Blog
Addressing Race Issues
NSORRA Race Committee had discussions this week on topics that arose from the Craigmore Hare Scramble. Following are the results of these discussions.
Appendix A – Infractions and Penalties
9. Riders must complete the event on the same machine they start on – Disqualified
The race director has final say and leeway to make judgment calls in any given situation.
- If approved by the race director, any rider taking another bike and re-entering the race, thus finishing a race on a second bike, will not score any points or (officially) place in the race finish.
- If a rider uses another bike and re-enters the race without authorization by the race director, it would mean disqualification.
Either way, if your bike breaks down and cannot be repaired, you do not get to compete for points or placement. However, after reporting to Timing and Scoring, you can complete the race for fun.
Roosting
16. “Roosting” or causing stones to be flung on the Timing and Scoring staff or Scoring Equipment while departing the timing Tent
16.1. First Infraction - 1 Lap Penalty
16.2. Second Infraction – 2 Lap Penalty
16.3. Third Infraction - Disqualification
This is a safety issue. Officials in Timing and Scoring were repeatedly hit by bike rocks from riders roosting out of the area. Moving forward, we will be constructing a chicane entrance and exit from timing for the safety of our volunteer officials.
Underage riders and undersized bikes
Normally the biggest problem is riders not wanting to move up so they can continue to dominate a class, and the rulebook was written with that in mind. There’s never been an issue with riders moving up that didn’t do it through promotion.
NSORRA is not prepared to take on the potential liability of allowing young riders to race in advanced classes. Safety is our first priority. We will have an addition to the rulebook:
Due to safety concerns, minimum age requirement for classes Intermediate B and above is 14. If a rider is not promoted into the class naturally, the rider must get approval from the race director before entering into the event.
The goal of all NSORRA events is to enjoy riding on trails across our province. By creating and enforcing the hare scramble rules, we hope to keep our events safe and fun for all.
