch starting line from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Boats must be inspected/jigged during registration.
A competitor who arrives late to the start of the race will be considered to have voluntarily withdrawn and will be disqualified under this rule. No fees shall be restored.
8. Changes in the Program
The order of events shall not be altered unless unanimously consented to by the OC at the pre-race Organizational Committee Meeting held at 6:00pm, October 15, 2010.
9. Numbers
Boat numbers will be issued at event registration. Numbers will be adhesive stickers and all kayaks and canoes must either display this sticker on a vertical plate or on the bow of the water craft. The plates must be placed on the centerline of the boat (on the back of kayaks and on the front of canoes). The stickers will be placed on either side of the bow above the waterline.
10. Instructions for Competitors
At least 24 hours before the start of competition, the OC will provide a copy of the race schedule or at the Organizational Committee Meeting held at 6:00pm, October 15, 2010, to both Head Judges and another will be placed in a visible place, containing the following information:
a) Sequence of the races
b) ROLL CALL: Must be at starting line TEN minutes prior to start. Official start times based on boat category will be published on the official race web site (www.laredosriofest.com) and also at registration and start line.
11. Protest
A protest arising during a race must be filed no later than 30 minutes after completion of the race in question. All protests must be submitted in writing to the OC and accompanied by a fee of $1,000.00 (One Thousand pesos 00/100 M. N.) or $70.00 US dollars. The fee will be returned if the objection is ruled valid. All race finish standing protests must be done by 8pm. All race finish standing protests must be accompanied by a fee of $1,200 (One Thousand Two Hundred Pesos) or $100 US dollars. PROTEST FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
CHAPTER IV
RULES OF RACING
1. Disqualification
Any competitor who attempts to win by dishonorable means, or who violates the rules of competition, or who scorns the honorable principles of regulation of competition will be disqualified from the race in question.
It is forbidden to be accompanied by other (non racing) boats along the course, or throwing objects at the course. Any of these events lead to the expulsion of the competitors concerned.
Violation of the rules, disrespect for judges, athletes, coaches, managers and participants in general or the falsification of official documents is grounds for disqualification.
2. Means of propulsion
* Kayaks can be driven solely by double bladed paddle.
* Canoes may be driven only by single blade.
* Unlimited Boats may use either or both single and double bladed paddles.
* The blades can not be fixed to the boat in any way (i.e. no rowing craft are allowed).
3. Aid
It is forbidden to receive foreign aid in the form of propulsion assistance during the race. Racers may receive any type of non-propulsion assistance from the banks (crew support from a boat is not allowed). Assistance includes items such as, but not limited to, food, water, ice, equipment, and first aid.
If a boat is in need of assistance on the course, other up river racers are obligated to render aid in the event of injury, drowning, or a competitor specifically requests assistance due to health issues.
4. Wake Riding
Wake riding, sometimes called “drafting” is when a following boat surfs the wake put out by a leading boat, thereby giving the “riding” boat a slight push generated by the displacement of water by the leading boat. Despite some claims, this practice has no impact to the potential speed of the leading boat. This practice is allowed in most river racing including the 33 mile and 9 mile races.
Wake riding can be a friendly exchange of relief such as is done in bicycle racing or in the case of adversarial or direct competitor drafting, the boat being drafted is certainly allowed to perform evasive maneuvers to shake the wake riders. No matter the particular wake riding situation care must always be exercised to ensure there is no contact with between boats. Accidental bumping of another boat when drafting will not result in automatic disqualification. Intentional bumping of another boat will result in disqualification and permanent ban from future Laredos RioFest races.
5. Passing
Boats must pass with sufficient space. Passing boats have the right of way. The boat which is being passed can not alter its course to impede (blocking) the overtaking boat under penalty of reprimand.
6. Finish Line
A boat has finished the race when the bow has crossed the finish line with all its crew aboard. If another boat crosses the line at the same time, and it is not possible to distinguish which crossed first, they will share in the place or prize awarded.
7. Safety
* Wearing of an approved Life Saver Vest PFD is optional. However racers are required to have an approved accessible PFD in their boat at all times.
* Racers under 18 will be required to wear Life Saver Vest PFD.
* All competitors will carry an emergency whistle on their person or attached to their life vest if wearing life vest during the competition.
* In the event of an emergency pull out, it is mandatory for the racer who exited the race to wait for assistance from a race official or immediately contact them by telephone.
CHAPTER V
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
All technical aspects not covered in the preceding paragraphs are subject to decision of the Organizational Committee of the Competition LAREDOS RIOFEST 2010 and its decision is final.
The Organizational Committee is empowered to bring national and international technical benefit to promote the sport and without prejudice to the competitors.
The Organization Committee reserves the right to create new rules as might be needed to ensure safety or fair and equitable running of the race.
BOATING ON BI-NATIONAL WATERS
The Laredos RioFest in large part celebrates the little-recognized fact that residents of both countries are free to paddle from bank to bank of the Rio Grande (“Rio Bravo del Norte,” in Spanish).
“Navigation of the Gila and of the Bravo shall be free and common to the vessels
And citizens of both countries,” Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848).
It is worth noting that islands in the river are considered property of both countries; U.S. and Mexican residents can land and rest on them at any time. Competitors must carry proper identification.
In the event a U.S. competitor lands on Mexican soil or must exit the race and the only exit point is via Mexico, the competitor then must enter back to U.S. through an official U.S. entry bridge:
* Colombia Bridge - Starting Line of the 33-mile Down River Race
* International Bridge I (FINISH LINE) - in downtown Laredo and adjacent to city park is open to pedestrian traffic
* International Bridge II - in downtown Laredo is not open to pedestrian traffic
* Note: The World Trade Bridge - starting Line of the approximate 9-mile recreational race is not open to pedestrian traffic
In the event a Mexico competitor lands on USA soil or must exit the race and the only exit point is via USA, the competitor will be returned back to Mexico by the appropriate USA authorities and safely handed back to Mexico officials. Laredos RioFest OC is not responsible for any measures taken while in the custody of USA authorities. Emergency contact numbers for Laredos RioFest OC staff will be provided to all Mexico competitors.
CHAPTER VI
7. TRANSITORY
All technical aspects not covered in the preceding paragraphs are subject to rule by the Organizational Committee of Laredos RioFest 2010 and their decision is final.
The Laredo Hotel and Motel Association, Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee, and the Texas Canoe Kayak Racing Association or any authority or association that have been part in the organization of this event, will not be responsible for accidents, theft or any other untoward incident before, during or after the event.
All competitors enter this race at their own risk. Laredos RioFest, Laredo Hotel and Lodging Association, and its judges, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and partners will not be liable for accidents to personnel or damage to any property or equipment. Unattended vehicles are the sole responsibility of the owners. Laredos RioFest, Laredo Hotel and Lodging Association, and its judges, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and partners do not accept responsibility to the safety of any vehicles or articles left inside the vehicles. In formulating the rules and regulations that govern Laredos RioFest and all related events, every effort has been made to foresee all situations and problems that might arise; however, officials of Laredos RioFest reserves the right to change or amend the rules and regulations at any time without liability or recourse from any party regardless of the circumstances. Should such change or amendments be made, all entrants will receive notification of the same.
Approvals:
The Laredo Hotel and Motel Association, Laredos RioFest Organizational Committee, and the Texas Canoe and Kayak Racing Association hereby approve the Rules of Governance in its entirety and sanction Laredos RioFest River (LRF) Race to be held October 15 & 16, 2010.
