2010 RULES ( Approved September 9, 2009 )
UP200 and Midnight Run
The UPPER PENINSULA SLED DOG ASSOCIATION (UPSDA) has made a special effort to give high visibility to the UP200 Sled Dog Championship and Midnight Run; however, ensuring the safety and care of the animals and maintaining the positive spirit of competition are a priority. In the interest of fair competition, the UPSDA will make every effort to provide the best possible volunteer support for the competitors, and the Race Marshal will use his or her best judgment to correct any human errors that are verifiable and correctable. It should be noted that in all situations race officials will attempt to follow the spirit of the rule, rather than the letter of the law, understanding that the race is to be awarded on merit and not on technicality.
RACE OFFICIALS - GENERAL OVERVIEW
UPSDA Board The elected representatives of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association who host this race annually and have ultimate authority over all aspects of the race.
RACE MARSHAL The official charged with enforcing all rules and policies as set down by the UPSDA; Governs the race (from the pre-race meetings to the awards banquet) in a manner that allows all participants an equal opportunity to succeed and a level playing field on which to compete. Oversees the Race Judges.
CHIEF VETERINARIAN Oversees the health and safety of all dogs entered in the race. Is in charge of all dog health and safety issues from the mandatory vet check until the Awards Banquet Monday morning and, in the case of drug testing or necropsy issues, until those issues are resolved. Oversees the Veterinary staff.
TRAIL BOSS Maintains the Trail and will have top priority in all final decisions regarding race trail matters.
RACE JUDGE(S) Work under the direction of the Race Marshal on all aspects of rules enforcement and race safety.
RACE VETERINARIANS Work under the direction of the Chief Veterinarian on all aspects of dog care, safety, and health. Race veterinarians may recommend withdrawing a dog or team for health reasons at any time during the race.
I. A. ENTRY FEE (U.S. Funds)
THERE WILL BE A SPLIT DRAW. e.g., IF THERE ARE 40 ENTRANTS, THE FIRST 20 TO ENTER WILL DRAW POSITIONS 1 THROUGH 20.
THE UPSDA BOARD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BIB DRAW AND WILL CONDUCT THE BIB DRAW DURING THE MUSHER MEETINGS. Bib numbers will be drawn in the order entries were received. The post-mark date on mailed entries constitutes the entry date. The posting date will be used for entries submitted on the UPSDA web site. Bib numbers will be announced and given to mushers at the pre-race banquet. No musher will be allowed to pick up a bib number prior to the banquet. Any issues involving the bib draw will be resolved by the UPSDA Board.
1.The entry fee for the 2010 UP200 is $360.00 for entries received on the UP200.ORG web site on or before JANUARY 1, 2010, OR POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 31, 2009. The entry fee is $460.00 for entries received January 2, 2010 or later.
2. The entry fee for the 2010 MIDNIGHT RUN is $160 for entries received on the UP200.ORG web site on or before JANUARY 1, 2010 or POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 31, 2009.
The entry fee is $195.00 for entries received January 2, 2010 or later.
3. No entry will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. noon on the Wednesday before the race (February
17, 2010).
4. Withdrawing and Refunds
a.) An entrant may withdraw for any reason on or before February 1, 2010 and receive a refund equal to 75% of the entry fee.
b.) No refunds will be issued to entrants who withdraw after February 1st.
c.) Mushers entered in either the UP200 or the Midnight Run may request a one time option to switch races, withdrawing from one and posting a new entry for the other race. This one time switch may be done until the last date for entry (12:00 noon Wednesday, February 17, 2010), however a place on the race roster is not guaranteed. A musher switching from one race to the other is considered a new entry and will be placed at the end of the race roster for the desired race, or at the end of the waiting list (if applicable).
The entry fee for the race being entered applies as of the date of the switch. Seventy- five percent (75%) of the original paid entry fee may be applied to the new race entry fee.
If the musher is unable to run the race because of being on a
waiting list (i.e. the roster was full when the musher opted to
switch races), a 75% will be issued if the switch was initiated
prior to February 1st. If the switch initiated after February
1st, no refund will be issued in accordance with the refund
policy in 4 a. and b. above.
d. Refunds will be issued twice during the 2010 race season. Mushers who withdraw or switch races prior to December 31, 2009 will receive the appropriate refund in January 2010. All other refunds will be issued in March 2010.
5. The UPSDA reserves the right to reject any entry for just cause.
a.) The UP200 will be limited to 40 mushers.
b.) The Midnight Run will be limited to 40 mushers.
I. B. MUSHERS
1. All mushers entering the UP200 must have been an entrant in a previous year or have completed the Midnight Run or a similar event with a minimum of 60 miles of continuous running within the past three seasons. A waiver may be requested.
2. Mushers under the age of eighteen may participate with approval of the UPSDA Board designee or the Race Marshal and a waiver of liability signed by a parent or legal guardian.
3. Only one musher per team is permitted and no substitution will be allowed during the race.
4. Substitution of mushers will be allowed up to the beginning of the mandatory mushers’ meeting with the approval of the UPSDA board designee, or at any time before the team starts the race with approval of the Race Marshal.
5. All mushers, accompanied by one of their handlers, must attend the mandatory mushers’ meeting held before the "Meet the Mushers" banquet on Thursday, February 18, 2010.
a.) MIDNIGHT RUN mushers will meet at 4:00 (EST), Thursday, February 18, 2010.
b.) UP200 mushers will meet at 5:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, February 18, 2010.
c.) Only the mushers may participate in the race rules open discussion held at the meeting.
d.) A penalty of $50 may be assessed for missing the first roll call taken promptly at the beginning of this meeting.
e.) Missing the second roll call at the meeting, taken 5 minutes after the first roll call has been completed, may, at the discretion of the Race Marshal, mean disqualification. A penalty of $100 may be assessed for missing the second roll call.
f.) Musher representatives will be selected at the musher meetings to serve on an appeals jury if needed (see rules II.C.7 Appeals). There will be one representative and one alternate selected from among the entrants for each race (UP200 and Midnight Run).
I. C. DOGS
1. Each UP200 team must start the race with a minimum of 7 (seven) dogs and a maximum of 12 (twelve) dogs and leave the downbound Deerton dog drop with a minimum of 7 (seven) dogs hooked in the team.
2. Each MIDNIGHT RUN team must start the race with a minimum of 6 (six) dogs and a maximum of 8 (eight) dogs and must leave Deerton with a minimum of 5 (five) dogs hooked in the team.
I. D. MANDATORY VETERINARY EXAM
1. All dogs entered in the race must be current with vaccinations for parvovirus, distemper and rabies.
a.) Proof of valid rabies vaccination from the musher's state of residence signed and dated at least two weeks prior to the race by a licensed veterinarian is required.
b.) Proof of purchase for valid vaccines for other vaccinations must be submitted for inspection.
c.) Race veterinarians will not vaccinate dogs during the Vet Check.
2. All dogs participating in the UP 200 and MIDNIGHT RUN must undergo a physical examination by one of the UP200/Midnight Run veterinary team members.
a.) Only dogs found to be in good health and fit to compete will be permitted to run in the race.
b.) Teams must sign up for assigned Vet Check slots.
3.All dogs leaving the starting line will be marked or tagged by the UPSDA for identification along the race route.
a.) After the start of the race no switching of dogs will be permitted.
b.) Any dog riding in the musher’s vehicle and not participating in the race must be “marked out” by a race veterinarian prior to leaving the start area.
I. E. VETERINARY GUIDELINES
1. BASIC GUIDELINES
a.) No injectable, oral, or topical drug which may suppress the signs of illness or injury may be used on a dog. Mushers may not inject any substance into their dogs. No other drugs or artificial means may be used to drive a dog or cause a dog to perform or attempt to perform beyond its natural ability.
b.) Mushers may administer the following compounds to their dogs orally without veterinary consent: vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, probiotics, and any dietary supplements marked as such, provided that these compounds are maintained in their original containers with labels indicating their contents.
c.) The administration of any substance to a dog orally by syringe or similar device (basting) by a musher is prohibited.
d.) The administration of any substance to a dog by syringe and needle by a musher is prohibited.
e.) The use of topical cortico steroids is limited to use on the paw/pad. The only cortico steroid containing topical products permitted for this race will be those dispensed by the race veterinarians.
f.) The use of megesterol acetate (ovaban) and mibolerone (cheque drops) as an estrus suppressant is permitted in intact females that have not had an ovariohysterectomy.
g.) Personal prescriptions written for and carried by the mushers may not be used on the dogs.
h.) Race veterinarians may utilize any of the below listed drugs or other prohibited drugs necessary to maintain a dog’s health, however, such dogs will be withdrawn from the race. The use of local or general anesthetics will not be allowed in any form unless the dog is withdrawn from the race.
i.) The use of any other drug not included on this list and deemed necessary for the health of the dog by the musher’s veterinarian will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Chief Veterinarian.
2. Prohibited drugs:
a.) Anabolic steroids
b.) Analgesics (pain relievers) both prescriptive and non prescriptive.
c.) Anti inflammatory drugs, including but not limited to:
• Cortico steroids (the exception is the use on feet)
• Antiprostaglandins
• Non steroidal (NSAIDS)
• Salicylates
• DMSO
d.) Anesthetics
e.) Central nervous system stimulants
f.) Antihistamines
g.) Bronchodilators
h.) Cough suppressants
i.) Diuretics
j.) Injectable anticholinergics
k.) Muscle relaxants
l.) Tranquilizers and Opiates
3.The UPSDA reserves the right to collect blood and/or urine samples, at the discretion of the Chief Veterinarian, at random at any time commencing from the official Vet Check to the beginning of the awards ceremony of the respective race.
a.) The musher or handler designated by the musher must assist the veterinarian in collecting samples whenever requested.
b.) If blood or urine testing of a dog reveals any of the prohibited drugs in the dog, this rule has been violated regardless of when such drugs were administered to the dog.
4. Using ISDVMA guidelines, the following vital signs are indicators of health problems which would require the withdrawal of a dog from the race:
a.) 7% 8% dehydration
b.) Heart rate 120 beats per minute or higher after 30 – 60 minutes of rest with or without a prolonged capillary refill time.
c.) Body temperature greater than 103 F after one hour of rest.
d.) Lung sounds with evidence of edema, rales, or cough.
e.) Hypothermia: a body temperature less than 99 F
f.) Non-responsive diarrhea with blood associated with weight loss or dehydration.
g.) Severe lameness, especially of the shoulder.
h.) Seizures
i.) Brown or red urine.
I. F. EQUIPMENT
1. All harnesses must be padded around the neck and chest areas and have a total of approximately 12" of reflective tape or material.
2. All ganglines must be arranged for single or double file disposition. Cable ganglines are mandatory. Ganglines will be checked at bag check.
3. A sled must be equipped with a working brake bolted to the sled, a brushbow and snowhook.
4. A sled/dog bag capable of safely restraining a struggling or injured dog.
5. Any sticks or poling devices (e.g. ski poles) must have at least 8” of reflective tape or material.
I. G. MANDATORY GEAR
1. Two (2) complete working headlamps.
2. Sleeping bag with winter or arctic rating.
3. One set (4) of booties per dog.
4. One pound of food per dog in team leaving each checkpoint.
5. One day’s ration of food for the musher leaving each checkpoint.
6. Knife
7. Snowshoes
8. Ax (minimum size 22 inches).
9. First aid kit (for musher and dogs) including Ace bandages and pressure dressings for severe bleeding
10. A cable cutter you know will cut your cable gangline. (It is strongly recommended that this be carried in an easily accessible spot.)
11. Promotional materials, as determined by the UPSDA
12. Compass
13. Waterproof matches or a lighter
14. Musher’s veterinary log book
15. UP200 MUSHERS ONLY: One operational cooker and pot capable of boiling at least 2 (two) gallons of water, a ladle, and dog bowls.
16. UP200 MUSHERS ONLY: An adequate amount of fuel to boil two gallons of water.
17. Red blinking light on lead dog is optional but strongly recommended.
II. OFFICIATING
A. RACE OFFICIALS
1. The Race Marshal is in charge of all aspects of the race from the mandatory mushers’ meeting February 18, 2010 through the Awards breakfast on Monday, February 22, 2010.
a.) Final authority and interpretation of all rules.
b.) Final determination for alteration of race, start location and race route changes.
c.) Final determinations of winners and placing.
2. The Race Judges shall act in concert with the Race Marshal and will hold authority within their specific locations as assigned by the Race Marshal.
3. The Chief Race Veterinarian shall have final authority over the disposition of any dogs for medical reasons.
a.) The Race Marshal and Race Judges shall consult with the Chief Race Veterinarian regarding any determinations of disqualification of any dogs or teams in regards to dog welfare.
b.) The Race Veterinarians are Consulting Specialists to the race and have the right to examine any dog at any checkpoint during the race. In addition to the pre race vet check, they will be available throughout the race for consultations, first aid, and major medical situations. Their recommendations to disallow entry or remove a dog or team from the race may occur at any time during the race and will go directly to the Chief Veterinarian, who, in conjunction with the Race Marshal, will make the final decision. In the absence of the Chief Veterinarian, the concurrence of two or more veterinarians in consultation with a Judge may result in disallowing entry, removal, or holding of a dog or team from the race.
4. The race officials, timers, judges, and race veterinarians each have immediate authority in their specific area of responsibility and will act as consultants to the Race Marshal who has ultimate responsibility for decision making.
II. B. MUSHER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Mushers are responsible for the conduct of their dogs, handlers and representatives before, during and after the race.
2. The musher is required to report all violations of race rules and regulations to the Race Marshal, a Race Judge, or if no Judge is available they may report to a Checkpoint Official (who in turn will notify a Race Judge or the Race Marshal).
a.) Forms for reporting violations will be available at every checkpoint.
b.) Any musher who knowingly fails to comply with race rules and regulations as stated herein will face disqualification, monetary penalty, or time penalty depending on the nature of the violation as determined by the Race Marshal.
3. A musher withdrawing from the race either between checkpoints or at any checkpoint for any reason MUST IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY A RACE OFFICIAL.
a. Failure to do so may result in a one year disqualification.
b. Race materials (e.g. banner, etc.) must be returned.
II. C. PENALTIES, DISQUALIFICATION, AND PROTEST PROCEDURE
1. Penalties and Disqualification: Rule infractions may result in an issuance of warnings, monetary penalties, time penalties, censure, or disqualification. Warnings may be issued by any Judge. Monetary penalties and time penalties require the agreement of at least one Judge and the Race Marshal. Disqualifications require a unanimous decision of Race Judges as well as the Race Marshal. The Chief Vet will be included in all decisions involving dog treatment and welfare.
2. Warnings may be issued for first time minor infractions.
3. Monetary penalties may be imposed up to $500.00 for each violation. Such penalties may be deducted from prize money. A musher with unpaid fines may not enter future UPSDA races until such fines are paid.
4. Censure: The UPSDA Board of Directors, following completion of the race and upon recommendation of the Race Marshal and/or Chief Vet may censure a musher. A censure may include a warning, either in public or private, and may eliminate the musher from future races.
5. Disqualifications: Mushers may be disqualified for any infractions, including but not limited to physical abuse of a dog, cheating, or deliberate rule infractions which give a musher an unfair advantage over another musher.
a.) A musher will be allowed to continue racing while a decision is being made, except in cases involving cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs.
b.) Any musher who violates any local, state or federal law while competing in this race may be disqualified from future races if convicted.
c.) Disqualification will result in the forfeiture of all race placements and monetary awards.
d.) Each musher shall provide and sign any and all documents requested by the UPSDA prior to entering the race. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
6. Protests: Any musher wishing to lodge a protest must do so verbally at the first checkpoint following the occurrence of the act or situation to be considered.
a.) All protests shall be lodged with a RACE JUDGE ONLY and shall not be discussed with any other persons, including spectators or media.
b.) UP200: Following the verbal notification, a written protest must be submitted at the Grand Marais checkpoint for any actions occurring between the Start of the race and the Grand Marais checkpoint, or within one hour of the musher's finish of the race for any actions occurring between the Grand Marais checkpoint and the race finish.
c.) MIDNIGHT RUN: Following the verbal notification, a written protest must be submitted at the DEERTON checkpoint for any actions occurring between the Start of the race and the Deerton checkpoint, or within one hour of the musher’s finish of the race for any actions occurring between the Deerton checkpoint and the race finish.
d.) Protests will be decided by Race Judges no later than 2 hours before the Awards banquet
7. Appeals: A musher may appeal any decision made by the Race Officials (Race Marshal, Veterinarians, Judges) by submitting a written request to the Race Marshal for a hearing and resolution prior to the Awards banquet (Midnight Run banquet Saturday at 4:00 p.m.; UP200 Awards Banquet Monday morning 8:00 a.m.)
a.) If the appeal pertains to a Judging decision, then the Race Marshal will present information as to the reason for the decision and the Musher will present information in his/her defense. Both sides may bring a witness or witnesses that can corroborate their story. Witnesses are limited to Judges, Vets, volunteers, or mushers that have first hand information concerning the situation being considered. A jury comprised of the Chief Vet, one (1) UPSDA Board member and the Musher Representative (selected by the mushers at the pre race meeting) will render a majority decision. Note: if themusher representative is unable to serve, the alternate will be called upon to serve.
b.) If the appeal pertains to a Veterinary decision, then the Chief Vet will present information as to the reason for the decision and the Musher will present information in his/her defense. Both sides may bring a witness or witnesses that can corroborate their story. Witnesses are limited to Judges, Veterinarians, volunteers, or mushers that have first hand information concerning the situation being determined. A jury comprised of the Race Marshal, one (1) UPSDA Board member, and the Musher Rep (selected by the mushers at the pre race meeting) will render a majority decision. Note: If the musher rep is unable to serve, the alternate will be called upon to serve.
III. THE RACE
III A. Start/Finish
1. At the race start, all mushers, handlers, and team trucks must be in the official mushers’ parking area at a specific time and location to be announced at their musher meeting.
a.) All UP200 teams will have their bags checked before the Start, leaving Grand Marais, and at the Finish.
b.) All MIDNIGHT RUN teams will have their bags checked before the Start and at the Finish.
2. All mushers and their lead dog will participate (if required) in Closing ceremonies.
3. The UPSDA will provide additional personnel to escort teams to the starting line.
a.) Any musher who misses his/her pick up time will start 2 minutes after the last scheduled team leaves the chute. If two or more teams are late they will leave at two minute intervals in the order that they were originally scheduled to leave. Teams so affected will have their start time adjusted to the time that they actually leave the start chute and will each be assessed a 30 minute time penalty.
4. Although not required, a UP200 musher may choose to have a second person on the sled, or a second sled hooked in tandem with the team, from the start of the race in Marquette to the Prince of Peace Church Sled Drop in Harvey.
a.) All riders must have a notarized signed waiver submitted to race officials by 4:00 pm Friday, February 19, 2010. The Race Marshal may require a rider or second sled depending on trail conditions if warranted for safety. Note: Harvey is not a checkpoint or dog drop.
5. Subject to compliance with all race rules, regulations and determinations of the Race Marshal, a team finish time, as well as the time into each checkpoint, is measured when the nose of the lead dog crosses the finish line.
a.) Should any of the mandatory gear be missing a monetary penalty may be assessed for each item missing.
b.) Expendable or consumable gear (e.g. booties, food) need not be present on arrival at a checkpoint or at the finish.
6. UP200: In order to finish the race, a team must leave the Wetmore downbound Checkpoint #3 within a period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours from the time the first team leaves the Wetmore downbound Checkpoint (#3). Any team unable to leave within this eight hour period will be noted as “did not finish” (DNF) and will not be allowed to continue. Teams must be through Deerton by 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Any team unable to leave Deerton by 10:00 p.m. Sunday will be noted as “did not finish” (DNF) and will not be allowed to continue. Note: A team along the trail whose traveling speed will clearly prohibit that team from leaving either the Wetmore downbound or the Deerton checkpoint within the specified times may be deemed by race officials as unable to finish and will not be allowed to continue.
MIDNIGHT RUN: In order to finish the race, a team must leave the Deerton Checkpoint
within 3 (three) hours from the time the first team leaves the checkpoint. Teams unable to
leave within this time period will be noted as “did not finish” (DNF) and will not be allowed to continue.
III. B. CHECKPOINTS
1. Each musher must sign in and out personally from each checkpoint
a.) UP200 teams will have bag checks at: the START, leaving GRAND MARAIS, and at the FINISH.
b.) MIDNIGHT RUN teams will have bag check at the START and the FINISH.
2. All UP200 and Midnight Run teams must submit to a mandatory Vet Check at a checkpoint. UP200 teams will be checked in Grand Marais. Midnight Run teams will be checked in Deerton. It is the musher's responsibility to locate a veterinarian and schedule the vet check. The musher may have the dogs checked at any time from arrival to departing the checkpoint. Having a dog pass the vet check in the checkpoint does not automatically guarantee that the dog will not be removed from the team before departure should the dog’s physical condition deteriorate or a previously undiagnosed injury be diagnosed before the team has left the checkpoint.
3. Dogs may be dropped from a team only at official checkpoints and official dog drops.
UP200: Wetmore Upbound (unassisted checkpoint, no handlers; UPSDA will arrange dog transport to Grand Marais), Grand Marais (assisted checkpoint), Wetmore Downbound (assisted checkpoint), and Deerton downbound (dog drop only). Note – dogs dropped at Deerton downbound must be picked up by the musher’s handlers.
MIDNIGHT RUN dogs may be dropped at Deerton. If a dog is to be dropped, the musher or handler must notify a race veterinarian before leaving the dog and must have the vet diary annotated. The dog must be marked out at that time.
4. Any musher leaving his/her team at an assisted checkpoint must do so only if a handler is available to supervise the team.
5. Accommodations (space for bedding down dogs, rest rooms, parking space, etc.) will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
a.) Efforts will be made to give mushers every advantage in this regard, but no guarantees are tendered.
b.) Some checkpoints will have running water available, but the UPSDA will make no special arrangements in this regard.
6. Each musher and his/her handler(s) are responsible for having the necessary food and water at the checkpoints.
a.) Drop bags for the UP200 Unassisted Checkpoint in Wetmore (upbound) will be limited to TWO bags total. The maximum weight for each bag is 50 pounds. Drop bags for the UP200 unassisted checkpoint at Wetmore (upbound) must be turned in to the Drop Bag wrangler on Friday, February 19, 2010 by 1:00 p.m. (location to be announced at the musher meeting). All bags are to be marked as follows: on one side with waterproof marker: # ____ (bib number) along with last name of musher.
Reverse side may be marked bag #1 or bag # 2. Bags can be left at the checkpoint and the contents re-accessed on the downbound stop.
b.) Drop bags will be given to mushers at Registration on Thursday.
c.) One bale of straw per musher will be available for purchase at the musher’s expense for Midnight Run mushers at Deerton and UP200 mushers at Grand Marias and Wetmore downbound (assisted).
d.) Drop bags and one bale of straw per musher (no cost) will be delivered to the Wetmore upbound unassisted checkpoint to the pre-assigned spot. Volunteer handlers will be available for help to the team’s designated spot.
7. Wetmore Upbound is a UP200 Unassisted Checkpoint. No handlers are allowed at this checkpoint on the way to Grand Marais. Wetmore downbound is an assisted checkpoint.
a.) A penalty may be assessed if handlers or dog trucks are in the unassisted checkpoint area.
b.) No UP200 handlers or trucks should be along the upbound trail at any point. They should proceed directly from the start to Grand Marais.
8. Outside assistance regulations for the UP200 are not in effect within the checkpoint areas of Grand Marais, Wetmore (downbound only) and at the Dog Drop in Deerton. Outside assistance regulations for the Midnight Run are not in effect within Deerton.
9. A fine of up to $100.00 may be assessed against any team not cleaning up their site before leaving each checkpoint. Exception: No cleanup other than poop scooping is required at the unassisted checkpoint.
III. C. LAYOVER
1. Each UP200 team will accumulate sixteen (16) hours of layover time plus the required start differential time determined by the team's starting position.
a.) Layover time will be determined by the official check in and check out time from each checkpoint.
b.) At the Wetmore downbound checkpoint (#3), each team will be given an official time at which they may leave the checkpoint to head for the finish line in Marquette. This time will be calculated from the arrival time at the Wetmore downbound checkpoint plus all unused time remaining from the mandatory sixteen (16) hour floating layover (as determined by check in and check out times from the previous checkpoints) plus the start time differential.
c.) At the Deerton checkpoint, Midnight Run mushers will be given an official time at which they may leave the checkpoint to head for the finish line. This time will be calculated from the arrival time at the Deerton checkpoint plus five (5) hours of mandatory layover time, plus the start time differential.
III. D. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
1. No outside assistance other than that planned by the race giving organization is permitted between checkpoints.
a.) Exceptions may be made under emergency conditions as determined by the Race Marshal or a Race Judge.
2. Mushers may aid each other in appropriate ways under emergency conditions.
3. Outside assistance with repair to broken or destroyed equipment may be allowed under the supervision of the Race Marshal or a Race Judge.
4. Mushers may receive assistance in cases of uncontrolled or lost dog teams.
a.) Outside assistance must be accepted if a musher has lost complete control of a team; this includes motorized assistance.
b.) The Race Marshal or a Race Judge must be notified of such a circumstance and will rule on its validity.
5. A musher may not receive assistance from any motorized vehicle between checkpoints except in the case of a medical emergency or a lost team.
a.) Pacing with a vehicle is prohibited.
b.) Dog trucks and/or handlers are allowed only at official assisted checkpoints and dog drops unless helping a team that has officially scratched from the race.
6. No electronic communication or GPS devices are permitted.
III. E. HANDLING AND TREATMENT OF DOGS
1. The cruel and/or inhumane treatment of dogs by any musher or handler as determined by the Race Officials is strictly prohibited.
2. In the event a team gets away from the musher, it will not be disqualified if the musher regains control provided they have not left the racecourse.
a.) If the team and the musher have left the racecourse, they must re enter the course at the point they left it.
3. All dogs on a team must be in harness and attached to the sled
a.) No loose leaders will be permitted.
b.) A musher must make every effort to secure a dog which becomes loose accidentally.
c.) Dogs not in the team gangline must be restrained in the sled basket at all times during the course of the race.
4. It is the musher's responsibility to check for traffic at road crossings on the racecourse.
a.) UPSDA will attempt to secure road crossings, but final safety is the musher's responsibility.
5. Two or more teams may not be tied together except to assist a musher at some single location along the race route.
a.) Mushers involved in such a situation must notify a race judge at the next checkpoint along the trail.
b.) No penalty will be assessed if a musher is aiding another race participant in danger for his/her life.
6. A musher may have another team haul his/her dogs only if they agree and if the musher is hauling two or more dogs already.
7. Expired dogs: Any dog expired on the trail must be covered and transported in the sled to a checkpoint. The musher may transport the dog either to the checkpoint just passed or the upcoming one. The musher must then complete a report and present it to the Chief race veterinarian. All expired dogs will be necropsied by the Chief veterinarian per ISDVMA guidelines. Tissue samples will be submitted for veterinary pathologist examination as deemed necessary.
8. Transportation for UP200 dogs dropped at Grand Marais, Wetmore (downbound assisted checkpoint) and Deerton (downbound only dog drop) must be arranged by a musher or his/her handler. Dogs dropped at the Wetmore upbound unassisted checkpoint will be delivered by the race organization to the Grand Marais checkpoint to be claimed by the handler or musher. Note: Dogs may be dropped from a team only at official checkpoints or official dog drops (see III.B. 2).
9. Dogs cannot be boxed during the race.
10. Forced rehydration of a dog is the responsibility of race veterinarians only. Any dog entering a checkpoint requiring emergency or forced rehydration must be dropped from the team and placed under medical supervision.
III. F. THE RACE COURSE
1. Teams must stay on the race course. If the team and the musher have left the race course, they must re enter the course at the point they left it.
2. When overtaking another team, the musher must call "TRAIL" if/when he or she wants the overtaken musher to relinquish the trail.
a.) The slower team must relinquish the trail immediately when “TRAIL” is called and assist the passing team if necessary. Sticks and other poling aids cannot be used within 100 feet (either behind or in front) of another team and must be stowed when a musher calls for trail.
b.) When neither team is able to pull away from the other, the mushers shall agree mutually on the appropriate team to lead out.
3. No Man’s Land starts one (1) mile from the finish line and will be well marked. Mushers will no longer have the option to call trail nor will mushers be required to relinquish the trail. Sticks and other poling aids must be stowed in No Man’s Land.
4. All race participants must abide by state and federal laws governing the transportation and use of firearms and the killing of game and non game wildlife.
a.) In the event a musher kills a game animal protecting his life or that of his dogs, the musher must field dress the animal and then report the incident to a race judge at the next checkpoint.
b.) The UPSDA will take responsibility for recovering the animal.
5. Mushers setting up camp along the trail are required to ensure that the racecourse is clear of all dogs and gear.
a.) All fires must be built a safe distance from the trail.
6. The race will continue under all but the most severe of weather conditions.
a.) Mushers must come prepared to contend with cold, wind, storm conditions, and bare sections of trail.
b.) In the event of questionable trail conditions, the UPSDA will make the decision to postpone or cancel the race no later than the Tuesday of race week.
c.) After the start of the mushers’ meeting, the Race Marshal will assume all responsibility for any further postponement or alteration of start/finish locations.
d.) The primary consideration will be the safety and well being of the dogs and mushers, not the comfort of the musher.
7. Mushers observing littering on the trail are encouraged to report it. A musher may be fined up to $100 for intentional littering. A time penalty may also be imposed at the discretion of the race judges.
IV. CLAIMS
1. Each musher agrees to hold the UPSDA, the race sponsors and other contributors (as distinguished from individual sponsors of mushers and teams) harmless from any claim or demand based upon any alleged action or inaction by the musher, his/her dogs or others acting on his/her behalf.
2. Each musher agrees to hold the UPSDA, the race sponsors and other contributors (as distinguished from individual sponsors of mushers and teams) harmless from any claim or demand resulting from injury to the musher, his/her dogs, his/her property or others acting on his/her behalf.
3. The UPSDA claims unconditional authority to allow race sponsors to film, photograph or otherwise collect and document information about the race and race participants for use in advertising, public relations or other publicity purposes.
4. Each musher shall sign any and all documents as may be requested by the UPSDA to accept the foregoing statements and conditions.
a.) Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
b.) All documents will be presented to the musher at Registration or will be included in the musher entry packet. All musher information will be on the up200.org website and can be accessed through the website.
