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Raft Race Rules and Disclaimer Form

 

RAFT / PADDLEBOARD RULES
Additional PADDLEBOARD RULES apply in red

Please:

  • Read the following rules.
  • Print & sign the Disclaimer Form below and bring on the day.

RULES

RISK TO INJURY AREAS
Paddleboarders MUST be on your knees, bum or stomach
in these risk areas

Start until under the bridge - shallow water (need to carry paddleboard)
Clifton Reynes metal bridge – low height clearance
Finish – concrete swimming steps

  1. All entrants compete at their own risk. The Olney Group (TOG) will NOT be held liable for any injury or loss howsoever caused. You are informed that, in common with many other inland waterways, the river contains pollutants such as phosphates, nitrates, algae toxins, Weil's Disease, and possible agricultural and sewage discharge containing E-coli and Intestinal enterococci (IE).
  2. Paddleboarders can complete the course either by sitting, kneeling, or standing or you can mix it up.
  3. Competitors must note that the wearing of lifejackets/buoyancy aids is a condition of entry. We strongly recommend the buoyancy aids that are already inflated (e.g. jacket/pullover). While less bulky ones are available, for example worn around the waist in a bag, you then have to pull them out, place them over your head and inflate. Buoyancy aids which are not already inflated are worn very much at your own risk.' Competitors not wearing suitable lifejackets/buoyancy aids will NOT be allowed in the race. Lifejackets/buoyancy aids must NOT be removed during the race unless for safety reasons. TOG is unable to provide lifejackets or buoyancy aids for use by competitors.
  4. Paddleboard Helmets – we recommend wearing one, but it is not essential for taking part.
  5. Paddleboard Leashes – are not required for this race. We strongly recommend you do NOT use them as there is a risk of entanglement.
  6. Paddleboard Fins – This course has a lot of reeds. Paddleboard fins must be worn. We recommend using river fins, but touring or other ones will be accepted.
  7. Raft race competitors MUST be 14 years old or over. Paddleboard competitors must be 18 years or over. All competitors must be able to swim in open water.
  8. If any competitor is in doubt about their fitness to take part in the event they are advised to seek medical advice.
  9. For the safety of all competitors, anyone deemed by the organisers to have consumed excess alcohol before the race will NOT be allowed to take part.
  10. No interference with other competitors/teams is allowed. Slower competitors must give way to faster paddleboarders or rafts trying to pass.
  11. The maximum number of persons on a raft is 8 (eight), the minimum is 3 (three).
    The maximum number of persons on a paddleboard is 1 (one).
  12. All rafts must be constructed of waste materials - planking, barrels, tyre inner tubes etc. Fragmentable materials, e.g. polystyrene blocks, will NOT be permitted.
  13. Toxic containers must NOT be used. Any container that has been used for the storage of toxic or harmful substances will NOT be allowed on the river.
  14. No rafts may be based on a canoe or boat hull, or have a single, 'smooth line' design and must be built with the spirit of the event in mind.
  15. The dimensions of the raft must NOT exceed a total length of 5 metres, and a total width of 2 metres.
  16. All raft paddles are to be 'home-made' and must NOT be 'commercially' produced blades.
  17. Paddleboards must be fit for purpose and can use commercially produced oars.
  18. All raft team members and paddleboarders must report to the Judges/Scrutineers at 11.15am to be scrutinised and be provided with their race numbers.
  19. All members of the team must be present at their raft at this time. Depending on the severity, any rafts/teams found not to be in compliance with the rules, or the 'spirit' of the event may be: -
    a. Asked to make immediate minor modifications as defined by the scrutineer.
    b. Allowed to enter the race but be ineligible for an official placing or trophy.
    c. Disqualified, and thus barred from entry.
  20. Any paddleboard or raft deemed by the scrutineers to be incapable of finishing the race, or which is likely to pose a danger to its or other participants, will NOT be allowed to take part.
  21. The scrutineers' decision on the suitability or otherwise of a paddleboard or raft is final. No debate will be entered into.
  22. Raft race - There are four classes of entrants: Men, Women, Mixed and Junior (14-17). A separate prize will be awarded to the most entertaining raft as decided by the judges.
    Paddleboard race - There are two Paddleboard classes of entrants: Men’s & Women.
  23. Only ONE nominated vehicle per entrant, displaying an entry permit, may enter Emberton Park free of charge in order to deliver the raft or paddleboard to the start. Likewise, one vehicle may enter Olney Recreation Ground to collect the raft or paddleboard.
  24. No debris whatsoever is to be left in the river, or on the riverbanks. This includes the start at Emberton Park.
  25. All rafts and paddleboards must be cleared from the finish line at the Recreation Ground by 7.00 pm on the day of the race at the latest.
  26. The starting sequence will be decided by a draw and timing will be decided by the Judges/Scrutineers. Their decision is final, and not subject to any appeal. You will be required for the draw at 11.45am.
  27. All raft teams and paddleboarders will be given their start number on arrival.
    Teams must attach this securely and visibly facing forward on the front of their rafts. Paddleboarders must attach this securely and visibly facing forward on the front of themselves or their paddleboard.
  28. A raft team finishes the race when their raft first touches the concrete steps at the finish. A paddleboarder finishes the race when their paddleboard or hand first touches the concrete steps at the finish. Paddleboarders MUST be on your knees, bum or stomach before they touch the concrete steps.
  29. Sometimes it may not be safe for us to start or continue the race, for example due to weather conditions, river conditions or other factors which could affect safety. In these circumstances, it may be necessary for TOG to cancel this event. The decision to cancel an event on safety grounds will be at the sole discretion of TOG. If TOG decide to cancel an event for safety reasons TOG will contact you at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss providing a credit for the following year or providing you with a refund.
DISCLAIMER FORM