NORTHERN MANITOBA TRAPPERS' FESTIVAL, INC.
RULES FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOG RACE

 1.	Entry Fee is $200.00 for each team entering.  First day starting positions and bib numbers will be awarded on a first come basis at Gordy’s Tire & Lube #1- Hwy. South at tagging.

 2.	Any individual or association in the world may enter with any kind of sled dogs.  Each team will consist of not less than 5 dogs, and not more than 10 dogs.

 3.	The Committee has the right to accept or refuse any entry submitted, as to dogs or drivers, separately or together.  The name of the driver should be submitted at the time of application for entry, to avoid the risk of a driver not being allowed to start.

 4.	The entire race course is to be completed in three daily laps of 35 miles each (54 kilometres).

 5.	Dogs are to be examined and electronically tagged by the Committee on Wednesday of Festival Week from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  These dogs will be marked at Gordy’s Tire & Lube in The Pas.  Once the dogs are tagged by the Committee, they must be used for the same team.  They cannot be used in any other team.  Each team may tag a pool of twelve dogs, and must start the first day of the race with the maximum contingent of 10 unless less than 10 have been tagged.

  6.	All dogs entered each day must be driven or carried for that day's race.  Once a dog is dropped, it is out for the duration of the race (IE. if a dog does not run the second day, it cannot run the third day).  At the start of the second and third heats, mushers must declare the number of dogs running (may elect to use dogs from the pool if they have lost a dog in the previous heat).

 7.	All mushers must carry at least one dog bag in their sleigh.  Bag to be used if the dog is not planned to return to the race.

 8.	Any type of hitch and sleigh may be used, with the exception of a fan hitch.

 9.	NO WHIPS ALLOWED.  Flags marking the course must not be used by Mushers in any way.

10.	Drivers must take charge of the dogs and accompany them through the entire race (3 days).  There can only be one driver to a team.  A driver cannot be replaced by anyone during the three days of the race.  A driver must not disturb another driver or his team, and particular attention being called towards the use of jinglers when another team is close behind.  Any proven interference by a driver or his team, or infractions of the rules in any way will be reason for disqualification.

11.	All entries must be in by 5:00 PM Wednesday of Festival Week.

12.	Each driver must have a helper at the starting line each morning, who will be identified by the same number as the driver.  If there is no helper, one will be provided by the Committee.

13.	The Festival Committee will not be responsible for accommodations, care and feeding of dogs while in The Pas.  All drivers and dogs are entered at owner's risk.

14.	The race is a mass start, and will be mass start the second and third mornings of the race irrespective of the time arrival of previous day.  Start time is to be at 10:00 AM sharp.  Extreme weather conditions may cause delay in start time.

15.	All drivers and teams must be present 20 minutes before the registered time of start each day to allow for inspection by the judges.

16.	(a)	It is forbidden for owners, agents or friends to clear or level the way, or help or assist a team during the race, through pacing or otherwise, at the risk of disqualification.  Outside assistance will be allowed only when teams are in any difficulties (IE. team fighting, team attacked by another team or strays, driver attacked).  Assistance in any of the above circumstances must be to the extent of untangling of team or protecting driver.  This exception must not be construed in the light of an excuse for owners, agents or friends to follow a team over any part of the course.
  (b)	It is forbidden to use any vehicle used to transport the dogs to follow the race.
	  (c)	No helper or friend, for any reason other than 16(a) above, will be allowed on or near the course.
	  (d)	Only mushers, helpers, Kinsmen officials or Kinsmen Delegates will be allowed to assist at road crossings.

17.	Winners will be decided on the shortest elapsed time.  All contestants should remain at the finish line until the running time and place is designated final.

18.	PASSING RULE - Failure to yield to passing team is automatic grounds for disqualification.

19.	INFRACTIONS OF THE RULES - Teams will be penalized by disqualification or drop in place or places regardless of the time taken in the race.

20.	Committee will have the power to solve and determine all questions of interpretation of the rules.  The judges shall determine the winners of the race and award prizes.  Drivers and teams duly registered are under the directions of the judges for all matters concerning the race.  Any driver or team refusing to submit to arbitration of the judges will be disqualified.

21.	Bibs provided by Labatt shall be worn on the exterior clothing. Sleigh markers provided at time of registration shall be attached to the Musher’s left side of the sleigh and kept visible at all times.

22.	Mushers must abide by the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival, Inc. Race Rules.  They must also acknowledge that drug testing procedures may be used and that their team may be tested by race officials.  The Race Marshal's decision will be final.

23.	If course conditions warrant the use of dog boots prior to the start of each race day, the Race Marshal will call for their use.  The Race Marshal's decision will be final.  All mushers must have in their possession sufficient boots for their team.

24.	Teams must start third day to be eligible for any prize money.

Note:	Prizes and trophies presented at Mushers' Wind-Up, Saturday Night.

revised November 2011
DOGRULES/sfl