Rules and Regulations

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Races are run using Dragon Boat BC's Official Competition Rules and Regulations for each competition year. Please visit dragonzone.ca/downloads to view the rules.

In the event of any inconsistency with this page and the Official Competition Rules and Regulations, the Official Competition Rules and Regulations will prevail except for the following points:

  • ALL WOMEN'S DIVISION RACERS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE A FEMALE STEERSPERSON
  • Random roster checks may be conducted throughout the day 

EQUIPMENT

A standard BuK racing fleet will be used at the Festival.

Only dragon boat paddles meeting the IDBF PS202a specifications may be used. The Grey Owl dragon boat paddle meets the IDBF PS202a size specification.

Friction tape and wax may be used on personal paddles only.

Any Department of Transport/Canadian Coast Guard approved PFD will be allowed (except “self-inflating jackets”) – they will be inspected by dock personnel before each race, It is up to the discretion of the dock manager if the personal Flotation Device will be allowed.

**Note that at this time, Vaikobi PFD’s are not approved for use in Canada and will not be permitted at this festival.

RACE COURSE

Races will be 200m and 500m races. The race program may change throughout the season.

Races will be run with 4-6 lanes (may change based on teams registered).

 THE START

The Race Referee will have the boats line up in their proper lanes 2 boat lengths back of the Start Line.The Race Referee will hand the race over to the Starter.The Starter will position boats across the Start Line.

In the event of windy conditions - ‘Running Starts’ will be used.The Race Referee will have the boats line up 3 boat lengths behind the Start Line.  The Race Referee will hand the race over to the Starter.

The start commands will be:
1. “We have alignment”
2. “PADDLERS ARE YOU READY”
3. “ATTENTION”
4. An air horn blast or similar signal.

RE-RACE RULES

At the official’s discretion, a re-race may be ordered when:

There is a false start called by the Starter, or
There is clearly a collision within the first 50M of the race, or
There is an equipment breakage, other than paddle, within the first 50M of the race

There will absolutely be no grounds for re-races once all boats have passed the 50M mark, except one that is initiated by Officials under extraordinary circumstances.

PROTESTS

Protests require a $50 non-refundable fee and the protest must be in written form.

A team may protest:

  • Illegal paddle/PFD used by another team.
  • A crew not complying with the roster rule.
  • Collision initiated by another team during the race.

A protest must be brought up prior to your team leaving the Dock area. Otherwise, the offence cannot be verified.

 A team may not protest:

  • Boat/lane assignment
  • Interference from another boat that did not result in a collision.

PENALTIES

At the Official’s discretion, a varying-second penalty or team disqualification may be imposed for the following infractions:

  • Verbal/physical abuse to any Official/Volunteer
  • Crew does not comply with the Official Team Roster
  • False starting
  • Crew does not follow Official’s instructions to change course, resulting in impeding another crew or resulting in a collision with another crew
  • Use of unofficial paddle/PFD

FVPC reserves the right to change the rules and regulations stated in this document without notice.

FVPC has the sole right to construe, interpret and enforce the Official Rules and Regulations.

Any decisions rendered on or under these rules and regulations are conclusive and final.

FVPC reserves the right to add, cancel, or make any changes to the divisional categories or the race structure as needed.

FVPC reserves the right to limit the number of teams that may participate in any division.

FVPC reserves the right to accept or refuse any entry into the festival.