RACE RULES

1. All racers that do not follow the responsibilities or these rules will be penalized by the race official.
2. Racers that purposely and knowingly break any rules will be punished as follows:

• 1st offence is loss of race and points
• 2nd offence is loss of race and banned from following race in the current season or first race of following season
• 3rd offence is loss of the privilege to race with the OHSS

3. Racers that purposely endanger fellow racers with unsafe riding practices will be asked to substantiate their actions and could face losing the race position and their race privileges as per rule #2
4. Racers that purposely and knowingly “cut the course”, as defined in other parts of this document, will be asked to substantiate their actions and could face losing their position and race privileges as per rule #2
5. Racers that purposely and knowingly slow down other riders and not let them pass will be asked to substantiate their actions and could face losing their position and race privileges as per rule #2
6. Racers that stop prior to the scoring tent to wait for the “Cut-off” must not impede other riders in any way trying to get to the tent
7. All racers cannot pass other riders when within site of the scoring tent. Any bumping or contact of any sort when near the tent will be punished. The race official or the person stopping the racers at the scoring tent will decide who was at the tent first
8. All disputes must be voiced within 30 minutes after the race scores are posted and must be resolved by the race official. The race official decision will be final with no potential of further negotiations at a later time unless new evidence is brought forth that day before trophy presentations
9. Any fast riding in other than the race course is punishable as per rule #2
10. Any racer or rider that purposely moves ribbons or arrows or any sign or changes the course in any way to their advantage will be banned from racing with OHSS on the first offence
11. Any racer that is found to be under the influence of alcohol or any banned drug will not be allowed to race
12. Any racer that knowingly cuts any standing trees or disturbs the natural grounds or forests in any way for any reason on or before race day will be punished as per rule #2. All hosts have big commitments to the governing body of the race area to uphold all of their rules so that OHSS is allowed to race there
13. All accidents between racers that require medical attention must be reported. The two or more racers involved must stop racing until such a time when they all or both agree that one or both can continue. Someone must stay with the injured racer at all times. When another rider or sweep comes along they can go for help. At no time can the injured rider be left alone unless they are comfortable and agree to allow the other(s) to get help
14. The race official has the right to consult with other OHSS representatives when faced with a difficult dispute. All disputes must take place with only the racers, all parents and friends must only get involved if asked by the race official
15. All racers who do not agree with the outcome of the race official decision can forward a complaint to the OHSS by email or letter. E-mail address is available on the OHSS website. Prior to review by the OHSS all details regarding the incident must be documented and verified with the race official and the racer before the end of the race day.

 OHSS RESPONSIBILITIES

• OHSS to ensure that each club or riding group and racer has read and understands all the rules and regulations as outlined in this document.

• OHSS to create and manage a website that will make it easy for all racers to access the race scores and information.

• OHSS to supply a “Race Official” for each race day and ensure that the official is knowledgeable about the type of race being promoted and fully understands the rules and guidelines and is prepared to resolve any and all disputes regarding the outcome of the races.

• OHSS to ensure the “Host” club or group knows, understands and upholds all its responsibilities.

• OHSS to supply all the proper score sheet templates, signup sheet templates, PN license form templates, waiver form templates and helmet stickers. These forms must be available on the website in a format that can be easily altered to the satisfaction of the race host.

• OHSS to supply and display all promotional propaganda required by the sponsoring bodies

• OHSS to supply (or organize someone to supply) any required electronic scoring and power generation equipment and ensure that all persons operating said equipment has been trained in the use of that equipment including the safe filing of the results and the printing of the outcomes.

• OHSS to supply prizes (or trophies) for the Pee Wee riders.

• OHSS to communicate with the host group prior to the race to ensure that all items required are done for a great day of racing.

• OHSS to accumulate all the race outcomes after each race and ensure that the points are properly displayed on the website.

• OHSS to constantly strive to find new areas to race.

RACE HOST RESPONSIBILITIES

• Put up arrows and signs to direct all racers easily to the race site including a GPS coordinate to the OHSS one week prior to race day
• Ensure that all insurances have been procured with evidence on site to allow race official to review prior to starting the race
• Ensure that all sign-up sheets and waiver forms are available for each racer and volunteers.
• Supply and place the following safety related items:
• “No Fast Riding” signs on all roads leading to the race and any similar area where fast riding could be identified as part of the race
• A level 3 first aid attendant that has a complete spine board and a form of transportation that can be used to bring the injured person safely and comfortably to the closest ambulance pick up area and a sign to identify where the “First Aid” attendant can be located
• 2 full fire extinguishers designed for gasoline fires located at the designated “Fuel-up” area. Each extinguisher to be more than 5 lbs each
• Supply tents for signup persons with all the appropriate sign up sheets for licenses and race applications with waivers.
• Supply a cash box or similar secure box with some “change” to facilitate any large bills etc.
• Supply a sandwich board or similar information sign to inform all racers when signup starts (for each class), the degree of difficulty of each class, when the riders meeting is, when the race starts occur and when the trophies are handed out. This board must be big enough to hold all score sheets.
• Supply at least one complete and stocked toilet.
• Supply a tent and table and 3 comfortable chairs for the score keepers.
• Build and identified a track or trail for the Pee Wee riders.
• Build and properly identified a trail for the morning “B” trail riders with all hard sections designed with a slower way around to allow less capable riders an alternate route. All arrowing to be to PN standards.
• Build and properly identified a trail for the afternoon “A” riders with all “hard” sections designed with an alternate easier but longer way around. All arrowing to be to PN standards or better. All spits must be permanently marked with a large sign very close to the trail so that no rider can miss it.
• Hold the riders meeting at the designated time as scheduled and ensure that the following items are identified and discussed:                                                      
• the length of each lap and approximate number of minutes each lap should take
• how the course is marked and show the racers the types of markings used
• introduce the first aid attendant and identify where they will be during the race
• introduce the official of the race and how to locate that person during the ½ hour after the race is over
• identify the place where the outcome of the race will be placed
• warn all the racers and friends to not ask the score keepers any questions at any time or they could have their race disqualified
• identify where the race will start and in what order the racers will be let off the starting line
• let the racers know how many laps and explain the “cut-off time” system  after 1.5 hours of racing in the morning and 2.5 hours of racing in the afternoon
• remind all riders when the next race is and encourage them to come out again. This may be best done by a representative from the next race group.
• remind all racers to drive slowly to the start line
• remind all racers to allow faster riders to pass
• remind all the riders that they must wear proper safety gear at all times and that includes:
• a DOT and ???? safety rated dirt-bike helmet in good condition
• good leather boots that protects the ankles or regular riding boots
• well fitted chest protector
• well fitted gloves
• well fitted safety eye protection that has elastic support to the helmet
• Get all races started in an organized in a safe and fair manner. Each group has the choice of type of start “Setup” they prefer, it can be a dead engine start with hands on the head or any similar way to make it interesting but it must be safe and fair.
• Install ribbons on both sides of the trail for 25 feet just prior to the scoring tent. These ribbons must be arranged to ensure that no racers form a single file without the opportunity to pass. Red ribbon should be used to ensure that the racers knows that they must stop ahead.
• Supply four competent and mature volunteers to keep score and stop riders at the tent for the morning and afternoon races. Determine who will be the head score keeper and instruct that person to bring all completed score sheets to the race official prior to posting.
• Organize riders to sweep the course to help stranded or hurt riders to make it back to the staging area. There should be a minimum of 2 riders per morning and afternoon races. There must be one sweeper to run the A loop after the afternoon race to double check that there are no racers or riders left on the course.
• Ensure that there are mature persons attending all busy road crossings during the races. 
• Supply and bring 1st, 2nd and 3rd trophies for each class of rider
• Ensure that some form of podium is available for the trophy presentation
• Organize and present all trophies to the appropriate riders after all conflicts have been resolved by the designated official.
• Ensure that someone checks the noise of each bike prior to the start of the race. If a bike sounds too loud compared to others then they must be warned to repair the silencer prior to the next race and make note of the riders name or number.
• Remember to pay or give all the volunteers something for their effort during the day. They are very important and deserve something and this will help keep them coming back.
• Supply some kind of concession stand that includes good drinking water and basic lunch style food.
• Supply garbage containers to allow all attendants an opportunity to not litter the grounds
• Remove all garbage and ribbons and any evidence that the race took place prior to leaving the area that day.
• Ensure that there is proper signage to stop any pre-riding of the designated course. The first part of the course should be marked last to keep all riders unsure of the trail to ride.

RACE OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Be present at both the riders meetings to help the Race Host to identify themselves to the racers.
2. Work with the race host to ensure that the scoring tent is properly organized and help elect a “head score keeper” who is required to ensure the following items:

• Check all the score sheets to make sure that there are no duplicate rider numbers assigned and resolve any issues
• Ensure that there are at least three score keepers at the table
• Ensure that there is a time clock on the table and train all scorers when and where to show check in times
• Ensure that there is at least one (preferably two) trained person(s) to stop the racers long enough to get the number off the helmet
• Make sure that the red single lane ribbons are properly installed at the last 25 feet to the tent. This is a no passing lane for all racers coming in to the scoring tent
• Make sure that all numbers get called out loud and clear
• Make sure that the scorers use the “double checking” system where the person writing down the rider number is watched by at least one other person
• Determine who will document the rider # as each rider arrives to check in. This back-up file will resolve all future potential issues with score keepers or riders
• Determine the time the time when the actual race started and when the cut-off should start. Morning race cutoff is 1.5 hours after first race class starts and afternoon time is 2.5 hours after the first class starts

3. Be at the start line with the race starter to help ensure that the start is fair for all racers and check for unsafe racers and loud bikes. Document all riders that were warned of noisy or unsafe bikes
4. Make sure that the First Aid attendant is present prior to starting the race
5. Stay close to the scoring tent during the race if possible to help out the score keepers.
6. Ensure that the scores are complete and correct then post the scores in a common immediately after the last rider is in for each class
7. Stay close to the posting area for 30 minutes after the posting of the last class to resolve any disputes on the outcome of the race. This must be done away from any other racers or persons and with an absolute minimum number of persons at one time. The following procedure must be followed:

• Talk to one racer at a time to get all details
• Try to get a statement from a witness
• Formulate a fair settlement even if it involves other OHSS persons
• Gather both or all riders involved and explain the outcome and also tell the racers that they can dispute the outcome but it will not change the trophy presentation for that day
• Stay with that decision regardless of the outcry

8. All results to stay posted until 30 minutes prior to trophy presentations. All persons names receiving a trophy should be high-lighted to make it easy for the host
9. Announce that the dispute time is over and gather all score sheets. These must be then handed over to the host who will start the trophy presentation very soon thereafter.  

RACERS RESPONSIBLITIES

• Sign up in the correct class that properly reflects their abilities and or age group.
• Must verify their decision of which class they are racing if asked by host or race official.
• Ensure that they sign up on time and have sufficient funds to cover all costs associated with racing.
• Bring or remember their PN license number assigned to them at the beginning of the race year.
• Attend the riders meeting prior to every race and ensure that all information supplied is remembered and adhered to as some rules may be added to suit the race format..
• Ensure that the bike they intend to ride is race ready and does not make any noise above 96 decibels. All mufflers must have a silencer that has not been tampered with. The race official or starter has the right to remove any racer from the race if it is apparent that the bike does not contain proper equipment.
• Ensure that there sufficient fuel in the bike or at the “Fuel Storage” area of the race.
• Use the same bike during the duration of the race. Parts can be used from another bike.
• Stay on the marked and designated trails throughout the race. Any rider leaving the trail to the point where they can no longer see the markings or the original trail will be disqualified and receive no points for that race.
• Each racer must come to a complete stop at the scoring tent.  The narrow trail, lined with red ribbons on both sides, indicate that this is a no pass and slow down area. The scorers must be able to get the rider number from the helmet. Any rider who does not stop will not be scored for that loop. The score keepers are your best friend that day, be nice to them.
• If any rider willingly and purposely takes another riders safety into jeopardy they will be punished as per rules in this document. You must stay on your side of any road or dual path trail, any “cutting off” of another rider trying to pass will be considered an unsafe practice.
• Never ride fast in other than designated areas or trails. Any rider riding fast near the staging or race area will be banned from racing that day.
• Wear the following safety related clothing at all times during the race:
• a DOT and SNELL safety rated dirt-bike helmet in good condition and properly fastened
• good leather boots that protects the ankles or quality riding boots
• well fitted chest protector
• well fitted gloves
• well fitted safety eye protection that has elastic support to the helmet – eye protection must be worn regardless of the course or weather conditions

• Make very sure that you tell the scoring tent if you are stopping for repairs or ending the race. The scorers will make a note on the sheet to identify that you are no longer on the course.
• Must wait until the score sheets are on the information board to see the outcome of the race.
• Must make sure that you find the “Race Official” within 30 minutes after the scores are posted if you have a grievance or important information that may effect the outcome of the race. Do not try to resolve the issue with the offending rider as this can cause bigger issues.
• Must inform the race official if you witnessed any course cutting, bad accidents or racers cheating in any way.
• Must wait in line at all bottle-necks on the course. If you pass any rider lined up to take their turn at the bottle neck you will forfeit your race outcome that day.
• Must stay with any badly injured fellow rider that may be suffering from shock or similar trauma. They may continue if a sweeper rider arrives and determines that it is safe to do so. All riders helping other riders in time of need will be recognized with an appropriate position and points.
• Must stay until trophy presentations if you are fortunate enough to be in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd position. If you cannot be there then make sure that someone can pick up the trophy for you. The host or OHSS is not responsible for getting the trophy to you after the race day.
• Make sure you visit the OHSS website before making inquiries of race outcomes, race locations or race times as these will all be posted as soon as possible.