Red Fox Elbrus Race Official Regulations for skyrunning competitions

Skyrunning Competitions Rules

1. Definitions
2. Organizers rules
3. Races rules
4. Competitors rules

1. Definitions
ISF - International Skyrunning Federation
SKYRUNNER - Athlete participating in the skyrunning disciplines.
SKYRUNNING - Is defined as running in the mountains above 2,000m altitude where the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade and the incline does not exceed 40%/

Ski poles and hands may be used to aid progress. Note: (In Skyrunner® World Series a maximum of two races may have mixed courses or a maximum altitude inferior to 2,000 meters with the object of giving an opportunity to participate to as many countries as possible).

Skyrunning and SkySports disciplines are divided into different categories: SkyMarathon®, SkyRace®, SkyRaid® and Vertical Kilometer® (registered trademarks). Skyrunner® (a registered trade mark) is the term defining those who participate in running competitions above 2,000m altitude. The Skyrunner® trade mark is incorporated in the ISF logo.

- SKYMARATHON - Races with a minimum of 2,000m total elevation gain and between 30 km to 42 km long. The course may be over paths, trail, moraine, rock or snow, and reach or exceed 4,000m altitude. Races that exceed these parameters by more than 5% are defined as Ultra SkyMarathons.
- SKYRACE - Races between 2,000m and 4,000m altitude, minimum 20 km long – max 30km (5% tolerance admitted).
- VERTICAL KILOMETER - Race with 1,000m vertical elevation gain over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding five kilometers in length. The Vertical Kilometer is defined at three altitude levels (+/- 200m variable) example: from 0 – 1,000m, 1,000 – 2,000, 2,000-3,000m, with 5% tolerance.
- VERTICAL SKYRACE - races at the height starting from 3000 км of any distance with an incline of more than 30%
- SKYSPEED - Race with 100m vertical elevation with a substantial incline over 33%, with 5% tolerance.
- SKYBIKE - Duathlon: bike or mountain bike race and Vertical Kilometer or skyrunning competition
- SKYRAID - Skyrunning Team race over long distances also combined with to other sports such as cycling, skiing, climbing and multisport

2. Organizers rules
INTRODUCTION - This regulation shall prevail above all, local regulations must be consistent with the official rules of the ISF. Prevail in case of conflict the view expressed in these rules and decisions of the representatives of the ISF.

INSURANCE - The official competitions Organizers/National federation must contract the insurance guarantees required in the host country to cover risks of civil liability. Also abide by national legislation in respect to any local and national taxes that apply to the event, and assume the event's financial risk. In those competitions held in countries without official ISF Member, the organizer shall assume all responsibilities.

EVENT CALENDAR – The race date must be compatible with the other circuit races. In the case of non compatibility, the organizers must be willing to anticipate or postdate the race by 7 days to be able to participate in the circuit.
PARTNERS – In order to guarantee sufficient prizes in the circuit final and to support adequate promotion, visibility to circuit sponsors may be required and the main sponsor may place their name and logo alongside that of the circuit for commercial use. ISF will provide a list of partners and their activities to the organizers. Any partnership or advertising that might conflict with the activities of the main ISF partners is forbidden. All advertising deemed inappropriate for health or moral reasons is forbidden. Any dispute on this point must be addressed by the area of ISF Communication and Marketing.

ORGANIZERS - Visibility will be given to circuit races and their sponsors in the specific promotional material and through federal communication. The race rules must be compatible with those of the ISF and in the case of dispute, the ISF rules will overrule. Race organizers are obliged to adhere to the “World Series Race Standards” and the “Style Guide” and the “Protocol Guide”.

ORGANIZATION – Each race organizer is responsible for:

- All permits, complete insurances, and relations with the local authorities.
- Local promotion, event program and all the race material (start and finish line, accreditations, etc...)
- All staff of organization, administration, race director, race controls, control of Start and arrival, speaker, press responsible, results, etc.
- The race entries, competitor's numbers, start list, all the briefings material and information.
- The preparation and marking of the race, all the race signage with flags or arrows at forks or where the route may not be clearly comprehensible, check points and aid stations.
- Results, race prizes, podium and award ceremonies, meals.
- Assistance and rescue, medical assistance and assistance along the course and for retired athletes.
- A course map and profile showing the route, starting and finishing areas, checkpoints, difficult portions and first-aid posts).
- Take special care with officials, press, and foreign skyrunners, aid and advice in transport, accommodation, etc.
- Provided special means of transport for officials and press, in order that they can easily move to different points of the race to follow.
- Ensure control by the local police in all organizational aspects, safety of participants, technical, public, etc..
- Establish safe and special areas for the public, area of start and arrival, of special parts of the route, etc... where the safety of spectators is assured.

- Note: Competitors, trainers and team managers cannot be officials.

PARTICIPATION FEE – A fee will be set for organizers for participation in each contest

VISIBILITY – Visibility given to the world circuit in race organizer’s promotional material must include the logo “Skyrunner® World Series”, as well as the main sponsor, in finish line area, on the award stand and the start/finish arch. The ranking leaders & final champions (first male and first female) must wear the leader’s jersey supplied by the SWS on the podium. Other forms of visibility or bib space and their costs may be successively agreed upon.

PRESS RELEASES - Press releases will be prepared jointly by the organizer press officer and/or the national federation and ISF. At the end of the event, the organizer press officer must provide the ISF press officer with all press releases, images, results and any other information on the competition that might interest the press by email or any other means. The ISF press officer will then send this information to international press agencies.

The organizer will prepare accreditations for journalists and photographers. The organizer will set up a press room with free Internet access, preferably with a WIFI connection. The organizer press officer is in charge of greeting journalists and assisting them in their work, and provides them with all race information, provisional results as well as with final rankings at the end of the competition and any other documents available on the race and the competitors.

3. Races rules
INTRODUCTION - This regulation shall prevail above all, local regulations must be consistent with the official rules of the ISF. Prevail in case of conflict the view expressed in these rules and decisions of the representatives of the ISF.

RACE STAFF - Each of the races must be at least formally appoint the following staff of organization:
- Race Director - Is ultimately responsible for all organizational aspects, in addition to being a liaison between the organization and the technicians and representatives of the ISF, and local authorities.
- Race Secretary - It is the responsibility of the secretary of organization, registration of participants, accommodation, etc. Must be available to the technicians of the ISF to meet their needs
- Technical Director - Is responsible for the race route, design, marks, location of checkpoints and supplies, etc... Will work in coordination with the Safety Responsible. This person may also be responsible for ensuring the necessary environmental measures.
- Safety Responsible - Is responsible for the safety of all aspects of the race, dangerous points of the route, and emergency medical services, location of the evacuation points, etc... Both runners and spectators. Will work in coordination with the Technical Director.
- Communication Responsible - Ensure the media attention, media photographers, television, etc... Facilitating their work, providing them everything they need, transportation, accommodation, documentation, etc.
- Skyrunners Responsible – Guarantee the attention of participants in the race, resolving doubts, informing them of everything related to the competition, etc.
- Results Responsible – Will be responsible for the team of timekeepers in the arrival times, enabling the ISF technicians all the information that is required at all times.

To ensure the best care to all persons connected with the competition (skyrunners, technicians, media, etc...) Organizers are encouraged to have staffed with talk various international languages and translators.

MARKING - The organizers must guarantee basic signage (flags or other signage preferably fluorescent) for the safety of the competitors that it is ecological and removed immediately after the closure of the competition (To ensure the reliability of the trail, at least from a mark should do the following).

In the event of a clearly defined course without flags or other signage (Gt. Britain special local rules for example), safety measures and special check points must be adopted by the organizers and approved by the ISF Technical Commission, and explained prior to the event at a specific briefing.

SAFETY - The organization will guarantee, with specialized professional staff, the most complete safety of all persons connected with the competition; competitors, public, controls, officers, etc. .. with the collaboration of police, fire, mountain guides, medical services, ambulance, rescue and emergencies plan, etc.

Pay special attention to areas which might present a risk for competitor safety: snowy trails, wet trails, road crossings, dangerous falls, etc... These points are security reinforced with extra personnel, information panels, etc. In cases may be used ropes or chains to secure or exceed specific segments and increase the safety of competitors.

Race headquarters and main organizers must linked by radio to all checkpoints and rescue teams. It is at the disposal also of the ISF representative and the jury and trail director.

SKYRUNNERS MATERIAL - In addition to individual race rules it may be necessary to include the use of tights, gloves, camel bags, helmets, sunglasses, etc depending on the course and/or weather conditions, conforming to the ISF Rules. In the SkyRace®, SkyMarathon®, Ultra SkyMarathon® and SkyRaid® , the use of windproof jackets, trail running shoes, and socks is compulsory. The compulsory or recommended need for this equipment must be displayed before each race and elaborated in the pre-race briefing. The use of ski poles is regulated by each of the organizers and approved by the ISF Technical Commission, either by allowing its use for the entire race, in a section specifically, or even prohibit their use. It is compulsory that ski poles have protection in the points.

In each event, in accordance with the ISF delegate, the organizers can decide what additional competitors’ apparel and equipment may be necessary.

COMPETITORS NUMBERS - The organization will provide the bid numbers of participants, the allocation of these is determined by the order of world ranking in each moment, giving the lowest numbers to the best riders (men and women) at the time, following the rankings before the previous race.

START AREA - Must be closed and should only be accessed by competitors who have spent the control of entry, having been supervised for the organizers whit starting list. In this control that each of them carries the minimum material required, and the competitor number of correctly placed. Prohibiting entry in this area to anyone runner does not meet the minimum required by organization.

When mass start, may establish more than one line of output, prioritizing those at the top competitors of official teams or other "top ten runners", according to the different categories or based on ranking or race results.

To proceed to the start race will require the approval of the race director and ISF official representative.

CHECKPOINTS CONTROLS – Checkpoints are set up at outstanding places along the route: Summits, passes, junctions or route crossing places, etc. Controllers must be equipped with radios and be able to communicate with race headquarters. Controllers take note when competitors pass through their checkpoint and record their arrival order. If the race is neutralized or stopped controllers also make safety issues.

Controllers immediately report any problem or offences committed by competitors to race headquarters. Under instruction from race headquarters, the controllers must have enough authority to give instructions to competitors (for example: giving instructions to put on an extra layer of clothing, stopping the race under the authority of the race director, etc.).

AID STATIONS – The organizers must provide sufficient supplies at the aid stations for the duration of the race or make sure that the athletes are self sufficient. It is recommended to the location of points as liquid supplies every 5 km or every 500 meters in height difference positive (the condition is met first). At least one will be provided also whit solid food, in the middle of race. The organization will also ensure an aid station solid and liquid in the final race area, exclusive for the skyrunners.

In these areas will be established “outside assistance” to help competitors (100 meters before and 100 meters after the point of aid). Agreed between the organizers and the ISF technical committee may be other points of special assistance to competitors. The organizers will seek the maximum cleanliness of all these areas after the race.

FINISH LINE - An area of at least 100 meters long before the finish line will be closed with barriers to prevent entry to anyone other than the competition, ensuring a clean entry of competitors. Advised that the extent of road is approximately 5 meters.

After the finish line, an area with restricted access and tight, allowing the peaceful recovery of the runners, which can only be accessed by the staff duly accredited: organization, press and television, medical services, etc... In what can be determined, if necessary, the runner carries the material minimum required. The organization has provided near this area an aid station and medical service, toilets, showers, etc.

WINNERS - Every race can have only one winner in each category, which can be based on a photo-finish or other control system. Only races that time each runner (Vertical Kilometer on individual start for example) may have a tie.

FINISH AND RESULTS CONTROL - The organization will ensure the good times control at the finish line, under the supervision of the ISF representative or race referee. If the race uses an electronic timing system, then times and finishing orders are established by this system; If the race does not use an electronic timing system, then times and finishing orders are established when the competitor's chest crosses the finishing line (photo finish, film, referees etc.).

The organization will provide lists of competitors in order of times arrival, each time the referees deem it necessary. These classifications may not be published without the supervision and approval of referees.

JURY – An ISF delegate must preside at each race. The composition of the jury must be indicated before each race and include an ISF representative, the course director, the trail director and an international referee. The decision of the jury is final by the majority, and in case of dispute, the decision of the ISF representative will be applied. ROLE OF THE JURY - The role of the race jury is to take decisions concerning any race issues, approve solutions proposed in conflict situations or in adverse weather conditions, assess claims and decide on their outcome, ensure that races and rankings are standardized, guarantee sporting fairness, take decisions about questions of any kind which may seem incomplete or unclear

ISF REPRESENTATIVE - Is the highest official during the race, represent the president of ISF if the latter is not present, coordinate relations between ISF and the organizers and national federation representatives, ensure that all regulations are followed, ensures that regulations concerning anti-doping are followed, ensures the correct protocol and appropriate trophies, attends race meetings, supervises provisional ranking, writes an official report in 48 hours.

ISF RACE REFEREES – Is an international ISF referee, ensure that all regulations are followed, and ensure, together with the organizers, that the event respect for the environment must attend safety committee meetings, attends race meetings, and ensures sporting fairness, signs official rankings, receives claims submitted. Each official competition will be designated at least one international ISF referee.

BRIEFING - Competitors need the highest and clearest explanation of everything about the race. To this, the organization has planned the evening before the competition an information meeting, called “Briefing”. As minimum the following information is provided:
- Presentation of race officials, particularly the jury and ISF representatives.
- Weather forecasts, temperatures, wind speed, etc
- A race description using visual aids (video-projector), specifying danger areas, checkpoints, technical features of the course and aid stations.
- Equipment specifically required for the competition
- Cut-off times and cut points
- Daily event schedule with times and places: breakfast, public transport to and from the competition, car parks, race starts and finishes, anti-doping controls, formal ceremonies (awards and prizes), meals and closing ceremony, etc.
- Race services: place to leave and collect clothing, changing rooms, showers, catering facilities,
- Information about good environmental practices to be respected during warm-up and races.

RACE CANCELLATION – The races cannot be cancelled or postponed unless under extreme conditions. Each race organizer must prepare an alternative reserve course in the case of unfavorable weather conditions such as fog, snow etc. The jury must anticipate the possibility of the event being postponed. The last decisions on this issue must be agreed obligatory with the Jury.

OFFICIAL CEREMONIES – The organizers will ensure the delivery of trophies, at least the first three men and three women of the absolute ranking of the race, without gender discrimination. That means that men and women should get exactly the same award, either in cash or trophy.

The award ceremony will follow the international protocol, the first prize will deliver the ISF delegate, the second prize of the ISF Local Member, and third prize will deliver the local authority.

DAY TIMING – The ISF and the organizers decided together the program of the event, race days, hours, meetings, awards, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - The organizers must take all necessary measures to avoid designing routes that cross areas with sensitive ecosystems, rapid removal of race marking at the end of the race, rapid removal of all waste material discarded by spectators and participants, only natural biodegradable products should be used for marking, etc..

4. Competitors rules
INTRODUCTION - This regulation shall prevail above all, local regulations must be consistent with the official rules of the ISF. Prevail in case of conflict the view expressed in these rules and decisions of the representatives of the ISF.

COMPLIANCE WITH RULES – It is compulsory for all competitors to respect the rules and the local race rules, to observe good sportsmanship towards the other competitors, organizers, public and representatives, and all of other points of this ISF international official ISF rules. It is advisable to participate in the prerace local briefing.

COMPETITORS – The official ISF competitions is open to runners of 18 years of age or over, in possession of a medical certificate indicating that it is particularly suitable for practice of this modality, valid for the law of the country where the race is held. The competitors to take part in a competition in the ISF official calendar know and accept these rules, and the general rules of the ISF.

Competitors are also responsible to hold a special insurance that covers accident, in internationally practice of this modality.
In SWS races are Open to all skyrunners and commercial sponsored teams, but the final podium is reserved for skyrunners and teams which nation there are a federation or association member of the ISF, or other associations recognized by the ISF.

The Continental Championships, World Championships or Sky Games is reserved to official national teams which nation there are a Member (official full member) of the ISF.

With permission of the ISF Board and providing all relevant documents, can participate in these competitions a National Teams belong countries where there are not ISF official full member. They pay an extra fee for registration an official Team to the competitions, which will be set by the ISF, and must strictly follow all rules and regulations of the ISF. Only one Team will be allowed par nation. In these cases the ISF will add value to the presentation of an official document certifying the country's highest sports authority represents each team.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT – Competitors must be carry the minimum material required by the organization, to ensure their safety these equipment must be correct and in perfect conditions. Under no circumstances are allowed to dress can be offensive. The chairman of the jury reserves the right to reject any equipment judged to be defective or inadequate.

SKYRUNNERS MATERIAL - In addition to individual race rules it may be necessary to include the use of tights, gloves, camel bags, helmets, sunglasses, etc depending on the course and/or weather conditions, conforming to the ISF Rules. In the SkyRace®, SkyMarathon®, Ultra SkyMarathon® and SkyRaid® , the use of windproof jackets, trail running shoes, and socks is compulsory. The compulsory or recommended need for this equipment must be displayed before each race and elaborated in the pre-race briefing.

The use of ski poles is regulated by each of the organizers and approved by the ISF Technical Commission, either by allowing its use for the entire race, in a section specifically, or even prohibit their use. It is compulsory that ski poles have protection in the points.

START AREA - Must be closed and should only be accessed by competitors who have spent the control of entry, having been supervised for the organizers whit starting list. In this control that each of them carries the minimum material required, and the competitor number of correctly placed. Prohibiting entry in this area to anyone runner does not meet the minimum required by organization.

CHECKPOINTS - Competitors must pass through the checkpoints so that arrival order and times can be determined (for ranking in case the race is neutralized or stopped), and so that safety issues can be checked. Competitors must follow instructions given by the checkpoint chief and his/her assistants (e.g. put on windbreakers, procedure to follow is the race is neutralized, etc.).

LEADER’S JERSEY - The ranking leaders & final champions (first male and first female) must wear on the podium the leader’s jersey as supplied by the SWS organizers. If the jersey is not worn, no penalties will be applied but points in the SWS will not be assigned whatever the final position of the runner.

CATEGORIES – In official ISF competitions only two categories exist: men and women of 18 years of age or over, only these appear on ISF official start list or ranking lists.

- Note: The local organizer may to establish as many categories as necessary; they do not ever appear on ISF official start list or ranking lists.

CONDUCT OF COMPETITORS DURING THE RACE - While racing, competitors must abide by the following rules:
- The competitors will always travel the mark route, must be go through all the checkpoint, and not throw trash during the race, etc. ultimately must meet all standards of this regulation
- A competitor having difficulties may give-up on his/her own initiative, or be forced to give-up by decision of the race director or one of the doctors present.
- Giving-up (own initiative or forced) must take place at a checkpoint according to the procedure described during race briefing except in extreme circumstances.
- Competitors must render assistance to fellow competitors in distress or any kind of danger. The jury will take into account the time spent rendering assistance.
- The race director or a checkpoint chief may compel competitors, at any point on the route, to wear their windbreakers, caps or any other item of compulsory

PENALTIES – Penalties will be applied in accordance with the various race regulations and those of the ISF.

A penalty of from 3 minutes to disqualification will be applied for:
- throwing of trash outside the check point areas (100m +/-)
- receiving outside aid in unauthorized areas (not at specified points such as aid stations)
- not following the race course signage, voluntarily or otherwise
- the bib is not on view or has been tampered with
- False starts
- not passing through compulsory checkpoints
- unsportsmanlike behavior – not assisting another competitor in need of help
. do not carry or use the material required
. do not comply with the directions of the organization or the judges

Disqualification will be applied for:
- Lack of the necessary equipment on the route
- not participating in the awards ceremony without just cause

CLAIMS – Must be written and countersigned with the complainant’s name and bib number at the finish line or on publication of the provisional results. A deposit of € 50 may be required which will be refunded if the case is accepted.
Complaints may not be made after half hour of the publication of the provisional results. The decision of the jury is final by the majority, and in case of dispute, the decision of the ISF representative and the ISF rules will be applied.
Appeals against decisions of the jury may be presented to the ISF with the same procedure and the verdict will be given within ten days of receipt.