General Racing Rules
SANCTIONS: To obtain a sanction, or instructions on how to conduct races, contact the National Racing Association, National Office. Applications for race sanctions must be in the national office no less the 30 days prior to the day of the race. Sanctions will only be granted to clubs in good standing. Applications for championship or other national events should be in the national office prior to the national meeting.
A: sanction fees are as follows:
1-regular race-$100.00
2- Championship events-$150.00
3- Record runs-$150.00
(Championship events are defined as those awarding additional points to participants.)
-Long Course National Championships-Double points
-Short Course National Championships- One and a half points
B. Sanction applications will not be honored where races conflict with Championship events, or within a 500 mile radius of a previously granted sanctioned event. Speed trials or record runs will not be permitted without a sanction being granted by the National Boat Racing Association.
C. Sanctioned National Boat Racing Association Events which require a minimum number of boats greater that 3(three) per race must list the requirement on the sanction. NOVICE class exempt from this rule.
D. A National Boat Racing Association event shall consist of 2(two), 3(three) lap heats of racing per class per sanction.
E. Any joint sanctioned race must first be approved by the current racing commission.
F. National Boat Racing Association is not responsible to supply any equipment for any sanctioned event.
2. RACE MANAGEMENT: Management of races and all boats taking part therein shall be under the strict and exclusive control of the Referee. It shall be the duties of that Referee to see that all provisions of the sanction application are adhered to by the host club. All members shall be subject to the approval and control of the Referee, and all questions and/or disputes which may arise shall be decided upon by the Referee and the Referee's decision shall be final, except when and appeal may be made to the racing commission. Any such appeal to the Racing Commission must be made in writing. Race committees are to be appointed to assist the Referee in carrying out his/her duties. The host club shall appoint all necessary personnel to conduct the race. To be an official at National event scorers, time keepers, referee, inspectors, etc. must be members of the National Boat Racing Association prior to the time of being appointed. It is recommended they also be a member of their local club to be chosen for the official position.
3. COMPENSATION OF RACE OFFICIALS; Sponsoring organizations are responsible for expenses of race officials. No official, regardless of his/her duties, will be permitted to officiate under the influence of alcoholic beverages, including beer and hallucinogenic drugs, or any other noxious substance that would impair mental or physical activities. The Referee is responsible for enforcement of the above rules without exception. The Referee, while enforcing the rules, shall dismiss the guilty official and may, if they see fit, file charges against said official as outlined under "Discipline" found under “PENALTIES FOR DISQUALIFICATIONS"
A. REFEREE: The Referee shall be a paid member of the National Boat Racing Association in good standing and appointed by the host club EXCEPT for Championship events, where the Referee will be approved by a majority vote of the Racing Commission. It shall be the duty of the Referee to represent the association and see that all rules are strictly enforced, as well as to work with the local officials to stage a trouble free event. The Referee shall see to it that all provisions of the sanction and race contract are fulfilled and shall have the authority to appoint assistants. The Referee must see to it that all permits, insurance certificates, and sanction papers are on file. As well as to be sure Medical response teams (ambulance crew) is on scene before the start of the event. Also to make sure that all pick-up boats, and rescue crews are in proper positions, and that all safety precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all drivers and spectators. The Referee shall be in charge of all association members, including drivers and officials, EXCEPT for inspectors at Championship events. The Referee will have jurisdiction at the race site 1/2 hour after sunrise on the first scheduled day of the event, to one hour after the final heat of racing on the final day of the event. All decisions made by the Referee shall be based on the rules of the association. The Referee can not deviate or allow any deviation from the association rules except at regular races. All decisions must be fair and impartial. If and when situations arise that are not fully covered by the rule, the Referee's decision may be reserved for advice from the racing commission. The Referee must never become belligerent, boisterous, or raise their voice in a manner that might incite needless trouble. The Referee must realize that they are governed by rules the same as all other members of the association and is subject to discipline or even expulsion as a member of the association should they fail to carry out their duties as the rules provide. Space does not provide to list all duties and responsibilities of the Referee. Therefore, this all important position is to be given much thought and consideration by the individual acting in such capacity.
B. CHIEF STARTER (flagman): The starter is to be appointed by the host club EXCEPT at Championship events; The Racing Commission must by a majority vote approve the starter for Championship events. The Chief Starter is to be experienced in the art of starting and must be familiar with the rules pertaining to the start.
C. CHIEF TIMER: The Chief Timer shall be appointed by the host club and approved by the Referee. Their duties are to keep correct and accurate times for all Championship events, and to compile the times for the Score Keepers. It will be the duty of the Chief Timer to ensure the use of accurate stop watches or computer programs to see that timing is carried out as outline in the rules. The Chief Scorer is responsible for registration and verifying current National Boat Racing Association and affiliated club memberships. New and One Day memberships and collected monies are to be sent into the National Office postmarked no later than 15(fifteen) days following the event.
D. CHIEF SCORER: The Chief Scorer is to be appointed by the host club and approved by the Referee. The Chief Scorer will appoint enough assistants to have two groups which will score the boats on the official score sheets and compile all data necessary for transfer to the official race reports and score sheets. In addition they will monitor the starts for "gun jumpers" and report their findings to the Referee.
E. SURVEYOR: In order for an event to be approved for the records of the National Boat Racing Association, the course must be surveyed by a competent and licensed surveyor. The surveyor shall certify that the plot is correct and that the course during the event was in accordance with said plot. A surveyed course will be buoy line to buoy line. The buoy line will mark the exact course, not the line of the boats.
F. ENGINE INSPECTOR: The Engine Inspector will be appointed by the host club, EXCEPT in Championship events. For Championship events, 2(two) Inspectors will be appointed by majority vote of the Racing Commission. The Inspector(s) will be responsible for inspections as outlined under the Inspecti0n Procedures and will report their findings to the Referee.
G. PIT MANAGER: The Pit Manager is to be appointed by the host club, and will report directly to the Inspector. The duties of the Pit Manager will be outlined by the Inspector for each race.
H. CORNER JUDGE: The Corner Judge is to be appointed by the Referee to watch for rule infractions on the race course and to report to the Referee. At Championship events a Corner Judge will be positioned in each turn.
I. WEIGH MASTER: The Weigh Master is to be appointed by the host club and will report directly to the Inspector. The Weigh Master will see to it that the scales calibration is current within the year and maintains complete control of the scales and weighing area at the event. They are responsible for weighing all entries that qualify for weighing.
J. SAFETY INSPECTOR: The Safety Inspector is to be appointed by the affiliated clubs and will report to the National Boat Racing Association's Safety Director. It is the duty of the Safety Inspector to inspect all racing related equipment, noting and reporting any defects that may result in a hazardous situation during the event. The Safety Inspector will report to the Referee and other race officials, making recommendations relating to violations of the safety rules as well as any defects in equipment.
5. INSPECTION PROCEDURE: All Inspectors are to carry out the following duties:
A. Only an Inspector designated for that purpose shall be allowed to inspect boats, engines, and/or other equipment subject to the rules of the National Boat Racing Association.
B. The Inspector, working under the supervision of the Referee, (EXCEPT at Championship events, records, or in the event of a protest) shall be permitted to a visual inspection, without tear down, outside measurements, and boat weights. In the event of a record being broken or established, the inspector will complete forms provided by the National Office and thoroughly inspect all equipment in order to qualify the contestant for the record.
C. Any boat that has been damaged must be re-inspected and approved by the Safety Inspector before being allowed to compete in future events.
D. At Championship events, all finishers must be thoroughly inspected and it is mandatory the engines of the 1st place finishers be disassembled for inspection.
E. It is required of the host club/sponsor to provide enclosed area for the Engine Inspector, where the engines, by order of the Engine Inspector are to be disassembled by the contest and/or his authorized agents. The disassembly of the engine must be done in the presence of the Engine Inspector. Others may witness the inspection of the engine ONLY with the permission of the contestant(s) involved.
F. It is the strict responsibility of the contest and and/or his authorized agents to disassemble the engine upon orders from the Engine Inspector.
G. Inspectors will report all findings, in writing, to the Referee upon completion of inspection.
H. At Championship events, in the case of a protest, The 2(two) inspector’s decision must be unanimous and is final. In the vent the Inspectors are unable to arrive at a unanimous decision, the boat, and/or engine will be confiscated for an additional inspection by a third inspector to be agreed upon by the Inspectors and the parties involved in the protest. Prizes are to be withheld until a final decision is made.
I. Before any Championship sanction is granted, the Referee and Engine Inspector must meet approval by majority vote of the Racing Commission.
6. RACE COURSES: The length of each lap of a course surveyed for records must be ONE MILE or 3/4(three-quarter) MILE from buoy line to buoy line. The course may any shape desired to best suit the geographic situations. The number of buoys may be at the option of the host club. A 5 (five) buoy turn will be used at all championship events if geographical situations allow. The starting line is to be marked on both ends so that drivers and officials can designate at a glance where the starting line is located. It is important that the starting line be located as far as possible from the first turn buoy. They should not be placed closer than 1200 feet from the first turn buoy. 1500 feet from the first turn buoy is recommended. The host club will use aerated floatation buoys at least 24 INCHES in diameter and of a contrasting color. 3(three) miles must be run in order to establish a long course record, 2 1/4(two and one-quarters) miles must be run to establish a short course record. The Referee if due to unavoidable circumstances may, may reduce the number of laps to complete the race schedule. In the event it is necessary to make these changes, the contestants will receive points, but records cannot be established.
7. SPEED TRIALS: The course must be a straightaway of 1/8(one-eighth) or 1/4(one-quarter) mile. A licensed surveyor must survey the course and a chart of the course must be on file at the National Boat Racing Association National Office. 2(two) buoys, as well as permanent shore markers must mark each end of the course. Each end of the course must be so situated as to give the contestant ample space for a "flying start" upon entering the course. Times must be calculated using approved stop watches and/or computer programs designed for lap timing, and done so under the supervision of the Referee. Signals for timers must be a direct electronic connection such as telephone or electronic system, which may be a photo cell or radio. The racing commission must approve any other method. The contestant must make 2(two) consecutive runs each in opposite direction. The time elapsed time of the 2(two) runs will be calculated, which will give the speed obtained. Times must be taken as the foremost part of the boat enters the and leaves the timing area of the course. Record runs must be made without aid. Pit stops will not be allowed between runs. Boats and motors used for speed trials must adhere to all rules and regulations set forth By the National Boat Racing Association closed course racing, for the class in which it is competing. The contestant must be a member of the National Boat Racing Association, and have competed in at least 3(three) prior races.
8. OFFICIAL RECORDS: Official National Boat Racing Association records will be awarded to the fasted competition speed obtained on a 1(one) MILE or 3/4(three-quarter) MILE closed course. For records to be established each class must run 3() three) laps. 3(three) miles for a long course record, 2 1/4(two and one-quarters) miles for a short course. Records will be established on if the speed exceeds the existing record by at least1/4(one-quarter) MPH. Records will be made official only after the racing commission has been assured that all rules and regulations are complied with. All record holders will be recognized and may be awarded.
A: Records cannot be established by a contestant jumping the gun.
9. BOATS: The following are definitions of outboard boat designs that are to be used.
A. HYDROPLANES: are defined as any boat having a multiple surface planing area and which cannot qualify as a runabout.
B. RUNABOUTS: are defined as displacement type boats of a standard manufacture or home construction as qualified in the rules. Boats will not be permitted which depend on external air pressure of design. Boats shall have no step and there shall be no breaks perpendicular to the keel. Rubbing strips, or lapstrake of no greater than 3/4(three-quarters) inch depth will be permitted. Fins may be used; however, accessory pod fins, outrigger fins or fins of similar design and. or purpose are not permitted. Fins should not exceed beyond the sheer of the boat plus 3/4(three-quarters) inch. Lifting rails shall be permitted with the following dimensions:
B1: 2 CYLINDER CLASSES (under 25 Cu.In) 1 1/2(one and one-
B2: 4 CYLINDER CLASSES (over 25 Cu.In.) 1 1/4(one and one quarter) inches by 3/4(three-quarters) inches 22(twenty-two) inches in length.
This is providing the rails are placed on the extreme outer edge of the non-trip chine and the design be such as to aid in the lifting of the boat by personnel and not to aid in planing or to create a tunnel effect.
10. REGISTRATION AND AGE REQUIREMENTS: In order to register to participate in any sanctioned National Boat Racing Association event, the individual must be a member of the National Boat Racing Association, AND a National Boat Racing Association affiliated club. The individual must complete the entire registration form and sign the liability release form. If the individual is under the age of 18(eighteen), the parent, or legal guardian must also sign registration and release forms at each race.
A. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS:
1. The minimum age to participate in Novice classes is 10(ten) years of age, unless approved by the Racing Commission and Referee.
2. The minimum age to participate with the Yamato 80,102,202,302 stock engines in their appropriate classes is 14(fourteen) years of age. The minimum age may be adjusted on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Racing Commission, Referee, and contestants of the effected class. A contestant must only be approved to compete in effected class one time, not at each race.
3. The minimum age to participate National Boat Racing Association classes (other than those listed above) is 16(sixteen) years of age.
11. BOAT NUMBERING: All boats shall have racing numbers affixed to the side of their craft with numbers and letters at least 6(six) inches in height and 1 1/4(one and one-quarts) inch brush stroke. Colors must contrast the main color of the background color. The numbers shall be on both sides of the boat on a vertical plane.
REMEMBER-The purpose of these numbers is for boat identification by the officials during an event. If the scorers cannot read your numbers, they cannot score your boat, therefore proper points and prizes could be affected.
THE FOLLOWING LETTERS WILL INDICATE THE GEOGRAPHICAL RESIDENCE OF BOAT OWNERS:
A-Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont
B-Massachusetts
C-California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii
D- Connecticut, Rode Island
E- Virginia, W.Virginia. Maryland, Delaware, Dist. of Columbia
F- Florida, Alabama, Georgia
H- Indiana
J- New Jersey
K- Kentucky, Tennessee
L- Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas
M- Michigan
N- New York
O- Oklahoma
P- Pennsylvania
R- Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Canada, Alaska
S- Ohio
T- Texas, New Mexico
U- N. Dakota. Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah
V- Illinois
W- Wisconsin
X- Iowa
Y- Kansas, Missouri
Z- N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Eastern Canada
12. ENTRIES: All entries must on the official National Boat Racing association entry form, and a signed liability release for each participant must be on file with the local club before the start of the first event. No entries will be received after the deadline set forth for receiving entries. The Race Committee may however accept any type of correspondence as a substitute, until a driver can sign the official entry forms. Drivers under the influence of alcoholic beverages, including beer, hallucinogenic drugs, and/or any other substance that would impair physical or mental abilities, or even the odor on intoxicants on their breath will not be permitted to enter a racing event. Any participant found operating a boat, weather testing or racing will be subject to severe disciplinary actions. No Driver or member of this association will be allowed or will allow their family or crew to partake in the use of substances which may impair their physical or mental capabilities in the pit area or official’s area before or during an event. BEFORE is defined as, sun up on race day. DURING is defined as, the period the racing is in progress and up to 1(one) hour following the final race of the day. Referees will not accept protest from drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any driver attempting to file a protest while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to severe disciplinary action.
A- The host club may, at its own will, set time limitations for accepting entries or it may refuse or set penalties for late entries.
B- No race will be considered official without 3(three) registered boat per heat, of the same class cross the starting line. If a scheduled class fails to receive 3(three) registered boats it is to be combined with another class or a race of 1(one) heat may be run at the Referee's discretion. Step-ups where applicable to the rules are to be permitted by the Referee. However no step ups are permitted in Championship and/or record events. No National Points, only prizes, will be awarded to step-ups.
At Championship events a minimum of 5(five) boats must cross the starting line in either heat. EXCEPT in Novice classes. (See Novice class rules)
C- Engines and/or boats may be changed between heats provided proper entry is made. The Referee is not required to delay the start of a heat of racing to allow the change of a boat and/or engine, unless the additional entry is needed to make an official race. Due to accident or collision, another boat and/or engine may be substituted if the other cannot be quickly repaired, and the Referee has been notified. At Championship events the drivers must use the same boat and engine used to qualify.
D- Any racing member may drive the boat and/ or engine of another driver, provided their name and racing number are properly entered on the official entry form.
E- All entrants must be prepared to show their membership card to the registration officials at each event.9
F- The number of boats entering any one heat of closed course racing shall be 12(twelve). In any event there is more than the maximum number of boats ready to run at the time of registration, the entrants will divided into 2(two) equal groups of the maximum number allowed or less and run in separate elimination heats.
- At Championship events the Referee will select the top 5(five) finishers of each heat, along with the fastest 6th(sixth) place boat, and the prior year’s National Champion to make a full field of boats for racing.
-In the event that prior year’s National Champion is not attending the race, the referee will select the top 6(six) boats from each heat to make a full field of boats for racing.
-In the event that 3 elimination heats are required, The Referee will select the top 3(three) finishers of each heat, along with the 2(two) fastest 4th (fourth) place boats, and the prior year’s National Champion.
- In the event the prior year’s National Champion is not attending the race, the Referee will select the top 4(four) finishers from each elimination heat.
The Referee may in the interest of safety reduce the number of boats allowed to compete in any race. The Referee may finish a race after one lap if the insufficient boats start to make up the required field for the final heat. The only exception to the Referee being allowed to run only one lap is elimination heats at National Championship events. Elimination heats will run the required amount of laps once another elimination heat has already been run.
G- Host clubs are encouraged to run the Novice class at normal sanctioned races. The purpose of this class is for fun and pleasure and for anyone wanting to compete at slower speeds. It also serves as an entry level class and is good for teaching safety and handling of boats. Older drivers no longer participating in faster classes are encouraged to stay active and participate in this class. In the interest of safe speeds and the safety of the contestants, the Referee may shorten the length of the course used for Novice classes. All participants will receive reconnection at the National Boat Racing association National Meeting. It is recommended that any prizes set aside for the Novice class be divided among the participants equally.
G1- The Engines for this class are the Yamato 80 and OMC 15 stock racing engines. In addition any 15h (15Cu.In.) or less engine with a club foot may be used and the removal of the tiller handle and shroud is permitted. The addition of a steering bar may be attached however; a dead man’s throttle with a stop switch is required.
- The Yamato 80 and OMC 15 race engines will use a restrictor plate, available through the National Boat Racing Association, with a 9/16(nine-sixteenths) inch hole in the center and a 1/8(one-eights) inch hole in the bottom.
G2- This class consists of Hydroplanes and Runabouts with a minimum 8' 6" (eight feet six inches) in length, run together or separately.
G3- Minimum age is 10 yrs old. There must be 2(two) legal boats cross the starting line to receive national points. Drivers of other classes may join this class to make a full field, and/or to provide course guidance, but only registered Novice Class drivers will receive points.
H. Sponsors may, schedule a Special Events Class(limited to one class per sanction) of racing of a local nature, where boats and/or engines do not comply with National Boat Racing Association rules, by noting on the race circular the words “NOT SANCTIONED". All contestants must be a National Boat Racing Association Member and may enter the class at the sponsor’s option; however, the National Boat Racing Association rules will apply to the contestants entering the said class.
I. The Host Club may charge an entry fee, which is to be specified on the race circular.
13. LIABILITY: The National Boat Racing Association assumes no responsibility for injuries or occurrences, which result before, during or after an event.
14. DRIVER MEETING: A Drivers Meeting must be held at least 1(one) hour before the first heat of racing for the event. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the Referee with the opportunity to make any special announcements to contestants pertaining to the race, and to allow drivers to ask any questions pertaining to the race event. 5(five) minutes before the set time for said Drivers Meeting, the Starter will display the RED Flag. All boats must return and/or remain in the pit area, no engines shall be started, during the Drivers Meeting and cannot return to the course until the RED flag has been removed from the judge’s stand. Any violation of this rule subjects the contestant to disqualification in whole or in part from the day’s event, and/ or a fine set by the Referee. It is mandatory that all contestants, unless excused by the Referee, attend the Drivers Meeting. Disqualification may result for failure to attend.
During the Drivers Meeting the Referee will have complete control and will at a minimum, explain flag signals, "RED Flag “procedures, Perform a roll call for each class according to the sign up sheets. Each contestant will respond during the role call by announcing his/her boat number.
15. DRIVER REPRESENTATIVE: Drivers at the Drivers Meeting at each race will elect a 2 cylinder and a 3-4 cylinder representative to represent contestants at the Judges Stand. All protests, inquiries, or other communications from Drivers, Owners, Pit Crew, and/or Family must be directed through the driver’s representative, and he/she alone will approach the Officials or Judges Stand personnel. Violation of any part of this rule is subject to immediate disciplinary action by the Referee. Disciplinary action for this rule shall include disqualification and/or fines.
16. FLAG SIGNALS: The flag signals used by the starter and corner judges during the race shall be as follows:
YELLOW FLAG- Designate time from 3(three) minute signal to 1(one) minute signal.
GREEN FLAG- Designate last minute before start of the race and the start of the race.
BLUE/WHITE FLAG- Designates caution on the course due to debris, obstruction, stalled boat.
WHITE FLAG- Designates last lap.
CHECKERED FLAG- Designates finish of race.
RED FLAG- Designates race course closed for testing or any other purpose. If black flag is shown while a race is in progress, stop all racing and return in a safe manner to the pit area. Drivers causing a RED FLAG situation will be disqualified from that heat of racing.
A. During the course of a heat of racing, should a driver enter the water for any reason, he/she shall be given 20(twenty) seconds from the time of entrance into the water, to give the "OKAY"or"ALL RIGHT" signal. The signal shall be defined as when the driver determines themselves to be “OKAY”", clasps one wrist with the other hand above the head. After the "OKAY" signal has been displayed, and the driver then realizes there is a medical issue, the driver is to wave 1(one) arm in the air as a distress signal for immediate attention. The Referee will immediately display the RED FLAG. Should the driver give any other signal (or no signal) other than the "OKAY" signal as defined above, the heat will be RED FLAGGED. If the Referee is unable to see the driver in the water, or believes the driver is injured or in an unsafe situation, the Referee will display the RED FLAG. Drivers not honoring the RED FLAG in an emergency situation are subject to disciplinary action.
17. STARTING PROCEDURES: The host club will do everything possible to an accurate working starting clock. The Starting clock will be situated at the start/finish line established by the Referee, which is positioned to be clearly visible to all contestants approaching the start/finish line, will be used for all race starts. The start clock shall indicate by seconds the elapsed time of the final 60(sixty) seconds before the start of the race.
Upon the sounding of the first horn, indicating 3(three) minutes to the start of the race, the YELLOW FLAG will be displayed and 2(two) targets affixed to the top of the starting clock will indicate 2(two) minutes to the final 60(sixty) seconds to the start of the race. At this time contestants registered for the scheduled class of racing will start their engines and enter the race course to the right.
No boats other than those entered in the scheduled class of racing shall leave the pits at this time.
As each minutes passes, one of the targets will be removed from atop the starting clock until exactly 60(sixty) seconds before the start of the race. At the beginning of the final 60(sixty) seconds the starter will display a GREEN FLAG and the clock will begin its final 60(sixty) second count down. NO BOATS may leave the pit area after the final 60 (sixty) second count down has begun.
Upon final approach to the start/finish line all boats must pass by the SAFETY BUOY as designated by the Referee, and continue around the second turn until passing the SCORING-UP BUOY(exit buoy of second turn), and enter into the STARTING CHUTE. The STARTING CHUTE is defined as the area of the race course between the SCORING-UP BUOY and the START/FINISH line.
During the final 60(sixty) seconds to the start of the race, any boat entering the STARTING CHUTE must not alter its course. The drive must maintain the boat at a safe on plane speed. The drive must not circle, zigzag, lane change, or execute any other maneuver to alter the forward path of his boat.
Any violation of these rules may be subject to driver disqualification.
The official start shall be the exact instant when the starting clock indicate the final 60(sixty) seconds has elapsed and the starter will wave the GREEN FLAG to indicate that the race has officially begun.
If in the interest of time, the Referee has the authority to SHORT CLOCK the starting procedures. SHORT CLOCK is defined as reducing the time during the 2(two) minutes before the start of the final60 (sixty) seconds to the start of the race. The final 60(sixty) seconds will begin once all registered boats for the scheduled class of racing have safely entered the race course. An announcement must be made to all drives when a SHORT CLOCK procedure will be implemented, EXCEPT at National Events.
If in the interest of time, the Referee has the authority to SHORT CLOCK the starting procedures. SHORT CLOCK is defined as reducing the time during the 2(two) minutes before the start of the final 60(sixty) seconds to the start of the race. The final 60(sixty) seconds will begin once all registered boats for the scheduled class of racing have safely entered the race course. An announcement must be made to all drives when a SHORT CLOCK procedure will be implemented, EXCEPT at National Events.
A legal start is defined as one in which at least one eligible starter crossed the start/finish line at the exact time the 60(sixty) second clock hits 0(zero). Boats that crosses the start/finish line before the clock reaches 0(zero) will be disqualified from the heat and no points will be granted. If all boats cross the start finish/line, before the clock reaches 0(zero), the RED FLAG will be displayed. Shall a situation arise where there is a malfunction of the starting equipment, a hazardous condition on the course, or it is impossible to record the numbers of all the boats who crossed the start/finish line before the clock reached 0(zero), a restart may be called. At Championship Events a camera and/or a video camera MUST BE used. Cameras are also recommended at all races.
18. CUT OFF RULE: When there is less than 1(one) boat length of open water between a lead boat and the following boat, a cut off situation is established, and the following rules shall apply.
1- The front boat shall not alter its course across or into the established path of the rear boat.
2- The outside boat must give the inside boat ample room to clear any course markers.
3- Any violation off the cut off rule will result in disqualification of the offending driver.
19. COURSE BUOYS: All turning buoys and course buoys shall be passed on the drivers left hand side unless otherwise indicated and announced at the drivers meeting. A driver who fails to navigate a buoy on the proper side must return immediately, circling to the left inside the race course and pass the missed buoy on the proper side, without interfering with other boats. If a buoy position is altered, damaged, or dislodged, the buoy ceases to be a course marked and may be disregarded. The driver causing damage to and/ or alteration of the position of the buoy resulting in required replacement shall be disqualified. The Referee shall take into consideration if the boat damaging the buoy was forced into the buoy, in which case the boat forcing the other boat shall be disqualified. Fines for destroyed buoys must be announced at the drivers meeting.
20. PROTESTS: Any driver may protest the reliability of another driver and/or their equipment either before, during, or after a race. The protest must be in writing, stating the offense to the referee within 1(one) hour of the last heat of racing for that day, and accompanied with a $100.00 fee. The fee will be returned to the protesting driver if their protest is upheld. If the protest is not upheld the fee will be forwarded to the protested driver. In the instance of a protested engine, the Referee may have the engine sealed by the inspector for future inspection. In the instance of a "clock jumper" protest, the driver wishing to review the start must pay a $25.00 protest fee to National Boat Racing Association. If the driver is found to not have jumped the clock the $25.00 fee will be returned.
21. DISQUALIFICATIONS: The Referee has the power to file charges against, disqualify, and/or fine drivers, pit crew or any others involved in violation of any of the National Boat Racing Association rules. Any disqualification and/or fine shall be made in writing or orally, the accused party may if they desire, appeal the Referee's decision to the Racing Commission. After the Racing Commission has been presented the facts from both sides, it will make a decision, which will be final. The Referee must carry out the authority to disqualify, charge, and/or fine, for violation of the National Boat Racing Association rules, before leaving the race site. In the instance of the Referee intending to file charges, fine or disqualify depending upon later to be announced decision of the Racing Commission, the Referee must inform the accused of pending litigation, in writing or verbally, before leaving the race site. The accused must also inform the Referee of their intentions to appeal before leaving the race site. Failure of any Official of the National Boat Racing Association to carry out any provision of these rules shall have no bearing whatsoever on the right of a contestant or upon the contestant’s duty to obey all rules. Failure on the part of the Officials in this connection subject them to suspension proceedings, disqualifications, and/or fines for that particular race event, and further subjects them to disciple by the Racing Commission. Should it come to the attention of any members of the Racing Commission that any individual is or has violated any of the rules, or in the case of an Officials failure to carry out his/her duties or acting in an unsportsmanlike like manner that member of the Racing Commission may file charges against, disqualify, suspend, and/or fine the individual(s) involved. Probation's and suspensions are temporary but remain in effect until such time that the accused can be given a hearing by the proper authority.
Any driver and/or passenger who teats or participates in a sanctioned racing without the proper safety equipment, without engine emergency stop switch, or starts a engine with the propeller and/or propeller nut installed not over the water are subject to disciplinary action. Charges against drivers, owner, and/or pit crew for violation of any rule, by-laws, or articles of the National Boat Racing Association shall be subject to disciplinary action defined herein.
