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Approved: February 2008
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General Table of Contents
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Introduction
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(1.00)
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Competition
Standards
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|
(2.00)
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Competition
Standards Committee
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(3.00)
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Responsibility
for following AU Race Rules
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|
(4.00)
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Membership
Competition Requirements
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(4.01)
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Club
Level
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(4.03)
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Partnerships
General or Family
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(4.10)
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Combine,
Concourse, Association Level, Etc
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|
(5.00)
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Race
Schedules
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|
(5.10)
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Average
Speed Requirements
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(6.00)
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Airline
Surveys
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(7.00)
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Racing
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(7.04)
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Clocking
Limits
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(8.00)
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Clock
Operations
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(8.09)
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Setting
of Clocks
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(8.20)
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Opening
of Clocks
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(8.27)
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Reading
of Tapes
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(8.31)
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Checking
Countermarks
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(8.40)
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Clock
Malfunctions
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(8.56)
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Computer
Clock Defects
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(9.00)
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Capsules
& Countermarks
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(9.09)
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Approved
Clocks
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(10.01)
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Conveying
and Liberating
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(11.00)
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Tossing
of Race Birds
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(12.00)
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Competition
Division Rules
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(13.00)
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Time
Out for Darkness (Deadtime)
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(14.01)
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Closing
of Races
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(15.01)
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Race
Velocity Computations
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(15.04)
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Figuring
Race Speeds
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(15.06)
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Start
to Clocking Time
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(15.09)
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Time
of Flight (Elapsed Time)
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(15.10)
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Determining
Mileage (or Airline Survey)
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(15.13)
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Calculation
Summary
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(15.13)
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Calculation
Assistance
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(16.00)
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Electronic
Band Scanning System
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(16.06)
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EBSS
Antenna Placement
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(16.18)
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Approved
EBSS systems
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(17.00)
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Local
Organizational Race Rule Amendments
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(18.00)
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Organizational
Compliance Format
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Introduction
The American Racing Pigeon Union has developed these rules as
a national set of standards for all competing organizations
(Clubs, Combines, Associations, etc.) to:
1. Maintain organizational consistency and the highest
standards of honesty, integrity and sportsmanship in our
competitions;
2. To make for fair competitions within our affiliated
organizations; and,
3. To ensure that all AU members are competing on a level
playing field for AU national awards, thereby ensuring the
absolute integrity, honor and esteem of those awards.
Please note: All organizations should also be familiar
with the AU Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Rules pertaining
to racing and competition to familiarize themselves with
expected standards of honesty, ethics and integrity, in
particular as they apply to resolving disputes pertaining to
race matters.
The AU Race Rules may not cover every conceivable incident or
issue, consequently, the AU Board is receptive to and always
encourages new ideas and input on suggested changes or
improvements. If you have suggestions or recommendations, please
submit your ideas in writing to the Chairman of the Competition
Standards Committee, to your Zone Director, or to any other
Board Officer for presentation to the Competition Standards
Committee for review.
1.00 - Competition Standards
1.01
Any auxiliary, club, center, combine, concourse,
association, federation or other organization affiliated with
the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. Shall be hereinafter
referred to as an "organization."
A Combine is created when two or
more clubs join together for the purpose of increased
competition and/or for economy of operations.
A Concourse is created when two or more Combines are
joined together for purposes of increased competition and/or for
economy of operations. A
Federation is created when two or more Concourses are joined
together for purposes of increased competition and/or for
economy of operations. An
Association may be considered the same as a Federation or in
many instances an Association may be classified as a statewide
or regional area of competition.
(7/06)
1.02 The AU Race Rules provide the official standards,
practices and procedures by which all AU races are to be
conducted to be sanctioned for qualification for AU diplomas and
national awards.
1.03 The AU Race Rules are effective for all organizations
(Clubs, Combines, Associations, Concourses, etc.) conducting AU
races whether or not these rules have been officially adopted by
the competing organization.
1.04 AU-affiliated organizations participating in racing
competition with non-AU-affiliated organizations shall follow AU
Race Rules.
1.05 A.U. Diploma's and AU National awards are to be issued
only to AU Members. Moreover, for a competitor's results in a
particular event to be considered for AU national awards, the
race must be held in compliance with A.U. Race Rules and
Competition Standards Policies as adopted by the A.U. Board of
Directors. (7/04)
1.06 All races conducted by AU-affiliated organizations shall
be conducted in accordance with AU Race Rules, except as
otherwise may be provided for herein. No result for any race not
conducted in accordance with AU Race Rules shall be used,
submitted, or considered for any AU national awards. AU diplomas
shall not be issued for any race that is not conducted in
accordance with AU Race Rules. AU diplomas will be awarded on a
basis of 1 (one) diploma for every 20 (twenty) birds plus any
fraction of twenty or 1 (one) diploma for every 5 (five) lofts
plus any fraction of five, whichever is greater, that have been
duly entered in a race. (Examples: A race with 410 birds would
warrant 21 diplomas (410/20 = 20 + 1 for the 10-bird remainder
would total 21 diplomas). A race with 18 birds and 18 lofts
would warrant 4 diplomas (18/5 = 3 + 1 for the 3 loft remainder
for a total of 4 diplomas). No result for any race not conducted
in accordance with AU Race Rules shall be considered for any
annual or race series award made by an AU-affiliated
organization, including but not limited to: Average Speed
Winner; Champion Loft; Champion Bird; or, other similar award.
(1/2000) (11/04)
1.07 AU National Awards will be computed from the single,
merged race sheet which lists the total number of birds and
lofts for the entire liberation. (7/03)
Special provision: Events such as special races, futurities,
one-loft races, or other designated special races, are exempt
from this rule provided that all participants are notified prior
to entering birds for shipping in the competition that the
special competition will NOT be flown under AU Race Rules. Loft
or bird records resulting from races that are excluded under the
provisions of this exception to these rules may NOT be used for
any official AU national awards. [2-28-99]
2.00 - Competition Standards Committee
2.01 In accordance with the AU Constitution and By-laws, the
AU Board of Directors shall select and appoint a Competition
Standards Committee.
2.02 The duties of the Competition Standards Committee shall
be to maintain a true and correct copy of the official rules
governing any competitive race, show, or other event sponsored
by the Union or by any Union affiliated organization, and as
needed to recommend modifications or amendments to those rules
for adoption by the Board of Directors.
2.03 In the event of any dispute or question about an
interpretation of Union rules applicable to any particular
event, the interpretation of the Competition Standards Committee
shall be final and binding. If the Competition Standards
Committee determines that any AU-affiliated organization has
knowingly violated the rules of the Union, it may file a
complaint with the Infractions Committee and request that
appropriate action be taken.
2.04 The Competition Standards Committee will provide, upon
written request, assistance to members and organizations seeking
interpretations that cannot be resolved at the local level via
organizational channels.
2.05 No organization may have a race rule which conflicts
with an official AU Race Rule, unless a proper exemption has
been requested in writing, granted and approved by the AU Board
of Directors. Organizations may develop and adopt additional
race rules as long as those rules do not conflict with or
purposely contravene the spirit and intent of these official AU
Race Rules. (See rule regarding exceptions.)
2.06 In the event the Union elects to regulate any area of
activity within the sport of racing homing pigeons it shall be
presumed that the Union's policies and rules shall have control
over any and all inconsistent policies or rules made by any
affiliated organization with respect to the same subject. All
affiliated organizations, and their members, are bound by Union
policies, rules, and procedures.
2.07 The Official AU Race Rules may only be amended or
revised by majority vote of the AU Board of Directors. These
amendments may be made and adopted at any regular or special
called meeting or by official teleconference. Amendments
considered by the Board will usually be those previously
considered by the Competition Standards Committee and submitted
for full Board review and action.
2.08 Any changes, updates or
amendments to the official AU Race Rules shall be updated on the
AU website, and/or published in the next issue of a designated
Union publication clearly indicating when the rule changes shall
be implemented and be in effect the following calendar year OB
and YB season.
3.00 - Responsibility For Following AU Race Rules
3.01 It is the responsibility of an organization's officers
(whether it be at the level of the Club, Combine, Association,
Federation, Centers, etc.) to ensure that the AU Race Rules are
followed and enforced, and it is the responsibility of the
organization members to elect officers that will accept these
responsibilities and uphold the intent, the standards and
principles these race rules engender.
3.02 Each organization shall elect one person as the Race
Secretary. This person shall be responsible for supervising and
ensuring the integrity of each race.
3.03 The Race Secretary shall have the authority to audit,
verify, question or halt any action that might compromise the
integrity of any race.
3.04 Each organization shall elect a Race Committee
consisting of the Race Secretary and a minimum of two other
members. The Race Secretary shall chair the Race Committee. The
Race Committee members will assist the Race Secretary with the
supervision of each race. The Race Secretary or a member of the
Race Committee should be available for assistance during each
race.
3.05 If any member of the Race Committee stands to benefit or
to be penalized by a decision of the Race Committee, he or she
must absent themselves (abstain) from the decision process, with
the exception of providing informational input to the Committee,
if requested.
3.06 Interpretations and enforcement of the AU Race Rules and
decisions on questions that may not be addressed herein, shall
be made by majority vote of the organization Race Committee
members. The decision of the Race Committee members shall be
final, unless the organization has adopted procedures for appeal
to the organization officers or members and those procedures are
followed.
3.07 Each organization shall adopt a procedure by which a
race rule interpretation can be appealed to the organization
officers or members. In the event a race rule interpretation is
appealed to the organization officers or members, a written
response shall be provided within fifteen (15) days of receipt
of such complaint. A failure of the organization to provide a
timely response shall be interpreted as a ruling in favor of the
complainant. Note: Organization officers and members are
encouraged to seek AU assistance on rules interpretations when
an appeal has been filed. The AU Competition Standards Committee
stands ready to help in these matters.
3.08 If a member files a complaint that their organization is
not abiding by the AU Race Rules, the AU Competition Standards
Committee Chairman will forward an affidavit of compliance to
the accused club's officers and Race Secretary for their
signatures. If the organization fails to obtain the required
signatures and return the affidavit verifying compliance within
21 days, the AU Competition Standards Committee Chairman will
duly notify the AU Awards Chairperson that the organization's
races do not meet minimum national standards and their members'
race results are therefore not eligible for diplomas or other AU
national awards. See Section 18.00 below for the Compliance
Statement to be used if requested by the AU Competition
Standards Committee and/or Board of Directors. (1/2000)
3.09 The procedure identified in section 3.08 may also be
used when one organization files a complaint against another
organization.
3.10 AU members are required to be familiar with and abide by
the most current “Best Practices for Pigeon Releases.”
Failure to follow these practices will be considered a violation
of AU Code of Ethics (310.12) (7/04)
4.00 - Membership Competition Requirements - Club Level
Competition
4.01 The AU will recognize as an Official race for awards any
competition in which race birds are countermarked and entered by
five (5) individual AU members with surveyed lofts at three (3)
separate, physical loft locations.* Within the scope of this
rule all of the members need not clock birds in the particular
competition for it to be declared as being official. Separate
loft location is defined as an address as commonly recognized by
the US Postal Service as a mail or parcel pick up or drop off
location or one that is a regular scheduled delivery point for
the mails. An Individual AU Member is defined as either an
individual member or partnership whose birds are registered and
countermarked to compete in a particular event sponsored by an
AU-affiliated organization. Under this rule and for the purposes
of determining a count for Official race status, a partnership
(regardless of the number of members in the partnership)
constitutes ONE (1) member. *(See section 4.03 governing more
than one team from the same loft.) [2-28-99]
4.02 A minimum of three (3) competing members from three (3)
separate physical loft addresses are required to assemble and
ship the race; however, as stated in section 4.01 five (5)
competing members must be entered in the race for it to be
recognized as an official AU club race. Clubs that enjoy
combine, or similar affiliation, may ship a race for awards at
the combine level provided the club has assembled a “minimum-presence”
of three (3) competing members from three (3) separate physical
loft addresses. In such cases, the three (3) competing
members from three (3) separate physical loft addresses must be
present to complete the shipping process.
(11/06)
4.03 Partnerships (7/04) General or Family
General Partnerships
A. Allowing any kind of partnership(s) where more than one
team is to be flown from a specific location is strictly a club
decision.
A Partnership is equivalent to one vote, regardless of the size
of the partnership.
A change from this standard is a decision a club must make
before the race series starts.
B.
If more than one loft partnership (per location) is
allowed by the club, the club will determine how many maximum
loft partnerships can be flown from one location as well as
shipping limits. The Club shall determine how long a
partnership must stay in effect to be a valid partnership.
Example: A club may allow a
partnership for just the YB series of races.
A club may require the partnership to remain together for
both the YB and OB series. Specifics
of the partnership shall be up to the club.
A season is defined as both the YB and OB series of races
for the calendar season. An
example is a 2006 season includes the YB and OB series of races.
(7/06)
C.
Each loft partnership must have a separate list of birds;
each competitor must pay all dues (club, state, national, etc.).
Each competitor must pay shipping for each team.
D. It is also a club decision regarding manual clock
requirements, i.e., 2 lofts/2 clocks, or 2 lofts - 1 clock, OK
for both. If an electronic clock has the ability to
differentiate and separately clock each partnership, it should
be allowed.
Family Partnerships
The AU encourages families to participate in our sport together,
therefore, a husband and wife, father and son, or father and
daughter, or other family or adult and junior member
combination, may compete (with the approval of their club) from
separate lofts, or even the same physical loft so long as ALL
the following conditions are met:
1. Each competing family member must be a current dues-paid AU
member and be of sufficient age to handle and clock his/her own
birds;
2. Each competing family member must be a current
dues-paid club member and pay all fees for shipping and related
expenses as the organization may require;
3. Each competing family partnership must compete under a
different, unique loft name or identifier.
4. Each competing member of the family partnership must
submit a separate list of the birds with which they intend to
compete to the Race Secretary or Race Committee prior to the
first race of the race series in which they intend to compete.
No transfer of birds from partnership lists will be allowed. No
additions or replacements will be allowed after submission of
the original list. CROSS- COUNTERMARKING (a "team
A" countermarked bird in a "team B" clock)
disqualifies that countermark, and therefore disqualifies the
missed-clocked bird from receiving any race position.
5. All members of a family partnership must compete in
each race. If one member stops flying, those birds designated
for that particular team cannot compete on another team flying
to that loft for the remainder of the young bird or old bird
schedule. See 4.03b
for club requirements which may stipulate more stringent
conditions of the partnership. (10/05)
6. Per club requirements, the organization may require
that separate clocks be used to time each of the separate teams
birds. If an electronic clock has the ability to differentiate
and separately clock each team it should be allowed.
7. Clubs may have other reasonable requirements to help
them ensure the integrity of the clocking and
reporting at the loft with the extra team/s. Within the scope of
this rule, there is no intention to allow one member to ship
more birds than his fellow club competitors and this rule in no
way should be construed to condone or support any such action or
attempt by anyone. Any such manipulation of this rule for that
purpose to circumvent a club shipping limit will result in the
loss of all eligibility for AU diplomas and national awards for
the teams involved. Within the scope of this rule, a family will
NOT be allowed to form an AU-chartered club at any one loft
location.
8.
As in a General Partnership, a Family Partnership is
equivalent to one vote (regardless of the size of Family
Partnership) in race matters. (7/06)
Within the scope of this rule, there is no intention to allow
one member to ship more birds than his fellow club competitors
and this rule in no way should be construed to condone or
support any such action or attempt by anyone. Any such
manipulation of this rule for that purpose to circumvent a club
shipping limit will result in the loss of all eligibility for AU
diplomas and national awards for the teams involved. (1/2000)
Within the scope of this rule, a family will NOT be allowed to
form an AU-chartered club at any one loft location.
4.04 If a club fails to meet the FIVE (5) member minimum
competition requirements for club competition, the race shall
not be recognized for AU National Awards or AU Club Diplomas.
(7/04)
4.05 To close a race, organizations (a club, in this example)
must have a minimum of three (3) competing members present,
representing three separate loft addresses, in order to knock
off clocks. The three competing members must be from the same
competing organization, i.e., the same club, combine or
federation, etc.
If a loft is flying more than one club, the first knock-off
may be used by the second club for the official results, if
approved by the second club. (7/07)
4.06 The closing of races shall be decided by the local
organization sponsoring the race. For Example: Based on overall
race distances, the club may establish whether the race shall be
a one (1) or a two (2) day race.
4.07 Note: For Definition Of "Active Participant"
and the eligibility of members to vote on race related matters
see Race Rule 5.00 (7/05)
4.08-4.09 Left Blank Intentionally.
4.10 Combines, Concourses, Associations, & Federations
Competition
Regarding verification of the minimum number of club level
flyers and lofts, as
set forth in Rule 4.02 above, combines, concourses, federations,
associations, etc. (i.e., combined level and higher) shall have
the authority to verify compliance by any club or lower level
organization that is countermarking and shipping birds for
competition in their races, or using the combine level
transporter for shipping their races. Should a combine or higher
organization deny recognition of the club based on violations of
the membership competition requirements, the club may appeal the
decision to the AU Competition Standards Committee for the
appropriate reviews. (7/2001)
4.11 Where more than one member is flying from the same loft
location in a non-partnership status, the club shall determine
the voting rights of the individual flyers. (11/04)
4.12 Members that are required to move to another competing
club to satisfy the "minimum presence" rule shall be
eligible for AU awards and diplomas at the combine or similar
organizational level.
4.13 If less than three (3) competing members (from three
separate physical addresses) are NOT present for the CLOSING of
the race and the OPENING of clocks, the procedure for moving to
another organization as described in section 4.05 (minimum
number of members present), will be required.
4.14 If a club fails to comply with the three (3) members
"present" rule, the club's race results shall not be
included in any combine or similar organization's race results
and shall not be considered for AU awards or diplomas
at either the club level or at combine level.
4.15 A Combine and/or Concourse that fails to enforce minimum
competing club requirements may forfeit all rights to AU
national awards.
5.00 - Race Schedules
5.0 Only active racing members are eligible to vote on
an organization’s race-related matters. An ‘Active
Racing Member’ is an organizational member who has shipped,
clocked and reported in at least 2 races of a regular series per
year the previous year. This rule is a minimum requirement
although local organizations may adopt a rule requiring higher
levels of participation as a qualification to vote on
race-related matters. (7/04)
Example: A club may
allow a partnership for just the YB series of races. A
club may require the partnership to remain together for both the
YB and OB series. Specifics of the partnership shall be up
to the club. A season is defined as both the YB and OB
series of races for the calendar season. An example is a
2006 season includes the YB and OB series of races. (7/06)
5.01 The race schedule, including dates, race stations,
closing of races, shipping times, shipping limits, and
procedures for changes, shall be established at a regular or
special business meeting.
5.02 A race schedule may not be changed in any way while a
race series is in progress, except:
A. Where such procedures for changes are spelled out writing in the
organization's constitution and bylaws or race rules at the time
the schedule
is adopted; or,
B. Unless deemed necessary by the Race Secretary for the safety or
welfare
of the birds; or,
C. If agreed to by ¾ of the
competitors competing in the race series, or (7/05)
D. In the event a special
meeting is held to amend the race schedule, such meeting will be
held with reasonable notice of the meeting being given to the
competing membership in advance. (7/06)
5.03 The organization shall state in writing, prior to the
start of the season for the benefit of the membership, how race
schedule changes will be handled in the event of inclement
weather, procedures for holdovers, delayed releases, or for
possible outbreaks of disease.
5.04 For purposes of the AU National Awards, midweek races
will not be allowed when those midweek races are not their own
separate series. (10/05)
5.05
For the purposes of AU National Awards, the number of
regional open races that are marked Special is limited to no
more than two open races per organization per race series.
In the event that more than two regional opens are flown
per race series, they must be submitted for AU Awards as if they
were their own separate organizational level of competition and
not marked Special in the WinSpeed© race program.
The AU Awards Committee reserves the right to disallow
any race marked Special that, in their opinion, does not meet
the intent of this definition. (10/05)
5.06
For the purpose of AU Awards, sectioning of a club’s
race results is not allowed unless every section flies at least
five (5) lofts. (10/05)
5.07
For the purpose of AU Awards, stacking of club results is
not allowed. Stacking
results is defined as merging a club’s results with another
club’s results and then with still another club’s, etc.,
results sequentially until reaching the final combine/concourse
result. (10/05)
5.08-5.09 Intentionally Left Blank.
5.10 Average Speed Requirements
The AU National Awards standard does not mandate average speed
competition; however, organizations electing to compete for
average speed awards must meet the following conditions:
A. Eligibility. To remain eligible for the average speed
award, each competitor must ship birds in every scheduled
average speed race in a particular distance or division, and
this requirement applies even if the race is later cancelled,
ruled to be a No Contest, or the birds are brought back from the
originally scheduled release point. Note: A No Contest is
described in AU Race Rule 10.04 and 10.07.
B. The choice of a competitor to NOT ENTER an average
speed race is effectively equivalent to his/her forfeiting
eligibility for the award at the given distance category.
C. A competitor must clock an eligible return, (a bird
countermarked for that scheduled race) and receive a documented
speed in every released average speed race to remain eligible
for the award at that given distance division.
D. A competitor to remain eligible for any average speed
competition or award must compete from the same surveyed loft
location for the entire schedule of average speed races.
E. The results of a race declared by the race secretary,
or race committee to be a No Contest shall not effect average
speed calculations at any distance. Note: AU Race Rule 10.07
declares under what circumstances a race must be declared a No
Contest.
F. In the event a race is liberated at a different station
than originally scheduled, the local organizations Procedures
For Changes referred to in AU Race Rule 5.01 to 5.02 will
dictate how the liberation will be treated with regard to
average speed calculations.
G. In the event an organization does not possess
Procedures For Changes with respect to average speed
calculations, then for example, if a Long Average Speed race is
brought back (for whatever reason) and released at a shorter
surveyed station, the results will still be used to calculate
awards in the Long Average Speed competition division, and not
applied to short or middle distance divisions
6.00 - Airline Surveys
6.01 All competitors in any given race must use airline
surveys, which have been calculated by an organization approved
by the AU Board of Directors, or by GPS as specified below (see
6.06). A new loft survey is required if a loft is moved 30 feet
or more. (7/2003)
6.02 A two (2) member committee, neither of whom will fly
from the location in question, shall make a location diagram of
the property on which the loft sits, clearly showing the loft
position with pertinent reference measurements from at least
three points. This diagram, with the competitor's approval,
shall be mailed to the surveyor by the Race Secretary or an
authorized representative of the organization.
6.03 The airline distance measurement to the competing
members' lofts must be from the same release point for each
competitor.
6.04 Airline distances will be figured on the basis of the
shortest distance (a straight line) between the release point
and the competitors’ lofts.
6.05 "Bent" or modified airline surveys may only be
used when NO other racecourse is available. Organizations
desiring to use a bent airline survey shall submit a written
request to the Chairman of the Competition Standards Committee
requesting an exception for the use of bent airlines. The
request must contain justification for the exception. The
Competition Standards Committee by majority vote may grant an
exception for bent airlines. Race results of organizations using
bent airline surveys will NOT be accepted for AU national
awards; however, race results shall be eligible for AU club
diplomas.
6.06 GPS units may be used by clubs/combines to obtain
airline survey distance data for a loft. Only WAAS-enabled units
may be used. Bowen and GPS loft measurements shall not be
mixed in a race. (7/04)
7.00 - Racing
7.01 All AU races must be conducted under the sponsorship of
an AU-affiliated organization such as a club, combine,
concourse, federation, association, etc.
7.02 Organizations composed of clubs may join together to
increase competition and/or for economic advantages.
7.03 All pigeons participating in a race or series of races
must be released simultaneously at each agreed race liberation
point/station.
7.04 Race Result Accuracy
A. Each organization shall establish its own procedures and
deadlines regulating competitors seeking to correct race
result/award data and place their procedures in its constitution
and by-laws. If the organization has not established
procedures governing petitions for award data correction, then a
competitor has 15 days from publication of the awards data to
appeal to the Race Secretary in writing. The Race
Committee will then issue a written reply within 15 days to the
protesting member as to why the awards data will stand as
published; otherwise, the Race Committee will refigure the race
results/awards data for accuracy. (AU Race Rule 3.07)
B. Race Results shall be published and distributed to the race
participants by the organization’s Race Secretary or Race
Committee in a timely manner. Race results shall include
as a minimum:
1. The true top 20% of the entered birds in the true order of their
finish and the speed each has achieved; (Note: per UPR
Guidelines)
2. The name or loft name of the competitor;
3. The number of birds the competitor shipped;
4. The competitor's survey distance;
5. The timed bird's color and complete band number (and sex for old
birds);
6. The time of the bird's clocking;
7. The speed the bird attained in yards per minute; and
8. Clocking limits will not be permitted in AU sanctioned
competition. (7/03)
7.05 No bird may be entered in a race if the competitor
entering the bird cannot show written proof of ownership. If
written proof is requested, ownership documentation must be
provided within a reasonable period of time.
7.06 The Race Secretary and/or the Race Committee has the
authority to issue requests for written proof of ownership.
7.07 A bird that does not home to the loft of the competitor
entering it shall not be included in any race results.
7.08 Only birds with unaltered seamless racing pigeon size
bands, with size approved by the AU, may be entered in an AU
recognized race. (See Rule 7.09)
7.09 Birds banded only with AU, I.F., CU, FMC* may be entered
or released in an AU race and be eligible for AU national awards
and diplomas, providing: (11/04) (7/05)
A. The handler must be an active AU member;
All non-AU bands recognized by the AU: IF, CU, & FMC, must
be registered with the AU office, prior to competition to be
eligible for AU awards. (11/04)
I.F., CU, and FMC bands must be registered by the flyer prior to
January 15 and June 1, with the AU National Office. (7/07)
Only those bands registered by the above dates, and prior to competition
shall be eligible for any AU award. (7/07)
The cost of registration is $1.00 (one dollar-U.S.) for the first
registered bird, and then 50¢ (fifty cents-U.S.) for each bird
thereafter. This is a permanent registration for the alien
banded bird. (Note: The Initials FMC cited above are the
initials used by the Federacion Mexicana De Colombofilia.)
(11/04) (7/05)
Please note: Applications for AU national awards by any
member reentering the AU will be reviewed on an individual basis
by the AU Competitions Standards Committee. Use of foreign bands
for any such application shall require prior registration with
the AU national office and bird records achieved prior to alien
registration will not be eligible for AU awards. See above.
(1/2k)
7.10 No old bird may be entered in a young bird race. An old
bird is defined as a yearling or older banded bird or a bird
with a band from a year other than the current year (e.g., a
bird banded as a 1997 bird and entered in a 1998 young bird
race). Similarly, a young bird may not be entered in competition
in an old bird race. A young bird is defined as a bird hatched
and banded with a current year's band since January 1st of the
year in which the bird race series is conducted. (2/1999)
7.11 Sick pigeons will not be shipped. Pigeons which appear
unhealthy or contagious shall not be sent on a race or on an
organization sponsored training release. Enforcement shall be by
the Race Secretary and the Race Committee as stated in Section
3.06. For purposes of this rule, this will include pigeons which
are showing symptoms of diseases which are known to be
communicable, such as:
-Uncoordination, such as that associated with paramyxovirus;
-Standard wing boils associated with paratyphoid;
-Pox lesions on the skin or mucous membranes;
-Seriously soiled vents which is associated with serious
intestinal infections;
-Outward symptoms of respiratory disease complex, such as
swollen eyelids, a nasal discharge or discolored nasal ceres;
-Any pigeon that is injured and appears unable to make the
flight;
-Any bird with an active external infestation of parasites.
(10/2007)
7.12 The maximum number of birds that may be entered in a
given race by competing members shall be determined by the
organization's membership at the time the race schedule is
adopted, if the limit is not stated in the organizational
constitution and by-laws or other race rules.
7.13 Clubs, Combines, Associations, etc. may not impose bird
clocking limits on AU races.
7.14 Each competing organization shall establish its own
rules and procedures for particulars with regard to shipping
young birds or old birds, the separation of cocks and hens,
liberation times, etc., providing they do not conflict with AU
rules.
7.15 Birds must be at the designated place and time for
countermarking/basketing or they may be barred from competition
in a given race. (7/06)
7.16 Each race bird must have placed upon its leg an official
race countermark OR an EBSS band, which will trigger an
electronic scanning, sensing device as approved by the AU. (See
Section 16.00 for Electronic Band Scanning Systems.) Competing
organizations will NOT require countermarks on either leg if a
competitor is using an electronic band scanning system to time
his/her birds. (1/2000)
7.17 All competitors' race entry forms must clearly display
the race bird's countermark number or the chip ring or chip code
number, in the case of an electronic band scanning system.
7.18 After the final bird of a competitor’s race entry has
been countermarked, any "scratched birds" (listed, but
not countermarked) must be crossed out on the official race
entry form, including the countermark space, and initialed by a
Race Committee member and the competitor or their
representative.
7.19 A Race Committee member shall verify the number of birds
entered for each competitor, initial the competitor's entry
form, and forward the form to the Race Secretary or an
authorized representative.
7.20 All countermark paper slips must clearly display the
bird's band number. If an electronic or computer countermark
system is used, the organization scanner must clearly display
the bird's registered permanent band number.
7.21 Countermark slips shall be grouped together by
competitor displaying the competitor’s name, and shall be
given to the Race Secretary or an authorized representative
immediately after all birds are countermarked.
7.22 The entry form and countermark slips for the
organization Race Secretary shall be kept by some other
competing member during the race.
7.23 Removed. (7/04)
7.24 No competitor or representative of the competitor may
handle their own birds during the basketing/logging process.
During the basketing/logging process, all band data must be
reviewed, to ensure band data accuracy by the Race Secretary or
Race Committee member. At
no time is a competitor or representatives of the competitor
permitted to perform race entry logging of their own race
entries or participate in the verification process of their race
entries. (11/06)
7.25 A competitor (including Race Committee members) cannot
write countermark numbers or operate the countermarking machine
for his or her own race entries.
7.26 After a race bird is placed in a shipping crate, it will
not be removed without first consulting the Race Secretary or a
Race Committee member, who must then supervise such removal.
7.27 The shipping crates will be sealed with a tie wrap or
locked in a secure manner to ensure security for the birds while
in transit. (11/06)
7.28 From the time the birds are delivered to the shipping
organization until they have been liberated, it is the
responsibility of the organization to provide the best possible
security and safety for the birds. Any owner who elects to ship
a race bird in competition or for training assumes all risks of
loss.
7.29 An AU-affiliated organization may not ban or outlaw
racing or loft management/handling systems, such as loft
darkening, lighting, widowhood or other such systems. An
AU-affiliated organization may not specify the physical
condition of a race bird for entry into competition (such as
number of flights moulted), unless they first provide the
Competition Standards Committee with scientific evidence or
proof that the use of such systems is harmful or injurious to
birds flown under that system, or unless the organization
determines that the bird is sick or exhibits symptoms of an
infectious disease. (See Rule 7.11 for sick birds.)
7.30 Birds to be raced must be physically entered at a
shipping site(s) as designated by their club. (12/2001)
7.31 The Race Secretary shall be assured that a sufficient
quantity of birds have returned from the race and all positions
for awards have been taken before designating the time for
opening of the clocks and closing the race.
7.32 The minimum distance for any AU race is 75 miles
calculated by either Bowen or GPS measurements from the release
point to the loft. Any
loft that fails to meet the 75 mile rule shall be disqualified.
A race that was originally measured to be plus 75 miles but
is brought back to a shorter distance may cause some lofts to be
less than 75 miles. Those
lofts are disqualified from the AU race and not eligible for any
level of AU awards. (7/07)
8.00 - Clock Operations
8.01 All timers, to include electronic band scanning clocking
systems, shall be started and operated on a continuous running
basis.
8.02 Only continuous running timers, or Electronic Band
Scanning Systems as approved by the AU, shall be acceptable in
AU sanctioned races.
8.03 Each competitor must have his or her name on or affixed
to the outside of their clock.
8.04 Each competitor is responsible for winding and setting
the start-time of his or her clock, for seeing that the clock
has a proper supply of paper tape, and an ink ribbon that prints
a clearly legible stamp. Note: Race Committee members are NOT
responsible for the paper tape supply, ribbon quality, winding,
batteries, or the operations of the clock.
8.05 Remote basketing and knockoff:
Clubs may allow remote shipping and knockoff by a vote of the
competing membership before a race series starts (OB/YB), and
all of these conditions must be met:
a.
Club must elect a remote Race Secretary prior to
the start of the series.
b.
All AU race rules shall be followed.
c.
Birds must be securely transported in sealed
crates. (7/07)
8.06 All clocking devices or systems must be able to generate
a printout of the arrival times of all birds clocked. (7/03)
8.07 Electronic Band Scanning Systems or computerized
clocking systems that have been approved by the AU Board of
Directors are acceptable for either organizational or individual
use.
Note: AU-approved electronic clocking systems
represent a new technology for the sport. Competitors are
encouraged to thoroughly investigate the features of any system
prior to purchase to ensure that their system is or will be
technologically compatible with other such system/s within their
organization. Until more experience is gained with electronic
timing systems, the AU must first approve the use of any such
systems and reserves the right to withdraw the approval of any
specific system that fails to maintain race integrity. (Please
see Section 16.00 for Electronic Band Scanning Systems.)
8.08 Left Blank Intentionally.
8.09 Setting of Clocks
Each competing organization shall establish its own standards
for setting the clock DAY hand on time stamps.
8.10 No competitor (including Race Committee members) may
inspect or seal his or her own clock. Each competitor is
responsible for verifying the operations of his or her clock
prior to beginning competition.
8.11 For clocks that use paper tapes, the owner must either
write or have his or her name written on the clock tape along
with the race station and date of race.
8.12 A Race Committee member will be responsible for checking
each competitor's clock, ensuring that their name, race station,
date of race, and the "Time" and "Day"
settings of the clock for the "Kick Off" or “Start”
is correct. A Race Committee member will either initial or sign
each competitor's clock tape.
8.13 For Benzing computer clocks, after the start "Kick
Off", the clock will generate a specific race number
(randomly generated) for that race series. A Race Committee
member shall record the race number from the computer clock on
the competitor's entry form and shall verify the race number
again after the clock knock-off (Stop Time). If a different race
number is displayed, the computer clock is disqualified for that
event.
8.14 Each clock shall be sealed with a numbered seal by a
Race Committee member checking the clock. If numbered meter
seals are not used, a plain lead seal may be used in conjunction
with a seal press containing a distinguishable die known only to
that racing organization. All lead seals shall be pressed with a
seal press. The Race Committee person shall record seal numbers
or verify all distinguishable organization die imprints before
timer start and after timer knockoff.
8.15 The competitor is responsible for verifying the
proper placement and physical integrity of the seal on his or
her clock prior to removing the clock from the club, or shipping
point for clocking race returns. The competitor is
responsible for making sure a seal is present, the seal number
is properly threaded, (through all holes in the clock’s pin
and locking mechanism) and the lead seal proper has been crimped
tightly. The competitor should report and discrepancy
found to the Race Secretary or Race Committee before the timer
is removed from the shipping point.
8.16 No clock will be considered in proper working order if
the number one (1) porthole for clocking the first bird has not
moved to the ready position during the starting knockoff, and
the tape moved proportionately. If a competitor's clock has an
operational problem that will not permit the number one (1) hole
to come up, the organization Race Secretary shall be assured of
the clock's integrity before use of the clock is authorized. If
satisfied with the clock, the Race Secretary shall record the
cylinder hole position on the competitor's entry form and
release the clock.
8.17 All clocks will remain on the table until inspected and
released by a Race Committee member who shall record the
porthole number up for each competitor's clock.
8.18 If the competing organization requires that clocks be
"knocked" a second time BEFORE clocking birds, the
Race Committee shall perform the second knock at random times
insuring that the capsule cylinder moves in sync with the knock.
8.19 Left Blank Intentionally.
8.20 Opening of Clocks
When an organization requires a double bump of a clock at
closing, and the clock CANNOT be bumped the required number of
times due to the portholes being full, a Race Committee member
from the local organization shall open the clock, pull the tape
forward and take the closing bump, to obtain any clock
variations. Computer clocks shall not require double bumps at
closing.
8.21 After the closing knockoff (Stop-time) with the Master
Timer, the competing members may open the clocks. However, clock
owners may not open their own clocks. Competitor's clocks must
be opened and read by the organization (club, combine, etc.)
sponsoring the race. Example: A competitor may NOT take a clock
to another competing organization and receive a clock opening
and reading.
8.22 Prior to opening a clock, the clock seal number
(where used) will be verified against the recorded record, and
the seal checked to see that it has not been tampered with:
broken, replaced, or mis-threaded through the locking
mechanism. If a seal is not present, or the seal number
cannot be verified by the recorded record, or the seal has been
broken or altered against without the Race Secretary’s and/or
Race Committee’s knowledge, the clock and all race results
shall be disqualified. Any discrepancy found should be
reported to the Race Secretary or the Race Committee.
8.23 The clock shall be opened and the capsule cylinder, or
top of the timer (for computer clocks) will be removed.
Clocks with holes left empty inadvertently will not be
disqualified.
8.24 For clocks with tapes, the tape must be removed and
checked to see if it has been perforated at closing and opening
of the clock. There must be ONLY two perforations on the tape,
and all stamp times MUST be positioned between these
perforations. (Any other perforations between these stampings
indicate the clock has been opened during the race and is
thereby disqualified subject to section 8.26 below.)
8.25 For clocks with tapes, the tape must be advanced so that
when the clock is opened, the tape will be perforated after or
near the knockoff stamping. (See sections 8.49 through 8.52.)
8.26 If uncertain of the perforations on a particular clock,
the Race Secretary may perform a test with the clock tape. The
test must show that the beginning perforated hole(s) was made
prior to the starting knockoff and that the ending perforated
hole(s) was made after the closing knockoff (stop-time).
8.27 Reading of Tapes
Read the time-stamp and write "START TIME” for the
first imprint on the tape. This is the time the clock was
started with the Master Timer. The next time stamping will be
the first bird clocked, unless your organization requires a
second knock.
8.28 Next, write the ''BIRD CLOCKING TIMES" beside each
time-stamp. If the minute hand prints between two numbers on the
tape, read the SMALLER number. If the second hand prints between
two marks on the tape, read the LARGER number.
8.29 Finally, the "STOP TIME" must be recorded, and
marked FAST or SLOW. This is the time the clock was stopped with
the Master Timer. If the minute hand prints between two numbers
on the tape, read the SMALLER number. If the second hand prints
between two marks on the tape, read the SMALLER number.
The difference between this recorded STOP TIME and the Master
Timer is the amount of time the clock is FAST or SLOW, and is
commonly known as the VARIATION (i.e. slow 0 minutes, 44
seconds). The variation is then properly recorded on the
competitor's entry form.
8.30 For FAST clocks the variation (after being corrected)
will be subtracted from each bird's clocking time; for SLOW
clocks the corrected variation will be added to each bird's
clocking time. Clocks varying more than five (5) seconds per
hour will be penalized (see section 8.40).
8.31 Checking Countermarks
The countermarks must then be removed from the clock cylinder
porthole - one at a time. Each countermark number is read and
recorded on the clock tape, starting with the first bird's stamp
time. After each countermark is read, the countermark (and
capsule, if used) is placed back into the original cylinder
porthole or placed in clocking sequence order. This is required,
in the event an error has occurred with the clock reading and an
audit is necessary. If electronic band scanning systems
"chip rings" are used, the organization scanner shall
display and record each electronic countermark clocked.
8.32 The countermark numbers must then be checked against the
entry sheet countermark numbers, and also the band number of
each bird marked on the tape at each stamping. The entry sheet
is then marked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., to indicate the clocking
sequence.
8.33 The inside countermark number must be verified on at
least the first bird clocked by each competitor in each race.
With Electronic Band Scanning Systems (EBSS), on basketing, they
automatically write a security code to the electronic
countermark (chip ring), and authenticates that security code
when the eligible race entry returns. The electronic security
code written on basketing must match the authenticated security
code when the bird returns, or the systems will not recognize
that clocking as being valid.
8.34 For computer clocks, after the clocking sequence has
been recorded, the competitor reading the clock will scroll
through each clock stamp time and record that time against the
proper countermark or sequence number 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
8.35-8.39 Intentionally Left Blank.
8.40 Clock Malfunctions
A clock which varies more than five (5) seconds per hour of
running time will be penalized. Clocks fast more than five (5)
seconds per hour shall have each bird timing read and calculated
without any adjustment. Clocks slow more than five seconds per
running hour shall have the variation, without adjustment,
(entire amount slow) added to the clock's time of each bird's
arrival as a penalty, before calculating. A clock running in
excess of eight (8) minutes fast or slow in a 24-hour period
shall be disqualified. (7/2001)
8.41 If a competitor's manual clock malfunctions, the
competitor may time a countermark in another member's clock with
that member's permission. For malfunctions of Electronic
Band Scanning Systems, see Race Rule 16.15. (7/2001)
8.42 The official distance of the competitor whose clock had
the malfunction will be used, as will the time of clocking, with
no allowances for traveling time or distance.
8.43 Should a competitor, before clocking time, notice that
his or her clock has malfunctioned or may be disqualified for
any reason, he should then take advantage of section 8.41 or
contact a Race Committee member with a time Cube or official
club timing device for a clock inspection and reset, if time
permits.
8.44 If a clock inspection and reset is performed for a
malfunctioned clock, the Race Committee member shall report to
the Race Secretary the procedures that were followed.
8.45 If a clock stops after birds have been clocked, the
competitor with the faulty clock, in order to get a quicker
"Closing Knock-Off", may take his or her clock to a
Race Committee member, place a slip of paper in the next
porthole of both clocks noting the situation, and clock them the
same as a countermark. The competitor with the faulty clock may
also telephone a Race Committee member and ask them to perform
the same stamping process to minimize penalty time.
8.46 The competitor with the running clock shall become the
master timer for the faulty clock. The time stamped during this
procedure shall be considered the "Closing Knock-Off"
time for the faulty clock.
8.47 The arrival time of the birds clocked in the faulty
clock will be adjusted with the full amount of time that the
faulty clock is slow. Example: The time difference between the
"Closing Knock-Off" and the last bird clocked in the
faulty clock will be added to the clocking times of each bird
stamped on the tape.
Note: The purpose of this provision is to aid a
fancier whose clock has stopped after having timed one or more
birds in a race in which the returns are spread out and/or to
help the competitor stay in average speed. It would not be of
any competitive value where the returns are close together, and
is not intended to be so.
8.48 Clocks that have malfunctioned will not be opened and
read until the regular opening time for all competitors. The
clock shall be turned in to the Race Secretary or Race Committee
with its numbered seal intact. Any alteration of the clock seal
or other evidence of the clock being tampered with shall result
in the disqualification of the clock and all results.
8.49 If a competitor's clock tape tears, fails to wind
properly, fails to print, overprints, or does not allow arrival
times from being positively and accurately read, his results
shall NOT be considered in a race. See 8.51.
8.50 If a tape partially tears and the stampings are
readable, and the clock stampings are between the perforations,
then they will be read and accepted.
8.51 If a clock tape tears during (or after) the
"stop-time" knockoff, the Race Secretary may open the
sealed clock and inspect the tape for perforations. If the clock
tape bears any other perforations other than the opening
"Kick," then the tape and race results shall be
disqualified. If the clock tape has the opening "Kick"
perforation only, the Race Secretary may pull the tape forward
and take a closing "Knockoff". The closing
"Knockoff" shall perforate the tape and provide the
Race Secretary with a FAST or SLOW reading on the clock.
8.52 Every effort shall be made by the Race Secretary and/or
the Race Committee to include all time stamps if readable.
8.53 Any evidence of a clock having been tampered with shall
be sufficient cause for all awards and diplomas in that
particular race to be forfeited by the owner of the clock. The
AU Rules of Conduct, section 1.01, paragraph 11 shall be
reviewed for any appropriate action to be taken, as club
officers deem necessary.
8.54 No clock shall be used that has been modified from the
original manufacturer's specifications for clocking operations.
Note: To help determine if a clock has been modified, take one
in its original state, as shipped by the manufacturer and place
it next to the one being reviewed. Both clocks should be the
same operationally with nothing changed, bent, filed, enlarged,
or modified in any way.
8.55 (See also 9.07.) Regarding the use of two or more
manual clocks for timing returns, except as noted herein no
competitor may time birds in a second manual clock in any given
race until the first manual clock being used is full (the last
porthole may be left empty for a knockoff or stop time).
The second timer will not be used unless and until:
A. The first clock has malfunctioned; or,
B. In special races, where a majority vote of the
organization’s race c |