Regatta Rules

Safety

The safety of the participants, spectators, staff, and competitors is a top priority.  It is mandatory to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at discretion of parent/guardian during the race and when around water.  Lifeguards will be on duty. Parents of children ages 5-8 may get in the water and help stabilize the boat across the pool, but must be fair not to “push” the boat.

Boat Design

1. Boats will be constructed on site at City Park on July 4th.  Each crew will be provided one 4x8 piece of new cardboard and one roll of duct tape.  Additional cardboard will be available first come, first serve.  Any tools (straight edge, knives, scissors, etc.) should be brought by your team.  If needed, can be provided at event to an adult for team.  Supplies are limited to rent and also available first come, first serve. 
2. Boats are to be made only from cardboard and duct tape provided at the event.  If any outside materials are used in construction during the pre- or post-race inspection will result in walking the plank. 
3. Boats will be enclosed and permit the captain to remain fully on top of the vessel. 
4. The boat’s passenger area must not be enclosed above the captain’s shoulders to prevent escape should the vessel begin to sink.
5. Teams consist of two members: one captain and one crewmember, typically an adult and child.  Both must construct the boat, with the captain navigating the vessel and crewmember helping launch from dry land.  
6. Boat design is entirely up to the builders. 
   1. A flat bottom boat is recommended as V-shaped bottoms are more likely to capsize. 
   2. Competitors should research design options prior to event for best results.  
7. Boats are to be propelled only by cardboard paddles and/or hands. 
8. Paddles to be constructed only by provided cardboard and duct tape. 
9. Captains must be seated or kneeling in boat while paddling once a race has started until crossing the finish line. 
10. Crews will provide their own PFD should they require assistance. 

Conduct

1. It is the crew’s responsibility to act in a sportsman like manner, avoid collisions at all times, and obey the rules and safety guidelines. 
2. Overly aggressive contact and/or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification at the sole discretion of event organizers, and probably walking the plank.  Examples include: 
   1. Purposely obstructing or interfering with another competitor.
   2. Causing damage or bodily harm to another competitor. 
   3. Use of profane language toward any persons or competitor. 

Race Format

1. Boats will be designed to carry one individual.  
2. Each person is required to wear a PFD if necessary. 
3. Crewmember is allowed at the start line to assist with boat launch. 
4. Captains will race short length of pool (25 yards in shallow end). The race ends at the opposite end (one-way race). 
5. Captains are permitted five minutes to attempt to reach dry land.  After five minutes, a lifeguard will assist in clearing the waters. 
6. Races will be held in heats of at least two boats for boys and girls within age groups.
   1. Age Groups are as follows: 
      1. 5-6 years old
      2. 7-8 years old
      3. 9-10 years old
      4. 11-12 years old
      5. 13-14 years old

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