3 - GENERAL RULES

The magnitude and logistics of the Challenge Cup Relay require that ALL participants involved in this race, whether Runner, Support, or Spectator, conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner.  It is imperative that everyone knows and follows the rules.

The race rules and appeals procedures have been derived over years of experience.  The continuation of this race, upon the roadways of California and Nevada, demand that our rules apply to all participants and be vigorously enforced.  Local law enforcement, race officials, assigned officers, and volunteers will monitor the race.  Warnings of infractions will be noted and corrected immediately.  Non‑compliance and certain other infractions will result in an immediate disqualification of the team and removal from the race course.

Highway 127 from Baker through Shoshone to the Stateline will be closed for the race .  Local residents and campers may be using the highway in addition to our vehicles so be careful!  Remember, we are guests of the desert community, please respect the residents rights to a safe highway.  Obey all race rules!  Our traffic will be monitored throughout the race by the California Department of Transportation and the local Law Enforcement personnel, who will issue citations for traffic infractions.  Police all trash.  Let's leave the desert better than we found it!

Protests or complaints of suspected infractions shall be written and turned into the Race Committee.    The complaint shall be submitted to the Stage Director, at the next Exchange Point, or directly to a Race Official at the finish line prior to the official closing of the race at 1600 hours {See:  3 - General Rules}.   Protests after closure will NOT be accepted or considered.

The Race is Officially over at 1600 hours (4PM).  Teams Not Finished by that time will be declared Unofficial and times will NOT be entered.  Runners may continue to run but the Team Support personnel shall assume ALL responsibility for following them to the Finish Line and rendering any required emergency aid.

Rule # 1 Organizations having over 300 personnel may have an organization wide team provided they do not use personnel from subdivisions of that organization that have a team.

Rule # 2 All new teams entering the race for the first time, who do not meet the existing rules for competition (i.e. 150, 99, etc.) will be placed in the Guest Category and reviewed for the following year.

Rule # 3 A combination team may use up to a maximum of four (4) contiguous agencies if it is not possible for them to formulate a team on there own.

Rule # 4 Each year following the race, the Rules Committee will review the top ten finishing teams to assure rules compliance for the next year.

The rules, as specified herein, will be strictly enforced.  Violations will be assessed appropriate penalties as noted under the specific rule.  The following table defines the penalty symbols used.  Refer to Chapter 7 - PENALTY PROCEDURES.

1  RUN PLAN  &  Race Day Briefing (**)

Teams will be allowed only 20 runners and 10 alternates on their team Run Plan.  The Team Run Plan shall be submitted to the committee on March 22, 2002 using a copy of the Official 2002 form.  Refer to the Special Handout for Run Plan submissions and more detailed information.

a.  Team Captains or Co-Captain shall check in with the Registration Officials at one of the Race Day Briefings to confirm their Final Run Plan.  (Even if there are NO changes!)

Pt . (UO)        For NOT checking in at one of the Race Day Briefings.

b.  To permit reasonable last minute contingency changes, the Team Captain may make a maximum of 3 changes at the Final Race Briefings without penalty.  {Refer: Rule 6.11}

Pt . (30)                      For making more than 3 changes.    

c. Any substitution in the field shall be in accordance with the rules in Chapter 4.

Pt(UO)

d.  Run Plans submitted after the due date will be penalized for late submission.

Pt . (5)                        For Each Day Late.

2.  RACE START TIME

The Race will start on time!  Team Captains shall have their starting Runner report to the Start Line Registration Table and sign in NO LATER than 30 minutes prior to Start Time.  The runner shall stay in the vicinity of the Start Line and attend the Pre-Start Briefing and Baton Issue, 20 minutes prior to the start gun.

Pt . (5)                        For Late check in or for missing briefing.

3.  SWORN VOLUNTEER

Each team shall provide one sworn Officer to assist the Race Director.  The assigned person shall report to the assigned location at the stipulated time and perform the duties as assigned. They shall remain until released by the Stage Director or representative.

Pt . (n)           Penalty for reporting late.  A 5 Minute penalty will be assessed for each 15 minute increment passed the stipulated reporting time. 

Pt . (DQ)        For failure to provide, show up, or leaving without approval.

Pt . (UO)        For Failure to Sign In, Sign Out or unresponsive to Stage Director.

4.  TEAM CATCHER

Each Team shall provide support personnel described as a "Team Catcher".  This person shall be responsible for assisting the incoming Runner, at each exchange point, to exit the handoff zone safely and expeditiously.  This person shall wear a reflective vest with the Team Number displayed front and back.

Pt . (5)            For NO Catcher or NOT assisting Runner at each Exchange Point.

5.  ALCOHOL

The consumption and or open container of ANY alcoholic beverage in public view, or in a vehicle, by a runner, support personnel, or others attached to this race in any manner is prohibited.  This rule applies to Runners, Spectators, Support personnel and all persons attached to this race in any fashion.

Pt . (DQI)       Cause for immediate disqualification. Team will NOT be invited back.

6.  ALTERCATIONS

Verbal altercations or unbecoming conduct with any Official will not be tolerated.

Pt . (DQ)                    Immediate Disqualification.

7.  OFFICIALS INSTRUCTIONS

Every person within the Stage Location area and the Race Course shall follow race Official’s instructions and directions in general.  Warnings will be officially noted in writing and will be reviewed by the Race Committee to determine repeat offenders and penalties. 

Pt . (5)  to  . (DQI)     Depending upon circumstances.

8.  TRASH

The disposal of Trash on the desert or along the roadway is prohibited.  Carry out all trash.

Pt . (5)  to  . (DQ)      Depending upon circumstances.

9.  START LINE RUNNER DROP ZONE

A small marked area has been provided South of the Start Line for dropping off Runners.  Drivers shall NOT remain in this area for more than 1 minute, and shall remain in the vehicle at all times.

Pt . (5)                                    For each infraction.

10.  VEHICLE MARKINGS

All vehicles associated with this Race {Including spectators} shall be marked with their Team Number on the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle with letters at least 6 inches high. Suggest the use of removable White Shoe Polish.

Pt . (10)                                  For unmarked vehicles.

11.  STAGE 20 INFORMATION

            Special handout reference map

Pt(5)               

12.  FINISH LINE CLOSURE(**)

The Race is OFFICIALLY over at 1600 hours (4PM).  Teams NOT FINISHED by that time will be declared UNOFFICIAL and times will NOT be entered.  Runners may continue to run but the Team Support personnel shall assume ALL responsibility for following them to the Finish Line and rendering any required emergency aid.

Pt(UO)                        For not finishing by 4PM.