135 MILE ARROWHEAD SLED DOG RACE - 2005 RULES & REGULATIONS
(Further known as AHSDR-135)

Estimated Purse -- $5000.00 -- Payout to 10th Place

By courtesy of Jack and Pam Beckstorm and Montana's Race to the Sky

Lastest rules posted 02/23/2005

12 Dog, 135 Mile Arrowhead Sled Dog Race
OFFICIAL RULES AND INTERPRETATION
February 25-27, 2005

SECTION I - ENTRY, PRE-RACE AND EQUIPMENT

A. ENTRY FEES

1. Entry fee is $150.00 if postmarked by January 18, 2005. If postmarked after January 28, 2005, the entry fee is $170.00. Entries will be accepted until the start of the driver's meeting on Friday, February 25, 2005.

2. Receipt of the entry fee will constitute the musher's intent to enter the race and further acknowledges that the musher agrees to comply with every rule as stated.

3. Starting positions for the race will be determined by a drawing at the musher's meeting. Order of the drawing will be determined by the postmarked date of receipt on the entry form.

B. MUSHER

1. A musher must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. However, an experienced musher of 16 years of age or older wishing to enter the race may apply, in writing, to waive the minimum age rule. Application must include number of years of experience, race history, related experiences, references from two or more veteran long distance mushers and written consent from a parent or guardian.

2. The musher beginning the race must drive the team throughout the race. There will be one musher per team.

3. Arrowhead Sled Dog Race reserves the right to reject an entry.

C. MUSHER MEETING

All distance mushers must attend the mandatory musher's meeting on Friday, February 25, 2005. Meeting is at Raymond's Restaurant, McCloud, California, from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

D. MUSHER CONDUCT

1. All mushers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, crew, and themselves when in the race area or on the trail.

2. Commonsense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. All mushers must use civil conduct and act in a sportsman-like manner throughout the race. Abusive treatment of any person or any animal is prohibited. If the driver's, handler's, or team's conduct is detrimental at any time to the sport or race, that team may be disqualified.

E. DOGS

1. It is the intent of this race, its officials, sponsors, and supporters, that dog care be the most important aspect of the race. Cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs is strictly prohibited and will result in an immediate disqualification and a letter will be sent to all other long-distance race organizations explaining the disqualification. Cruel and inhumane treatment involves any action or inaction that causes preventable pain or suffering to a dog.

2.The maximum number of dogs allowed is twelve.

3. Each team must start with a minimum of seven and finish with a minimum of five dogs standing in the team.

4. All dogs must undergo a veterinary check on Friday, February 25, 20, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

5. Any dogs not qualifying for a certificate of good health may not run in the race.

6. All dogs entered in the race must have their annual five-way distemper, corona, and parvo vaccinations within the last twelve months. Rabies vaccinations must be current according to State of California regulations for Shasta County (dogs less than 12 months old must be vaccinated in the last year; dogs older than 12 months must be vaccinated within the last 2 year period). Each musher must present proof of such vaccinations at the veterinary check. This will consist of proof-of-purchase for current vaccine and/or vaccination certificates.

F. DRUGS

The intent of the rules concerning the use of drugs, injectable vitamins, and/or nutrients in racing sled dogs is to insure that all competing dogs are racing in a state of acceptable normal health, with natural ability. This is to insure the safety, health, and well being of the dogs.

1. Allowable drugs that may be administered by the driver:

a. Topical Drugs. Preparations containing antibiotics, antibacterials, antiseptics, and/or germicidals, i.e., Furacin, triple antibiotic ointment, povidine (betadine) ointment, may be used externally on the foot pads and/or in the web of the foot. Algyval liniment may be used anywhere on the dogs. The use of all topicals should be judicious and used in combination with boots/wraps where appropriate, excess amounts may be licked off, swallowed, and then be absorbed in the general body circulation. DMSO in any form or combination is prohibited. Topical ointments that don't contain anti-inflammatory drugs are permitted. All topical preparations need to be in original containers with original labels.

b. Anti-Diarrheals. Drugs not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, such as kaolin, bismuth compounds and pectin (Kaopectate), may be used to control diarrhea and vomiting. These may be combined with systemic absorbable drugs, if prescribed by an official race veterinarian. Pepto-Bismol is strictly prohibited (contains aspirin).

2. Allowable drugs that may be administered by a race veterinarian only or by the driver under the authority of a race veterinarian (by prescription only):

a. Antibiotics. The use of oral or injectable antibiotics is allowed if prescribed by an official race veterinarian. This is for the benefit of the dog, to allow continuance in the race where it will not mask a condition which could cause harm to the dog.

b. Anti-Diarrheals. Systemic absorbable drugs may be used if prescribed by race veterinarians.

c. Topical ointments which contain steroids.

3. Prohibited Drugs. All DEA listed stimulants and depressants, analgesics, prescriptive and nonprescriptive, anti-inflammatory drugs, including but not limited to corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-prostagladins and aspirin or any of its salts or derivatives (e.g. salicylates), anti-anxiety drugs, anabolic steroids, or antihistamines. Any state or federally-restricted substance or any substance that would artificially enhance the performance of the dog is strictly prohibited.

Exceptions: Estrual suppressant drugs such as Cheque may be used in appropriate doses to suppress heat cycles in female dogs and anti-inflammatory drugs used topically in foot ointments.

4. Other. Vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, probiotics and dietary supplements are considered foods and are allowed only if administered orally.

Race veterinarians shall have the authority to collect random blood and/or urine samples for analysis from any entered dog any time during the race, commencing at the official veterinary check and ceasing 2 hours after each team's official finish, or in the event the team does not reach the finish, ceasing 2 hours after the team's official withdrawal from competition at an official checkpoint. Mushers must assist the race veterinarian in collection of these samples whenever the request is made.

If, during the race, it is deemed necessary by the race veterinarian to use a prohibited substance to protect the dog's health and well-being, that dog will be dropped from the race.

If, during the time period for which restrictions are stipulated, any competing musher or team is guilty of violating the banned substance rules, that team will be immediately disqualified from the race and will automatically and irrevocably forfeit all prizes, money, entry fees, titles, recognition and/or other considerations awarded that team.

G. EQUIPMENT

1. All harnesses shall have padded neck and chest areas.

2. All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file.

3. Some type of sled shall be drawn that can carry an injured dog and mandatory gear.

4. A sled shall have an adequate brake, brushbow, snowhook, and snubline.

5. A sled/dog bag capable of safely restraining a struggling or injured dog is required. The sled/dog bag should be large enough to carry all the mandatory gear as well.

H. MANDATORY GEAR IN SLED

1. Non-expendable mandatory equipment must be carried on the sled during the race.
Mandatory gear must be carried on the musher or sled at all times.

2. Non-expendable mandatory gear shall consist of:

a. headlamp (and batteries); b. knife; c. sleeping bag (arctic weight); d. snowshoes and bindings; e. axe (head weight 1 ½ pounds with at least a 22 inch handle); f. first aid kit (to consist of ace bandage, pressure; dressing and tape); g. race promotional material, if provided by the race. and numbered bib, if provided by Arrowhead Sled Dog Race (must be worn by musher); h. metal container to melt snow or heat water for your entire team (minimum 3 gallons); i. waterproof matches; j. map of trail (provided by Arrowhead Sled Dog Race); k. vet communication sheet to be carried between checkpoints; l. arctic weight parka or layered protective clothing that current weather conditions dictate; m. snow goggles or protective eye wear for day/night conditions.

3. Expendable mandatory gear shall consist of:

a. Dog food. One pound for each dog in the team (must leave the checkpoint with this on the sled). This should be considered only as a bare minimum. (Weather and common sense will dictate when additional food should be packed.) Littering the trail is strictly prohibited. Dumping food to lighten the load after leaving the checkpoint is prohibited.

b. Food and liquid for one day for the musher.

c. One set of booties for each dog (4 total) either on the sled or being worn by each dog.

SECTION II--THE RACE

A. START

1. All mushers must have their drop bags with 5 gallon water containers delivered to the designated area prior to the official start so they are ready for transport to the first unassisted checkpoint.

a. All mushers, handlers, and team trucks must be in the official parking area at a specified time to be announced at the mushers meeting. At this time, each participant's sled and mandatory equipment must be ready and available for inspection.

b. All mushers and dogs will be required to take part in pre-race ceremonies and photo sessions, if requested.

c. The race will be a common start event. Each musher's elapsed time between checkpoints will be calculated from the specified starting time. A team unable to leave at its specified time will depart after the last team leaves and will observe the specified interval between teams. Any musher who cannot leave the starting line within 10 minutes of the last team's departure will be disqualified unless extenuating circumstances prevail.

d. The difference between actual departure time and the official starting time will be made up at the 2-hour mandatory layover at the last checkpoint (Pilgrim Creek) before the finish. Late starting teams (teams unable to depart in the order of their draw), will have their differential time calculated from their drawn position time.

e. Handlers will be allowed at the start of the race to assist the team and musher. After the race starts, handlers and dog trucks will be allowed at each checkpoint except at Pilgrim Creek on the outbound leg. Mushers will have access to their drop bag and 5 gallon water containers at Pilgrim Creek and may use them in the checkpoint or take them on the trail to Four Corners.

B. FINISH

1. The nose of the lead dog crossing the finish line signals a team's official finish. In the event that the musher is not with the team when it finishes, the finish time will be officially recorded when the musher crosses the line after the team.

2. Mushers must make a sincere effort to continue in the race in a timely manner or they will be disqualified.

4. There will be no calling of trail in the section called "no-man's land." This section of trail will be identified and announced at the mushers meeting.

C. CHECKPOINTS/MANDATORY LAYOVER

1. Each musher must sign in and out of all checkpoints. Each musher must leave each checkpoint and the start with all mandatory gear in the sled. Equipment must be checked by a race official when leaving a checkpoint.

2. There will be no mandatory rest at any checkpoints except at Pilgrim Creek on the return leg of the race. The rest will consist of two hours. Rest will be determined by each musher according to their training routines and temperatures. Rest will be encouraged and race veterinarians and race marshals may request information about your run/rest schedule.

3. Absolutely no outside assistance between checkpoints will be given. Assistance will be allowed inside the checkpoint boundaries as determined by the race marshal.

4. Mushers may assist each other in appropriate ways in an emergency. Good sportsmanship is encouraged.

5. Replacement of broken or lost equipment between checkpoints must be arranged through and directed by a race marshal. (In the event of a broken sled, the musher must send word to a race marshal who will then direct a handler to transport a replacement sled to the stranded musher.)

6. Race participants may not accept rides on any motorized vehicles unless an emergency exists. An emergency exists when the safety of the driver or dogs is in jeopardy, for example, a loose team or severely injured dog or driver.

7. The use of two-way radios or cell phones by mushers will not be permitted.

D. RUNNING THE COURSE

1. The Arrowhead Sled Dog Race is a guest on land of the United States Forest Service and private landowners. In light of this fact, mushers will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and will at no time demand "rights" to the trail.

2. Passing:

a. When overtaking another team, the musher shall call "trail." The overtaken team must relinquish the trail and assist the passing when necessary.

When neither of two teams is able to pull away from the other, the mushers shall mutually decide on the appropriate team to lead out.

c. In a head-on passing situation, the homeward bound team has the right-of-way, and the outward bound team must relinquish the trail. The exception is when the outward bound team is moving downhill, then the outward bound team has the right-of-way.

3. Lost Team:

a. In the case of a lost team, the team will not be disqualified if the musher regains control of the team, provided that the team and musher complete the entire race trail and comply with the rules, including checkpoint requirements.

b. All teams must follow the trail as marked. As long as the team and musher continue on the trail if separated, the musher may continue after regaining control.

c. Mushers may receive assistance from another musher in recovering their team.

d. Teams inadvertently leaving the course must regain the course where it was first left.

4. Safety:

a. It is the musher's complete responsibility to check for traffic at road crossings.

b. Be cautious when overtaking, encountering or being overtaken by snow machines. Always use your headlamp to signal snow machines during night travel.

5. Stopping on the trail:

a. When stopped on the trail, adequate room must be allowed for teams to get past and assistance given, if necessary. Every effort should be made to get completely off the trail while stopped.

b. If snacking, watering, or feeding on the trail, the team must be completely off the trail, if possible. The trail must be free of food or debris. Penalties may be imposed by the race marshal for not complying with this rule.

6. Numbered Bibs:

Numbered bibs must be worn at the start, finish, entering and leaving each checkpoint. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in time and/or monetary penalties. Snowmobilers will be monitoring the mushers on the trail. They may stop you and ask you your name if you are not wearing your bib.

E. WEATHER AND TRAIL CONDITIONS

1. The race will continue under all but the most severe trail and weather conditions.

2. Postponement or cancellation of the race will be made no less than ten (10) days prior to the start of the race.

3. In the event of questionable trail conditions, the race marshals will decide which portion(s) of the trail will be altered. They may also alter start and/or finish locations.

SECTION III-RACE MARSHAL

1. The race marshals have the final word over all safety considerations for both dogs and mushers. They have authority to interpret rules at the mushers meeting, alter the time and location of the start, alter the race route, alter a participant's official running time, levy monetary penalties, disqualify dogs, teams and mushers, stop the race, order drug testing, and determine winners and subsequent placing.

2 The race veterinarians are consulting specialists for the race. In addition to the pre-race veterinarian check, they will be available throughout the race for consultations and for first aid and major medical situations. Their recommendations to disallow an entry, remove a dog or team from the race or delay a team at the checkpoint will go directly to the race marshal, who will then make the final decision.

C. PROTEST AND HEARING

A. Protests must be submitted directly to a race marshal and shall not be discussed with spectators, media representatives or the general public prior to a decision being handed down.

B. An official decision will be made by the race marshals following a hearing attended by all parties involved. The race marshals may request input from other officials before making their decision.

SECTION IV--AWARDS PRESENTATION

A. It is the desire of Arrowhead Sled Dog Race officials that all mushers finishing the race be present at the awards ceremony. Absence will result in disqualification and/or forfeiture of winnings.

B. Purse monies will be awarded only to participants who are designated official finishers. Official finishers will share the total advertised purse.

SECTION V--CLAIMS

A. Each musher is responsible for his/her own actions and the actions of his/her dogs and crew. The musher also agrees to release the sponsors, Arrowhead Sled Dog Race. and their agents, volunteers, and employees, from any claim or demand resulting from injury to the musher, his/her dogs, property or the property of his/her crew. Arrowhead Sled Dog Race. has the complete authority to allow the race sponsor(s) to photograph and otherwise collect information about the race and all participants therein and to use such photographs and information for advertising, public relations or other publicity purposes.

B. Each musher shall sign any and all documents as may be requested by Arrowhead Sled Dog Race to evidence the foregoing. These documents will be executed at the mushers meeting. Any musher who does not sign the documents requested by Arrowhead Sled Dog Race will not be allowed to participate in the race.

Revised 2/23 -- ARROWHEAD Sled Dog Race for K-9 Search & Rescue