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Approved: October 2009
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Here General Table of
Contents
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; 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 AU
National Race Secretary to your Zone
Director, or to any other Board Officer for presentation to the
Competition Standards Committee for review. AU Sanctioned Races
2.
It is the responsibility of each organization to maintain
an up to date signed copy of its By-laws and Race Rules with the
AU Office in Oklahoma or as above default to the AU model.
The Race Secretary and President of each organization
shall be responsible to sign all required items. 3.
Only Official AU Diplomas may be used as awards in an AU
Sanctioned Race. (7/09) Note 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) Starting in 2009 Combines,
Concourses and Federations wishing authority over AU Race Rule
(4.03) and (5.0) must be an *AU Chartered Organization following
the requirements listed below. Contact the AU Office in
Oklahoma for an application..
The minimum requirements to qualify as an AU Chartered Organization
Any AU Chartered
Organization not meeting the minimum requirements shall lose
their AU Chartered Organization status.
Effective 2009 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 diplomas or 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.
(7/08) (To become effective with 2009 Old Birds.)
See AU Race Rule 4.04.
(7/09) 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] 1.08 Club/Combine
Section Awards (Diplomas). A Section is a geographical
area or boundary (approved by the parent organization) that
competes against each other within that organization. Diplomas may be awarded for
the winners of a Club section as well as a Combine Section. Each Club in the Section must
maintain the minimum number of five (5) competing lofts per
section to award a Section Award. Example: Each Combine must maintain at
least two (2) Clubs with 5 competing lofts in each Club to award
Combine Section Awards. (Effective 2010 Old Birds.) 2.01 In
accordance with the AU Constitution and By-laws, the AU Board of
Directors shall select and appoint a AU National Race Committee
and National Race Secretary. 2.02 The
duties of the AU Nation Race Secretary 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 AU National Race Secretary and Committee
shall be final and binding. If the AU National Race Secretary
and 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 AU
National Race Secretary and 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 AU National
Race Secretary and 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 National
Race Secretary and 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 National Race Secretary 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
National Race Secretary 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 National Race Committee and/or Board of
Directors. (10/2009) 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 counter-marked 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 determined by the
highest level of an *AU Chartered Organization.
B.
If more than one loft partnership (per location) is allowed by
the club or *AU Chartered Combine, the club or *AU
Chartered Organization 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 or *AU
Chartered Organization 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 or *AU Chartered Organization 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 or *AU Chartered Organization)
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;
* An AU Chartered
Organization is one that holds an AU Charter for the level of
that Organization. All AU clubs hold an AU Charter but
Combines, Concourses and Federations do not. Combines,
Concourses and Federations wishing to exercise authority over
club partnerships must apply for AU Chartered Organization
status. See AU Race Rule
(1.01) for the minimum requirements for Combines, Concourses and
Federations to qualify for an AU Chartered Organization status.
Effective 2009 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) For the
purpose of competing for AU local diploma awards, competing
lofts are not disqualified from continuing to pursue AU awards
such as Average Speed, Champion Loft, Champion Bird, etc., as
long as: 1.
The
club met the 5 member minimum loft competition requirement at
the start of the scheduled series of races. 2.
At
least 3 competing lofts finished the scheduled series of races.
Effective OB 2010 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) In the event
that less than three (3) competing members from three (3)
separate postal addresses show up for the race knock-off, a
designated race secretary and/or a race committee member that
did not compete in the race may be assigned as the third person
needed to knock-off the race, satisfying the minimum presents
rule. (7/09) Note:
The designated race secretary and/or committee member
must be the selected before the series of races start or before
each race is released. 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 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 Left Blank
Intentionally 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 or *AU
Chartered Combine may allow a partnership for just the YB
series of races. A club or *AU Chartered Combine
may require the partnership to remain together for both the YB
and OB series. Specifics of the partnership shall be up to
the club or *AU Chartered Combine. 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. 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 B. Unless deemed necessary by the
Race Secretary for the safety or welfare C. If agreed to by ľ 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 Intentionally
Left Blank. (10/09) 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
Intentionally Left Blank. (7/08) 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: 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 When using surveyor
measurements 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 authorized representative of the organization.
Measurements shall be taken off the electronic trapping device
(pad) in the case of electronic clocks and as close to the trap
as possible when using a stall trap. (Surveyor), Bowen and
GPS loft measurements shall not be mixed in a race.
(Effective OB 2009) 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 When using GPS
measurements, a two (2) member committee, neither of
whom will fly from the location in question, shall take
coordinates using only WAAS-enabled GPS units.
Measurements shall be taken off the electronic trapping device
(pad) in the case of electronic clocks and as close to the trap
as possible when using a stall trap. (Surveyor), Bowen and
GPS loft measurements shall not be mixed in a race. (7/08)
(To become effective with 2009 Old Birds.) 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 A member may fly alien
banded birds as young birds without paying a registration fee.
However, if a flyer opts to fly alien banded birds (IF, CU or
FMC) as old birds, they must be registered as follows. (Effective
OB 2009) 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) The handler must be an active AU member; Only those bands registered by the above
date, 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 each registered bird. 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) (7/08). (Effective OB 2009) 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 AU Organizations
may release both Young Birds and Old Birds together in one
release. At knock-off, the race results are then broken
out as a separate YB race and a separate OB race. All
other YB and OB races although released together such as B
races and special races must still be released 30 min. or 35
miles apart. Effective 2009 Special races such as club futurities may be released within an A or B race. A race within a race. 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: 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 No AU member shall
intentionally release trainers or any other race birds within 35
miles or 30 minutes of a scheduled race liberation.
(7/09) 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)
Using
baling wire, electrical wire or twist ties are not secure and
shall not be used. 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 Intentionally Left Blank.
(7/08) 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)
See
AU Race Rule (7.27) 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. 8.08
Basketing
and Knock-off Time Reference All Clocks shall have the time set by one of the
following as the reference time used to basket and knock-off a
race. 1.
GPS 2.
Atomic Clock Radio 3.
WWV Radio Electronic clocks should use GPS or Atomic Clock
Radio as the reference time usually supplied by the electronic
clock manufacture or equivalent.
This should be directly hooked up to the Club unit.
(7/09) 8.09 Setting of Clocks Each competing organization
shall establish its own standards for setting the clock DAY hand
on time stamps. SEE
AU Race Rule (8.08) 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, Note: The purpose of this rule is to reduce errors in data retrieval.
Therefore, if, in the course of clock operations, a competitor
fails to place (or clock) an official race countermark in a
porthole, the clock will not be disqualified. Also, Race Rule
9.07 would apply. 8.56 - Computer Clock Defects CLOCK DISPLAY MALFUNCTION - If
a digital clock display is not functioning (display out
completely or partially), the clock may be knocked-off in an
unopened condition. If at all possible, the data shall be
downloaded and be recorded manually by the Race Secretary or a
Race Committee member. This data shall be used for calculating
race results. Data may be printed out and evaluated only if the
data is complete and in the correct chronological order. The
Race Secretary shall perform verifications on any computer clock
malfunctions. 8.57 CLOCK DATA CANNOT BE
PRINTED - If the computer clock data cannot be printed but the
clock display shows the complete race data including Knockoff, a
report of the display shall be manually generated. The report
concerning the defect must be certified by a minimum of two Race
Committee members or two racing competitors. The report shall be
equivalent to a printout from the clock. A report generated by
the owner of the clock prior to system failure may be used to
generate a report. In such cases, all data must be compared with
the clock display and authentication certified.
“Clocks that fail to print and are manually read may not be
used again in a race until the clock is repaired.”
(7/04) 8.58 LOW BATTERY CONDITION -
If the clock displays a low battery condition, the clock may be
knocked-off immediately with another Race Committee member. As a
precaution, a display report (as described above) is to be
generated. 8.59 PRINTING PROBLEMS - If
the clock printout shows incomplete or random data, the clock
must be connected to another printer. If the reviewed printout
continues to show irregularities, a display report shall be
generated as described above. The report generated from the
clock display may be used when all reported data have been
generated correctly and in proper chronological order. If a
complete report cannot be generated or if the data cannot be
interpreted, the entries shall not be included in any race
results. 9.00 - Capsules and
Countermarks 9.01 Each countermark must be
in a regulation capsule except in the use of electronic band
scanning systems, or in those clocks specifically designated by
the manufacturer and/or AU Board of Directors to be used without
capsules. (See 9.02 below.) 9.02 AU-approved clocks
manufactured for use without capsules may be used without
capsules at all levels of competition. An AU-affiliated
organization may not require the use of capsules in approved
capsule-less clocks or with electronic band scanning systems. 9.03 Left Blank Intentionally. 9.04 Telescoping capsules can
be placed in the hole with either end up. Open-end capsules,
which are not recommended because the countermark can fall out
during clocking, must be placed in the hole with the open end
down. Hinged-type capsules can be used with either end up.
[1/2k] 9.05 A competitor may place
multiple countermarks in a clock porthole. When the clock is
opened the competitor shall designate the first bird order of
clocking for the multiple countermarks in that porthole, thereby
assigning different race positions to birds with the same race
speed. Also see rule 9.08. [1/2k] 9.06 In the event an exterior
countermark number is not readable or ascertainable, the second
(inside) countermark number shall be verified with the inside
number on the countermark slip assigned to the competitor. 9.07 In the case of a
"stray" or "foreign" countermark (an odd one
not assigned to one of the scheduled day's race entries) being
placed in a clock porthole-the odd countermark will be ignored
and the time stamping corresponding to that hole will be crossed
off on the tape and not read for a race position if there is
also an official race countermark for the current race in that
hole, the current countermark for that race will be valid for
record/s, award/s and/or prizes and the corresponding time
recorded on the tape. [1/2k] 9.08 Countermarks (without
capsules) that are not completely placed and not completely
enclosed within the clock porthole shall be disqualified and no
time allowed for the entry. 9.09 Approved Clocks - The
absolute integrity of our races, and as an extension, the value
and validity of our awards, depends directly on the security and
tamperproof construction of our timers. Therefore, the first and
foremost factors in evaluating a pigeon timer is to; 1) ensure
its security against potential tampering of/with the drum and
countermark portholes; and, 2) to assure the accuracy of the
mechanism that prints the birds’ arrival times. In either
case, if the Competition Standards Committee can determine that
reasonable security devices can be defeated, the timing
mechanism can be tampered with or manipulated, or that the
recording devices (print heads and ribbons) are not accurately
printing the hour/minutes and seconds when the bird arrived
home, then the timer is not allowed. 9.09 (a) Approved Clocks and
Capsule Requirements Benzing Comatic- All models
approved for use with or without capsules. (Note: In year 2000
Yearbook, the Comatic was incorrectly cited as requiring
capsules. Indeed the Comatic was designed by the manufacturer to
operate as a capsule-less model, and has been approved by the
Competition Standards Committee for capsule-less use in AU
Organizations.). S.T.B. - To qualify as a
capsule-less model, this clock must have a "continental
cover." This is a solid, heavy cover, with only one
porthole exposed, and no other porthole can be seen. This clock
may also be used as a capsule model. BENZING (Wooden case 1, 2, 2A)
- All models require capsules, unless the portholes are covered
with a spring-loaded, "flip-up" door and a heavy plate
on top of the drum. BENZING PALOMA - All models
may be used with or without capsules. BENZING QUARTZ (Plastic case
126, 261, 301) - These models must have an optional,
spring-loaded, flip-top drum ("speed barrel") to be
used as capsule-less timers. BENZING COMPUTER CLOCK - All
models can be used with or without capsules. BENZING JUNIOR (T-3 Model)
There are two Junior T3 Models, one with spring-loaded, flip-top
drums and one without. Only those Quartz computer T3 models with
spring-loaded, flip-tops may be used with or without capsules.
(2/1999) HEIRMAN - All models may be
used with or without capsules. LA LEDOISE - The drum must
have flip-flop or slide-top covers to be used without capsules. PLASACHAERT - All models
require capsules. JUNDES - All models require
capsules. 10.00 - Conveying and
Liberating 10.01 The birds must be
released at the release point used to calculate the airline
survey distance. No
AU member shall intentionally release trainers or any other race
birds within 35 miles or 30 minutes of a scheduled race
liberation
See
AU Race Rule (7.23) and AU Race Rule (7.10) 10.03 Only the Race Secretary
or an authorized representative may communicate with the
liberator-conveyor during their duties with the race birds. 10.04 Should one or more birds
escape in transit, or at the liberation point before the
official race release, an inventory shall be performed to
account for the missing bird(s). Those birds identified as
missing shall be disqualified. All baskets should be
numbered. The Race Secretary and Liberator shall have a complete inventory of all birds
shipped and released.
(10/09) If an inventory of the
remaining birds in the crate(s) from which the birds escaped is
impractical, and if there is NO other independent method to
determine which birds were in the affected crate(s), such as by
a crate designation on the organization race entry form, the
entire race shall be declared as NO CONTEST. 10.05 The Race Secretary shall
have the liberator/conveyor look throughout each crate to be
assured that each bird has left the shipping crate before
closing the door. 10.06 Multiple races per
day from a single release site must be liberated separately (by
at least 30 minutes). If multiple releases on the same day
are released by less than 30 minutes of separation, they must be
separated in distance by no less than 35 airline miles. No
trainers (or non-race birds of any kind) may be released with
race birds. Trainers must be liberated 30 minutes after
the final race release or 30 minutes time separation window or
at least 35 miles in distance separation. (11/06)
Also
see AU Race Rule (7.10) 10.07 For those Competitors
competing for average speed awards, the results of a “No
Contest” race shall not affect any average speed calculations. A. A crate of race birds which are
properly countermarked and entered into a race series are NOT
released with the other birds of that race; or, In either event, the race may
be rescheduled under the local organization rules for changing
schedules. 11.00 - Tossing of Race
Birds 11.01 A majority vote of the
Race Committee members acting as a committee has the authority
to require any race bird to be tossed by its owner. The toss
must be performed in the presence of at least one (1) Race
Committee member. 11.02 Within twelve hours of
the official clock opening, a competitor may request in writing
to the Race Committee that any particular bird clocked from a
race be tossed. 11.03 If requested, within
three days of clock opening, the race bird shall be tossed at
the loft in full daylight ONLY. No other birds may be outside
the loft when a race bird is tossed. 11.04 A tossed bird must
return to the race entrant's loft and enter within two hours and
be verified by the Race Committee member, or it will be
disqualified. If the Race Committee member has doubt about the
fairness of the toss, he may perform another toss. 12.00 - Competition
Division Rules 12.01 Divisions A. Open- this division is open to any
competitor who has at least two (2) years experience racing
pigeons in organized competition. It also is the assigned
division for any competitor who is a professional, family of a
professional, or employed by a professional, or who: *Clubs are encouraged to have
and actively support a program for junior flyers. If such a
program is not available, however, junior members will be
allowed to compete in the Sportsman Division. A separate race
report may be generated for the Junior Open Division if the club
so chooses. (Note: Disputed division assignments are subject to
Race Rule 12.08.) 12.02 Division
Assignments/Selection. Competitors should declare their
Competition Divisions at the first meeting of the year so it can
be recorded on the roster in the AU Club Secretary kit and
returned to the National Office. The Division assignment will
remain in effect for the calendar year, not merely a race
series. If a competitor fails to declare a Competition Division
then the Club's Race Committee, will, by majority, assign that
flyer to the appropriate division per the criteria in 12.01 (A),
Open Competition Division and 12.01 (B), Sportsman Competition
Division above. (7/04) 12.03 Concourses, Combines,
Federations, and Associations are also encouraged to implement
Competition Divisions. 12.05 A Race Report will be
issued for each division conforming to the race report
guidelines set forth in AU Race Rule 7.04. In addition, each
Race Report must be correctly identified as either Open or
Sportsman. Winspeed© software is currently being adapted to
support AU Clubs who choose to participate in Division
Competition. 13.00 - Time Out for
Darkness (Dead Time) 13.01 Closing of races of each
day shall be one-half hour after the official local sunset. The
starting time each morning shall be one-half hour before the
official local sunrise. The period between the sunset and
sunrise times is defined as "dead time." Organizations
that are geographically spread out may use sunrise and sunset
times at a central point for determining dead time. (7/03). A
bird that is clocked before midnight during dead time shall be
awarded 1st day status. A bird that is clocked after midnight
during dead time shall be awarded 2nd day status. Note: The AU WinSpeed© race calculation program automatically calculates
the beginning and the end of "dead time" once local
sunset and sunrise times have been entered. (2/1999) 13.02 An organization may
request an exemption from the "Time Out for Darkness"
(Dead Time) rule stated in Section 13.01. The exemption request
must be in writing to the Competition Standards Committee
Chairperson. The written request must contain an explanation for
such an exception. An example could be, but is not limited to, a
request for a modified dead time in geographic areas where
extended twilight hours occur. The Competition Standards
Committee by majority vote may grant an exemption for altering
an organization's "Time Out for Darkness" rule. 14.00 - Closing of Races 14.01 A race is officially
closed at a time and day agreed upon by the organization
membership when the race schedule is set, if not otherwise set
in the organizational constitution and bylaws, or race rules. The Race Secretary shall
assure 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. (7/08) (Rule to become effective with 2009 Old Birds.) 14.02 If a competitor desires
a security or safety clock knock-off prior to the closing of a
race, the organization Race Secretary or Race Committee members
shall allow that competitor to perform the knock-off. The
knock-off procedure may be in person or via telephone, depending
upon local organization requirements. 14.03 The length of a
race shall be: one day race, up to 48 hours. A two day
race, up to 72 hours if the provisions of 14.01 are not defined
by the organization. (7/06) 15.00 - Race Velocity
Computations (7/04) 15.01 When clocks are
knocked-off (stop-time) and opened for computing the race
results, any variation from the master timer shall be adjusted
in proportion to the time elapsed between the starting of the
clock, the timing of the bird, and opening (Stop-Time) of the
clock. 15.02 Whenever possible, the
speed of an individual bird will be computed with a calculator
or computer, and is to be reported in yards per minute (YPM). 15.03 Removed 11/04, covered
in 15.02 (11/04) 15.04 - FIGURING RACE SPEEDS
Correction of Clocking Time. This section provides the formula
for correcting clock times and for calculating the yards per
minute (YPM) of race birds if you are not using the computer
software approved by the AU. Correction of clocking time.
First determine the clock variation (as to how fast or slow) by
the last stamp on the tape, i.e., the STOP TIME. (For example, a
clock was 44 seconds slow if the last stamp printed 7:29:16, and
STOP TIME was 7:30 P.M. or 19:30 hours. 15.05 The formula for
correcting the clocking time is a simple math problem based on
the following decimal figure: Take the time the clock ran
(elapsed seconds) until EACH bird was clocked from START TIME to
CLOCKING TIME. 15.06 Then take the TOTAL time
the clock ran from START time to STOP time (elapsed seconds).
Example: Clock start time at 8:00 P.M., Clock Stop time at
7:30:00 P.M. the following day. The total elapsed time is 84,600
seconds. 15.07 Divide the TOTAL time
the clock ran (number from 15.06) into the time that the first
bird was clocked. This will result in a decimal figure. The
decimal figure is then multiplied by the clock variation.
Example From Chart Below: 69,734 seconds of time occurred when
the first bird was clocked, divided by 84,600 seconds the total
time the clock ran, resulting in a decimal figure of
0.824113475. Multiply the decimal by the amount the clock was
slow or fast. The clock variation in this instance is 44 seconds
slow. 44 seconds times 0.824113475 equals 36.261 seconds
variation to the first bird clocked. Each succeeding bird
clocked would have a slightly different variation based on the
elapsed time. The formula is: Clock run time until each bird was
clocked in seconds, divided by the total time the clock ran in
seconds, then multiplied by the clock variation. 15.08
Left
Blank Intentionally 15.09 - Time of Flight
(Elapsed Time) The next step in the process of speed calculation
is to determine the time of flight (elapsed time in seconds).
This figure is found by subtracting the corrected clock time(s)
from the time of liberation. 15.10 - Determining the
Mileage or Airline Survey Distance. The next step in speed
calculation is to divide the distance (in 1/60 yards) by the
time in seconds (1/60 minutes); the speed derived will be a
figure in yards per minute. Note: distance in miles is easily
converted to the 1/60 yards figure by multiplying the miles
number by 105,600 (1760 yard/mile x 60 = 105,600). 15.11 Find the total distance
in miles, or the distance in 1/60 yards, of each bird's race. If
the miles figures are used, multiply the total by 105,600.
Example: 313.008 survey miles x 105,600 = 33053644. 15.12 Figure the total time of
each bird by calculating the time of flight (elapsed time), in
seconds. 15.13 Calculation
Summary and Calculation Assistance. Divide the total
distance in 1/60 yards by the total seconds; the result is the
average speed in yards per minute. Example: 33053644 yards
divided by 25670.26 seconds of flight time equals 1287.624 Yards
Per Minute. Perform this calculation for each bird clocked.
(Please see the calculation chart below.) A. Figure the corrected clocking time
for each bird. Calculation Assistance Those Race Secretaries
computing speeds by manual means, should consider acquiring a
used computer. The AU-approved computer race program may be
obtained for a nominal fee. The race program was tailored to AU
specifications and will easily figure the race results. The
printout contains band numbers, bird color, sex, arrival time,
speeds in yard per minute (YPM), total lofts entered, and points
earned. Combines can use the program to merge results from
member clubs, which may be transmitted to the Combine Race
Secretary by telephone, using a modem. The race software will
print diplomas, figure average speeds, and keep track of points
won by both birds and lofts. If a club cannot use a computer
owned by one of its members, the cost of a basic computer and
printer is minimal, and often an easily justified expense to
save time and labor. FOR OBTAINING AU PROGRAMS and SERVICES CALL
405-848-5801. 16.00 - Electronic Band
Scanning Systems (EBSS) Note: The use of certain
Electronic Band Scanning Systems (EBSS) has been approved by the
AU Board of Directors. The AU Board reserves the right to
withdraw the approval of any Electronic Band Scanning
system at any time. In the event the AU National Race Committee
determines that a system or system design does not provide
adequate security or presents a potential security question, the
AU National Race Committee may disapprove the use of that
system. The disapproval of any system will be effective upon
receipt of notice from the AU National Race Committee and the
disapproval will be published in the UPDATE and/or other
periodicals as soon as reasonably possible. The AU National Race
Committee shall apprise the Board of Directors at the next
scheduled meeting of the system problems encountered and shall
recommend appropriate action. Organizations are free to buy any
EBSS they choose. Individual members within the organization are
responsible for ensuring system hardware and/or software
compatibility of the system they purchase with other system/s in
use within the organization. Neither the AU nor the local
organization shall be responsible for any system
incompatibilities. 16.01 If any
Race Secretary or race official determines that a lack of
security exists with any individual unit, he may notify the AU
National Race Committee and seek an immediate statement as to
the validity of continued system use. The Race Secretary or race
official must provide a written statement of the reasons for
concern to the system owner and to the AU National Race
Committee. 16.02 An
AU-affiliated organization may not refuse to allow the use of an
AU- approved electronic band scanning system. A club,
however, may restrict the number of brands of electronic
clocking systems are used in the club. Example:
A club has 100% one brand of clock existing in use. The
club may require a new member to use the same brand or use a
counter-mark clock at the member’s option. Clubs may vote to standardize
on one brand of clock where there are already multiple brands of
electronic clocks. (7/07) 16.03 A user of an Electronic
Band Scanning System (EBSS) shall be permitted to use the
clocking system throughout his entire organization at each level
of competition for AU-affiliated Clubs, Combines, Federations,
etc. 16.04 An AU-affiliated
organization may not make the use of an Electronic Band Scanning
System mandatory. 16.05 Users of Electronic Band
Scanning Systems shall be required to: 16.06 The antenna may be
installed at the bird loft entrance where the birds will
normally enter the loft. If placed on the outside
entrance, the longest dimension of the antenna shall be touching
the outer wall of the loft entry. 16.07 All EBSS operating and
reading units shall be reported to the organization Race
Secretary for each individual member. 16.08 No antenna or electronic
band scanning system may be employed or placed at the loft of
another competitor without prior notice to and approval by the
organization Race Secretary. 16.09 System control modules
or system keys and administrative software used in EBS Systems
shall be purchased or procured by the system owner. (See 16.10.) 16.10 The Race Secretary of
each competing organization shall secure all individual system
control modules or system keys during competitive events. The
use and operation of these security controls shall only be
permitted by the individuals specifically authorized by the Race
Committee or the organization during competitive events. 16.11 An organization may
require that its Race Secretary or members of the Race Committee
affix or attach electronic bands to a pigeon, or inspect the
bands, in order to ensure the band's locking mechanism is
securely engaged. This process may be performed at the first
shipping, or earlier, as required by the organization. The
organization may allow a competitor to affix or attach
electronic bands to a pigeon subject to verification by the Race
Secretary or a Race Committee member that the bands locking
mechanism is securely engaged. 16.12 After all electronic
bands have been securely placed on each bird, prior to a race
season in which the birds may be entered in one or more races,
the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member shall scan or read
a competitor's bird band numbers and print out an assignment
report of all his birds' electronic band numbers. The report
shall be signed by the Race Secretary. The organization shall
retain a copy of the report in its records and another copy
shall be delivered to the competitor as his verification of the
eligibility of each bird. 16.13 Electronic banded
pigeons may not be handled by the competitor or representatives
of the competitor during the race entry logging or shipping
process. During the logging process, all band data must be
reviewed to ensure band data accuracy by the Race Secretary or a
Race Committee member. 16.14 After all race birds
have been entered in EBSS system administrative software, the
Race Secretary shall print a list of all the competitor's
entrants for each race. The printout should be signed by the
Race Secretary or designated person and the competitor. The
printout serves as a race entry list. An additional copy shall
be delivered to the competitor. In the case where an electronic
clock race sheet shows a tie, the first bird listed will receive
the highest ranking of the tied birds, and so forth, down the
list. [2-28-99] 16.15 Left Blank
Intentionally. 16.16 When closing the race,
the Race Secretary or his designee shall print out all data
prior to transferring data from the EBSS system to the computer.
The printout will serve as a back-up document for later
reference, if necessary. All data files should be stored on a
back-up diskette, in the event data reconstruction becomes
necessary. 16.17 Should an EBSS system
display (after a race entry or race) show the complete data set,
but NOT be able to generate a print out, the organization Race
Secretary or Race Committee member shall view the display data
and report it manually. The report shall be used for calculating
race results. 16.18 The following Electronic
Band Scanning Systems have been reviewed and approved for use by
AU-affiliated organizations beginning January 1, 2000. Note:
Several new low-cost models were approved for use at the 1999
Convention Board meetings. These new models are essentially new
configurations the software and hardware are just new designs
there is no change to the basic manner the birds are timed, the
security of the devices nor the technical issues with these new
timers/scanners. Each competitor using EBSS Technology is
responsible for any software, or hardware upgrades which may be
required for the system(s) to remain in approved status with
respect to developing AU Competition Standards. A. UNIKON Deister Electronic
GmbH N Unikon and Unikon Light (eff January 2000) D. Benzing Technische Uhren
GmbH N Atis and, Atis Express, M1, Express G-2 E. Victory N Basch Electronics All clocks receiving AU
approval prior to 2008. 16.19 Any electronic clock
that fails to clock a bird, the following procedure may be used. 16.20 Electronic Clocks
shall not be used in training mode or any unsecured mode in an
AU race. (10/05) 16.21 Each loft location must
have an assigned clock attached to the antenna to clock
returning birds to the loft from a race. Continuous
electronic clocking devices shall not be used as a substitute
clock. (7/07) 17.00 - Local
Organizational Race Rule Adoption and Amendments 17.01 Local organizations may
add or adopt additional race rules provided they do not conflict
with or contravene the Official AU Race Rules. See section 2.05. 17.02 A local organization may
modify or change its race rules only after first giving
reasonable notice to all its members of the proposed change(s)
and opportunity for the entire membership to vote on any such
change(s). 17.03 Organizational rule
additions or changes shall become effective immediately after
adoption by the membership, but will not be retroactive and will
not apply to a race series in progress. 18.00 - Statement of Rules
Compliance In the event the AU receives a
complaint that an organization is not abiding by AU rules as
agreed, the following format may be used to respond (USE ONLY IF
REQUESTED BY THE AU COMPETITION STANDARDS COMMITTEE TO
DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOREGOING RULES). THE FOREGOING RACE RULES were
adopted by the (name of organization) ________________ and we
hereby certify that said organization competes in full
compliance with the above AU race rules. Signed this__________
day of ________________________, 200___. (Club officers MUST EACH SIGN
BELOW) Club Officers' Signatures: President: (Print name:) Vice President: (Print name:) Race Secretary: (Print name:) |
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