International Federation of Sleddog Sports, Inc. Race Rules

Table of Contents November, 2004 Definitions Chapter One (General Rules) I. Entry Rules II. Start-Finish Rules III. Trail Rules IV. Conduct V. Rules Violations Chapter Two (Special Rules for 3-6-8-10 Dog and Unlimited Classes) I. Entry Rules II. Trail Rules Chapter Three (Special Rules for Nordic Style- Pulka and Skijoring) I. Classes II. Equipment III. Trail and Start Rules IV. Provisional Sit-Ski Rules V. Nordic Race Program for World Championships ______________________

Definitions DRIVER: A person who drives a dog team entered in the race. EVENT: A meeting of contestants for the purpose of competing in one event which may involve several classes. HEAT: A completion of the trail once. ORGANIZATION: The organisation in charge of running the event. RACE: A competition in a specified class and may be comprised of one or more heats. RACE AREA: All designated parking areas, spectator areas, team holding areas, start/finish chutes, officiating areas and the trail areas. RACE MARSHAL: The Chief Judge, i.e. the person who shall have supreme authority at an event. The only official who can decide upon a disqualification. RACE JUDGE: Rules Enforcing Officer, has the same authority as the Race Marshal / Chief Judge, except in the question of disqualification. References to the Race Marshall in these Rules shall also apply for the Race Judge(s), when appropriate. SLED: Also includes a pulka for the purpose of these Rules. MAY:Shall be construed as being permissive. SHALL: Shall be construed as being imperative. SHOULD: Shall be construed as advisory. CHAPTER ONE (General Rules) (Applies to all styles and classes) Note: In case of discrepancy between general rules and special rules, the special rules shall prevail. In these rules, the masculine shall include the feminine.

I. ENTRY RULES 1. Eligibility 1.1. Entries 1.1.1. An entry for a race shall be submitted prior to the start of the race, subject to entry deadlines as determined by the race-giving organisation. 1.1.2. The race-giving organization may reject any entry for just cause. 2. Drivers 2.1 The driver starting a team in the first heat of a race shall drive that team throughout the race. 2.2 A change in driver can only be made as the result of illness or injury to the authorised entrant and must have the approval of the Race Marshall. 2.3 Any driver disqualified in any heat of the race is not eligible to compete in the remainder of the race. 3. Dogs. 3.1. The Race Marshall may disallow entry of any team or dog for just cause. 3.2. Any team or dog coming to the starting line which, in the opinion of the Race Marshal, is unfit or incapable of safely completing the trail, shall be disqualified. 3.3. Any team or dog not starting the first heat of the race shall not be eligible to compete in the remainder of the race. 3.4. Any team or dog disqualified in any heat of the race is not eligible to compete in the remainder of the race. 3.5. Eligibility of dogs is not restricted to certain breeds. 3.6. Dogs participating in a race must be at least twelve (12) months old. 4. Disease. 4.1. No dog or equipment shall be brought from a kennel where rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, or any other contagious disease exists. 4.2. If the Race Veterinarian diagnoses any dog present in the race area to have a contagious disease, that team shall be disqualified and shall immediately leave the race area. 5. Identification. 5.1. In races of more than one heat, each dog shall be marked for identification prior to the start of the first heat of the race. 5.2. Dogs dropped from teams after the first heat of a race involving more than two (2) heats, shall be marked a second time to indicate their disqualification to run in subsequent heats. 6. Medications administered to Dogs and Drivers 6.1. Prohibited Drugs and Drug Testing IFSS Doping Rules, IFSS Procedural Guidelines for Doping Control and the IFSS List of Forbidden Substances and Methods for Dogs shall apply. 7. Equipment 7.1. Inspection. 7.1.1. 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. 7.1.2. A team in harness shall not be required to stand for inspection longer than six (6) minutes before the scheduled time of departure. 7.1.3. Inspection shall take place in an area that does not interfere with teams in the start or finish chutes. 7.1.4. A team shall be available for inspection after each heat at the request of the Race Marshall. 7.2. All equipment is subject to the approval of the Race Marshal. 8. Other Equipment. 8.1. A muzzle or a collar that can be hooked as a full choke shall be prohibited. 8.2 Whips are forbidden. 8.3. A racing number for each driver shall be provided by the race-giving organization. The driver shall display this number on his person throughout the race. 9. Finish Time Disqualification (Optional) 9.1 A team shall be disqualified from competing in subsequent heats if its total elapsed time exceeds either 1.26 or 1.50 times the average time of the three fastest teams in the same heat of the same class. 9.2. All entrants shall be notified, prior to entry, if a time disqualification factor is to be used, stating which factor and to which classes it shall be applied

. II. START-FINISH RULES. 10. Drawing 10.1. The starting positions for the first heat of a race shall be determined by a drawing held prior to the race at a time and place designated by the race-giving organisation. 10.2. The driver or designated proxy of each team shall draw their own starting position. In their absence, the starting position shall be drawn by the Race Marshal or his representative. 10.3. The order of the draw shall not be changed, either by addition or substitution. Late entries shall be added in order of receipt. 10.4. The drawing may, at the option of the racegiving organization, be modified by seeding in accordance with the formula established by the IFSS. 11. Single Start Race 11.1. The first day's starting positions shall be determined by the draw with Number 1 starting first, Number 2 starting second, etc. 11.2. The second day's starting positions shall be determined by the first day's times, with the fastest teams starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc. 11.3. In races of more than two heats, 11.3.1. The total elapsed time of the previous heats shall determine starting positions, with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc. 11.3.2. or, at the option of the race-giving organisation, the elapsed time of the previous single heat shall determine the starting positions with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc. 11.3.3. If the optional start is to apply to the race, all entrants shall be notified prior to making entry, stating to which classes it shall apply. 12. Dual Start Race 12.1. The first day's starting positions shall be determined by the draw with Numbers 1 and 2 starting together first, Numbers 3 and 4 starting together second, etc. 12.2. The second day's starting positions shall be determined by the first day's times. The finishing list will be divided into two groups, with the fastest team in the faster group starting together with the fastest team in the slower group, followed by the second fastest team in each group, etc. 12.3. In races of more than two heats, the total elapsed time of the previous heats will determine the groupings and starting positions, with the fastest teams in each group starting first, etc. 12.4 If the option under 18 is to apply to a race of more than two (2) heats, the elapsed time of the previous single heat shall determine the groupings and starting positions, with the fastest teams in each group starting first, etc. 13. Equal Times 13.1. 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. 13.2. Teams with equal times for the entire race shall be awarded the higher finishing position. 13.3. The purse for the tied place and the next lower place(s) shall be combined and divided equally among those teams tied for that place. 14. Starting Point and Time 14.1. The brush bow of the sled shall determine the starting point of the team. 14.2. Trail time for all teams shall begin at the originally scheduled time of departure. 14.3. A team that fails to be in the starting position at its scheduled starting time shall be declared a Late starting ?team. 14.3.1 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. 14.3.2. A late-starting team shall not interfere with any other team. 14.3.3. If more than one team is declared late, those teams shall start in the originally scheduled starting order. 14.3.4. 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. 15. A team not clearing the Starting Chute (minimum distance, 30 meters) prior to the scheduled start of the next team may be disqualified. 16. Assistance in the Starting Chute 16.1 Unless otherwise specified by the Race Marshal prior to the start of the first heat of the event: 16.1.2. Any amount and type of assistance is allowed to a team prior to the actual starting time. 16.1.3 .Once a team's starting time has commenced, only the chute judge or officials designated to help may assist in the chute. 17. Finish 17.1 A team shall have finished the heat when the first dog on the team crosses the finish line. 17.2. If a loose team crosses the finish line ahead of its driver, that team shall have finished when the driver reaches the finish line. 17.3. When a dual starting chute is used as a finishing chute, a team may return on either trail.

III. TRAIL RULES 18. Following the Trail 18.1. A team and driver shall run the full course as established by the race-giving organization. 18.2 If a team leaves the trail, the driver shall return the team to the point at which they left the trail. 18.3. The trail shall be followed marked as follows: 18.3.1. "Right Turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the right side of the trail. 18.3.2. "Left Turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the left side of the trail. 18.3.3. "Straight Ahead" shall be indicated by blue markers. 18.3.4. "Caution" shall be indicated by a yellow or orange marker. 18.3.5. The end of the Starting Chute (minimum length, 30 meters) shall be indicated by markers on both sides of the trail. 18.3.6. A marker should be placed to indicate the start of the "No-Right-of-Way Zone" 800 meters from the finish unless trail conditions dictate otherwise. The trail within the No-Right-of-Way Zone" should be at least three (3) meters wide and aligned so that an overtaking team may pass freely on the run. 19. Driving a Team 19.1. Any driver accepting a ride during the-race on any vehicle other than his own sled, shall be disqualified. 19.2. A driver shall not interfere with a competing team. 19.3. Carrying a passenger at any time during the race shall be prohibited unless: 19.3.1. Called for in the conditions of the race. 19.3.2. Giving a ride to a driver in an emergency situation. 20. Assistance on the Trail 20.1. All teams may receive similar assistance of any type from officials stationed at designated points along the trail as authorized by the Race Marshal. 20.2. Drivers running in the same heat may assist each other in any manner authorized by the Race Marshal. 20.3. Handler and spectator assistance shall be limited to holding the sled, 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. 20.4. No one shall assist a team by willfully pacing it. 21. Loose Team and Dogs 21.1. A loose team or dog(s) shall not delay or interfere with another team. 21.2. The driver shall overtake a loose team or dog on foot. 21.3. 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 authorised outside assistance. 21.3.1. Authorised outside assistance is limited to holding a loose team or dog, once it has been stopped. 21.3.2. Any person(s) may (and is encouraged to) stop and hold a loose team or dog. 22. Right of Way 22.1. In a dual start, the team with the lead dog farthest ahead at the end of the chute barrier shall have the right of way. 22.2. When teams are passing in opposite directions on a single trail: 22.2.1. The team travelling downhill shall have the right of way. 22.2.2. On level terrain, the Race Marshal shall determine and announce, prior to the start of the race, whether the incoming or outgoing team has the right of way. 22.3. In the 800 meter "No-right-of-way" finishing zone, no team shall have the right of way over a finishing team. 23. Passing 23.1. When one team driver intends to pass another team, the passing team driver may request the right of way when the lead dog(s) come(s) within 15 meters of the sled of the overtaken team. 23.2. The overtaken team driver shall make way for the passing team by steering the sled to one side of the trail, slowing his team and, if demanded by the overtaking team driver, stopping and keeping the team from moving forward. 23.3. If the passing team becomes tangled or bunched up in the course of the pass, to allow time to untangle and tighten lines, that team's driver may require the overtaken team driver to remain stopped for up to one (1) minute in Unlimited and Limited Classes involving eight (8) or more dogs, one half (0.5) minute in all other classes. 23.3. Once a team has been passed, that team shall not repass, so long as the driver in front is making an effort to keep his team moving forward until, 23.3.1. In Unlimited or Limited Classes involving eight (8) or more dogs, after less than four (4) minutes or 1500 meters. 23.3.2. In Limited Classes involving fewer than eight (8) dogs, after no less than two (2) minutes or 800 meters. 23.3.3. At any lesser intervals whenever both drivers are in agreement. 23.4. After a pass has been completed, a team driver that has been passed need not hold his team while the other driver: 23.4.1. repairs gear, or 23.4.2. unhooks and transfers a dog or dogs from one position in a team to another position in the team or 23.4.3. goes off the race trail, before the above mentioned distance or time interval has elapsed. Loading a dog in the sled constitutes changing a dog's position in the team. 23.5. A driver coming upon two or more teams stopped together, may pass all such teams. The stopped drivers shall make every effort to clear the trail for the moving team(s). 23.6. Teams following each other shall maintain an interval of not less than one team length, except when passing or in the "No-Right-of-Way" Zone. 23.7. When a team is overtaken in the No-Right-Of-Way Zone", that team does not have to stop and yield the trail. 23.8. No driver shall interfere with a competing team.

IV. CONDUCT 24. Responsibility and Sportsmanship 24.1. All drivers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, their designated handler, and themselves whenever in the race area or on the trail. 24.2. Common sense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. If the Race Marshal determines that driver, handler or team conduct at any time in the race area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/race, that team shall be disqualified. 25. Abuse of Dogs 25.1. Abuse of dogs, with or without an implement, shall be prohibited.

V. RULES VIOLATIONS 26. Reports by Race Officials 26.1. Race officials shall report overt rule violations to the Race Marshal verbally, in person or by radio, immediately or directly following the heat in which the violation occurred. All verbal reports shall be followed with a written report, given to the Race Marshal within one (1) hour of the completion of the race official's duties for the race heats of that day. 26.2. The Race Marshal shall act, at his discretion, on any overt violations witnessed and reported by race officials. 27. Reports by Race Contestants 27.1. Drivers wishing to report an alleged violation of the rules by another contestant, shall notify the Race Marshal immediately following the heat in which the incident occurred. Notification may be verbal. 27.2 All verbal reports shall be followed with a written report, given to the Race Marshal within one (1) hour of the completion of the heat in which the alleged violation occurred. 28. Protests and Hearings 28.4. Any driver implicated in a report of an alleged violation of the rules will be notified of the protest by the Race Marshal and provided access to copies of the written protests as soon as they become available but in all cases before anyhearings are conducted. 28.2. Said hearing shall be granted by the Race Marshal. 29. Disciplinary Action. 29.2. For violation of any IFSS Regulation, the Race Marshal shall either issue a verbal warning to the driver, or disqualify the driver and team from the race. 29.2. No other disciplinary action shall be imposed. 29.3. Decisions shall be announced as promptly as practical but no later than four (4) hours prior to the start of any ensuing heat(s). 294. Any disciplinary action following the final heat of the race shall be acted upon prior to the awards ceremony. 29.5. In the case of drug testing, the above time schedule does not apply to allow for laboratory findings and hearings, should the latter become necessary. No disqualification or other action will be taken against any contestant for alleged drug infractions pending the results of said tests. 30. The decisions of the Race Marshal shall be final unless promptly appealed to the IFSS Appeals Jury. 31. Appeals Jury 31.1. Any decision of the Race Marshal affecting a contestant's participation in the event may be appealed to the IFSS Appeals Jury. Such appeal must be made as soon as practical following the official rendering of the decision. The appeal must be in writing, stating the alleged infraction, the decision reached, the penalty imposed and what the contestant believes to be incorrect or unfair. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeals fee of fifty (50) dollars (US or Euro as appropriate to location) which will be refunded if the decision is overturned. 31.2. The jury shall consist of either three or five members depending on the number of IFSS officials assigned to take part (either one or two appointed by the IFSS President) on the jury. The other members of the jury will be national team leaders elected to serve on the jury by the other national team leaders 31.2.1. If two IFSS officials are appointed, then three team leaders will be elected. 31.5.1. If only one IFSS official is appointed, then only two national team leaders will be elected. 31.5.2. The two national team leaders receiving the next highest amounts of votes cast after those elected will serve as alternates in case one or more of the team leaders on the jury are required to recuse themselves due to a potential conflict of interest in any specific appeal. 31.5.3. The team leader members shall be elected by a secret vote of all team leaders. All team leaders are eligible and no nominations will be held prior to the voting. All team leaders will receive a ballot with a place for either two or three names to be filled in. Team leaders may vote for themselves but may only cast one vote for any single name. The team leaders with the highest number of votes will fill the positions on the jury followed by the alternate positions. 31.5.4. The President shall designate which IFSS official is to serve as the chair of the Appeals Jury. 31.3. The jury shall conduct a new and independent investigation into the allegations. 31.4. The jury will render a decision following secret deliberations. They may affirm, overturn or modify the decision of the Race Marshal in any way necessary to achieve a correct and just outcome. 31.5. The jury will announce its decision as soon as possible so as not to interfere with the subsequent heats of the affected class. 31.6. Any appeal from a decision of the Appeals Jury must be made directly to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport. There will be no stay of the decision of the Appeals Jury pending any appeal to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CHAPTER TWO (Special Rules for 4, 6, 8, 10 Dog and Unlimited Classes) ("Nome"-style)

I. ENTRY RULES 32. Eligibility 32.1. Size of Teams. 32.1.1. An Unlimited Class 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. 32.1.2. A Limited Ten-Dog Class Team shall consists of no more than ten (10) dogs, not less than seven (7) dogs in the first heat and not less than five (5) dogs in any subsequent heat. 32.1.3. A Limited Eight-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs, and not less than four (4) dogs. 32.1.4. A Limited Six-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs, and not less than three (3) dogs. 32.1.5. A Limited Four-Dog Class Team shall consist of not more than three (4) dogs, and not less than two (2) dogs. 32.1.6 After the first heat and each ensuing heat, a driver may voluntarily reduce the size of the team, subject to class minimums. 32.1.7. The Race Marshal may reduce the size of any team that he determines is too large for the designated driver. 33. Equipment 33.1. Harnesses and Lines. 33.1.1 All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file. 33.1.2. All dogs shall be fastened to the tug by a neck line and tail line with the exception of the leader(s) who shall be harnessed in the team by a tail line but may run without a neck line. 33.1.3. A snub line but may be carried on the sled but it shall not be used in any other manner than to tie down and hold the sled. 33.2. Sleds 33.2.1. A sled shall be capable of adequately carrying the driver and have a basket capable of carrying a dog. 33.2.2. A sled shall be equipped with an adequate brake, brushbow, snowhook and dog bag.

II. TRAIL RULES 34. Driving a Team 34.1 A driver may ride the sled, pedal or run as wished. 34.2. All dogs starting the heat shall complete the entire course, either hitched in the team or carried on the sled. 34.3. A dog becoming unfit after departure shall be carried on the sled.

CHAPTER THREE NORDIC STYLE Special rules for pulka classes, skijoring and relays IFSS NORDIC RACE RULES: Adopted 22 July, 2002

I. ENTRY RULES 35. Classes 35.1. At the option of the race giving organization, the competitions may be held in any of the following classes: 35.1.1. One dog class in pulka or skijoring 35.1.2. Multiple Dog class in pulka ( 1-4 dogs ) or skijoring ( 1-2 dogs ) 35.1.3. Relays with all legs in pulka style, skijoring or mixed. 35.1.4. Pursuit start with skijoring and pulka of two or more stages for best overall time. (See 39.5.1) 35.1.5. Mass start in skijoring or pulka, limited or mulitple dog start 35.2. In mulitple dog class for races over two or more stages, the drivers may reduce their team if wanted. If the team is reduced, the driver may not add that dog back in subsequent stages. A participant is allowed to reduce the team only between stages. 35.3. The race Marshall may reduce the size of any team determined to be too large for the designated driver. 35.4. The classes shall be divided by men and women.

II. EQUIPMENT 36. Inspection 36.1. All entrants shall be responsible for seeing that their equipment meets the requirement of these rules. 36.2. The equipment shall be available for inspection by the race officials before the race, and for inspection and pulka weight control after the race. 37. Hitching of Teams 37.1. All dogs shall be harnessed in single file in the Pulka category. 37.2. In skijoring, the dogs can be harnessed in pairs. 37.3. The driver shall be connected to the team with a snub line. This snub line shall be attached to the driver's hip belt, which must measure at least 7cm over the spinal area. 37.3.1. The belt shall have an open hook in order to make it easy to release the line, or a quick release connection ( panic-snap). It is prohibited to have any form of metal hook or ring in the end of the snub line that attaches to the driver's belt. 37.3.2. In skijoring the length of the expanded snub line should be a minimum of 2.5 meters. 37.3.3. Only cross-country skis without steel edges or sharp tips may be used. 38. Pulkas 38.1. The pulka shall be: 38.2. Connected with two solid shafts to the harness(es), so that it is not possible for the pulk or sled to overrun the harnessed dog(s). 38.3. So constructed that the ski runners are between the shafts and do not create any risk of harming the dog(s). 38.4. Equipped with the possibility of fastening the load securely. 38.5. Pulkas of teams with three dogs or more shall be equipped with a brake. 39. Other Equipment 39.1. The weight to be carried shall be: 38.1.1. For one dog team the total load to be carried shall be: Weight of the dog x 0.7 38.1.2. For two dogs team the total load to be carried shall be: Weights of the dogs x 0.7 38.1.3. For three dogs team the total load to be carried shall be: Weight of the dogs x 0.6 38.1.4. For four dogs team the total load to be carried shall be: Weight of the dogs x 0.5 39.2. The load consists of: Pulka, shafts, harness(es), lines and the additional weight. 39.3. The additional weight shall be furnished by the participant.

III. TRAIL AND START RULES 40. Competition Formats Table for classes and distances: (For races of two or more days, these distances are for each day of the competition.) 40.1. Table for classes and distances: RACE FORMAT COMPETITION DISTANCE Individual start competition: One dog class 10-30 km Multiple Dog class 15-30 km Mass start competitions in pulka Limited or Multiple Dog 10-50 km Mass start competition in skijoring Limited or Multiple Dog 10-30 km Pursuit competition One dog class 5-15 km Relay competition 3 x 5 - 10km or 4 x 5 - 10km 40.2. Start Procedures 39.2.1. If the team starts before the start signal is given, it will be called back for a proper start. This start will be allowed as soon as possible, but cannot take place 10 seconds before or 10 seconds after another team's scheduled start. 39.2.2. If the team is late to the start, it will be allowed to start whenever it is ready, except for ten seconds before or after another starting team. 39.2.3. In both cases the time shall be kept as if the team had started on time, but the starter shall make a note of the real starting time. 40.3. Individual start: 39.3.1. The starting interval between the participants shall be 30 seconds or 1 minute 40.4. Mass start: 40.4.1. All participants start at the same starting line. If the number of participants makes it impossible with all participants in one starting line, two or more starting lines shall be added. There shall be at least 10 meters between each starting line. 40.4.2. Starting area shall be constructed according to rule 47. 40.4.3. Start signal is given by the starter with two flags. 40.4.4. The starter stands in front of the starting area, so that all starting participants are able to see the starter. 40.4.5. Starting order is given in the following way: 40.4.6. One minute before the start a sign "1" is shown. 40.4.7. Thirty (30) seconds before the start, the starter's arms are to be positioned with the flags over the head. 40.4.8. Fifteen (15) seconds before the start, the starter's arms are to be positioned with the flags in a horizontal position. 40.4.9. "Go", the starter's arms with the flags are rapidly lowered. 40.4.10. There shall be at least two race officials to check the starting line and at least two at the end of the starting chute tracks. 40.5. Pursuit start 40.5.1. In the first race of the pursuit competition, there is individual start according to race rule 39.3.1 40.5.2. In the second race of the pursuit competition, the winner of the first race starts first, the second ranked starts next, etc. The starting intervals are the same as the differences between the competitors' times from the first race results. 41. Trail Rules 41.1. The trail shall be prepared according to rule . 41.2. The drivers shall follow their team on skis. 41.3. If a dog becomes unfit, the driver is not permitted to finish the heat. 41.4. The driver is not allowed to pace the dog(s) by running ahead of the team. Assisting the dog or team by pulling or pushing the pulka is permitted. 41.5. Assistance in watering or feeding dogs is permitted. The race Marshall shall designate specific spots on the trail where such help may be given. 41.6. The entire team including the dog(s) shall be in position before the starting line until the start signal is given. 41.7. During the overtaking procedure on the command "TRAIL", the overtaken team shall make way for the passing team, shall not be skating and shall keep the skis and poles parallel to the trail. 42. Finish 42.1. A team shall have finished the heat when the first dog on the team crosses the finish line. 42.2. If a loose team crosses the finish line ahead of its driver, that team shall have finished when the driver reaches the finish line. 42.3. If an electronic device attached to drivers leg is used for time measurements, this will overrule 41.1. 43. Relay Race Rules 43.1. A relay race is a one day competition, which involves relay teams consisting of three or four participants. 43.2. Each participant runs the trail once. After the finish line the participant changes over to the next participant in the relay team, who may then start. 43.3. The relay team that reaches the finish line first after all stages is the winner of the relay competition 44. Relay Team 44.1. The participants in a relay team shall be representatives of the same organization or country. At the option of the race giving organization, a mixed team of organizations or countries may be allowed, but these teams are not a part of the official result list. 44.2. Only one dog teams are allowed in relay races. 44.3. Men and women may participate in the same relay team. 44.4. Neither participants nor dogs are allowed to run the trail more than once. 44.5. At the option of the race giving organization, the relay will be run in pulka only, skijoring only, or mixed skijoring and pulka. In that case the race given organization will specify in advance which legs of the relay will be run in each discipline. 45. Relay Entries 45.1. The name of the participants in each relay team and the order in which they start shall be handed over to the race office at least 60 minutes before the start. 46. Areas for Start, Change-Over and Finish in Relay Race 46.1. Starting, changeover and finish area do not have to be the same location. 47. The Trail of the Relay Race 47.1. The entire trail should be, and the last 150 meters shall be, sufficiently wide enough for two participants to skate side by side (minimum 8 meters). 48. Tracks in the Relay Starting Area 48.1. The starting area shall have one starting track per relay team. 48.2. The distance between the starting tracks should be about 2 meters. 48.3. The length of the starting tracks should be about 80 meters and shall end at a marked line. 48.4. Along the starting track the competitors must lead the dogs and are not allowed to skate. 49. Relay Change-Over Area 49.1. The changeover area should be a marked area, length about 20-50 meters, width about 15 meters. It is an advantage that the change over area is made at an angle to the incoming trail, to avoid the incoming trail being in the same direction as the outgoing trail. 49.2. The changeover area begins at the finish line and ends at a marked line across the trail. 49.3. In the changeover area the participant shall release the dog to the team assistant, and with a shoulder touch, give the next participant in the team the permission start. The change over must be done in the change over area. <<...OLE_Obj...>> <<...OLE_Obj...>> 50. Relay Change-Over Pre-warning 50.1. A race official shall give a signal (e.g. the speaker announcing the starting number) to every team leader when an incoming team is about 1 km from the changeover area. 50.2. The signal has to be clear for the team leaders, who shall be located along the changeover area. 51. Relay Starting Procedure 51.1. All participants of the first leg start at the same time. 51.2. Start signal is given by the starter with two flags. 51.3. The starter stands in front of the starting area so that all starting participants are able to see the starter. 51.4. Starting order is given in the following way: 51.4.1. One minute before the start a sign "1" is shown. 51.4.2. Thirty (30) seconds before the start, the starter's arms are to be positioned with the flags over the head. 51.4.3. Fifteen (15) seconds before the start, the starter's arms are positioned with the flags in a horizontal position. 51.4.4. "Go", the starter's arms with the flags are rapidly lowered. 51.4.5. There shall be at least two race officials to check the starting line and at least two at the end of the starting chute tracks. 52. Relay Starting Restrictions 52.1. A participant can be ordered to turn back to the starting line to restart. A race judge is responsible for giving the order of restart; 52.2. If a participant starts before the start sign "Go", he shall be ordered to restart. 52.3. The dog is to be led (by the shackle or harness) along the starting track. If this rule is not obeyed, the participant will be required to turn back to the starting line for a restart. 53. Relay Change-Over 53.1 .An incoming participant shall release the dog before passing the marked line in the beginning of the changeover area. 53.2. The dog is to be taken care of by the team assistant. 53.3. The participant continues into the change-over area and touches the next participant of his team with his hand. 53.4. The changeover shall take place within the changeover area. A race official shall control the changeover. 54. Relaty Timing 54.1. Time is measured from the starting order "Go" until the last participant of the team reaches the finish line. 54.2. Time is also measured the moment each individual participant passes the finish line.

IV. PROVISIONAL SIT-SKI RULES In races where sit-skis are used, the following modifications shall be made to Chapter 3, II (Equipment) above of these rules: 55. Equipment 55.1. Sit-skis must be equipped with a brake capable of stopping the team under normal trail conditions.

V. RACE PROGRAM FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 56. Classes 56.1. The world championship is a three-day event 56.2. Classes: 56.2.1 One-dog Pulka 56.2.1.1 Women 56.2.1.2 Men 56.2.2 One-dog skijor 56.2.2.1 Women 56.2.2.2 Men 56.2.3 Combined one-dog Pulka and one-dog Skijor 56.2.3.1 Women 56.2.3.2 Men 56.2.4 Four Dog Pulka 56.2.4.1 Women 56.2.4.2 Men 56.2.5 Two dog Skijor 56.2.5.1 Women 56.2.5.2 Men 56.2.6 Mixed (men and women) one-dog relays for Skijor and Pulka 56.3 Day one: Pursuit competition in one-dog class, divided into women and men. Best overall time after both stages in each class is the Combined World Champion. Stage one: 10 km skijoring with individual start according to race rule 40.3.1 and 40.5.1. Stage two: 10 km pursuit start with pulka., according to race rule 40.5.1. Both stages shall be at the same day with the same dog in the combined class. There shall be at least a three hour break between the last one to finish in the individual start and the starting of the pursuit in the combined class. 56.4. Day two: Four-dog classes in pulka style according to race rule 35.1.2. Distance 20-25 km. Two-dog dog classes in skijoring according to race rule 35.1.2. Distance 20-25 km. 55.4. Day three: Relays for seniors. Mixed teams with men and women. Two legs with pulka and two legs with skijoring. One dog only Distance 5-10km.