2010 Official Rules
SECTION I -- ENTRY
The race will be limited to 20 teams.  Once 20 teams are registered, a
waiting list will be developed.  

This race is run under the guidelines of the International Sled Dog
Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA).  www.isdvma.org

A. ENTRY FEES
1. The entry fee is $200 from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2009.
2. The entry fee after Dec. 1, 2009 to Jan. 1, 2010 is $225.
3. The entry fee Jan. 1, 2010 to Feb 1. 2010 is $250.
4. The deadline for registration is February 1, 2010.
5.  Registrations received after the deadline (Feb 1, 2010), will be
charged an additional
    entry fee of $100.00.  This also applies to teams who sell their spots
after Feb. 1, 2010.
6.  Entry fees paid with check or money order from Canada will be charged
an additional  
    processing fee of $15.00 to cover bank charges.
7.  Entry fees that are paid by a check that is returned by the bank, will
be charged the
    bank fees that the Red River Sled Dog Derby Association is charged for
the
    transaction.

B. REFUNDS
Full refunds of entry fees will be granted until January 1, 2010.   After
January 1, 2010 refunds will be half of the entry fee.  After February 1,
2010, no refunds will be granted. In the event that the race is cancelled, refunds will be granted to
eligible registered mushers only.

C. QUALIFICATIONS
1. All entrants in the 2010 Red River Sled Dog Derby will be members of the
Red River Sled Dog Derby Association.
2. The race organizers reserve the right to reject any entry in the race.

D. DRIVER
1. The driver starting at the beginning of the race shall drive the team
throughout the race.
2. Driver qualifications:
a. The driver must be at lest eighteen (18) years of age or older.
b. Any driver or parent or legal guardian must supply the organizers with a
written
release before they will be allowed to race.
3. Substitution of drivers will be allowed by the Race Marshall up to the
start of the Drivers Meeting.  (providing the substitute driver meets the
criteria in “a” and “b” above).
4. Drivers Meeting
All entering drivers must attend the mandatory drivers meeting.  Failure of
driver to meet first roll call will result in a $50 fine.  Failure to
attend the meeting will result in disqualification unless there are
extenuating circumstances.

E. DOGS
1. Each team must start the derby with a minimum of  8 dogs, a maximum of
twelve, and have a minimum of six dogs standing (attached to the gangline
from the tug) in the team at all times.
2. All dogs must undergo a veterinary check as scheduled by the organizers.
All dogs must meet the criteria for the signing of an OFFICIAL HEALTH
CERTIFICATE, and any other specific criteria as published by the
organizers.
3. There will be no early Vet Checks.
4. Any dog/dogs NOT meeting the criteria for an Official Health Certificate
will not be allowed to run the race.
5. All entered dogs must have current Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus,
Parainfluenza and Rabies vaccinations:
a. Proof of Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza vaccinations
must come from a Veterinarian OR, if administered by the driver, records
must include type of vaccine, proof of purchase (i.e., receipt), and date
of vaccination in writing. The vaccines must be current and given at least
(14) days prior to the Pre-Race Vet Check.
b. Proof of Rabies vaccination must come from a licensed Veterinarian only.
Rabies vaccines must be given at least thirty (30) days prior to the
Pre-Race Vet Check and must be current through March 10, 2010.
c. Dogs coming from Alaska having valid certificates signed by Lay
Vaccinators will be accepted.  The manufacturer and vaccine serial number
of the Rabies vaccine administered to such dogs must be available to the
organizers.
6. All dogs will be marked prior to the start of the race. If there are two
separate teams in the same vehicle, each team will be marked separately.
7. Any dog dropped, before or during the race, must be marked out and
cannot be substituted or re-entered.
8. Dogs suitable for dog racing will be permitted to enter the race. All
dogs racing must have an undercoat.  Dog breeds will be determined by the
Race Marshall and Chief Veterinarian.

F. DRUGS
1. No injectable, oral or topical drugs that may suppress signs of illness
or injury may be used on a dog. A driver may not inject ANY substance into
his/her dogs. No drugs or other artificial means may be used to drive a dog
or cause a dog to perform or attempt to perform beyond its natural
ability.
2. THE FOLLOWING DRUGS AND TREATMENT ARE PROHBITED:
a. Anabolic Steroids
b. Analgesics (prescriptive and non-prescriptive)
c. Anesthetics
d. Antihistamines
e. Anti-inflammatory drugs including but not limited to: Cortico-steroids
(only those provided by the Red River Sled Dog Derby Veterinarians for use
on feet.), Antiprostaglandins, Non-steroids, Salicylates, and DMSO.
f. Brochodilators
g. Central Nervous System Stimulants
h. Cough Suppressants
i. Diuretics
j. Injectable Anticolinergics
k. Muscle Relaxants
l. Tranquilizers & Opiates
m. Anticonvulsants
n. Acupuncture is not allowed
The only medication approved for use under sweats is Furacin Ointment
(Nitrofurazone) and Algyval.
3. It is the intent of these rules that no drugs or other artificial means
be used to drive a dog beyond its natural ability. A driver must have
his/her team free from any prohibited drugs at the time of the Pre-Race Vet
check and during the race. If, in the opinion of a Race Veterinarian, it is
necessary to use one of these drugs for the dog's well-being,
administration of any such DRUG will be done only after the dog has been
dropped.
4. The use of blood doping -- i.e., injection of whole blood, packed blood
cells or blood substitutes -- is prohibited.
5. Use of ANY prohibited substance will result in disqualification or other
disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Race Marshall and/or chief
race veterinarian.
6. Red River Sled Dog Derby Race Veterinarians and/or their representatives
shall have the authority to collect blood and/or urine samples at random at
any point commencing with the Pre-Race Vet Check and ending two (2) hours
after the Awards Banquet. It will be the driver's responsibility to assist
the Race Veterinarians and/or their representative in the collection of
these samples. All samples will be sealed and signed for, before the
collection is considered complete.

G. EQUIPMENT
1. All harnesses shall be padded around the neck and chest areas.
2. All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file.
3. Some type of sled shall be drawn.
4. Above said sled shall be equipped with an adequate working brake (not
only a track), brushbow, snowhook and reflective tape on the rear
stanchions of the sled.
5. Above said sled shall include a sled bag capable of restraining and
completely enclosing a struggling dog and, if necessary, covering a
severely injured dog. Sprint bags are not acceptable.
6. All ganglines must be made of coated cable, or have a cable core, or be
made of iron rope. No bare cable allowed.
7. Reflection tape a minimum of twelve (12) inches by one (1) inch wide
must be on all dog harnesses.
8. A working headlamp shall be worn and must be turned on at all times from
dusk to dawn.
9. At least one lead dog must be equipped with a working light, which must
be turned on, from dusk to dawn, that is visible from the front when
approaching the team.

H. MUSHER’S MANDATORY GEAR (REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES)
* Two (2) complete working headlamps capable of reaching lead dog.
* Knife
* Sleeping bag with winter or arctic rating
* One pair snowshoes with bindings
* Ax
* Waterproof matches or a lighter
* Promotional materials (not to exceed five (5) pounds)
* A cutter you know will cut your cable gangline
* Set of booties (4) for each dog.
* Vet book must be carried with musher and be available at each checkpoint
* First Aid Kit (to consist of Ace bandage, pressure dressing and tape—to
be used in case   of major bleeding)
* One operational cooker, pot capable of boiling at least 2 (two) gallons
of water, and      an adequate amount of fuel to boil two gallons of water.
* Red blinking light on lead dog (Must carry at least two lights)

I. REQUIRED UPON LEAVING EACH CHECKPOINT
1. One (1) day's food ration for the driver and each dog in team.
2. Disposal of required items other than for their specifically intended
purpose is strictly prohibited. A maximum fine of $200 will be imposed for
littering including checkpoints. Any team snacking on the trail may not
leave trail food behind.


SECTION II -- OFFICIATING
A.  RACE OFFICIALS - GENERAL OVERVIEW

Red River Sled Dog Derby Board: The elected representatives of the Red
River Sled Dog Derby Association who host this race annually and have
ultimate authority over all aspects of the race.

RACE MARSHALL: The official charged with enforcing all rules and policies
as set down by the Red River Sled Dog Mushers Association; governs the race
(from the pre-race meetings to the awards banquet) in a manner that allows
all participants an equal opportunity to succeed and a level playing field
on which to compete; oversees the Race Judges.

CHIEF VETERINARIAN: Oversees the health and safety of all dogs entered in
the race. Is in charge of all dog health and safety issues from the
mandatory vet check until the Awards Banquet Sunday afternoon and, in the
case of drug testing or necropsy issues, until those issues are resolved.
Oversees the Veterinary staff.

TRAIL BOSS: Maintains the trail and will have top priority in all final
decisions regarding race trail matters.

RACE JUDGE(S): Work under the direction of the Race Marshall on all aspects
of rules enforcement and race safety.

RACE VETERINARIANS: Work under the direction of the Chief Veterinarian on
all aspects of dog care, safety, and health.

B. CONDUCT AND DISQUALIFICATION
1. Drivers are responsible for the conduct of themselves, their dogs and
their designated handlers whether they are in the race area, on the trail,
or dealing with race personnel, officials or the general public.
2. IF THE RACE MARSHALL DETERMINES THAT A DRIVER, HANDLER, OR TEAM AT ANY
TIME -- WHETHER IN THE RACE AREA OR ON THE TRAIL -- IS ACTING IN A WAY THAT
IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SPORT, THAT TEAM WILL BE PENALIZED OR DISQUALIFIED.
ALL OFFICIAL DECISIONS ARE FINAL. FURTHER ARGUING OR COMPLAINING MAY RESULT
IN A FINE OR DISQUALIFICATION FROM FUTURE RED RIVER SLED DOG DERBY EVENTS.
COMMON SENSE AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP SHALL PREVAIL.
3. Failure to adhere to the published rules will result in disqualification
or penalty. Determining this will be the responsibility of the organizers.
A disqualified driver will forfeit all entry fees, placements and monetary
awards.
4. The organizers may assess penalties other than disqualification. These
will take the form of time penalties or fines and can affect the final
placement of a team.

C. PROTESTS AND HEARINGS
1. Any driver wishing to register a written protest must do so at the next
checkpoint after the alleged infraction occurs. Any protest must be
accompanied by a $25.00 deposit.
2. Any occurrence between the final checkpoint and finish must be reported
within one (1) hour after arrival at the Finish Line.
3. PROTESTS must be submitted directly to a Judge and shall not be
discussed with spectators, media representatives or the general public
prior to a decision being handed down. Failure to adhere to this rule will
result in disqualification.
4. An official decision will be made by the Race Marshall and Judges
following a hearing attended by all parties involved.


SECTION III -- THE RACE


A. START/FINISH
1. Bib Numbers
a. The starting positions for the race shall be determined by a draw.
b. Drivers must be present at the Opening Ceremonies to receive their bibs
and draw for Starting order at the musher’s banquet.  Draw order is the
order the musher registrations were received.  
2. Start & Pre-start Schedule
A. All drivers, handlers and team trucks must be in the official musher
parking area and
available to the public on Race Day by the time announced at the drivers
meeting. Each
driver’s sled and mandatory equipment must be ready and available for
inspection at anytime upon Judges request. A $2.00 per minute late fee will
be charged for arriving after time designated at drivers meeting.
B. Each driver must have a second sled, in case the Race Marshall deems it
necessary for the start.
3. Start-time/Differential
A. For elapsed time purposes, the race will be a common start event. Each
driver's elapsed time will be calculated. Any driver who cannot leave the
starting line within ten (10) minutes of the last team's departure will be
disqualified unless extenuating circumstances prevail.
B. The actual difference in departure times from the starting line will be
made up at one of checkpoints prior to crossing the Finish line.  
c. Single Starts
i. There will be single starts. Any changes due to safety concerns will be
announced at the
Drivers Meeting
ii. There will be a device (tire, post or cable) at the Start Line for the
driver to fasten his/her team to. At the signal, each driver will release
his/her team and begin the race.
d. Assistance/Start Handlers
i. Handlers will be required or allowed at other sections of the race, as
specified by the Race Marshall.
3. Finish
a. The nose of the lead dog crossing the Finish Line signals a team's
official finish. In the event that the driver is not with the team when it
finishes, the finish time will be officially recorded when the driver
crosses the line after the team.
b. No entrant has officially finished until time cards have been verified
by an official for mandatory accumulated time and differential.
4. No Man’s Land
a. There will be no calling of the trail in "No Man's Land." This section
of the trail will be marked and will be where the teams leave the river
enroute to Halstad, MN start/finish line.  This will also be announced at
the Drivers Meeting.

B. CHECKPOINT LIST
Belmont Park (Frog Point)
East Grand Forks, MN
Belmont Park (Frog Point)
Finish at Halstad
ONLY CHECKPOINTS WILL BE DOG DROPS.


C. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
1. Drivers and teams may not receive outside assistance.
a. Drivers must not use planned outside assistance between checkpoints.
b. Drivers may assist each other in appropriate ways in an emergency.
c. Dog handlers are NOT allowed at road crossings or overhead bridges.
This may result in a one hour time penalty or disqualification of team.
2. In a case where a dog's or musher's life or limb is in threatening
danger, any outside assistance is acceptable.
3. Other Assistance
a. Replacement of broken or lost equipment between checkpoints must be
arranged through, and directed by, a Race Judge.
b. Drivers may accept rides on motorized vehicles in an emergency. Such
incidents must be reported to a Judge at the next checkpoint and may result
in disqualification.
c. Drivers may not arrange for any person or persons to instruct them
between checkpoints.  Requests for directions along the way are acceptable.
d. Pacing of any kind is strictly prohibited.
e. Two-way radios are prohibited.
f. Cellular phones during the race are prohibited for mushers.
g. GPS receivers are permitted.
h. Ski poles are permitted except within 50 feet of another team and “No
Man’s Land.”

D. MANAGEMENT/HANDLING OF DOGS
1. The cruel and/or inhumane treatment of any dog by any driver is strictly
prohibited and will be penalized by disqualification and barring from
future Red River Sled Dog Derby.
2. Whips are not allowed.
3. Boxing of Dogs
a. Dropped dogs must be presented to and marked out by a Veterinarian or
Judge before the driver leaves the checkpoint and before the dog is boxed.
A handler may drop a dog. However, the driver will be held responsible if
there is a mistake in dog identity. All dogs dropped must be checked by a
Veterinarian prior to boxing.
b. Any dog that remains in the race shall not be boxed once the race has
begun.
4. Expired Dogs
a. Any dog that dies on the trail for any reason must be taken to the
nearest/next checkpoint.
Expired dogs must be covered completely when being carried in the sled. The
driver must stay at that checkpoint until the Chief Veterinarian comes to
investigate the situation. At that time, there will be an interview between
the driver and Race Judges. The driver MAY be allowed to continue/finish
the race contingent on the Gross Necropsy and/or only after approval of the
Chief Veterinarian and Race Marshall.
b. Any dog that dies during the race will have a Necropsy performed by a
licensed Veterinarian according to ISDVMA Necropsy Guidelines.
c. Prize money will not be paid until the final results of the
Histopathology portion of the necropsy are returned (may take 4-6 months).
If it is determined that the cause of death was other than natural causes,
the team will be disqualified. The place money will then revert to the Red
River Sled Dog Derby Association general fund.
d. If the Necropsy determines the cause of death to be abuse, the team will
be disqualified and barred from participation in any future Red River Sled
Dog Derby events.
5. Hauling Dogs
a. A driver may not allow any of his/her dogs to be hauled by another team.
b. A dog hauled in a driver's sled must be handled in a humane fashion.
6. Loose Leaders
a. There will be no loose leaders. All dogs will be in the team or on the
sled.

E. CHECKPOINT PROCEDURES
1. Checking In
a. Each driver must check both in and out of all checkpoints. If no time is
to be spent at the checkpoint, both can be done upon arrival.
b. All drivers must personally check in and out at each checkpoint. All
dogs must be accounted for.  It is the driver's responsibility to make sure
this is done.
c. A driver may return to a check point with his/her team and may use
his/her truck to return a dog.
d. Each driver will be responsible for reporting any dogs in the bag to the
Judges or Vets.
2. Accommodations
a. Accommodations (space for bedding down dogs, rest rooms, parking, etc.)
are on a first-come, first-served basis. Available accommodations will go
to the drivers. Checkpoint Officials may designate additional areas for
teams if necessary.
b. Handlers or driver are responsible for cleanup and removal of straw or
hay before departure. Officials will inspect and approve each team's area.
Penalties (time or fines) will be imposed for non-compliance.
c. Boisterous behavior or other infractions on the part of drivers or
handlers in the checkpoint area is strictly prohibited.
3. Mandatory Layovers
a. There will be a total of 8 hours accumulated rest plus start
differential.
b. All drivers will remain at checkpoints. Every effort will be made to
secure quiet, controlled parking areas.
c.  There will be a mandatory four-hour rest plus start differential taken
at the time of the vet check in East Grand Forks (LaFave Park).  This rest
counts toward the 8 hour accumulated total rest time.
4. Food and Water
a. Each driver and his/her handlers are responsible for having necessary
food and water at
checkpoints. The organizers will make no arrangements for food and water
distribution. All checkpoints are accessible by truck.
5. Unattended Teams
NO TEAM SHALL BE LEFT UNATTENDED. Any driver wishing to leave a team within
a checkpoint shall leave his/her team under the supervision of a handler.
6. Handlers may feed and water teams at any checkpoints.

F. RUNNING THE COURSE
1. The Trail
a. Participants of the Red River Sled Dog Derby and related events are
guests of the City of Halstad, Belmont Park, and LaFave Park.  In
consideration of this fact, drivers will conduct themselves in an
appropriate manner, and at no time demand "rights" to the trail.
b. Teams inadvertently leaving the trail must regain the course at the
point at which they left it and then continue on.
c. Two or more teams may not be tied together except in an emergency. Any
team so involved must notify a judge at the next checkpoint.
d. Any team snacking on the trail may not leave trail food behind.
2. Cutoff Times
a. Any participant team not prepared to leave Belmont Park (Frogpoint) -
down bound within 12 hours of the first team’s departure from that
checkpoint will not be allowed to continue in the race.
b. There will be a twelve (12) hours cut-off in the race, meaning that no
official finishes will be recorded beyond 12 hours after the first
finishers in the race. Those teams en-route but who have not finished shall
be deemed “did not finish”. The Race Marshall may remove participants
from the race if they are deemed noncompetitive.
3. Passing
a. When being passed, an overtaken team must let the team that is
overtaking them fully overtake them before proceeding if trail has been
called.  The passed team must use common sense and common courtesy in
determining when to continue on.
b. When neither of the teams is able to pull away from the other, the
drivers shall mutually agree on the appropriate team to lead out. In no way
is the passing rule designed to assist a team in "manipulating" its way
into trail position.
c. In a head-on passing situation, the homeward-bound team has the right of
way and the outward - bound team must relinquish the trail. The exception
to this rule is when the outward-bound team is moving downhill. In this
case, the outward-bound team has the right of way.
4. Lost Teams
a. In the event of a lost team, the team will not be disqualified if the
driver regains control of the team, provided the team and driver complete
the entire race trail and comply with the rules, including checkpoint
requirements. All teams must follow the trail as marked.
b. A driver may receive assistance from another contestant in recovering
his/her team.
c. Teams inadvertently leaving the trail must regain the trail at the point
at which they left it before continuing on.
d. The driver may not check in at a checkpoint with a dog missing and may
not continue the race until the dog is found.
e. A driver who has lost his/her team may accept any assistance he/she can
find and may continue on from the point where he/she regained the team.
5. Safety
a. It is the driver's responsibility to check for traffic at any road
crossings. Every attempt will be made to secure these crossings. Toward the
end of the race, however, when teams are spread over a several-hour
stretch, it is likely that some crossings could be unattended.
b. Always use your head lamp to signal snow machines while traveling at
night. During daylight hours, travel can be more challenging as the
snowmobiles will not be able to see the light of your headlamps. Be
cautious.
6. Non-Competitiveness
a. The Race Marshall may remove a participant from the race if they are
deemed non-competitive.

G. WEATHER AND TRAIL CONDITIONS
1. The race will continue under all but the most severe trail and weather
conditions. Drivers must be prepared to run in cold, wind, storms, and over
sections of bare ground if necessary.
2. In the event of questionable trail conditions, the race organizers will
make a decision to
postpone or modify the course, no less than seven (7) days before the race.

3. SECTION IV--AWARDS PRESENTATION
All drivers finishing the race must be present at the Awards Banquet.
Failure to appear will result in forfeiture of any winnings.

SECTION V -- BIBS
Drivers are required to wear their race bibs on the outside of their outer
clothing at all times, from the beginning of the race through the finish.
Your consideration will be appreciated.  A deposit of $50.00 will be
collected from each musher at the time of race registration at the vet
check.  Mushers must return their race bibs to a Race Official at the
finish or at a checkpoint in order to receive their deposit back.


GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

OFFICIAL POLICY STATEMENT -- Upon the request by a musher or handler, the
Chief Veterinarian will be available for continued care and treatment of
dogs after the finish of the race until the dogs or team leaves Halstad, at
the musher’s expense.

OFFICIAL POLICY STATEMENT -- FINISHERS' MEETING
The 2010 Red River Sled Dog Derby Association meeting/finishers' meeting
gives mushers the opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns that may
have occurred during the race.  In an effort to continually improve the
race, it is critical to receive feedback from all finishers. The Finishers'
Meeting time and location will be announced at the Mushers  pre-race
meeting.
Last Updated ( Sunday, December 06, 2009 )