Official Rules

IDSA Official Rules

1. Race Information

1.1. Seeded Numbers

The organizing committee may determine in advance of the event that a racer’s previous distance skateboarding achievements earn them a place toward the front line for the start of the race. Documented proof of athleticism and a past history of competitive experience necessary. The front line committee will be comprised of the race directors and/or industry media.
Otherwise, you will receive a number in the order you check-in, and line up for the start line in that order.
On race day you must wear your race number at all times. Your number will be worn on the front of your shirt/uniform, clearly visible, and it will be on a sticker placed on the back of your helmet. Shirt/race top must be worn at all times.
Folding, cutting or intentional alteration of a bib number of any kind is prohibited. Some timing systems implant the timing strip into the bib, so folding the bib may compromise its functionality as well.
Providing or selling a race number to other athletes is strictly prohibited.

1.2. Race Start

When starting the race, boards must be on the ground and 1 foot must be placed on the board. Any exceptions to this rule shall be clarified by the Event Director prior to starting the race.
With most timing chip systems, your time will not start until you pass the start line.

1.3. Aid Stations

There should be multiple aid stations throughout the course, at minimum every 10 miles, and the at the Start/Finish area(s).
Water must be provided at each aid station along the course.
Sponsor-provided energy / endurance supplements may be available at aid stations along the course.
Racers are expected to understand their own race-day hydration and nutritional needs, and plan accordingly. Racers should not rely on sponsor-provided supplements as their primary means of event day nutrition, since the product(s) provided may not be known until the day of the event.

1.4. Drafting

Drafting is generally permitted. However, any physical contact witnessed by a race official, e.g., pushing or pulling another racer, is not allowed and may be considered grounds for disqualification.
The Event Director may elect to disallow drafting, based on the race definition. Some races (such as 24-hour ultraskates) track records that must assume no assist or aid in the record attempt.

1.5. Passing

On a straight course, racers must ride on the far right side of the course except when passing another skateboarder. When passing, racers must pass on the left of the other skateboarders.
On a counter-clockwise or clockwise circuit track (loop), the inside lane is considered the fast lane. In general, racers must pass on the outside lane. However, once the lead pack of racers begins to lap the slowest racers, the slower racers must remain aware of the lead pack’s approach from behind and yield the inside lane, allowing them to pass on the inside (fast) lane.
An inside dedicated “Leading Lane” may be explicitly marked on the course by the race director prior to the race start, to ensure the leading athletes may race unencumbered. If so, the lane boundaries and rules will be explained by the race director prior to the event, and/or at the racer’s meeting prior to the event on race day.

1.6. Racing and/or Behavioral Infractions

1st offense racing / behavioral infractions will result in a warning.
2nd offense racing / behavioral infractions will result in a disqualification.
Racing / behavioral infractions may be issued on or off the course.
Racing / behavioral infractions may also be issued any time prior, during, or after the event.

1.7. Weather Conditions

Plan and prepare accordingly. Get a sense for the climate of the event location and season ahead of time. Flatland distance racing will typically run rain or shine. Cancellation will only occur if the Event Director deems it unsafe to continue.
Should it be unsafe to continue a pace car will notify a true end point for racers. Place will be determined upon completion of the cancellation finish line.

2. Course Information

2.1. The Start/Finish Line

The Start and Finish lines shall be clearly identified by the Event Organizers.
The course shall be accurately measured with redundant systems well in advance of the event day. Two or more of the following measurement systems are recommended: track wheel, multiple GPS runs, accurately tuned bicycle odometer, surveyor-based city mile markers, GPS-map based websites.
The Event Organizer must communicate intended timing system details with the IDSA one month in advance of their event. The timing system must be tested and approved prior to race day.
A camera positioned at the finish line will ensure that one winner is chosen, should the timing system not accurately provide the winner.
Any challenge of the course and rules must be submitted at the timer’s table within 15 minutes of finish time.
Medical personnel should be present at the start line and finish area.
Race organizers must define and communicate with the IDSA a complete, detailed set of age and/or gender classifications for race winnings, one month in advance of their event. General guidelines are: A large Open Division (either Mixed gender or Men’s/Women’s separated) that is eligible for the premium prize winnings, then smaller categories for winners in each age group, eligible for sponsor-donated schwag or smaller cash prize winnings, e.g., ages 13 and under, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

2.2. Course Elevation

Courses will be primarily flat to encourage consistent results globally, although there may be inclines and declines throughout.
Elevation bias can be cancelled out by establishing the Start and Finish point at the same place.

2.3. Course Time Limit Policy

In order to comply with regulations, any roads formally sanctioned for race use will typically reopen in a graduated fashion. Participants must be properly prepared and trained to complete the full course within the time frame the race director defines on the course description. However, the full course finish line will remain open for a period defined by the Event Director, depending on location. The Event Director will communicate finish line limit time at the racers meeting on event day.
Participants must reach the half point mark within a time defined by the race director in order to be allowed to continue, at which point participants will be encouraged to stop their race early, before full completion. This is for personal safety of the participants.
Please note that after the official race finish time has elapsed, participant support (i.e., aid/water stations, volunteers, course marshals, clocks, etc.) is NOT guaranteed and you will be required to adhere to local pedestrian rules (move to curbsides, break down lanes, sidewalks, etc.)
Medals and official finish times will be given to all finishers who complete the race within the official race finish time.
The cut-off times are based on chip time, not gun time, in consideration of the additional time it takes the start corrals to clear through the start line.

2.4. Course Signage

Course markers, directional arrows, and other signage should be positioned throughout the course.

2.5. Checkpoints

Timing system mats / strips / etc., should be placed at the start and finish lines. There should also be multiple checkpoints throughout the course to ensure no cheating.
A digital clock at the finish line is recommended to display unofficial times.

2.6. Ambulance/Fire Rescue

An ambulance and fire rescue unit should also be prepared and roaming through the course to ensure safety.

2.7. Toilets

Portable toilet units or immediate access to existing toilets should be placed for convenience throughout the course, preferably near each aid station.

2.8. Video Cameras/Photos

Video cameras and photo cameras should be located at the finish line to ensure that any finish disputes can be resolved.
The front wheels crossing the finish line will determine the winner.
Skateboarders are required to remain in control of their boards upon crossing the finish line.

3. Equipment Information

3.1. Gear Check-In

Event Organizers may provide a location near the Start line to check-in your belongings.
Please make sure your belongings are well marked with your contact information.
The Event Organizers will not be responsible for damaged or lost/stolen items. Anything valuable should be locked in the participants vehicle or left with a trusted source.

3.2. Required Equipment

Shoes: one shoe or foot covering must be worn on each foot.
Skateboard: the deck must be structurally sound and not pose a safety hazard. It may be any shape, size, or construction.
Exactly four wheels, must be commercially available, with maximum 150mm diameter.
The trucks must be lean-to-steer activated.
No other restrictions.

3.3. Allowed Equipment (Including, but not limited to)

Optional protective equipment (knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, etc.).
Concave, kick-tail, camber, and other shape modifications to the flat deck.
Hydration backpacks (however, there will be food/water stations throughout the course).
Headsets/headphones (for music purposes only).

3.4. Prohibited Equipment

Propulsion devices or mechanisms.
Sticks (for Stand Up Paddling) are prohibited, unless an exception is made by the Event Director. Guidelines are listed below when a SUP category is allowed:
The Race Director and Race Officials shall inspect and judge the safety aspects of the stick prior to race, and reserve the right to ban any equipment that may pose a risk to other competitors.
The stick may have flex qualities, but may not feature any mechanical assist for propulsion such as springs.
Stick racers must exercise caution using the stick so as not to interfere with or cause injury to other racers. Stick racers must stop using the stick when the path is crowded or narrow, or when another racer is attempting to pass.
Stick racers shall be ranked in a separate SUP category, separate from the Open class of racers. Whether they are eligible for prizes is at the discretion of the Event Director.
Brakes, clutches or other devices providing torque to the wheels.
Aerodynamics fairings, parachutes, sails, or other such devices.
Handles, seats, supports, or other equipment that provides an interface from the racer to the board other than the sole of the shoe.
Equipment that is consumed, discarded, or jettisoned during the race.
Steering mechanisms activated by means other than lean-to-steer.

3.5. Experimental / Non-Competitive Equipment

Entrants who elect to use experimental equipment falling outside the above guidelines (e.g., fewer or more than 4 wheels, propulsion systems) will be regarded as "non-competitive." These entrants will start after the competitive racers (exact length of delay determined by the Race Organizer) and will forfeit eligibility for podium prize winnings. Their equipment must be inspected before the race, and must not pose a safety hazard or cause delay to competitive racers in the event.
Electric, gas-powered, or motorized vehicles are generally not allowed on the course, unless they are used by race officials or referees. Exceptions may be made by the Event Director, and must be announced prior to the event day.

4. General Information

No athlete shall endanger himself or another participant. Any athlete, who intentionally presents a danger to any athlete or who, in judgment of the head referee, appears to present a danger to any athlete, may be disqualified. Assaults and/or aggressive intentional contact with other racers will be grounds for disqualification.
No individual support allowed. Ample aid and food stations will be provided. Friends, family members, coaches, or supporters of any type may NOT bike, drive, or run alongside athlete, may not pass food or other items to athlete and should be warned to stay completely clear of all athletes to avoid the disqualification of the athlete. It is incumbent upon each athlete to immediately reject any attempt to assist, follow, or escort.
Athletes must be individually responsible for repair and maintenance of their own equipment. Athletes should be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction. Assistance from official race personnel is permitted.
Littering is not permitted as it could present obstacles on the course. There will be designated trash areas at each food/water station. You may NOT leave the food/water station without taking care of your individual trash.
Any verbal or written communications perceived as abuse or harassment of race directors, marshals, race officials, or volunteers is grounds for immediate disqualification. This includes all verbal or written communication in the months leading up to an event.
All formal rules challenges, suggested additions or adjustments must be submitted only using the email address “rules@usadsa.org.” Issues should be summarized clearly in the subject line with the keyword “Challenge” and described in the body text. Only rules challenges sent to the email address “rules@usadsa.org” will be reviewed by both the IDSA board members and the race director. Any other emails, phone, or verbal communications shall be considered non-binding, informal, and shall not result in any changes to the Rules as described in this document.
Any proposal for amending the rules must be communicated to the “rules@usadsa.org” address as outlined above at least 22 days prior to the event in question, allowing at least 24 hours for any last minute submissions before the 21-day deadline.
All issues shall be resolved and final edits made to this Rules document 21 days before event day. Any contesting of rules by racers after the 21 day deadline shall not be considered for the upcoming event.
The director and sanctioning body may publish in full the list of challenges and the outcomes on a public forum at their discretion.
All communications with the race director or about the event, private or public, must follow common-sense guidelines, maintaining good sportsmanship and a professional, ambassadorial tone at all times. Any deviation is grounds for immediate disqualification by the race director and/or IDSA board member.
Disorderly conduct or participation in illegal skateboarding activities will be considered an infraction to the code of conduct and can cause suspension or ban from racing for a period of 1 year.