| 2.0 Rules for Unicycle Racing | |
2.1 RACING CATEGORIES:
2.1.1 MALE/FEMALE: Racing competition is held in two separate divisions: Male and Female. No heat of any race shall be composed of both male and female riders without the approval of the Racing Referee.
2.1.2 AGE GROUPS: The following age groups are the minimum allowable by the IUF: 0-10 (20"), 0-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-UP. There is also an Expert group for certain events (see section 2.1.4). Age group is determined by the rider's age on the first day of the convention. Riders enter all races with their age group. No race heat shall be composed of riders from more than one age group without approval of the Referee.
2.1.3 ADDITIONAL AGE GROUPS: Convention hosts are free to add more age groups, and often do. A Masters Class can be offered, for instance, open to all riders 40 and up, and a Seniors Class for 50 or 55 and up. A very full range of age groups might look like 0-6 (16"), 0-8 (20"), 9-10 (20"), 0-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-UP.
2.1.4 WHEEL SIZES: Except where noted otherwise, all wheel sizes are maximum 24". Additional groups for young riders with 16" or 20" wheels can be added. These age groups should allow for riders of those ages to also ride 24" wheels with older riders, hence the 0-13 (24") group. All riders in age groups between 0 and 10 will race 800m (instead of 1500), 10m Wheel Walk, and 10m Ultimate Wheel, if used. For these age groups there may also be different distances for certain other races, such as UMX and Marathon. Also see section 2.3.
2.1.5 SELECTING RACING AGE GROUP: All riders will compete in their age groups, except where noted below. After all age groups have completed each race, a 'Final' heat will be held. The riders posting the fastest times in the age group heats will compete in the final, to determine the world champions for that race. They can be called 'Finalists,' rather than Experts, to differentiate them from events in which riders must pre-select their age category. The number of finalists will depend on the number of usable lanes on the track. This applies to all but the 1500 meter race (and some non-traditional races), in which riders must predetermine if they will compete as Experts, or in their age groups. This is done because the presence of other fast riders in a long race has a very strong effect on that race's outcome. If the fastest 1500m time is posted in an age group heat, that rider will be recognized as the World Champion in that event, and will receive racing points for it. In the 1500m race, Obstacle Course, Slow Forward, Slow Backward, and certain other non-traditional races, final heats will not be held. Age groups for artistic competition are completely separate.
2.1.6 AGE GROUP HEATS: In the 1500m/800m and Obstacle Course (and some non-traditional races), finalist status will be awarded on the basis of finishing times in age group heats. The riders posting the best times in each of the above events are the World Champions for those events.
2.1.7 FINAL HEATS: Finalists in the 100m, 400m, 50m One Foot and 30m Wheel Walk will be determined by the results of age group competition. There may be as many Finalists in an event as there are good lanes on the track for final heats. After all age group competition is complete for each event, the Finalists are determined by the best finishing times regardless of age group. After this, the Finalist heat will be run. The best times in these heats determine the World Champions for those events.
2.1.8 FINAL HEAT RESULTS: If a rider disqualifies or gets a worse time in the final heat of a race, the rider's initial qualifying race time will still stand for his or her age category heat. The male and female winners of the final heats will be considered the World Champions for those events, even if a different rider posted a better time in his or her qualifying heat. Speed records can be set in any heat.
2.2 UNICYCLES FOR RACING: Only standard unicycles may be used. A standard unicycle has only one wheel, is driven by crank arms directly attached to the axle, and is propelled only by human force. Riders may use any number of unicycles, as long as all fit within the applicable restrictions for events in which they are entered.
2.2.1 WHEEL SIZE: This is the maximum allowable tire diameter. Smaller sizes may be used. Some manufactured tires are marked with sizes larger than they actually are, but may be within the allowable size limit and vice versa.
For 24" wheels, the outside diameter of the tire may not be larger than 24.333" (61.8cm).
For 20" wheels, the outside diameter of the tire may not be larger than 20.333" (51.6cm).
For 16" wheels, the outside diameter of the tire may not be larger than 16.333" (41.5cm).
If a tire is in question, or has no size marked by its manufacturer, its outside diameter must be accurately measured.
2.2.2 CRANK ARM LENGTH: This is the minimum allowable length, measured from the center of the wheel axle to the center of the pedal axle. Longer sizes may be used.
2.3 DRESS: Riders must wear shoes, kneepads and gloves (definitions in sec. 1.19). In some events, a helmet is required. The Referee has final say on whether a rider's safety equipment is sufficient. Helmets and elbow pads are also good considerations for safe unicycle racing. The Starter will remove from the starting line-up any riders not properly equipped to race, including riders with dangerously loose shoelaces.
2.4 STARTING: Riders start mounted, holding onto a starting post or other support. Because unicycle riders need to be leaning before the starting gun fires, the Starter will give a four count start; "One, two, three, BANG!" This allows riders to predict the timing of the gun, for a fair start. There should be about 3/4 second between each number in the count, with the same amount of time between "One" and "Two" as there is between "Three" and BANG! Starters should practice this several times before the races begin. Riders start with the fronts of their tires behind the edge of the starting line that is farthest from the finish line. Running starts are not permitted in any race. However, a rider may start as far behind the starting line as he or she desires, provided the wheel does not move before the gun fires. Riders may lean before the gun fires, as long as their wheels do not move forward until the gun fires. Riders may place starting posts in the location most comfortable for them, as long as it doesn't interfere with other riders.
2.4.1 RIDERS MUST BE READY: Riders must be ready when called for their races. Riders not at the start line when their race begins may lose their chance to participate. The Starter will decide when to stop waiting, remembering to consider language barriers, and the fact that some riders may be slow because they are helping run the convention.
2.5 FALSE STARTS: These occur if a rider crosses the line before the gun is fired, or if one or more riders are forced to dismount due to interference from another rider or other source. If the same rider causes two false starts in one event, the rider is disqualified for that event. The Starter will fire the starting gun again to recall riders after a false start.
2.6 FINISHES: These are determined by the front of the tire crossing over the edge of the finish line that is nearest to the starting line. Riders are timed by their wheels, not by outstretched bodies. Riders must cross the line mounted and in control of the unicycle. "Control" is defined by the rearmost part of the wheel crossing completely over the finish line before any part of the rider touches the ground in a dismount. In races where dismounting is allowed (800m, 1500m, Relay, UMX, Marathon, etc.), in the event of a dismount at the finish line the rider must back up, remount and ride across the finish line again. In races where dismounting is not allowed, the rider is disqualified.
2.6.1 TIMING AND FINISH LINE DISMOUNTS: In all races where dismounting is allowed, an official at the finish line must be in charge of judging dismounts. This finish line judge will be, or be appointed by, the racing referee. The finish line judge determines when riders must remount and cross the finish line again. After the rider has successfully finished the race and there is no correct time for that rider, the rider's finishing time will be calculated based on the time of the next rider to cross the finish line after the rider in question properly finished. The rider will receive a time penalty which will make his or her time .01 second faster than the rider who came after their successful finish.
2.7 LANE USE: In most races, a rider must stay in his or her own lane. A rider who goes outside his or her lane must immediately return to it. Riders are not usually disqualified for this unless it causes interference with other riders. No physical contact between riders is allowed during racing. 200m and 400m races are started with a stagger start. 800m and 1500m races may be started in one of two ways:
WATERFALL START: This is a curved starting line that places all riders an equal distance from the first turn. If a waterfall start is used, non-lane rules apply (see below).
STAGGER START: Riders are started in separate lanes, at separate locations. They must stay in their lanes for a specified distance before they may 'cut in' to the inside lanes. Lane rules apply only up to this point.
2.7.1 NON-LANE RACES: This applies to 800m, 1500m, UMX, Marathon, and other races without lanes. No physical contact between riders is allowed. Riders must maintain a minimum of one wheel diameter (24" as judged by eye) between each other when passing, and at all other times. This is measured from wheel to wheel, so that one rider passing another may come quite close, as long as their wheels remain at least 24" apart.
2.8 LANE ASSIGNMENTS: At some conventions, lanes are preassigned at time of registration. At other conventions, riders decide among themselves. If riders disagree, the Clerk makes lane assignments. In races where more than one heat is necessary per age group, every effort must be made to see that the fastest riders compete in the same heat. If the track has undesirable lanes due to potholes or other problems, this should be considered when lanes are assigned. A very bad or dangerous lane might not be used at all. The Referee can override the Clerk's choice of lane assignments. The general rule is that riders decide for themselves.
2.9 MIXING AGE GROUPS IN HEATS: There will be no mixing of age groups, or sexes, in heats except with permission from the Racing Referee.
2.10 PASSING: In track races, an overtaking rider must pass on the outside, unless there is enough room to safely pass on the inside. Riders passing on the inside are responsible for any fouls that may take place as a result. The passing rider's wheel must remain at least one wheel diameter (24") from the slower rider's wheel at all times. The slower rider must maintain a reasonably straight course, and not interfere with the faster rider.
2.11 DISMOUNTING: A dismount is any time a rider's foot or other body part touches the ground and the unicycle must be remounted. Except for the 800m, 1500m, Relay, UMX, Marathon and some other non-traditional events, if a rider dismounts, he or she is disqualified. In races where riders are allowed to remount and continue, riders must immediately remount at the point where the unicycle comes to rest, without running. If a dismount puts the rider past the finish line, the rider must back up and ride across the line again. If a rider is forced to dismount due to the actions of another rider, or outside interference, the Referee decides if he or she can enter that race again in another heat. In non-lane races, if a rider is forced to dismount due to a fall by the rider immediately in front, it is considered part of the race and both riders must remount and continue. The Referee can override this rule if intentional interference is observed.
2.12 ASSISTING RACERS: In races where riders are allowed to remount, the riders must mount the unicycle completely unassisted. Spectators or helpers may help the rider to his or her feet and/or retrieve the dropped unicycle, but the rider (and the unicycle) may not have any physical contact with any outside object or person, including a starting block under the wheel, when mounting.
2.13 ILLEGAL RIDING: This includes intentionally interfering in any way with another rider, deliberately crossing in front of another rider to prevent him or her from moving on, deliberately blocking another rider from passing, or distracting another rider with the intention of causing a dismount. A rider who is forced to dismount due to interference by another rider may file a protest immediately at the end of the race. Riders who intentionally interfere with other riders may receive from the Referee a warning, a loss of placement (given the next lower finishing place), disqualification from that race/event, or suspension from all races.
2.14 PROTESTS: The official protest form must be available to riders at all times. All protests against racing results must be submitted in writing on the proper form after a race, until 15 minutes after the results are posted. The form must be filled in completely. This time may be extended for riders who have to be in other races during that time period. All protests will be handled within 30 minutes from the time they are received. Mistakes in paperwork, inaccuracies in placing, and interference from other riders or other sources are all grounds for protests. All Referee decisions are final, and cannot be protested.
2.15 MINIMUM RACING EVENTS: The following races: 100, 400, 800/1500, One Foot, Wheel Walk, and Obstacle Course, are to be part of every UNICON. Convention hosts are free to add more racing events.
2.16 WORLD RACING CHAMPIONS: The best finishers in the 6 racing events listed above will win this title. Points are assigned for placement in each of the above races, based upon best times in the final, or Expert heats (or best times for all riders in the 1500m). 1st place gets 8, 2nd place 5, 3rd place 3, 4th place 2, and 5th place 1. Highest total points score is the World Champion; one each for male and female. If there is a tie, the rider with the most first places wins. If this still results in a tie, the title goes to the better finisher in the 100m race. Points are not earned in age group heats.
TRADITIONAL SPECIALTY RACES: These races are part of every UNICON.
2.17 ONE FOOT: Riders pedal with both feet for the first 5 meters, but must be pedaling with only one foot after crossing the 5m line. The non-pedaling foot may be braced against the unicycle fork, or extended.
2.18 WHEEL WALK: Riders start mounted, with their feet on the tire, and propel the unicycle only by pushing the tire with their feet. No contact with pedals or crank arms is allowed. No crank arm restrictions.
2.19 OBSTACLE COURSE: At right is the official Obstacle Course, in which you must ride around 10 cones in the correct pattern. Click on the diagram to enlarge it. The direction of the turns should be marked by arrows on the ground for riders who do not know the course. The rider starts at a four count by the Starter. No flying starts. Cones may be hit, but not knocked over. The course must be followed correctly, including the direction of turns. The last cone must be completely circled before the rider's time is taken at the finish line. Riders who go the wrong way around a cone can go back and make the turn the correct way with the clock still running. The cones used are plastic traffic cones. For official competition, cones must be between 45 and 60cm tall, with bases no more than 30cm square. The course must be set up accurately. The proper positions of the cones should be marked on the ground for a cone to be replaced quickly after it has been knocked over. Riders get two attempts.
OTHER SPECIALTY RACES: These races may be held, but are not mandatory events.
2.20 50m FAST BACKWARD: Riders must face and pedal backward. The Starter lines up the rear of the tire above the start line. Helmets are mandatory. Timing is stopped when the rear of the tire crosses the finish line.
2.21 10m SLOW RACE: The object is to ride in a continuously forward motion as slowly as possible without stopping, going backward, hopping, or twisting more than 45 degrees to either side. Two different board sizes are used: Age 0-10: 10m x 30cm. Age 11-UP: 10m x 15cm. The Slow Race is measured using the bottom of the unicycle wheel. Riders start with the bottom of the wheel on the starting line. On command by the Starter, the rider must immediately start forward motion and let go of starting posts. The timer stops the watch when the bottom of the tire touches either the finish line, or the ground after the line on boards which end at the finish line. Riders can be disqualified for very slight stops or backward motions, twisting more than 45º to the side, riding off the sides of the board, dismounting, or not wearing safety equipment. Riders get two attempts.
2.22 10m SLOW BACKWARD: This is the same as the slow forward race EXCEPT: 0-10 ride on 60cm board, 11-Up ride on 30cm board.
2.23 10m SLOW GIRAFFE RACE: This is the same as slow forward, but on giraffes. Helping hands can be used as starting posts. No limits on size or gear ratio, but unicycles must have their pedal axle above the wheel axle, with a chain, belt, or other form of drive system.
2.24 RELAY: Usually 100m x 4. The same rules as for track races apply. Mixed male/female teams may be used. Riders may remount if necessary, and must pick up the baton if it is dropped. Usually there are no age groups. If the baton is not handed over within the marked areas, the team will be disqualified.
2.25 ULTIMATE WHEEL: An ultimate wheel is a unicycle with no frame or seat. The traditional distance is 10m for 0-10 riders, and 30m for 11-UP riders. Usually, the maximum wheel size is 24" for all ages, with 5" minimum crank arm length (distance from wheel center to pedal center). The Host sets these limitations.
2.26 JUGGLING UNICYCLE RACE: The traditional distance is 50m. Riders use the 5m line from the One Foot Race, and must be juggling when they cross this line. Three or more non-bouncing objects must be used. If an object is dropped (hits the ground) or the juggling pattern is otherwise stopped, the rider is disqualified. Two balls stopping in one hand during a 3 ball cascade is defined as stopping. Riders who start by juggling four or more objects may drop one, as long as their pattern continues, unbroken, into three. The juggling pattern must be 'in control' when the rider crosses the finish line. 'Control' is determined by the Referee.
2.27 UNICYCLE MOTOCROSS (UMX): This is an off-track race over any type of terrain. Traditionally it is a single heat race, with all riders starting together (finishers are divided by age group later). 0-10 riders may be given a shorter distance. A typical distance is 1-2 km, over anything from dirt to parking lots, hills, ditches, curbs, rocks, sand, mud, grass, etc. The course must be clearly marked. Non-lane passing rules apply.
2.28 STEEPLECHASE: This is a race up a hill. It can be a single rider against the clock, or groups riding simultaneously. One version of this race is a hill that is ultra-steep; the challenge being to get to the top at all. This would be on an unpaved hill. Another version can be on a steep uphill street, with racers going for the best time.
2.29 MARATHON: This is a race of several kilometers, typically 10km. It is usually held on roads or bike paths. All riders race together and are separated by age group later. Water stations should be provided at least every 5 km.
The above races are usually divided by age group. The events listed below are intended for participation by a smaller percentage of the competitors and are held in only a few, or a single age group, which would be called Expert, but would be open to all riders (still divided male/female).
2.30 COASTING EVENTS: A test to see who can coast the farthest distance. Riders' coasting distances are measured from a 'starting line.' The farthest distance from the line wins. The distance is measured to the rearmost part of the rider that touches the ground when dismounting, or to the rear of the tire where the rider stops coasting. Remounting is not allowed. Riders must not touch any part of their tires, wheels or pedals while coasting. Riders get two attempts. If a rider crosses the coasting line (front of the tire) not in coasting position, he or she is disqualified in that attempt. The riding surface should be as smooth and clean as possible, and it may be straight or curved. Ample time must be allowed for all competitors to make some practice runs on the course before the official start. The type of event(s) to be used should be announced well in advance of the competition. Crank arm rules do not apply in any coasting or gliding events.
2.30.1 ROAD COASTING: This event is best held on a roadway with a very slight downward slope. Riders are allowed an unlimited distance to speed up and start coasting before the starting line.
2.30.2 TRACK COASTING: 30 meter starting distance. This event is held only on a track, or a very level, smooth surface. Wind must be at a minimum for records to be set and broken. This event can be compared with other races at different tracks worldwide.
2.30.3 DOWNHILL COASTING: This is a speed coasting event, with the same rules as 2.32.1 "Downhill Glide," except riders must be coasting instead of gliding. Dismounts before the finish line disqualify the rider in that attempt. The slope must be very gradual for this event to be safe, and helmets are mandatory.
2.31 GLIDING EVENTS: Gliding is like coasting, but with one or both feet dragging on top of the tire to provide balance from the braking action. These events are similar to the coasting events above, with riders gliding for time or distance from a given point. The rules are the same as for the coasting events (above) with the addition that the riding surface must be dry. Coasting is allowed.
2.31.1 DISTANCE GLIDE OR TRACK GLIDE: A distance glide can be done on a small hill. Riders start on the hill, gliding down to level ground and continuing as far as they can before stopping. This event can have a limited starting distance, or no starting distance at all, with riders gliding from a dead stop. If it is a Track Glide, it is held on a track with the same rules as Track Coasting.
2.31.2 DOWNHILL GLIDE: A downhill race for speed. Riders start from a standstill, or speed up to the 'starting line.' Riders are timed over a measured distance to the finish line. Dismounts before the finish line disqualify the rider in that attempt. Helmets are mandatory.
2.32 MEDLEY: This is a race involving riding several different ways. Example: Forward 25m, seat in front 25m, one foot 25m, hopping 10m, with 5m transition areas. Rules are set by convention host. Remounting is allowed.
2.33 UNLIMITED 100M RACE (100M OPEN): An unlimited race is one in which there are no unicycle size restrictions. Any size wheels, any length crank arms, giraffes or any types of unicycles (see definition) are allowed. All other track racing rules apply. Helmets are mandatory.
2.34 UNLIMITED ROAD RACE: The 100 mile speed records listed in the Guinness Book of World Records are the results of Unlimited Road Races. The race distance should be no less than 5 km. Helmets are mandatory. For longer distances, water stations should be provided every 5 km. This race can be held in conjunction with a Marathon race.
2.35 OTHER RACING EVENTS: Can be invented or added by hosts. Unicycle conventions in the past have had events such as 'Fun' Obstacle Courses, Giraffe Races, Walk (the wheel)-a-thon, Rock-a-thon, Ride-a-thon, Bounce-a-thon, juggling Obstacle Course, Ramp Jump, Water Balloon Toss (on unicycles), Giraffe Mounting Contest, and many more.
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