Entry Rules |

Entry Rules

Rother Raft Race Entry Rules and Craft Specifications

	1.	The adults race will commence at Cowdray Ruins and end at Lods Bridge, a distance of 3 3/4 miles.
	2.	The Application form must be completed and returned no later than Saturday 21st August 2010. (Late entries by prior agreement of the organisers only).
	3.	A number will be allocated and this must be incorporated into the structure of your raft in such a way as to be clearly visible from both banks. The actual starting order within each category will be in order of receipt of entry and fee.
	4.	An entry of £7.00 per person will be paid and in return each will receive a T-Shirt in the years race colours with race logo.
	5.	Adults to sell £30 per head – two man raft will be allocated 60 tickets and a four man raft 120 tickets at a cost of £1.00 per ticket or sponsorship – ask for details. All proceeds will go to local charities.
	6.	Youth entries to sell £20 per head – two youth raft will be allocated 40 tickets and a four youth raft 80 tickets at a cost of £1.00 per ticket or sponsorship – ask for details. All proceeds will go to local charities.

	7.	The categories and starting order for this year’s trophies are as follows:
		Category A – 2 Man Youth Team – R.A. Shapland Building Services Shield Category B – 4 Man Youth Team – Ron Dudman Shield Category C – 2 Ladies/Mixed Team – Link Hire & Sales Cup Category D – 4 Ladies Team – Cowdray Shield Category E – Dad and the Family – A & F Warehouse Cup Category F – 2 Man Team – The Kingswell Cup Category G – Mixed 4 Team Raft – Acorn Press Cup Category H – 4 Man Team – Danny Frankham Memorial Shield Category I – 4 Man Pub Team – Ballards Brewery Cup Category J – Open Raft Team – W.L. West & Sons Shield In addition the following awards will be made: Best Fancy Dress – Motley Crew Trophy Youth Best Fancy Dress – Trophy Best Prepared Raft – D.J.T Creber Plasterers Trophy.
	8.	The minimum age for the youth categories is 10 years of age i.e. anyone under the age of 10 (on the day of the race) is not allowed to enter the Rother Raft Race. Youth participants are classified as being under the age of 16 (on the day of the race). PLEASE NOTE: Nobody under the age of 16 years of age is allowed down the fish ladder. Rother Raft Race participants who are between the ages of 16-17 years on the day of the race are allowed down the fish ladder provided they have written permission from a parent/guardian.
	9.	A mixed team shall be a team of men and women.
	10.	ALL COMPETITORS AND FRIENDS MUST KEEP DOGS WITH THEM ON LEADS WHEN WALKING THE COURSE. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS RULE WILL ENDANGER THE WHOLE EVENT AND MAY LEAD TO PARTIES CONCERNED BEING DISQUAILIFIED.
	11.	PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROTHER IS NOT A PUBLIC WATERWAY AND NO PERMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR PRACTISE RUNS.

	12.	Floatation:
		Floatation must be achieved by the use of containers or materials in normal commercial or industrial use. E.g. Fertilizer Barrels or Inner Tubes.Unprotected polystyrene is NOT permitted as it may break up and cause river pollution. No toxic materials whatsoever are to be used in any part of the structure. Rafts are to be homemade and not custom built and ropelled by single blade paddles. No mechanical means of propulsion is allowed. Vessels must be sat on, not in and no welded bonds are permitted. Vessels must not exceed 6 feet/1.8m in width. Length SHOULD not exceed 15 feet/4.5m. High craft may find it difficult to navigate some stretches of water, which is extremely narrow in parts and has several low bridges spanning it. Each raft must also have a length of rope attached to it, for throwing out to shore, the number must be prominently displayed – see point 3. The raft should carry 2 or 4 people depending on the category entered. ANY streamlined vessel and/or vessels with mechanical steering mechanisms will be assessed as an Open Raft and put into category G even though it may be entered in the Youth Category or any other category. Hence we recommend that youngsters adopt a more traditional design, as they will have problems in competing with the experts.
	13.	Any craft, which in the opinion of the organisers does not meet the above rule, will be entered into the Super Raft category.
	14.	ALL COMPETITORS MUST WEAR LIFE JACKETS – THE RIVER IS DECEPTIVELY DEEP IN PARTS.
	15.	Any competitors who in the view of the committee are not competing in the spirit of the rules may be disqualified.
	16.	The throwing of eggs, or other hard or sharp objects/missiles, either by competitors at spectators, or by spectators at competitors is strictly not permitted. This can cause serious and unnecessary injury.

	17.	The general public will not be permitted to stand on the Fish Ladder Bridge.

	18.	All decisions made by the organisers will be final.

	19.	All rafts must be removed from the start field/river banks/finish field by the end of the day.
	20.	We hope that you enjoy designing and constructing your rafts and will be glad to offer further assistance if required.
	21.	The trophies remain the property of THE ROTHER RAFT RACE and MUST be returned to the organisers by Saturday 21st August 2010.
	22.	CHEQUES Should be made payable to ‘THE ROTHER RAFT RACE’ and be received by Saturday 21st August 2010.