Read Rules Carefully then sign acknowledging you have read and understand them.
· Boats will reach a maximum of LESS THAN 100 MPH on the course.
· Limited Racing Boats will be over the length of 10 feet
· Unlimited boats will be 15’ and over.
· No tiller handles or Jets allowed.
All boats will be equipped with the following or will not race:
· All objects in the boat secured (including seats). No loose objects in the boat.
· If equipped with a bow rope, length must not reach the prop/jet
· Tether secured to driver (not around wrist)
· Battery box or other means to completely secure battery (bolts only are not acceptable)
· Hull intact
· A fitting, secured lifejacket of all persons in the boat. It is suggested that life jackets have leg straps or thigh skins, extraction loops on shoulders, and skid collar, but these features are not mandatory. Every driver shall demonstrate that their life jacket will function properly when requested by the referee or pit crew.
· Full Helmet secured on all persons in the boat: It is suggested that the upper 50% of the helmet be a single bright color. Half and ¾ helmets should not be worn. If helmets are not equipped with a face shield, it is mandatory that goggles or ANSI/OSHA approved safety glasses with restraint straps be worn.
· Steering in good working condition
· Functional reverse if equipped
· Racers and pit crew will wear closed footwear
· No participant may enter with a splint, neck brace, or similar medical devices unless cleared by a doctor to race.
· After crossing the finish line, a boat shall not interfere with any boat still in the race so as to affect the time of such boat at the finish. Boats must not make any sudden turns after finishing a race. Boats will come off step in a straight line. Boats must look to make sure no other boats are behind them before making the turn to return to the pit.
· For the Circular race, boats must wait until all boats have crossed the finish line before safely returning back to the harbor.
· For Unlimited, boats will stay in their own lane, and finish in their own lane, or will be disqualified. After finishing and coming off step, the inside boat will make a turn to the right, and the outside boat will make a turn to the left to return back to the pit on step at a safe speed. Boats may not race back to the pit.
· Boats may not run between City Dock and the outer marker next to the dock or will be disqualified.
· All racers must be wearing a wristband issued to them by an official the day of the races indicating they have filled out all required paperwork.
Driver Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure their boat is in good working condition, all objects are secured, and has all required safety equipment. Racers will read, understand, and sign safety rules and liability waivers. A breathalyzer will be administered before racing, and racers may not enter the races with any level of alcohol in their system (level must be 0.0). Drivers and Navigators certify they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers will do their best to race in a safe manner and are aware there are other racers on the course and safety boats nearby. It is suggested that each racer log several hours of practice time in an open area with no other boats around before entering races, and should familiarize themselves with the race course(s). Drivers must follow Race Directors instructions at all times. Drivers understand that even if they pass all requirements, safety crew may disqualify them if they feel there are any other unsafe issues with the boat, driver, or navigator. Drivers will alert and make race personnel aware of any dangerous conditions or behavior of others. Drivers will be made aware of safety signals, and if there is a stoppage of races, they must safely exit the course, as described in the racer’s packet. Safety Crew may perform a full boat check, and the boat, driver, and co-pilot must meet all requirements or be disqualified. It is compulsory that the contestant(s) and crew of each boat attend the Safety Meeting, aka Driver’s Meeting. The Referee must verify the presence of each contestant. In case the contestant(s) cannot attend the Safety Meeting as scheduled because of very extenuating circumstances, it shall be the privilege of the Referee to permit the contestant(s) to be excused and have a private meeting before racing. Contestant(s) may be subject to other penalties as per category rules for failing to attend the Safety Meeting. Drivers will also adhere to any additional verbal rules stated at the safety meeting.
Yellow & Red Card System
Up to three yellow cards, or a red card, may be given depending on the degree of recklessness. Drivers may be suspended for the race, and next race, if they receive 3 yellow cards or a red card. See explanations below.
1. The referee, assistant referee, Board of Directors member, Officer of the Association, or Category Chairperson may give a yellow or red card to a member for unsportsmanlike conduct at the race site during the sanction period.
2. For unsportsmanlike conduct on the race course, the referee shall issue a yellow/red card on or before one hour after the finish of the last heat of racing except when the offense occurs in inspection, whereupon the card shall be issued within one hour after the finish of the last heat or within one hour of the alleged occurrence, whichever is later.
3. On boat-to-boat contact resulting in transport to a hospital, the following procedure shall take place. A decision on whether to issue a red/yellow card shall be allowed up to 72 hours after the incident. Should more time be needed by the referee, the category chairman can grant an additional 3 days from the end of the 72 hours.
4. A yellow or red card may be appealed to the APBA disciplinary committee. An appeal is made by filing a written statement with the Referee or Assistant Referee along with a $100 filing fee. In the event an appeal is filed, any penalties shall abate until the appeal is decided.
5. Additionally, up to two yellow cards can be given at one time for dangerous driving, and a red card can be given for extremely dangerous driving.
6. All cards will remain valid through the event in which the driver competes.
7. A driver who has a valid red card or three valid yellow cards will lose the right to take part in the next APBA competition event in which he would reasonably compete. Then all existing cards are removed.
8. All cards must be reported to the APBA office within three days of delivery.
9. If a driver receives a third valid yellow card or a red card and is suspended from participation, the APBA office will notify the APBA Chief Referee, driver’s region chairman, club commodore and category chairmen, and post the suspension notice on the APBA website.
11. Cards and penalties in effect extend into the following season.
Hazards
Although the safety crew will do their best to keep the course cleared of any debris, racers are aware there may be hidden objects floating below the surface of the water or entering the course at any time. Boaters are also aware of weather conditions such as wind, rain, water turbulence, etc. and wildlife that may be in the area.
Emergencies
In the event of an accident, safety boats will stop the race by way of VHF radio announcing safety word “Freeze” three times in a row and visual signaling with Red flags. If racers are in a cluster, outside boats will break away in a safe manner and come to a stop to allow Safety Boats to respond.
Other
The Safety Crew reserves the right to disqualify any racer from participating, or pull any boat out of the races, if they feel the driver or equipment may be hazardous. The Safety Crew has the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule the races due to unsafe conditions. Safety crew has the right to add or amend any rule as they see fit for safety. Racers will be notified of any changes before races begin.