Behind The Lines 2022

Behind The Lines 2022

Event Rules, Ts&Cs

General

Canicross UK and Boconoc estate are not to be held responsible for any accident or injury sustained during the race.

In all cases the safety and health of you/your dog are paramount. If you/your dog are not usually active, it is advised that you/your dog should be checked out by a doctor/veterinarian before running.

All participants must attend the pre-race briefing/safety talk and anyone biking or scootering will have the opportunity to walk/bike the course before the racing starts.

Bad Weather, Cancellation, Refunds and Credit

All competitors should check our Facebook page for updates before setting off for the event. This will not only inform you the event is proceeding as planned, but also give you any new information we have right up until the morning of the race. If possible an email will be sent to all entrants and updates issued on our website BUT PLEASE DO NOT RELY ON THESE.

As costs are incurred from planning through to the staging of the event your entry fee is invested into this cost. In the event of cancellation for reasons within the control of the organisers we will endeavour to issue a full refund.

If the event is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organiser’s control, we regret that partial entry fees will be refunded after costs of been taken out.

Race Mementos

Race mementos given to competitors on the day of the race cannot be made available to anyone who fails to attend.

Control of Dogs

The rightful owner of a dog is the person named as such in the dog’s vaccination book and/or official paperwork.

The rightful owner must ensure that the animal is owned (cared for) in accordance with the law.

Dogs must be kept on a lead AT ALL TIMES whilst at the event UNLESS to do so would present a danger for the dog, the owner, or others. Dogs are NOT permitted in the lake.

Any fouling must be cleared away and disposed of responsibly.

Competitors should not race dogs that are nervous of humans, as this can cause undue stress to these dogs.

It is strongly recommended that dogs receive a vet health check before competing at any event.

Any dog(s) deemed unfit to race by the Race Director must be withdrawn from competition.

For Canicross all dogs must be over 12 months of age on the day of racing and for Bikejor/Scootering dogs must be over 18 months of age on the day of racing.

Bitches in Season

If you have a bitch in season, please advise the Race Director before the race start.

No pregnant or nursing bitches are allowed to compete.

Equipment

CANICROSS:

Competitors must wear a canicross waist belt, their dog a suitable harness and use a bungee line with built-in shock absorption, which allows greater comfort for your dog and hands-free running for you.

The following items are NOT allowed:

  • Choke chains or any collar that constricts your dog’s throat
  • Electric shock collars
  • Halties
  • Muzzles (other than racing greyhound type muzzle)
  • Flexi leads
  • Your line / lead must not have a metal snap or loop on the handle.
  • Lines /leads should be no longer than 2–2.5meters (6–8 feet)

If your equipment does not meet these rules, you may be turned away from the start line – if in doubt ask at race headquarters.

CANICROSS UNDER 18s: Competitors aged 7 – 12 on the day of the race must be accompanied by an adult attached to the dog on foot.

BIKE-JOR:

In order to participate in bike-joring, the following is compulsory:

  • A harness for the dog;
  • a line attached to the bike leaving a stretch 2.5m max. extension measured from the stem of the bike and not exceeding 3 meters in length expanded in front of the bike;
  • helmet and gloves.

Highly recommended: A bicycle equipped with a bike-jor adapter at the front and the use of protective eyewear.

SCOOTERS:

In order to participate in scootering, the following is compulsory:

  • A harness for the dog;
  • a line attached to the scooter leaving a stretch 2.5m max. extension measured from the stem of the scooter and not exceeding 3 meters in length expanded in front of the scooter;
  • helmet and gloves.

Highly recommended: A scooter equipped with a arm adapter at the front and the use of protective eyewear.

Strictly forbidden in all wheeled classes: Bikes with metal fenders and side clips such as a "Springer". The use of personal stereos, MP3 players or any electronic device with headphones etc. that impairs the ability to hear marshals or other competitors is strictly forbidden. Anyone using such a device will be asked to refrain immediately or be disqualified.

In all circumstances, the following are strictly prohibited:

  • the use of a choke collar and a pinch collar,
  • flexi leads and
  • any device that could injure or frighten dogs.

Race Rules

Competitors must do their utmost to ensure that their dogs do not interfere with other competitors or dogs.

If a Race Marshal determines that a competitor’s conduct at any time in the race area or on the trail is detrimental to the sport/race, that competitor shall be disqualified. This includes prior to, during, and after the event.

Abuse of dogs, both physical and verbal is prohibited. If a competitor, in the opinion of a Race Marshal abuses a dog, that competitor will be disqualified.

Any form of abuse of marshals will result in automatic disqualification.

If a dog becomes unfit or refuses to advance for any reason, the competitor is not permitted to finish the race. They must remain where they are and wait to be picked up by the event sweeper and advise a marshal as soon as possible if the dog is in need of urgent attention.

It is deemed acceptable for your dog to be behind on downhill or on technical sections of a route.

When overtaking, the advancing competitor must shout, “coming through on left/right” to warn the competitor in front of their intentions. The competitor who is being overtaken must assume responsibility to ensure that their dogs are to one side of the track and do not interfere with the competitor going past.

It is recommended that competitors who have dogs who are worried by other canines should allow plenty of space for their dogs, especially at the start of the race, to alleviate any undue stress.

At all events an on-call vet will be organised in advance and their name, emergency phone number, address, postcode and directions from the race to the vets will be displayed in a prominent position for the duration of the event. Competitors should familiarise themselves with this information on arrival at the event.

All competitors should show their fellow competitors and their dogs respect at all times and should not use the misfortune of another to unfairly gain an advantage. Additionally, if a runner or a dog is in distress, ALL competitors have a duty to assist if reasonably and safely able to do so.

The use of personal stereos, MP3 players or any electronic device with headphones etc that impairs the ability to hear marshals or other runners is strictly forbidden. Anyone using such a device will be asked to refrain immediately or be disqualified.

Please show respect to all other trail users. Your actions should not make other trail users feel uncomfortable or intimidated in any way. Always give right of way. Conflicts may jeopardise our future use of venues.

Race numbers must be worn on the front of your clothing attached with 4x safety pins (one in each corner). The whole bib must be visible at all times during the race.