PNWORCA Race Rules

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PNWORCA OFFICIAL RACE and REGATTA RULES

This Association is organized specially for the following purposes:

• To unite all outrigger canoe clubs organized in the Pacific Northwest including but not limited to: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington
• To encourage, maintain and perpetuate outrigger canoe racing
• To organize outrigger canoe races in the Pacific Northwest
• To set standards of equipment and safety for outrigger canoe races
• To represent PNWORCA members at international forums for Outrigger canoe racing
• To teach, train, instruct and expose children, men and women in the ancient culture and history of Hawaiian canoeing

CONDUCT

We are responsible to promote good sportsmanship and fair play in the activities we engage in. This means observance of these race rules as well as generally accepted rules of behavior and all governmental laws.

Paddlers are required to avoid situations where a canoe is deliberately rammed, where there is deliberate interference with another crew, where assault or abusive language is used.

Coaches are required to support and enforce these race rules and to avid any circumvention of these rules.

Officials and officers are required to do their best to be fair and unbiased in their decisions and in carrying out their duties.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RULES

Rules cannot be made to cover every situation. Whenever situations come up that are not covered, consideration should be given to the following:

1. What are we trying to avoid or promote?
2. Does the proposed penalty match the seriousness of the violation?
3. Would most people agree the rule is fair?
4. Does the rule apply equally to large and small clubs?
5. Is the rule clear and easily understood?
6. Does the rule generally help or hinder the sport of outrigger canoe racing?

TYPES OF RACES

PNW ORCA wishes to distinguish between races (regatta, long distance, iron, sanctioned and approved).

SANCTIONED AND APPROVED RACES

A sanctioned race or regatta is a legitimate race or regatta, which has received the endorsement and acceptance of the Board of Directors of PNW-ORCA.

A member club must have the ability to bid for and host a race at least every other year. Two or more clubs may co-sponsor a regatta or race.

Race/regatta dates for the next year maybe submitted, as early as, the last Board of Directors meeting of the paddling season. Race/regatta dates will be awarded by a vote of the Board of Directors with special consideration given to previously established sanctioned races. The PNW-ORCA Board of Directors, reserves the right to refuse or defer any request as they see fit.

A legitimate race or regatta is one whose rules are in accordance with the rules of this Association, or as approved by the Board of Directors. Thus, a sanctioned regatta or race is one in which all race rules have been approved by this Association Board of Directors, including its governance by the Association’s Race Committee.

A sanctioned race or regatta does not prohibit invited guest from competing, provided the Association Board of Directors approves such invitation. Guest clubs and crews participating in a sanctioned race or regatta shall be subjected to the paddler’s registration fees and requirements of the Association and the hosting club.

Any Association member club sponsoring a sanctioned race shall facilitate their event in accordance with the Association policy goals and objectives.

Long distance races may be scheduled between sanctioned regattas, with Board of Director approval. Long distance races are permissible before or after the regatta season.

The Association sanctioned races or regattas shall take precedence over any other type of race and all member clubs shall make their best effort to attend. Association member clubs shall participate in the Association sanctioned races or regattas before racing elsewhere.

An approved regatta or race is one sponsored or co-sponsored by an Association member club in which the host retains jurisdiction, and in which the Association Board of Directors, by a majority vote, has approved participation.

In an approved race, the Association has no control over clubs, paddlers, canoe weights, records, rules, fees, officials or other matters since jurisdiction and the liability is that of the host.

Jurisdiction is defined as the controlling authority over the event.

In an approved race, the host club is responsible for assuring a safe event. It is recommended that the host club use the safety guidelines provided in this document.

Permission and approval to participate in a race that is not on the Association’s current race/regatta schedule is not necessary as long as the race date does not conflict with a Association’s sanctioned or approved race or regatta.

A REGATTA is a sprint race to be held in flat water within designated lanes. The race course shall be as specified in the regatta course section of these rules. Race distances shall not exceed 3000 meters.

All (6) six-person canoes in regatta races must meet the canoe specifications of a traditional canoe outlined in the Equipment section of these rules.  Unlimited specification canoes shall not be used.

LONG DISTANCE races are considered to be any length greater than six (6) miles.

• An IRON race is any race, which required the crew to be six members, with no crew changes to occur in the water or from the shore, during the race.
• 9-MAN or CHANGE RACES are long distance races that consist of changing out paddlers at regular intervals over the distance of the race. Race crews are accompanied by a motorized escort boat to facilitate the paddler changes during the race.

RACING EVENTS

ORDERS AND DISTANCE FOR REGATTAS
NOTE: Women’s age requirements change during qualifying years to reflect IVF age requirements

OC-1	Kupuna Master Women (55/60)	500 Meters
OC-1	Sr. Master Women (45/50)	500 Meters
OC-1	Kupuna Master Men (60)	500 Meters
OC-1	Sr. Master Men (50)	500 Meters
OC-1	16 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-1	16 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-1	Master Women (35)	500 Meters
OC-1	Master Men (40)	500 Meters
OC-1	19 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	10 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	10 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-6	Sr. Master Women (45/50)	500 Meters
OC-6	Sr. Master Men (50)	500 Meters
OC-6	12 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-6	12 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	16 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	Sr. Master Coed (45/50)	500 Meters
OC-6	16 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-6	12 & Under Coed	500 Meters
OC-6	Novice Coed	500 Meters
OC-6	14 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	14 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-6	Master Women (35/40)	500 Meters
OC-6	Master Men (40)	500 Meters
OC-6	19 & Under Girls	500 Meters
OC-6	19 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-6	14 & Under Coed	500 Meters
OC-6	Open Women	500 Meters
OC-6	Open Men	500 Meters
OC-6	Novice Women	500 Meters
OC-6	Novice Men	500 Meters
OC-6	Novice Coed	1000 Meters
OC-6	Kupuna Master Women (55/60)	1000 Meters
OC-6	Kupuna Master Men (60)	1000 Meters
OC-6	16 & Under Girls	1000 Meters
OC-6	16 & Under Boys	1000 Meters
OC-6	Master Women (35/40)	1000 Meters
OC-6	Master Men (40)	1000 Meters
OC-6	16 & Under Coed	1000 Meters
OC-6	Novice Women	1000 Meters
OC-6	Novice Men	1000 Meters
OC-6	Master Coed (35/40)	1000 Meters
OC-6	19 & Under Girls	1000 Meters
OC-6	19 & Under Boys	1000 Meters
OC-6	Sr. Master Women (45/50)	1000 Meters
OC-6	Sr. Master Men (50)	1000 Meters
OC-6	Open Coed	1000 Meters
OC-6	19 & Under Coed	1000 Meters
OC-6	Open Women	1500 Meters
OC-6	Open Men	1500 Meters
OC-1	19 & Under Boys	500 Meters
OC-1	Open Women	500 Meters
OC-1	Open Men	500 Meters
OC-6	Open 4 Women & Men	500 Meters

Added – 2011   OC- 6 Open 4 Women & Men 500 Meters

CLASSIFICATION OF PADDLERS

JUNIOR DIVISON

10 and under:	Any paddler who has not reached his/her 11th birthday by the first day of the calendar year.
12 and under:	Any paddler who has not reached his/her 13th birthday by the first day of the calendar year.
14 and under:	Any paddler who has not reached his/her 15th birthday by the first day of the calendar year.
16 and under:	Any paddler who has not reached his/her 17th birthday by the first day of the calendar year.
19 and under:	Any paddler who has not reached his/her 20th birthday by the first day of the calendar year.

OPEN DIVISION

Open to any paddler.

NOVICE

Open to any first and/or second year outrigger paddler. A paddler may compete in the classification for two years, then must move to a higher classification. A novice canoe must use a novice steersman unless conditions are deemed too unsafe and the crew needs a more experienced steersman; this will be determined by the host club at the race meeting.

MASTER

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 40th birthday within the calendar year the competition is held.

SENIOR MASTER

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 50th birthday within the calendar year the competition is held.

GOLDEN MASTER

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 55th birthday within the calendar year the competition is held.

KUPUNA MASTERS

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 60th birthday within the calendar year the competition
is held.

QUALIFYING YEAR FOR SPRINT REGATTA AGE CHANGES

(women’s ages will change only in these divisions to reflect IVF age requirements during a qualifying year)

MASTER

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 35th birthday within the calendar year the competition is held.

SENIOR MASTER

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 45th birthday within the calendar year the competition is held.

KUPUNA MASTERS

Any paddler who has or will reach his/her 55th birthday within the calendar year the competition
is held.

GOLDEN MASTERS

No golden masters division for regattas

ELIGIBILITY

CLUBS: Any member club of PNWORCA who has complied with the registration and classification rules, paid their membership dues and has no outstanding debts owing the Association and has proof of insurance coverage for their paddlers, shall be eligible to compete in regattas and races sanctioned by the Association.

PADDLERS: A male or female paddler who is a member of a recognized PNWORCA club is eligible to participate, subject to the classification and registration in rules.

REGISTRATION

All paddler participating in age limit races will submit a certification of birth from the Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics, a baptismal certificate, a driver’s license or a passport to the Race Director at time of registration for a race. Any officer from any member club may also verify these documents.

Verification of gender will be confirmed by a copy the paddler’s original birth certificate.

Crews made up of paddlers from two (2) or more PNWORCA clubs will declare on the entry form which club they will represent. The paddler must have prior permission of their clubs Head Coach to paddle on another clubs’ crew or the entire crew will be declared ineligible.

All distance mixed races will have a minimum of 3 women and 1 man (ex. 5 women and 1 man)

A crew using an illegal or ineligible paddler (not on roster, no waiver, wrong age or sex) shall be disqualified. The race shall not be interrupted or stopped because of this infraction.

The hosting club sets fees for entry. Once accepted, this fee shall not be refunded. The hosting club is responsible for paying for event insurance, which can be obtained through the Association insurance coordinator. The host club will be responsible for all fees and cost of hosting the event.

WAIVERS

All paddlers must have a current signed waiver on file with the PNW ORCA releasing the member club and the Association of any liability. No paddler will be able to race until this waiver form is on file. All paddlers must sign liability insurance waiver and pay appropriate insurance fees.

ENTRIES BY NON-ASSOCIATION CREWS OR PADDLERS

In a sanctioned race, the following procedures will govern race entry from crews outside the Association:

• Each paddler will be charged the same fee as all other participating clubs from the PNW ORCA
• Hosting sponsor will make every effort to provide escort boats and canoes for visiting crews
• Must provide individually signed PNW ORCA waivers prior to the race start
• Each paddler must sign insurance liability waiver and pay appropriate insurance fee

PADDLER SAFETY

Safety on the water will be enforced at all times. For safety purposes, a paddler must be physically fit to race.

Paddlers with casts or other medical aids that would impede his/her safety on the water will not be allowed to paddle. However, the final decision for an impeded person’s petition to participate will rest solely with the race officials.

Failure for not having life jackets in a canoe participating in a sanctioned regatta or distance race will result in disqualification of that crew.

All non-swimmers and 12 and under paddlers must wear life jackets.

All 12 and under crew may have an adult on the canoe. The adult may assist in steering only.

No person will be allowed to participate in any PNWORCA sanctioned race or regatta if they are under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol.

EQUIPMENT

CANOE SPECIFICATIONS – GENERAL

The hull of the canoe may be constructed from any or all types of material including but not limited to, fiberglass, foam, metal, wood, etc. it must be of traditional Hawaiian design. The canoe shall weigh no less than 400 pounds. For the purpose of weight determination, the “canoe” shall not include ama, ‘iako, and tying cord, but shall include hull and permanent fixtures such as manu, gunwales, wae, seats, ribs, patches, fiberglass and lead weights required to bring the total canoe weight to at least 400 pounds. All added weights must be permanently fixed under seats by screws or bolts at such location or locations to allow for ease of inspection at any time during a regatta, or race.

All hulls shall weigh no less than 325 pounds prior the installation of permanently affixed weights. The hull racing weight shall be no less than 400 pounds.

UNLIMITED DIVISION

PNWORCA voted to include this division to enhance and drive the design parameters of the canoe.  They can be of any length and weight.  The only rule is that the canoe must seat 6 paddlers and have an ama and have enough buoyancy to have positive floatation when completely full of water.

At any time during the year at the discretion of the Race Officials and/or under protest, canoes may be weighed.

Canoe numbers and colors (club colors) must be approved by the board of Directors.

Flotation compartments must be located at the bow and stern manu only.

Flotation tanks must be waterproof, tested and approved prior to any long-distance race. Drain plugs are optional on-air tanks.

All canoes must have splashguard. Ama and iako may be fashioned from any type of material. No fins, keels, sails, artificial means of propulsion or other devices shall be allowed.

Any additional accessories shall be brought to the attention of the Race Committee for discussion and approval.

HULL SHAPES

LONG BOAT: A traditional Hawaiian design of a composite construction.
Length no less than 40 feet and no greater than 45 feet.

MALIA: Fiberglass canoe from a Malia mode. Length shall be 39 feet, 6 inches.

UNLIMITED: Any length, weight and material.

OC-1 & OC-2: A (1) one person or (2) person single hull canoe, rigged with a single ama and double iako, with one (1) one seat or (2) seats. It may have a keel with pedals for steering. There shall be no mechanical devices for powering. The hull must weigh at least 15 pounds and have positive buoyancy.

PADDLE SPECIFICATIONS

Paddles for use in OC-6, OC-1 or OC-2 events may be fabricated of a material other than wood. In all events, only single paddle blades must be used. Extra paddles may be carried in each canoe during a race.

EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS

No covering on the top of a canoe to prevent swamping shall be permitted, except in long distance/iron races.

Canvas or other coverings on the canoes is dependent on the race conditions and the recommendations of the Race Director and or Race committee.

No mechanical means of bailing water out of the canoe is permitted at any time during a race.

All canoes must carry a bail bucket.

Life jackets are required in all canoes. One life jacket per paddler/seat.

During a sanctioned race or regatta, each club is fully responsible for its own property damage.

Canoes, paddles, etc., not meeting the specifications herein, may not be used in PNWORCA sanctioned races, and the ruling of the Race Committee on this matter shall be final.

Any crew using non-standard equipment during a race shall be disqualified.

It is recommended that all escort boats and or auxiliary boats used in regattas or races have insurance provided by the boats owner.

CLUB AND CANOE IDENTIFICATION ASSIGNMENTS

The number/letter shall be displayed on both sides of the canoe bow. It shall be no smaller than (4) inches in height and one (1) in width and shall be of contrasting colors to the canoe.

Each club has a block of (5) five numbers. If a club has more than (5) five canoes, one of the club’s canoe number shall be repeated with the addition of a letter. The lettering should begin with the start of the English alphabet. (Example: 1A, 2A, 3A. 4A, 5A, 1B, 2B).

• Autumn Rose Canoe Club shall run from 1 to 5
• Bend Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 6 to 10
• Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers shall run from 11 to 15
• Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 16 to 20
• Hui Heihei Wa’a shall run from 21 to 25
• Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound shall run from 26 to 30
• Hui Wa’a O Wakinikona shall run from 31 to 35
• Kikaha O Ke Kai shall run from 36 to 40
• Mountain Home Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 41 to 45
• Pacific Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 46 to 50
• Kai Ikaika Canoe Club shall run from 51 to 55
• Multnomah Channel Canoe Club shall run from 56 to 60
• Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 61 to 65
• Skamania Kayak and Canoe Club shall run from 66 to 70
• Tri-Cities Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 71 to 75
• Wasabi Paddling Club shall run from 76 to 80
• Sand Point Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 81 to 85
• Zamboanga Paddling Club shall run from 86 to 90 (2024)
• Hood River Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 91 to 95
• Kai Pana Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 96 to 100 (2014)
• Gorge Outrigger Canoe Club shall run from 101 to 105 (2022)
• Ohana Hoe Canoe Club shall run from 106 – 110 (2023)

All non-association canoes shall be numbered and identified for racing purposes on or before the day of the race. The numbers shall be on both sides of the canoe bow, at least five (5) inches in height and one (1) inch in width. The race number shall remain no both sides of the canoe at the start through the end of the race.

RACE COMMITTEE

The Race Committee shall consist of a representative from each member club and will be presided over by a Race Committee Chairperson as specified in the Association Constitution and bylaws.

The Race Committee shall be responsible for the review and revision of the Official Race Rules every two (2) years coinciding with the election of the new Executive Officers of the PNWORCA.

Other duties and responsibilities of the RaceCommittee shall be as follows:

Give its governance to the Association Board of Directors pertaining to the approval of sanctioned regatta or race.

Assist host clubs Race Director as requested by that director and or as needed.

Inspect paddler classification documents as needed.

Inspect and approve canoes, paddles, equipment and any additional accessories, including the weighing of canoes, when required or at any time.

Review and render a decision on a filed protest pertaining to the negligent performance of a race official.

Review and approve the race officials.

Assist to providing officials, inspectors, etc. for long distance and or open sea races.

Assist to settling any unusual or unclassified situations occurring at a race site or during a race.

OFFICALS

RACE OFFICIALS

The Race Officials shall consist of no more than four (4) persons knowledgeable in the PNW ORCA Race Rules and have been approved by the Race Committee and Race Committee Chairperson.

The Race Officials shall:
Preside at all regattas or races of the Association and shall be Identified as a race officials and assistants are ready.

Give complete attention to the races at all times and not be intimidated by anyone when calling out violations, acting on protest lodged, recording violations and turning in same to the Associations Race Chairperson/Race Director.

Upon receipt of a protest, immediately page the coach of the club being protested and notify him/her personally that the protest has been lodged against his/her crew.

Render a joint decision on all violations and protest as soon as possible and prior to the end of the regatta/race is possible. The decision of the Race Officials on matters under its cognizance shall be binding and final.

Shall have familiarized themselves with the race rules and assist the head coaches, from each club with questions regarding said race rules.

No less than three (3) Race Officials shall preside in distance races.

The following are the recommended compliment of race officials:

• Race Chairperson
• Registrar (provided by host club and approved by Race Chairperson.)
• Timer (s)
• Starter (s)
• Inspectors

There will be (1) one Race Inspector per escort boat, when possible.

Safety has priority over all other aspects of a long-distance racing event. Safety is the responsibility of all participants, officials and coaches. In the event of small craft warnings or dangerous weather conditions, cancellation of the race shall be the responsibility of the Race Chairperson, Officials, and Hosting Club.

If any unusual or unclarified situations occur at the race site, the race officials may, at their discretion, take a vote of all available participating club coaches/delegates to arrive at a decision.

REGATTA/FLAT COURSE RULES

LANE DRAWING
The drawing of lanes shall take place after the receipt of all entries for the event in which the lanes are being drawn.

The lanes shall be consecutive and commence with Lane One (1). Lane One (1) shall be shoreward (for courses parallel to the shore) and the left hand side of the course looking towards the lane selection made by representative.

COURSE
The official PNW ORCA race course shall be laid out in equal lanes of eighty (80) feet wide. Each lane shall be designated by two (2) flags of the same color; one at each end of the course. Race course length shall be either 250 or 500 meters. The host club Race Official shall determine the chosen course length to run each event on and announce the choice during the steersmans meeting prior to the start of racing that day.

Flags shall have a minimum dimension of eighteen by twelve inches (18” by 12”) and be made of lightweight, quick-drying cloth.

All flags on each line shall be as nearly as practicable in a straight line.

STARTING
All starts be in accordance with the instructions from the starter.

When the five (5) minute flag is displayed, all canoes are to go immediately to their assigned lane and shall stay behind their respective flag.

A yellow flag will be displayed from the official boat for a minimum of five (5) minutes after the last canoe from the previous race reaches shore. Then, the yellow flag will be waved for approximately five (5) seconds; the yellow flag will be brought down and the red flag will be raised.

A black flag will be raised if a canoe or canoes is over the starting line. It is the responsibility of that canoe or canoes over the line to back up without the starting boat to call a canoe or canoes over the line. The black flag will be raised for one minute or until those canoes over the starting line are backed before the starting line. If black flag is still up during the start a canoe or canoes are charged with a false start.

The official start shall be with the five (5) second period and shall be signified by the raising of the green flag and the lowing of the red flag simultaneously, and a blast from an air born, pistol or other device. A lagging canoe shall have no right to protest on the grounds of an unfair start in the event the race is started. There shall be no recall.

DISQUALIFICATION ON STARTING

At the start of a race, any canoe in front of the starting flags, or in the wrong lane, shall be disqualified. A disqualified canoe may continue to race, unless for some specific reason the Race Officials decides otherwise. The Race Officials via the Race Director before the public announcement will notify the Coach of disqualified canoe club.

Each canoe must start and finish with a full crew of paddlers.

FINISH

All canoes must finish in their assigned lanes. Once the bow crosses the finish, any part of the canoe may touch the flag or floater. No crews are allowed to re-enter the racecourse until the last canoe in the event crosses the finish line. Crews that interfere with another crew crossing the finish line shall be disqualified. Once a canoe finished their race, they must continue in their lane another 25 meters before turning in order not to interfere with another crew finishing the course.

LANES

All canoes must remain in their own lanes. Canoes shall keep in their respective lanes and in no way interfere with other participating canoes. Where two (2) canoes approach each other from opposite directions with the same lane, each canoe should occupy as nearly as possible the one-half (1/2) width of the lane nearest its own line of flags so that the canoes will pass each other between adjoining flags. If interference is claimed, the canoe not in its assigned lane will be disqualified.

TURNS

All turns shall be left turns around assigned lane flags. If the flag bends over and touches the water, the crew will be disqualified. Where canoes assigned to adjoining lanes occupying the same lane during a turning maneuver, each canoe shall maneuver in such a way as to occupy as nearly as possible the one half (1/2) width of the lane nearest its own line of flags so that the canoes will pass each other hull to hull.

BOAT HOLDERS

No more than two (2) boat holders will be allowed. No pushing of the canoes at the start. Any infractions will be referred to the Race Officials/Race Committee for further action.

LONG DISTANCE/IRON RULES

START AND FINISH

The host club’s Race Director shall call a meeting of all Race Officials, inspectors, coaches, and/or captains prior to the start of the race for the purposed of final instructions on the race and other pertinent matters.

The type of start and the location of finish shall be as designated by the hosting club.

The start and finish line shall be so designated by markers or flags.

The Official Starter will start the race.

A canoe entry is free to follow any course during the race provided starts, rounds buoy, and finishes at the designated locations except where the course is exactly designated.

OVERLAP

An overlap is defined as a condition existing when no open water can be seen between the stern of one canoe and the bow of another, when the view is at right angles to their course.

ROUNDING MARKS

Rounding marks must be set before the start of the race.

No canoe trailing the lead canoe in to a turn may impede, hit or cause lead canoe to unsafely make forward progress. Officials will determine if a DQ or 5-minute penalty will be added to the infraction canoe.

Passing around the mark is allowed providing the passing canoe, in attempting to pass another canoe, does not create a safety hazard to the other canoes.

TURNS AND MARK ROUNDING RULES (ADDED 2012)

Passing: A va’a that is attempting to pass another va’a shall keep clear at all times and in no way interfere with the va’a it is attempting to pass, nor shall the va’a in the lead attempt to prevent another from passing.

Overlap: An overlap is defined as a condition existing when no open water can be seen between the stern of one va’a and the bow of another when viewed at right angles to their course. An overlap must occur at least 2 va’a lengths prior to reaching a buoy for the overlap to be considered established for purposes of rounding the mark.

Rounding Marks:

1. Correct mark rounding must be set
   before the start of the race.
2. If an overlap occurs when two va’a are
   approaching a marker to be rounded, the outer va’a shall give way to allow the va’a closest to the mark to round the mark. The leading va’a is under no obligation to give way before an overlap is established. In case of doubt, it will be presumed that the overlap was not established in proper time.
3. Passing around the mark is allowed, providing the passing va’a, in attempting to pass another va’a, does not impede that va’a progress or create a safety hazard to the other va’a.

PADDLERS AND RELIEF PADDLERS

There must be no more than six (6) paddlers to any one canoe at any one time during the race.

A canoe or crew deemed unofficial prior to a racing event shall not be permitted enter the course.

Number of relief paddlers to be allowed to race is determined by the host club for specific races.

Original and/or relief paddlers may be used at the discretion of the captain or coach.

Each canoe must finish the race with six (6) paddlers in order to qualify for placement and awards.

RACE INSPECTORS
Race Inspectors shall assist with the various duties on the escort boat as required the course of the race. It shall be the responsibility of everyone on board to keep escort boats neat and orderly at all times.

SWAMPING OR OVERTURNING OF CANOES

If a canoe swamps or overturns after the start of the race, the canoe may be righted or bailed out and will be allowed to continue the race.

Race Inspectors and relief paddlers on an escort boat may assist in righting or bailing out of a canoe.

Canoes passing a swamped or overturned canoe shall assess and verify safety of the crew prior to proceeding. If help is needed it shall be rendered by the passing canoe until an escort boat is available.

The escort boat will stand by to render any assistance to the swamped canoe as long as assistance does not advance the canoe towards the designated finish line.

ESCORT AND OFFICIAL BOATS

Official boats must be provided. There shall be at least a lead boat, rover and a trail boat. Trail boat and lead boat will have a driver and one official aboard. If more riders are desired, they must be pre-approved by the Race Chairperson.

A lead boat is responsible for showing the race course route to the canoes. It shall maintain sufficient lead distance to prevent interference with racing canoes while remaining in sight of the lead canoe(s).

Trail boat responsible for the safety of canoes in the rear of the race. To offer encouragement and support. To assist (as needed) with swamped, overturned, structurally disabled, broken or loose equipment canoes.

Rover boat is responsible for monitoring the race pack for ensuring safety of the crews, escort boats do not impede progress of crews, and offer encouragement and support. To assist (as needed) with swamped, overturned, structurally disabled, broken or loose equipment canoes.

Escort boats should be capable of caring six (6) persons in addition to the vessels crew in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

In distance races having crew changes, club are advised to provide one escort boat per crew entered. In races with no changes, the escort boat shall be optional. However, it is recommended that there be one escort boat for every four to five crews. All Marine and U.S. Coast Guard rules will apply.

Race Officials may deem escort boats unfit for escort due to overcrowding by spectators on board and inability to pick up a disable crew. For safety purposes, all U.S. Coast Guard rules are applicable.

On all stars, escort boats will be prohibited in the field of racing lanes for a minimum of ten (10) minutes or as an imaginary square boundary form the lead canoe to the last canoe and the canoe the farthest left to the farthest right.

Escort boat may be stationed no closer than forty (40) feet (one canoe length) from the stern of canoe. All escort movement to the canoe must be on the right side of the canoe.

Escort boats must follow behind its assigned canoe throughout the race. It can, at no time, come along side or ahead of seat five (5) except during transfer of relief paddlers or in case of emergency.

Safety Equipment: Blankets, drinking water, first aid kit, and flare kit, as well as, life jackets are required on each boat. Ship to shore communications is required for distance or open ocean races.

ESCORT BOAT VIOLATION

The penalty for an escort boat jumping their ten (10) minute start will be the addition of another ten (10) minutes before being allowed to escort their canoe.

The penalty for an escort boat entering the field of racing canoes without permission of the Race Official shall be the adding of five (5) minutes to the canoe that the escort boat is escorting/assigned.

Two warnings by a Race Inspector to an escort boat to keep away from a canoe, or any other infraction shall be the disqualification of the crew the boat is escorting.

PENALITIES/DISQUALICATIONS

Any violation of the forgoing paragraphs may result in the disqualification of all crews using such equipment in that race.

The penalty for flag violations shall be the disqualification of all crews using each equipment in that race.

The penalty for flag violations shall be the disqualification of the crew.

Interference, finishing in the wrong lane, turning on the wrong flags, or violations called by a race official shall be the disqualification of the crew.

PROTESTS:  Protest rules and forms are available on the PNWORCA website and each host club shall have both available at every race for teams/paddlers to use if necessary.

DISTANCE RACE PROTEST FILING PROCEDURE & RULES

Protests must be filed by the team captain/coach at the race.  A protest may be lodged by filling out the protest form and handing it in not later than 20 minutes after the race is fully completed, to the host clubs race officials.  Once a protest has been received, the protest committee will be formed (minimum of 3) and must notify immediately all parties involved in the protest, allowing time for other or counter protests to be received. After 20 minutes, the protest committee starts deliberating.  The protest committee shall, if needed, interview as many people as needed, and review any other pertinent information. The decision of the protest committee, on each protest, must be confirmed in writing, giving reasons for the decision. The decision must be handed to the affected team captain, who must acknowledge receipt of it by signing the protest committee’s copy. The decision of the Protest Committee may not be appealed.  The team being found to lose the protest shall be liable for all damages to all hindered canoes.   The protest committee may imply time penalties or disqualify infracting canoe(s).

Protest form: Write clearly, legibly and intelligently.  Use more paper if needed for description or drawings.

Host clubs shall have copies of protest forms and procedures for attending clubs to lodge.

A non-refundable fee of $25.00 US Dollars, payable to PNWORCA, must accompany each protest

Protest Committee rules:

• A minimum of 3 people
• Must comply with PNWORCA rules 100%
• Safety of paddlers is paramount in making decision
• If a majority decision cannot be made, 1 other neutral person will be appointed to the committee, and another vote will be taken
• If needed, interview paddlers or witnesses
• The signed original protest form shall be the property of PNWORCA, and given to them as soon as possible

ILLEGAL AND INELIGIBLE PADDLER

The penalty for a club using an illegal paddler shall be disqualification of the crew and a fine of $400. The fine of must be paid by the canoe club and until paid, the club may not enter any further event of a regatta on a race day, nor any future regatta or race. The regatta or race shall not be interrupted or stopped because of this disqualification.

A canoe club disqualified and penalized and in the process of settling such debt. Must receive permission of the Race Director and or Race Chairperson to enter the course and to continue participation in a regatta or race.

A crew of a canoe club who proceeds on the water to enter an event without permission shall be warned and asked to leave the course. Failure to do so will involve another $100.00 fine or disqualification of the entire crew or both.

The offense of using an illegal paddler during the same calendar year shall be a fine of $50.00. The of $50.00 must be paid by the canoe club and until paid, the club may not enter any future regatta or race. The regatta or race shall not be interrupted or stopped because of this disqualification and fine, which must be paid.

The penalty for a club using an ineligible paddler shall be disqualification of a crew and a fine of $400.00.

FOR PURPOSES OF DEFINITION

Illegal paddler: a paddler identified as one that paddling out of his/her classification, or under another person’s name.

Ineligible Paddler: a paddler that is an obvious paper work error on the part of the club representative, such as releases, misspelled names, Etc.

UNOFFICIAL CANOES

The penalty for entering an unofficial canoe or for failing to remove an unofficial canoe when asked to do so by an official shall result in a fine of $400. If the fine is not paid by the next event, the club will not be permitted to participate until it is. Subsequent fines may be levied at the discretion of the Race Committee.

HOST CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES

Hosting clubs responsibilities include:

PRERACE

• Identification of race site
• Parking and launch site specification
• Coast Guard notification and approvals
• Maps with hazards and landmarks identified
• Request for sanctioning
• Final approval from Race Committee Chairman
• Packets to invited clubs
• Escort boats
• Area for officials and coaches meeting
• Race insurance
• Securing race officials
• Portable Bathrooms (if needed)
• Protest forms made available to all paddlers at pnworca.org

DURING RACE

• Ship to Shore Communication (Officials & Escorts)
• Statistics tracking
• Facilities for shore officials

POST-RACE

• Awards
• Dock Facilities
• Race results
• Waivers and insurance fees forwarded to the Risk Manager

PNWORCA OC1/OC2 SERIES RACE RULES

All OC-6 Race Rules apply to OC1/OC2 sprints and distance races.

Two Escort Boats/Safety Boats minimum for safety escort on all small boat races.

Every paddler needs to have a PFD on board.

Every paddler needs a leash for rough water conditions.

Every paddler needs to have insurance and signs a host race club waiver.

Every non-insured paddler needs to sign a one-day event waiver.

Novice Division is added to the Winter Series races.

The Host PNW Winter Series Race Chairman has the right to cancel or re-course race.