SODS General Info and Rules

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Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series Racing 800 feet of thrill and excitement!!!

Table of Contents Welcome to Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series Terms and Definitions Over all safety and conduct standards General Standards Membership Standards Participant specific Standards Race Site Safety Standards Race Rules Class Specific Rules Sample Track Layout Flags – Types and Meaning Payment Terms Penalty and Fines Table

The information contained in this publication is the property of Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series (S.O.D.S) any reproduction, use, republication without written consent is strictly forbidden if you have questions or comments feel free to contact us at [email protected]

LD/ld. 3-2013

Welcome to Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series A group dedicated to the love of dragboat racing over the course of 800 feet. We are dedicated to continual improvement of the sport, and the development of a family friendly atmosphere. If at any time during this or any of our events, you have questions or concerns. Please by all means stop one of our friendly staff members, we are here to assist you, and ensure that everyone; racers, owners, crews, spectators and staff are comfortable, and enjoy the day. It is also our job to help keep you safe. We ask that all in attendance obey the direction of the S.O.D.S. staff. In an effort to maintain consistency in what we do and to keep all racers, pit members and spectators safe at all times the information in this guide is being presented. While the veteran racer may find information contained in this booklet to be “common knowledge” the Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series Association is founded and grounded in the desire to bring more participants, larger crowds, and an overall better understanding of the sport to all involved. We invite spectators to the pit area to see the wonderful boats up close and meet the drivers. It is a great way to get to know the types of crafts as well as get some great photos. While we do not charge for this we require you stop at the area security station to sign an insurance waiver and obtain a coded wristband to enter.

Thank you for attending this event. Jay Jackson, President

Definitions Site – Venue at which a race event takes place Driver/Racer – The person which acts as the pilot of the craft Crew – any person who functions in any capacity except piloting with the preparation and/or operation of the craft. Technical Inspector – A person designated by Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series to inspect and qualify that each boat meets the minimum standards for operation in the race event. Starter – The person(s) on the starting barge with the primary function of clearing the boats for the start of the race. This is a race official designated by Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series. Class – Groupings of boats based on similarity of weight, motor size, engine type, and/or craft type. Registration - Accounting of the race field by driver, boat and class Technical Inspection - In order to compete fairly and safely; all boats will be required to go through a technical inspection. Where aspects of the motor, the craft and safety components are inspected for operational and use purposes. Foul – Fouls are penalties for a variety of conditions, situations and the like that can/will result in disqualification. Ramp Call – Announcement made to have class specific boats begin to enter the water way. Ramp Official – S.O.D.S. Official(s) whom is assigned the duty of controlling traffic flow, boat entry and exit as well as pedestrian traffic on the ramp. Race Control- The area where the judges and shore officials are located. Reviews of all heats with timing, or “too close to call” will be reviewed by race control. Race control has final determination in any and all reviewable starts, heats, fouls, and the like. Double Elimination- A craft must lose TWO heats before being eliminated from the class race. This is done to allow better opportunity for each team to be competitive. Violations – Violations of the rules of safety or conduct can result in a penalty fine to the racer and/or team. In the event this happens. The team has until ramp call to pay the violation fine and/or discuss the situation with the President of Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series. NOTE: No other board member or staff member or designee can discuss the situation with you. It MUST be done with the President. His/her decision is final.

GENERAL STANDARDS All Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series Board Members, Officials, Designees, Volunteers, and Associates will be at the race site no later than 7:00 am on race day. Duty assignments will be handed out at 7:15am. All will be required to wear a designated color (designated by the Safety Officer on site) as well as sign the liability and photography waivers (photography waiver is part of event registration for drivers). Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series racing is strictly for outboard motors only. In order to assist S.O.D.S with the overall enjoyment of the event, we ask that you and all of the members of your party conduct yourselves in a manner to promote and foster a family friendly atmosphere. Use of derogatory, inflammatory, vulgar or rude comments is not welcome and could result in your being asked to leave. No person(s) will be allowed to congregate around the judges viewing area, and must abide by any and all designated barrier cones, tapes, markings and the like. Ramps – No spectators will be allowed on the ramp while they are actively loading or unloading boats. Please watch the S.O.D.S. official for clearance to cross or be in the general area of the ramp. This is a safety protocol which is strictly enforced. If asked to leave the area or move to another area all staff members, volunteers, designees, racers/drivers, pit crew members and spectators are required to do so. Timing: All times are approximate. Actual times will be announced on race days Race Registration: 8:00am to 9:45am Late Registrations: 9:45am to 10:00am (a late fee of $10.00 will be assessed to any and all late arrivals) Registration will close at 10:00am Drivers Meeting: 10:30 am Opening Ceremonies: 11:00 am Start of first class: 11:30 am All members of the team (driver, pit crew, support personnel) MUST sign liability waiver (at registration tent and receive a coded wrist band.

MEMBER STANDARDS All Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series members are required to pay annual dues of $50.00. This fee must be paid prior to being allowed to race in any event All Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series members must pay association fees of $75.00 annually for associated membership with American Outboard Federation (AOF). These fees can be broken up into 3 payments of $25.00 each, but must be paid in full prior to any participation in a third event. OVERALL SAFETY AND CONDUCT STANDARD Racers/Drivers and/or owners are responsible for the conduct of all members of the crew. You are expected to conduct yourself/ and control the conduct of your crew. You will act in a professional manner at all times during race day. All drivers and crew members will be required to sign the PIT AREA WAIVER and obtain a specific color wrist band. Wrist band MUST be worn at all times. There are no drugs allowed. Violations of this policy will result in disqualification and possible dismissal from the Southern outlaw Dragboat Series association. Also you will be subject to all laws, rules and regulations which govern the site of the race including but not limited to local, state and federal law enforcement. Use of alcohol by Drivers or Crew Members is strictly forbidden before, and/or during competition. This includes any post-race inspections. Violations of this policy will result in disqualification and possible dismissal from the Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series association. Also you will be subject to all laws, rules and regulations which govern the site of the race including but not limited to local, state and federal law enforcement. No glass containers of any type are allowed in the pit area, on the ramps and are subject to the rules governing the race venue to include spectator areas as required by hosting site. PARTICAPANT STANDARDS All racers must pay a fee of $100.00 per class to race. Multiple class registrations require that the driver/owner to pay for each class. Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series will make an effort to accommodate those racing in multiple classes through scheduling ramp calls and heats accordingly. While we will work diligently to allow for this accommodation, you need to be aware that it may not always be possible. In the event you are scheduled for consecutive classes and you require time to make the required changes, or to allow for re-inspection you MUST notify the staff at the DRIVERS MEETING.

PURSE MONIES: Purse monies will be equal to approximately 80% payback contingent on race venue requirement Purse monies will be paid for each class as follows: Class containing 9 boats and under: First Place 70% Second Place 30% Class containing 10 boats and over: First Place 65% Second Place 25% Third Place 10% All drivers MUST attend the Drives Meeting in order to compete. Entry number (heat) will be assigned at the drivers meeting. In the event you forget your assigned number please see Race Control no less than 10 minutes prior to scheduled ramp call. Timing: All times are approximate. Actual times will be announced on race days Race Registration: 8:00am to 9:45am Late Registrations: 9:45am to 10:00am (a late fee of $10.00 will be assessed to any and all late arrivals) Registration will close at 10:00am Drivers Meeting: 10:30 am Opening Ceremonies: 11:00 am Start of first class: 11:30 am Registration: All drivers MUST complete registration forms and pay appropriate fees. Registration area will be clearly identified. Failure to register by the appointed time will result in a late registration fee. Failure to register BEFORE the end of LATE REGISTRATION will result in your not being able to participate in the event. Disputes to this rule can only be overturned by the President of S.O.D.S. In the process of registration all racers/drivers will be asked if they are interested in “Carrying the Colors” during opening ceremonies. If you are please fill out a card indicating their name and home city and state and place it in the box at the registration table. One or two drivers will be selected at the drivers meeting at random from those that have indicated they would like to. 15 minutes prior to the

start of the opening ceremonies, the person(s) selected will need to proceed to the ramp (watch ramp attendant for instruction) and obtain the flag(s). If One person is selected proceed to the starting area and await signal to start down the course. Ensure that that you have a tight grip on the flag pole. If two are selected one is to go to the start area and one to the finish area and await signal to proceed. Upon completion return to the ramp to be pulled from the area by your crew, return the flag to the ramp attendant. Drivers Meeting – ALL drivers must attend drivers meeting. Roll call will be taken. Racers will be addressed by S.O.D.S. officials including the starter. Any additional site requirements will be reviewed at that time. Also the “draw” for positions will take place. The draw for each class will consist of numbers based on the number of participants. This is a random draw. Your number will be recorded and you MUST remember you draw position number, as it will be used to indicate approach to the race track from the staging area. Personal Flotation Device (Life jackets): All life jackets must be RACE CERTIFIED and meet the minimum safety requirements. All life jackets MUST be designed for competitive boat racing and must be of the Security or Lifeline type. One piece lifejackets and cut suit combinations are permitted. Pleasure craft and water-skier type jackets are NOT permitted. All will have certification information available and will be inspected. Life jacket must be free of all tears, loose seams, worn spots, defective buckles, straps or pads. All life jackets are required to be recertified every three years or at any point that a driver has used the safety device for its intended purpose. ******No driver will be allowed to enter the race with a non-approved or non-certified jacket. ****** Helmet: The driver helmets must at a minimum meet the Department of Transportation (DOT), Snell1995, 2000 standard and be designed for competitive racing. Life jackets and helmets are required at any time the boat is in the water (racing, testing, parade laps etc.) Violations of this rule will result in a fine and possible disqualification from the race. All decisions by judge and/or board members are final. Fire extinguisher: Must be mounted (fixed) in location that can be reached easily by the person listed as the racer. Communication: All teams must have a method of communication with the shore (crew) at all times when the boat is on the water. At all times, No cranking or starting of motors in the pit area will be allowed. The exception to this is when the boat is being inspected and the inspector is present.

Ramp Call – Ramp calls will be made approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of each class. It is your responsibility to listen for those calls and/or to check with Ramp Attendant(s) to ensure you do not miss your ramp call. When a ramp call is made you are asked to proceed to the ramp in an orderly fashion. Please be aware of your surroundings. (Other boats in motion, other crews, and spectators are/may not be aware of your motions. All craft on entrance/exit ramp MUST follow the instruction of Ramp attendant. Failure to do so can/will result in penalties up to and including disqualification from event. Ramp fines: First offense $25.00, second offense $50.00, third offense – Disqualified from event. All craft entering the water must have engine cowling in place and secured. Propeller Covers: Due to safety concerns for team members and spectators alike. We require propellers to be covers at all times in the pits as the spectators may not be aware of how delicate or sharp they can be. Further we require propellers to be covered while traveling to and from the ramps for entry and exit of the water. They are also requires while traveling to or from the weigh station. Covers can be removed for the actual weight of the boat to be taken. Use of a manufactured (made for this purpose) propeller cover is highly recommended. (No T-shirts or towels please, they are quite simply too thin). Failure to cover propeller can/will result in a $15.00 fine to the race team. Which must be paid and the condition corrected prior to being allowed to enter the race area.

CLASS SPECIFIC RULES IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL DRIVERS MUST ATTEND DRIVERS MEETING; Any changes in these rules related to additions, omissions, or technological changes will be announced and discussed at that time. River Racer Any boat originally configured to seat 3 or more No full on drag hulls Any motor configuration, midsections 15” and above No alcohol No Nitrous 2.7 liter and below - Minimum weight 1325 lbs. 2.8 liter and above – Minimum weight 1425 lbs. All V-8 motors 1525 lbs. Compression limited to 150 lbs. V-6 Pro Any type hull allowed Only Pro Max motors or Black motors allowed. Steel or chrome bores only, no Nicasil, no high performance Nicasil motors allowed except for 2.4 liter motors. All 2.4 liter are allowed unlimited compression. 2.5 steel sleeved, carbureted motors are allowed unlimited compression. XRI injected motors with stock setup is allowed up to 185 psi of compression. SVS or alteration to stock setup is allowed up to 165 psi of compression. 2.7 liter and below are allowed a minimum weight of 1325 lbs. Midsections must be 15” or more.

Pro MOD Any hull type is allowed. Any motor combination 15” or above midsections allowed. No alcohol or nitrous allowed. 2.7 liter and below, minimum weight of 1325lbs. 2.8 liter and above, minimum weight of 1425lbs. All V-8 motors, minimum weight of 1525 lbs.

Bass and Ski Any hull originally configured to seat three (3) or more. Any motor combination No alcohol or nitrous allowed. 2.7 liter and below, minimum weight of 1600 lbs. 2.8 liter and above, a minimum weight of 1700 lbs. All V-8 motors, minimum weight of 1900 lbs.

Pro Drag Any hull type allowed. Any motor combination allowed. Alcohol allowed. No nitrous allowed. No minimum weight requirement.

Unlimited Any hull type allowed. Any motor combination allowed. Any fuel allowed. Nitrous allowed. No minimum weight requirement.

Pro Max Bass and Ski Any hull originally configured to seat three (3) or more V-6 Pro motor combinations and motors 2.7 liter and below 1600 lbs. 2.8 liter and above 1700 lbs. V-8 motors 1800 lbs. All motors must use a stock outboard ignition system No aftermarket type ignitions allowed No hi-performance nic blocks allowed except for 2.4 All motors must use steel sleeves except for 2.4 or 2.0 blocks Laser style injection only except for 2.4 motors not conforming to V-6 Pro combos must add 35 lbs.

RACE RULES Ramp Call - Once the class has been called to the ramp follow rules and instruction from the ramp attendant to launch the class in an orderly fashion. Proceed, when indicated by Line Official at the ramp up to the pre-race staging area. As this is a spectator sport, we ask that you do so as close to the shore as possible and interact (wave) to the crowd. Call to Move into Starting Area- The starter/assistant will hold up a card with a number on it. The number represents the class draw that was done in the drivers meeting. It is your responsibility to be aware of information and direction from the starter Start – The start of the heat is at the sole determination of the Starter. Any and all approaches to the “gate” are under his/her control. If in the determination the starter deems a failure to line up, or a craft under excess, or limited speed for the start. The starter will “wave off” the heat. This will be done by his or her signaling for both craft to turn to the OUTSIDE of the lanes. Motion typically looks like this

Race Path - All drivers are expected to remain in the straightest path (start to finish) as possible. Willfully veering, turning (other than out of the race course with a proper hand signal), weaving, will result in an immediate RED FLAG condition and you will be disqualified from further competition. Fouls – Failure to line up with opponent or a craft under excess speed can/will be FOULED. The starter will wave the heat off. But will indicate a foul has been issued. BOTH craft are to turn to the OUTSIDE of the track area and line up for re-approach. Two combined motions will be indicated and typically looks like this. (The arm used to indicate the foul is represented by the lane that has committed the foul.
Foul in this lane FACING the starter

The starter or assistant will display a BLACK flag indicating that a foul has been committed. The hand the flag is in indicates the lane the foul was committed in. In the event of three (3) fouls committed by the driver/craft, Disqualification from the heat will result.

*** Note to multiple class racers: Your fouls will accumulate from one class to another. After a total of five (5) fouls in any one event (accumulated) you will be disqualified from further competition in that days event. Any and all standings to that point within the event will remain intact. (An example: River Racer: a driver has two (2) start fouls. In Pro Mod the same driver has three (3) start fouls. The total is then five (5) and that driver will be disqualified from further competition.) Driver Wave Off – If you cannot get lined up or are having a technical problem you have the ability and responsibility to wave off the heat. You must throw BOTH hands in the air to signal to your opponent and the starter. Similar to the way a referee would signal a touchdown in football. Like this

Finish Line – The finish line is monitored visually by Race Control. All heats are also under video surveillance. In the event no clear winner can be determined. Race Control will review the video for indication of the winner. In the event of no winner (dead heat finish) after that point, the heat will IMMEDIATELY be rerun. Time to allow the boats to return to the starting area, and get staged and set will be allowed, however no prep time other than that which elapsed during the review of the heat will be. Drivers are expected to immediately upon notification return to the staging area Completion of a Heat Run: Upon finishing your heat run, you are asked to maintain a safe distance from the finish line as to not impede the course of other racers, This is known as the Post Heat Staging Area You are also asked to when signaled return to the primary staging area in an orderly fashion. Use of undo speed when traveling up the course for return will result in a warning from the starter. Two warnings will result in a foul and could result in disqualification based on the number of fouls committed. Line Officials – Line officials are on shore parallel to the starting area, the finish line and the ramps. All rules must be followed at all times and requests from any Line Official must immediately be addressed. These can include, but are not limited to, safety gear being properly worn while craft is on the water. Being too close to the racing area while in the staging area, excess speed when returning from post heat staging to the pre-heat staging area

Elimination- in order to allow for prime opportunity to participate; the DOUBLE ELIMINATION rule exists. All boats can compete until they have accumulated two heat losses. After that time the Line official at the ramp will wave a BLACK flag. The loser of that heat is to immediately/when safe return to the ramp. Crew members MUST be ready to trailer and pull the boat from the water to allow for ramp calls to continue. Please watch for instructions from the Ramp Attendant. Class winners- Upon completion of the last heat in all classes the winner of the class is asked proceed back to the starting barge to get the checkered flag. Once you have it, please make one pass in both directions, carrying the flag. This lap should be made as close to shore as safely possible.

SAMPLE TRACK LAYOUT

POST HEAT STAGING

FINISH LINE

800 Feet

IN THE EVENT OF WAVE OFF OR RED LIGHT. TURN OUT OF THE TRACK AREA
10 Feet

STARTE R

4

20 Feet

GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT Commitment Area NO GREEN Light in this area. Watch opponent, lights and official. LINE UP Maintain EVEN course with opponent Last chance to signal starter of a wave off

3
Start Buoy

60 Feet

2

Pairing – Line up with opponent

1

Legend Buoy Boat Turn Direction Travel Direction

PRE HEAT STAGING AREA

Flags and What They Mean Throughout the event you will see different staff members displaying a wide variety of flags. While flags are indicators to the racers in SOME situations, they are more over for our purposes to indicate conditions to the audience and to the other staff members. Each color or type of flag has a different meaning.
RED FLAG: (STOP) a red flag will be displayed on the starting barge, at Race Control, and on the ramp at any time there is a stoppage in racing for a disabled boat, safety concern, or technical problem related to the track. A red flag is usually preceded by a yellow flag. GREEN FLAG: (GO) a green flag will be displayed at the starting barge, at Race Control and on the ramp when conditions are ok for safe racing. This is NOT a flag that will indicate when a driver is to leave the starting area. This is for the audience and staff to be aware of conditions. YELLOW FLAG: (CAUTION) a displayed yellow flag on the starting barge, at Race Control, and on the ramp indicates a caution in, or near the race area which is being attended to.

WHITE FLAG with RED CROSS: (EMERGENCY) This flag will always be displayed in conjunction with a red flag but ONLY when an emergency service is required in or near the racing area for the purpose of attending to a problem. If at any time this flag is displayed we ask that you (drivers, crews, non-safety related staff and spectators) respect the task at hand and stay clear of emergency service workers, and those attending to the problem. BLACK FLAG: (FOUL) this flag will ONLY be displayed from the starting barge to indicate that one of the Drivers/Boats in the starting gate has committed a foul, and been charged. The hand used to hold the flag indicates the lane the foul was committed in.

ORANGE: (RETURN TO RAMP) this flag will ONLY be displayed at the ramp or from a position that the drivers in the POST HEAT staging area can see. This flag indicates to the loser of the heat that he/she has been eliminated from the class and is to report back to the ramp to be pulled from the water. CHECKERED: (Winner) This flag will be carried by the winner of the class from

The starting barge down and back up the race way. (Parade Lap) The flag will be returned to the starting barge and the winning driver will be presented with a similar (smaller) flag when he returns to the ramp as a memento of the occasion,

Payment Terms: Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series is happy to keep fees low and reasonable, also allow for flexible payment terms. This allows for more participants and better ability for the public to come and see these events. All fees are due payable at the time of the event We understand that there are situations that can be out of your control and financial instruments may be returned to us Payments returned by a financial institution for any reason will incur a $40.00 handling fee from S.O.D.S. which will be payable immediately. Failure to pay original amount PLUS the fee will result in your not being permitted to participate in any event until paid in full.

Penalties and Fines Table All Penalty and Fine Payments become part of the S.O.D.S. general fund Subject Late Registrations: 9:45am to 10:00am (a late fee of $10.00 will be assessed to any and all late arrivals) Ramp fines: Deliberate and/or willful disregard of Ramp Attendant safety instructions or direction Propeller Cover Missing Fine $10.00 Qualifier Failure for driver to register between the allowable hours.

$25.00 $50.00 DISQUALIFICATION

First Offense Second Offense Third Offense

$15.00

Failure to use an approved/authorized propeller covers in the pit area, on the ramp, at the weigh station.

Failure to keep safety equipment (helmet and jacket) on while craft is on the water Violation of the drug/alcohol standard Payment Failure

DISQUALIFICATION

DISQUALIFICATION Any outstanding balances that remain unpaid for a period of 60 days or two events Will not be allowed entry to event until payments are up to date or paid in full.

Habitual disregard of the rules, standards set forth by Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series will result in a Board of Directors review. If in the determination of the Board violations are blatant, or show disregard for the safety of the team, spectators, officials, directors, volunteers etc. The offending party may have membership In Southern Outlaw Dragboat Series suspended or revoked. All decisions of the Board are final.

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