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International Mushing Rules

Table of Contents

Definitions
Chapter One (General Rules)
I. Entry Rules
II. Start-Finish Rules
III. Trail Rules
IV. Conduct
V. Rules Violations
Chapter Two (Special Rules for Classes)
I. Classes

Definitions
MUSHER: A person who drives a dog team entered in the Mushing Event.
EVENT: A meeting of contestants for the purpose of competing in one event which may involve several classes.
HEAT: A completion of the trail once.
ORGANISATION: The organisation in charge of running the event.
MUSHING: A competition in a specified class and may be comprised of one or more heats.
MUSHING AREA: All designated parking areas, spectator areas, team holding areas, start/finish chutes, officiating areas
and the trail areas.
MUSHING MARSHAL: This is the Chief Judge who shall have supreme authority at an event. The only official who can
decide upon a disqualification.
MUSHING JUDGE: Rules Enforcing Officer has the same authority as the Mushing Marshal / Chief Judge, except in the
question of disqualification. References to the Mushing Marshall in these Rules shall also apply for the
Mushing Judge(s), when appropriate.
RIG: Shall consist of either a three or four wheel cart.
MAY: Shall be construed as being permissive.
SHALL: Shall be construed as being imperative.
SHOULD: Shall be construed as advisory.

CHAPTER ONE (General Rules)
(Applies to all styles and classes)
Note: In case of discrepancy between general rules and special rules, the special rules shall prevail. In these rules, the masculine shall
include the feminine.

I. ENTRY RULES
1. Eligibility
1.1. Entries
1.1.1. An entry for a Mushing Event shall be submitted prior to the start of the Mushing event, subject to entry deadlines
as determined by the Mushing-giving organisation.
1.1.2. The Mushing-giving organisation may reject any entry for just cause.
2. Mushers
2.1 The Musher starting a team in the first heat of a Mushing event shall drive that team throughout the Mushing
event.
2.2 A change in Musher can only be made as the result of illness or injury to the authorized entrant and must have the
approval of the Mushing Marshall or Mushing-giving organisation.
2.3 Any Musher disqualified in any heat is not eligible to compete in the remainder of the Mushing event.
3. Dogs
3.1. The Mushing Marshall or Mushing Veterinarian may disallow entry of any team or dog for just cause.
3.2. Any team or dog coming to the starting line which, in the opinion of the Mushing Marshal or Mushing Veterinarian,
is unfit or incapable of safely completing the trail shall be disqualified.
3.3. Any team or dog not starting the first heat of the Mushing Event shall not be eligible to compete in the remainder
of the Mushing Event.
3.4. Any team or dog disqualified in any heat of the Mushing event is not eligible to compete in the remainder of the
Mushing event.
3.5. Eligibility of dogs is not restricted to certain breeds.

4. Disease.
4.1 No dog or equipment shall be brought from a kennel where rabies, distemper, hepatitis, Leptospirosis, biliary,
hookworm or any other contagious disease exists.
4.2. Any dog present in the Mushing area that has a contagious disease shall be disqualified and ordered to
immediately leave the Mushing area. The owner of such a dog shall be banned from entering a Mushing Event for
three events. A health certificate shall be obtained by a veterinarian for that particular dog. This certificate shall be
submitted to the Mushing Judge or Vet for approval and only then may such a disqualified dog compete again.
4.3 All Mushers entering a Mushing area with his/her dogs shall have all Vet Cards ready for inspection and MUST be
presented at every entry for an event. All vaccinations shall be up to date in order to enter such area.

5. Identification
5.1 In a stage event where the Mushing will be held over more than one day the dogs approved by the Mushing
marshal or Mushing Veterinarian, will be clearly marked with colour spray to be identified for the next day.
5.2 A record book for dogs entered in a stage event shall be kept and the Mushing Veterinarian shall check every dog
before and after every event. Dogs not passed by the Mushing Veterinarian shall not be allowed to complete the
event.

6. Medications administered to Dogs and Mushers
In all competitions held under these rules, the IFSS/WSA Doping rules, List of forbidden substances and
methods, and Procedural guidelines for doping control shall apply

7. Equipment
7.1 Inspection.
7.1.1 Mushers, teams and equipment shall be available for inspection in the vehicle holding area at least ten (10)
minutes before their scheduled time of departure.
7.1.2. A team in harness shall not be required to stand for inspection longer than six (6) minutes before the scheduled
time of departure.
7.1.3. Inspection shall take place in an area that does not interfere with teams in the start or finish chutes.
7.1.4. A team shall be available for inspection after each heat at the request of the Mushing Marshall.
7.2 All equipment is subject to the approval of the Mushing Marshal or Mushing-giving organisation.

8. Other Equipment.
8.1. A muzzle or a collar that can be hooked as a full choke shall be forbidden.
8.2 Whips are forbidden.
8.3. A Mushers number for each Musher shall be provided by SAFSS. The Musher shall display this number on his
person throughout the Mushing event.

9. Finish Time Disqualification (Optional)
N/A

II. START-FINISH RULES.
10. Drawing
10.1. The starting positions for the first heat of a Mushing shall be determined by a drawing held prior to the Mushing at
a time and place designated by the Mushing-giving organisation.
10.2. The Musher or designated proxy of each team shall draw their own starting position. In their absence the starting
position shall be drawn by the Mushing Marshal or Mushing-giving organisation or his representative.
10.3. The order of the draw shall not be changed, either by addition or substitution. Late entries shall be added in order
of receipt.

11. Single Start Mushing
11.1 The first day's starting positions shall be determined by the draw.
11.2 The second day's starting positions shall be determined by the first day's times, with the fastest teams starting last,
the second fastest team starting second from last, etc.
11.3 In Mushing of more than two heats,
11.3.1 The total elapsed time of the previous heats shall determine starting positions, with the fastest team starting last,
the second fastest team starting second from last, etc.
11.2.2 Or, at the option of the Mushing-giving organisation, the elapsed time of the previous single heat shall determine
the starting positions with the fastest team starting first, the second fastest team starting second, etc.
11.3.3 If the optional start is to apply to the Mushing, all entrants shall be notified prior to making entry, stating to which
classes it shall apply.

12. Dual Start Mushing
N/A

13. Equal Times
13.1 If the total elapsed time of two teams is identical, the order of start for those teams shall be the reverse order in
which they started in the preceding heat.
13.2. Teams with equal times for the entire Mushing shall be awarded the higher finishing position.

14. Starting Point and Time
14.1 The point where the front wheel in the event of Bikejoring Scooter or Open classes touches the ground shall
determine the starting point of the team. In Canicross the musher shall stand behind the starting line.
14.2 Trail time for all teams shall begin at the originally scheduled time of departure.
14.3 A team that fails to be in the starting position at its scheduled starting time shall be declared a late starting team.
14.3.1 A late-starting team shall not be allowed to start until after the last team in its class has started, and after the
prescribed starting interval.
14.3.2. A late-starting team shall not interfere with any other team.
14.3.3. If more than one team is declared late, those teams shall start in the originally scheduled starting order until after
the last team in its class has started, and after the prescribed starting interval..
14.3.4. If a team is late to the starting line for its second scheduled time of departure for any one heat, that team shall be
disqualified.

15. A team not clearing the Starting Chute (minimum distance, 30 meters) prior to the scheduled start of the next team
may be disqualified.

16. Assistance in the Starting Chute
16.1 Unless otherwise specified by the Mushing Marshal prior to the start of the first heat of the event:
16.1.2. Any amount and type of assistance is allowed to a team prior to the actual starting time.
16.1.3. Once a team's starting time has commenced, only the chute judge or officials designated to help may assist in the
chute.

17. Finish
17.1. A team shall have finished the heat when the first dog on the team crosses the finish line.
17.2. If a loose team crosses the finish line ahead of its Musher, that team shall have finished when the Musher reaches
the finish line.

III. TRAIL RULES
18. Following the Trail
18.1. A team and Musher shall run the full course as established by the Mushing-giving organisation.
18.2. If a team leaves the trail, the Musher shall return the team to the point at which they left the trail.
18.3. The trail shall be followed using marked as follows:
18.3.1. "Right Turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the right side of the trail.
18.3.2. "Left Turn" shall be indicated by a red marker on the left side of the trail.
18.3.3. "Straight Ahead" shall be indicated by blue markers.
18.3.4. "Caution" shall be indicated by a yellow or orange marker.
18.3.5. The end of the Starting Chute (minimum length, 30 meters) shall be indicated by markers on both sides of the trail.
18.3.6. Arrowed boards are allowed provided they can not be tampered with to cause any damage to a team to leave the
trail.

19. Driving a Team
19.1. Any Musher accepting a ride during the-Mushing on any vehicle other than his own rig shall be disqualified.
19.2. A Musher shall not interfere with a competing team.
19.3. Carrying a passenger at any time during the Mushing shall be prohibited unless:
19.3.1 Called for in the conditions of the Mushing.
19.3.2 Giving a ride to a Musher in an emergency situation.

20. Assistance on the Trail
20.1. All teams may receive similar assistance of any type from officials stationed at designated points along the trail as
authorized by the Mushing Marshal.
20.2. Mushers running in the same heat may assist each other in any manner authorized by the Mushing Marshal.
20.3. Handler and spectator assistance shall be limited to holding the rig, except in the case of a loose team, or a team
so unmanageable as to create a clear and present danger to themselves, other teams or persons.
20.4. No one shall assist a team by wilfully pacing it.

21. Loose Team and Dogs
21.1. A loose team or dog(s) shall not delay or interfere with another team.
21.2. The Musher shall overtake a loose team or dog on foot.
21.3. A loose team or dog may resume the trail without penalty provided the team/dog has completed the entire trail and
the Musher has received only authorized outside assistance.
21.3.1 Authorized outside assistance is limited to holding a loose team or dog, once it has been stopped.
21.3.2 Any person(s) may (and is encouraged to) stop and hold a loose team or dog.

22. Right of Way
The team who enters a corner first shall have right of way until the end of the corner.

23. Passing
23.1. When one team Musher intends to pass another team, the passing team Musher may request the right of way
when the lead dog(s) come(s) within 15 meters of the rig of the overtaken team.
23.2. The overtaken team Musher shall make way for the passing team by steering the rig to one side of the trail,
slowing his team and, if demanded by the overtaking team Musher, stopping and keeping the team from moving
forward.
23.3 If the passing team becomes tangled or bunched up in the course of the pass, to allow time to untangle and tighten
lines, that team's Musher may require the overtaken team Musher to remain stopped for up to one (1) minute in
Open Classes involving three (3) or more dogs, one half (0.5) minute in all other classes.
23.4. Once a team has been passed, that team shall not re-pass, so long as the Musher in front is making an effort to
keep his team moving forward until,
23.4.1. In Open Classes involving three (3) or more dogs, after less than four (2) minutes or 800 meters.
23.4.2. At any lesser intervals whenever both Mushers are in agreement.

23.5. After a pass has been completed, a team Musher that has been passed need not hold his team while the other
Musher:
23.5.1 Repairs gear, or
23.5.2 Unhooks and transfers a dog or dogs from one position in a team to another position in the team or
23.5.3. Goes off the Mushing trail, before the above mentioned distance or time interval has elapsed.
23.5. A Musher coming upon two or more teams stopped together may pass all such teams. The stopped Mushers shall
make every effort to clear the trail for the moving team(s).
23.6. No Musher shall interfere with a competing team.

IV. CONDUCT
24. Responsibility and Sportsmanship
24.1. All Mushers shall be responsible for the conduct of their dogs, their designated handler, and themselves whenever
in the Mushing area or on the trail.
24.2. Common sense and good sportsmanship shall prevail. If the Mushing Marshal determines that Musher, handler or
team conduct at any time in the Mushing area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/Mushing, that team shall be
disqualified.
25. Abuse of Dogs
25.1 Abuse of dogs, with or without an implement, shall be prohibited and constitutes immediate disqualification.

V. RULES VIOLATIONS
26. Reports by Mushing Officials
26.1 Mushing officials shall report obvious rule violations to the Mushing Marshal verbally in person immediately or
directly following the heat in which the violation occurred. All verbal reports shall be followed with a written report,
given to the Mushing Marshal within one (1) hour of the completion of the Mushing official's duties for the Mushing
heats of that day.
26.2 The Mushing Marshal shall act, at his discretion, on any overt violations witnessed and reported by Mushing officials.

27. Reports by Mushing Contestants
27.1. Mushers wishing to report an alleged violation of the rules by another contestant shall notify the Mushing Marshal
immediately following the heat in which the incident occurred. Notification may be verbal.
27.2. All verbal reports shall be followed with a written report, given to the Mushing Marshal within one (1) hour of the
completion of the heat in which the alleged violation occurred.

28. Protests and Hearings
28.1. Any Musher concerned in a report of an alleged violation of the rules will be notified of the protest by the Mushing
Marshal and provided access to copies of the written protests as soon as they become available but in all cases
before any hearings are conducted.
28.2. Said hearing shall be conducted by the Mushing Marshal.

29. Disciplinary Action.
29.2. For violation of any WSA, IFSS & SAFSS Regulation, the Mushing Marshal shall either issue a verbal warning to
the Musher or disqualify the Musher and team from the Mushing.
29.2. No other disciplinary action shall be imposed.
29.3. Decisions shall be announced as promptly as practical but no later than four (4) hours prior to the start of any
ensuing heat(s).
29.4. Any disciplinary action following the final heat of the Mushing shall be acted upon prior to the awards ceremony.

30. The decisions of the Mushing Marshal shall be final unless promptly appealed to the SAFSS Board of Directors
Appeals Jury.

31. Appeals Jury
31.1. Any decision of the Mushing Marshal affecting a contestant's participation in the event may be appealed. Such
appeal must be made as soon as practical following the official rendering of the decision. The appeal must be in
writing, stating the alleged infraction, the decision reached, the penalty imposed and what the contestant believes
to be incorrect or unfair. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeals fee of fifty (50) rand which will be
refunded if the decision is overturned.
31.2. The jury shall consist of either three or five members depending on the number of officials assigned to take part
(either one or two appointed by the SAFSS President) on the jury.
31.2.1 The President shall designate which SAFSS official is to serve as the chair of the Appeals Jury.

32. The jury shall conduct a new and independent investigation into the allegations. The jury will render a decision
following secret deliberations. They may affirm, overturn or modify the decision of the Mushing Marshal in any way
necessary to achieve a correct and just outcome. The jury will announce its decision as soon as possible so as
not to interfere with the subsequent heats of the affected class.

V DOPING RULES

SAFSS shall adopt the international doping rules and regulations as set out in Annexure "A"

VI ANIMAL WELFARE

Rules on animal welfare shall be adhered to as set out in Annexure "B"
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RULES FOR DRYLAND EVENTS

1. CANICROSS
A Canicross team consists of a competitor and one dog, racing solely on foot.

1.1 CLASSES
At the option of the event giving organisation, competitions may be held in the following classes:
a. Canicross junior men (DCMJ) and Canicross Junior women (DCWJ) for competitors from 14 until and including 16 years of age (Note 1).
b. Canicross senior men (DCM) and Canicross senior women (DCW) for competitors from 17 until and including 39 years of age (Note 1).
c. Canicross veteran men (DCMV) and Canicross veteran women (DCWV) for competitors from 40 years of age (Note 1).

1.2 EQUIPMENT
a. The dog shall be attached to the Musher by a snub line with shock absorber at all time. The snub line shall be attached to the Musher by a
hip belt (at least 7 cm wide over the spine). It is prohibited to have any form of metal hook or ring at the Musher?s end of the line. This snub
line shall not exceed 2,5 meters in length at rest.
b. The competitor shall not be wearing shoes that could be dangerous for dogs (i.e. shoes with metal spikes).

1.3 TRAIL AND START RULES
a. The competitor and the dog shall wait behind the starting line until the start signal has been given.
b. The competitor shall run behind his dog.
c. The competitor shall not pace the dog by running ahead.
d. Pulling the dog or forcing the dog to move forward by any means is strictly forbidden.
e. If a dog becomes unfit or stops advancing for any reason, the competitor is not permitted to finish the heat.
f. During the overtaking procedure the overtaken team shall make unimpeded way for the passing team.
g. On the command "TRAIL", the participant and the dog are obliged to hold the same side of the trail and slow down.
h. If a mass start is organized, all the competitors of the same class shall wait together behind the starting line holding their dog by the collar or
the harness. If they cannot all stay on one line, they shall set more lines as required. Seeded competitors, if any, shall stay on the first line(s)
ahead of the non-seeded competitors

2. BIKEJORING - ONE DOG
A Bikejoring one dog team consists of a Musher pedalling a bicycle and one dog.

2.1 CLASSES
At the option of the event giving organisation, competitions may be held in the following classes:
a. Bikejoring senior men (DBM) and Bikejoring senior women (DBW) for competitors from 16 until and including
39 years of age (Note 1).
b. Bikejoring veteran men (DBMV) and Bikejoring veteran women (DBWV) for competitors from 40 years of age
(Note 1).

2.2 EQUIPMENT
a. The dog shall be attached to the bicycle or to the Musher by a snub line with shock absorber not exceeds 2,5 meters at rest in front of the
bike. If the line is attached to the Musher, it should be by a hip belt (at least 7 cm wide over the spine). It is prohibited to have any form of metal
hook or ring at the Musher's end of the line.
b. The bicycle shall be equipped with an efficient brake on each wheel.
c. All Mushers must wear gloves and a helmet approved by a national test registry.
d. It is prohibited to have any form of metal mudguards on the bicycle.

2.3 TRAIL AND START RULES
a. The front wheel of the bicycle shall determine the starting point of the team and shall not exceed the starting line until the start signal has
been given.
b. The Musher shall ride the bicycle behind his dog.
c. The Musher shall not pace the dog by driving ahead.
d. Pulling the dog or forcing the dog to move forward by any means is strictly forbidden.
e. If a dog becomes unfit or stops advancing for any reason, the Musher is not permitted to finish the heat.
f. During the overtaking procedure the overtaken team shall make unimpeded way for the passing team. On the command "TRAIL", the
participant and the dog is obliged to hold the same side of the trail and stop to pedal.
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3. SCOOTER

3.1 CLASSES
At the option of the event giving organization, competitions may be held in the following classes:
a. Scooter one dog (DS1) for competitors 16 years and older (Note 1).
b. Scooter 2 dogs (DS2) for competitors 16 years and older (Note 1).
c. A Scooter team consists of a Musher riding a two-wheeled "scooter"-type vehicle pulled by one or two dogs.
d. Bicycles without pedal mechanisms and bicycles with the pedal mechanisms blocked will be allowed.
e. Light three-wheeled rigs will be allowed in the Scooter 2 dog class.

3.2 EQUIPMENT
a. The dog shall be attached to the scooter by a snub line with shock absorber not to exceed 2,5 meters at
rest in front of the scooter.
b. The scooter shall be equipped with an efficient brake on each wheel.
c. The minimum wheels diameter shall be 12" (30 cm)
d. All Mushers must wear gloves and a helmet approved by a national test registry.
e. It is prohibited to have any form of metal mudguards.

3.3 TRAIL AND START RULES
a. The front wheel of the scooter shall determine the starting point of the team and shall not exceed the starting line until the start signal has
been given. The Musher shall ride the scooter behind his dogs. If a dog becomes unfit or stops advancing for any reason, the Musher is not
permitted to finish the heat.
b. During the overtaking procedure the overtaken team shall make unimpeded way for the passing team. On the command "TRAIL", the
participant and the dog is obliged to hold the same side of the trail and slow down. On the command "STOP", the overtaken team is obligated to
stop moving forward. The command "STOP" is applicable only in order to prevent a dangerous situation.

4. OPEN TEAMS

4.1 CLASSES
a. 4-Dog team (DR4): A limited Four-Dog team shall consist of not less than four (4) dogs and not less than
two (2) dogs for competitors from 17 years of age (Note 1).
b. 6-Dog team (DR6): A limited Six-Dog team shall consist of not more than six (6) dogs and not less than
four (4) dogs for competitors from 17 years of age (Note 1).
c. 8-Dog team (DR8): A limited Eight-Dog team shall consist of not more than eight (8) dogs and not less
than six (6) dogs for competitors from 17 years of age (Note 1).

4.2 EQUIPMENT
a) All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file.
b) All dogs shall be fastened to the tug line by a neck line and a tail line. Lead dogs may run without a neck
line.
c) The rig in 4-Dog class may either have three (3) or four (4) wheels. The rig in the other classes shall have
four (4) wheels. The minimum wheels diameter shall be 12" (30 cm).

All rigs shall be equipped with:

" An efficient brake on each wheel.
" A locking brake (handbrake) which can be blocked.
" All Mushers must wear gloves and a helmet approved by a national test registry.
" The following weights are recommended minimums for rigs:
4-Dog class: 25 kg
6-Dog class: 35 kg
8-Dog class: 45 kg

4.3 START AND TRAIL RULES

4.3.1 The front wheel(s) shall determine the starting point of the team and shall not exceed the starting line until the start
signal has been given. The Musher shall ride the rig behind his dogs. The Musher shall not pace the dogs by
running ahead.
4.3.2 If no possibilities are provided to drop dogs and a dog becomes unfit or stops advancing for any reason, the
Musher is not permitted to finish the heat. For safety reasons the transport of a dog on the rig is strictly forbidden in
all classes.
4.3.3 During the overtaking procedure the overtaken team shall make unimpeded way for the passing team. On the
command "TRAIL", the overtaken team is obliged to hold the same side of the trail and slow down. On the
command "STOP", the overtaken team is obligated to stop movement forward. # 23 of Chapter One, III Trail
Rules apply.

5. TEMPERATURES

5.1 The temperature shall be controlled during the whole event. A thermometer shall be installed in the shade near the
starting area at 50 cm above the ground.
5.2 The normal temperature
5.3 For canicross events is below 18 degrees C.
5.4 For Bikejoring, scooter and team events is below 16 degrees C
5.5 The critical temperature allowing to held only the minimum recommended distances (see point 62)
5.6 For canicross events is from 18 degrees C through 25 degrees C.
5.7 For Bikejoring events is from 16 degrees C through 22 degrees C.
5.8 For scooter and team events is from 16 degrees C through 20 degrees C
5.9 Above the critical temperatures the events or classes concerned will be cancelled or rescheduled at another time.
Depending on the event trail (i.e. large section under the sun) the Event Marshal may impose shorter distances
even if the maximum temperatures above are not reached.

6. AGES OF DOGS

The dogs shall be at least 12 months old on the first day of the competition in the Canicross and Team classes and
at least 18 months old in Bikejoring, Scooter and Open classes.
Note 1: The age of a competitor is considered the same during a racing season. It is the age the competitor
reaches on the 31 December following the end of the racing season