RACE RULES
Revised 12/2000
1. Two contestants for each canoe. They must remain as a team for
the duration of the race, in the same canoe as started with.
2. A single bladed canoe paddle of any width is the only means of
propulsion each contestant may use.
3. Entrants must provide their own canoe and equipment.
4. Canoes must meet the specifications given for each division:
EXPERT:
1 Minimum length of the hull shall be 18'6"
2. 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.
3. Minimum width: 33" on the top, at the gunwale line,
27" wide at the 3” waterline or 3" of draft.
4. The point at which the 33" minimum top-width measurement and
the 27" minimum waterline-width measurement are taking
may be divided up to 14" maximum
5. The 33" minimum top-width and the 27" minimum waterline-width
may be measured a maximum of 14" for or aft of the center of
the canoe.
6. 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" concavity between the 3" waterline and the gunwale
line of the hull.
7. 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.
8. All of the measurements will be verified on the exterior of the
hull. Gunwales, sponsons and keels shall not be included in the measurement,
whether added to the hull or built into the hull.
AMATEUR:
1. Cruising canoes of maximum length of 18' 6".
2. Width not less than .14375 times the length of the canoe in inches,
measured at a 4" waterline.
3. Minimum height 15-1/2" Bow 11-1/2 Stern 11-1/2 Center
4. Bailers are allowed.
5. Expert canoes will be allowed to race in the Amateur Class beginning
in 2001. Both paddlers must be amateur status. They will be same start,
but with different awards
JUNIOR:
1. Any canoe of maximum length of 18' 6".
STANDARD:
1. The maximum overall length shall not exceed 17 feet.
2. The minimum width is .15 times the overall length.
PLEASURE:
1. The maximum overall length shall not exceed 17 feet.
2. The minimum width is .165 times the overall length.
5. Contestants shall have a Coast Guard approved P.F.D., and Auditory
Device (i.e. whistle, horn, etc.). They must be easily accessible.
6. Except for those portages specified by the race committee, canoes
must remain in the river. All illegal portaging will disqualify the
team. There will be checkers along the riverbank at unspecified points.
7. No one is allowed to help convey a contestant or his equipment
although the contestant may pick up food, water, or extra paddles during
the race.
8. Commonly accepted rules of sportsmanship will prevail. Intentional
capsizing or damaging an opponent's canoe will mean disqualification.
9. Prior to a race, no contestant will touch or move any other contestant's
canoe or equipment without permission.
10. If any doubt exists to the physical condition of the contestants,
the race committee reserves the right to demand a physical examination.
11. Under no circumstances shall any illegal drug be taken. If there
is cause to believe a canoe racer has taken such a drug, it will be
the right of the MCRA to have such laboratory test done that will prove
or disprove the presence of any illegal drug in the racer's body. Any
participant in a race who has a physical ailment for which it is necessary
to ingest or inhale a stimulant type medication to control said ailment
must bring this fact to the attention of the committee before any race
shall begin.
12. A paddler may enter a MCRA point race or race weekend as a non-MCRA
member per calendar year for a $5.00 fee. To enter a second point race
of said calendar year, the paddler must be a current MCRA member.
13. If a paddler moves to the right in the given hierarchy and accepts
an award in that class, he/she is considered a member of that class
for the remainder of the season. A paddler has the option to move to
the left in the hierarchy at the BEGINNING of the next racing season.
Standard >>
Fledgling----->> Junior----->> --------->> Amateur----->> Expert
Pleasure >>
14.The MCRA will allow amateur paddlers to compete in their expert
races. These paddlers would maintain their amateur status by donating
all prize money to the MCRA for general operating purposes.
15. No team will be allowed on the starting line unless officially
registered. Those violating this rule will be disqualified. Canoes
must be registered with a MCRA racing number.
16. In the case of disputes, decisions will be made by the MCRA Board
of Directors. All protests will be made to the board, in writing, within
one half hour of the race finish accompanied by $10.00 (non-Refundable).
17. Expert paddlers may enter MCRA sanctioned amateur races. When
at least one of the paddlers in the canoe is of Expert status, neither
paddler may accept a trophy or MCRA points for that race.
18. Standard and Pleasure racing canoes must keep the manufacturer's
flotation in place as it was received from the manufacturer for safety
purposes. If it has been removed, it must be replaced.
19. Both members of a canoe team must be paid MCRA members of that
race class entered for either participant to receive MCRA points.
20. A C-1 Point system (USCA C-1 boat specs) will be kept for any
MCRA member who paddles in a sanctioned C-1 race. Paddlers may be listed
in the MCRA C-1 point ranking as well as one other MCRA point ranking
at the same time.
21. Expert canoes will be allowed to race in the Amateur Class starting
in 2001. Both paddlers will be of amateur status. The Amateur race
will start both canoes at the same time. Different awards will be given
up to three places each.
THIS IS THE END OF THE RACE RULES OF THE M.C.R.A.
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