Race Information

All Rules and Regulations are based on the International Dragon Boat Federation Members Handbook (3rd Edition, Dec. 00) and local rules and regulations developed by Paddle Paths Inc. These rules and regulations are subject to change.
 

Race Basics

Starting

Right of Way

Finish

Heats, Semi-finals, Finals Advancement

A.  Race Basics

  1. The minimum race crew is fourteen (14) paddlers, one (1) drummer and one (1) steersperson. All MIXED teams must have a minimum of six (6) female and six (6) male paddlers.
  2. Crews exceeding 22 members on board will be disqualified.
  3. Races are 500 meters in length, unless otherwise stipulated.
  4. A team cannot finish a race unless all crew members who started the race are present in the boat.
  5. Teams will be assigned lanes, by number, and must line up within these lanes during the start. Lane selection is by random draw. Officials may change lanes or course layout due to weather or other conditions.

 B.  Starting 

  1. "Staged Start” will be used. Start may be changed due to weather, course, safety, or other conditions.
  2. Boats must listen to Race Officials, and follow instructions quickly.
  3. Starter’s instructions will include procedures for boats to 'hold', 'back up', and 'move forward', while boats are lining up for the start.
  4. Once the boats are lined up evenly (at Race Officials' sole discretion) in the designated staging area, the boats will be directed to slowly advance to the Start Line.
  5. Once the Starter feels boats are lined up evenly (at his/her sole discretion) in the designated starting area, the warning signal of "Attention Please!" will cue all paddlers, of every competing boat to prepare for Start.
  6. Starter will sound signal at any time after warning signal.
  7. Drummers may not drum during Start procedures.  Drummers must stop drumming if the Race Officials call a False Start or stops the race for any reason.
  8. False Starts will be signaled by three sound signals after the start signal.
  9. UNFAIR STARTS - When a crew 'jumps the start', (which for the purpose of the Rules of Racing means that a crew has anticipated the Starters word of Command, or Sound Signal), and a 'False Start' cannot be called, but in the opinion of the Starter a material advantage has been gained by the crew or crews, the Starter may award a 'Time Penalty' to crew or crews in question.

C.  Right of Way

  1. A boat changing lanes during a heat may not pass within 4 boat lengths in front of any team on the course. A penalty or disqualification will be assessed at the time of race completion.
  2. All boats must attempt to avoid contact at all times on the water.
  3. Any contact between boats will result in penalty or disqualification.
  4. A boat which is not competing must keep clear of all boats which are competing.

D.  Finish

  1. Finish line will be between the Finish Buoys. 
  2. For the Finish Line Officials to stop the clock, the Dragon Boat's bow must cross the finish line.
  3. When your boat crosses finish line stay in your lane and "let it ride" for 1 full boat length straight in lane.  Check for clearance, then turn left towards shore in a long, gentle, paddling turn and head back to docks as quickly and safely as possible.

E.  Heats, Semi-finals, Finals Advancement

  1. All teams will race 1 race at the start of the day.
  2. All teams will race at least 2 races. Those advancing to finals will race again.
  3. Race heats will have 3 or 4 boats, each in a designated start lane.
  4. Mixed teams will be divided into 2 divisions based on their times in the 1st race.
  5. All  teams - Mixed and Women - advance to the Semi-finals. Seeding will be based on race time from 1st race. The 3 fastest teams will race against each other. The next 3 fastest teams will race against one another, and so on until all teams have raced twice.
  6. The top finishing Mixed teams of each division - based on placing - will advance to finals for that division. Number and placing of teams advancing depends on total number of teams entered and will be finalized before race day.
  7. The top finishing Women's teams - based on placing - will advance to finals. Number and placing of teams advancing depends on total number of teams entered and will be finalized before race day.
  8. Awards will be presented to the top 3 finishing teams in 2 Mixed, 1 Women's and 1 Breast Cancer Survivor division finals.
  9. Mixed and Women's divisions winners will receive medals.
  10. The 1st Place winner of the Breast Cancer Survivor division will have their name engraved on a Special Award to be displayed at the Lethbridge YWCA. A team photo with the award will be presented as a keepsake.

The ruling of the Race Director is final and without appeal.

***NOTE:  Adjustments to race course, times, race schedule and cancellation of race heats may occur due to a number of circumstances including weather, daylight, water conditions, safety, etc.  These adjustments are a part of the event and are at the sole discretion of the Race Officials and are final, without appeal and without refund.