Race Rules
REGISTRATION
51. All birds must be the bona-fide property of the person in whose name they are entered, and must be registered in the C.U. books 14 days before racing or showing. In the case of Partners they shall be registered in their joint names.
(a) That the CU recognizes the rights of individuals to fly in a club as individuals from one location or address. As individuals, they must enter under a different name, use a different clocking device, have separate measurements, and have a separate flying list of their birds.
RINGS
52. To be eligible for competition, all birds must carry intact a ring issued by a Homing Union or other seamless band registered with the C.U. prior to January 1, 1992. Members must fill in all letters and numbers of ring(s) in ink or indelible pencil, and the outside number of race bands must be entered on same by Officials of the Organization. All duplicates must be carefully sealed in race envelopes immediately after marking.
TROPHIES AND SPECIALS
53. All conditions in respect of the Challenge Trophies or Specials, together with the wishes of the Donors must be entered in Minute Book before races commence.
FLYING DISTANCES
54. GPS (Global Positioning Satellites) units with WAAS capability only, is approved for use to determine loft location. The coordinates must be accurate to a minimum of one decimal point in the seconds of these coordinates.
(a) Distance calculations for GPS unit coordinates must use the WGS84 formula and the GPS unit is to be set to degrees, minutes and seconds.
(b) Any club not using GPS, Mark Brown or Bowen measurements are still acceptable providing all club/combine are on the same method of calculation.
(c) At least two (2) club/combine members must be present when lofts are being measured.
(d) A loft location must be remeasured if the loft is moved 30 feet or more.
(e) The measurements must be taken from the midpoint of the loft or lofts of each flyer.
RACE RINGING
55. No member shall be allowed to mark or race ring his own birds.
RACE RESULTS
56. Race results shall show the full ring particulars of the pigeon in the results of each race. The race result must show the true order of finish of all pigeons clocked in the race. The result will show the true order of finish of the top 20% of the birds entered in the race. Results of races shall be posted in a prominent position in the Clubroom or at Headquarters of the Organization or on the Internet where they can be easily available to all members, or copies shall be posted or emailed to members as per resolution recorded in the Minutes.
Full ring particulars of winning birds must be shown in result of each race.
(a) It is the decision of the individual club to set their own policy on what constitutes the end of a race.
Race Dead Time
(b) Race dead time will be 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise in each respective area. Birds clocked before midnight are calculated at the downtime and will be recognized as first day birds and birds clocked after midnight are calculated at uptime and will be recognized as second day birds etc.
Speed Calculations
(c) Race Speeds will be calculated as meters per minute accurate to three (3) decimal places as follows:
See Appendix A for race speed calculation method.
Positions
(d) All birds clocked on the same second to a loft will receive the same speed and will be given the same position.
Clock Variations
(e) Any clock time variations of 4 seconds per hour or less shall be calculated proportionally as follows:
See Appendix A for clock variation method.
(f) Should a clock vary at a rate of more than four (4) seconds per hour, a fast clock shall be considered correct, a slow clock will have double the lost time added.
CLOCK RULES
57. Only clocks approved by the C.U. as per published list will be acceptable to the C.U. and that any club permitting the use of a clock not so approved, said clock will be ruled against in cases of appeal. If a capsule type drum is used, the capsule must be used. Only one (1) race ring or countermark can be used per capsule or hole. Capsule must be used according to manufacturer’s recommendation. For clocks that require capsules, hinged capsules are to be placed in the clock – hinge up, and open ended capsules to be placed in the clock – open end down.
STOPPED CLOCKS
58. Should any competitor’s clock stop or be rendered useless, he may have same reset by a member of the Clock Committee, or he may time into the nearest competitor’s clock.
59. Should a clock vary more than at the rate of 4 seconds per hour, a fast clock should be regarded as correct, a slow clock shall have double the lost time added. A stopped clock shall be treated as a slow clock and double the lost time added.
CLOCK SETTING AND CHECKING
60. All clocks MUST be set by the Official Clock Setters or whomsoever they may appoint who MUST sign names on back of dials or tape, except for computer clocks, used on clocks they set, together with name of race, point, date and time of setting. The clock record sheet or envelope must bear race point, date and competitor’s name. After the race the Officials appointed must fill in Master Time, clock times and variations. One countermark only shall be taken at a time from clock and checked.
(a) All tapes and Electronic Clock printouts of the winning birds are to be sent to the Combine / Open race Secretaries, each week to protect the race integrity. 61. No member or clock setter shall be allowed to check his own clock or take any active part in the procedure. 62. All clocks set for a race must be returned to Clubs, Federation or Combine Headquarters intact, unopened, whether used or not. Failure to do so shall result in both clocks being disqualified. 63. The set up punch must be on the right hand side of the strike and opening punch must be on the left hand side of the strike off.
RETURN OF CLOCKS
64. All dials and tapes used in races must leave a complete and permanent record of punctures and imprints, and all dials and tapes shall be retained till the end of the calendar year and available to the clock owner, or returned to the clock owner. 65. The clock committee can examine a member’s clock at any time, upon request of the clock committee. 66. Any Club Executive or designated member has the right to verify any clocked pigeon when deemed necessary. 67. Anything arising not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the committee, whose decisions shall be final and binding, subject to appeal to the C.U. within 21 days.
ELECTRONIC BAND SCANNING SYSTEMS 68. The use of certain Electronic Band Scanning Systems (EBS) has been approved by the C.U. Board of Directors. In the event, the Competition Standards Committee (CSC) determines that a system design does not provide adequate security or presents a potential security question; the committee may disapprove the use of that system. The disapproval of any system will be effective upon receipt of the notice from the CSC and the disapproval will be published in the newsletter as soon as reasonable
possible. The CSC shall apprise the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting of the system problems encountered and shall recommend appropriate action.
Organizations are free to buy any EBS system they choose. Individual members within the Organization are responsible for ensuring system (hardware/software) compatibility with other systems in use within the Organization. The C.U. or the local Organization shall not be responsible for any system incompatibilities.
The C.U. reserves the right to withdraw the approval of any Electronic Band Scanning system at any time.
(1) If any Race Secretary or race official determines that a lack of security exists with any individual unit, he may notify the C.U. Competition Standards Committee and seek an immediate statement as to the validity of continued system use. The Race Secretary or race official must provide a written statement of the reasons for concern to the system owner and to the Competition Standards Committee.
(2) A C.U. affiliated Organization may not refuse to allow the use of an approved C.U. system.
(3) A user of an Electronic Band Scanning system shall be permitted to use the clocking system throughout his entire Organization at each level of competition for C.U. affiliated Clubs, Combines, Federations, etc.
(4) A C.U. affiliated Organization may not make the use of an Electronic Band Scanning system mandatory.
(5) Users of Electronic Band Scanning systems shall be required to:
a. Use electronic band scanning systems that have a reprogrammable electronic band.
b. Use electronic bands that have read/write chips. Currently the uses of 64/128 bits are approved for use.
c. Use EBS bands as approved or supplied by the scanning system manufacturer.
(6) System antennas may only be installed in or at the loft entry of the competitor using the system at the point of entry as per manufacturers’ instruction or specifications, and that one half of the width of the reading antenna must be within the interior of the loft.
(7) All EBS system operating and reading units shall be reported to the organization Race Secretary for each individual member.
(8) No antenna may be employed or placed at the loft of another competitor without prior notice to and approval by the Organization Race Secretary.
(9) System control modules or system keys and software used in EBS systems shall be
purchased or produced by the system owner.
(10) The Race Secretary of each competing organization shall secure all individual system control modules or system keys during competitive events. The use and operation of these security controls shall only be permitted by the individuals specifically authorized by the Race Committee or the organization during competitive events.
(11) An organization may require that its Race Secretary or members of the Race Committee affix or attach electronic bands to a pigeon in order to ensure the bands locking mechanism is securely engaged. This process may be performed at the first shipping or earlier as required by the organization. The organization may allow a competitor to affix or attach electronic bands to a pigeon subject to verification by the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member that band’s locking mechanism is securely engaged.
(12) After all electronic bands have been securely placed on each bird, the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member shall scan or read a competitor’s bird band number prior to a race season in which the birds may be entered in one or more races and print out an assignment report of all birds’ band numbers. The report shall be signed by the Race Secretary. The organization shall return a copy of the report in its records and another copy shall be delivered to the competitor as his verification of the eligibility of each bird.
(13) Electronic banded pigeons may not be handled by the competitor or representatives of the competitor during the race entry logging or shipping process. During the logging process, all band data must be reviewed to ensure band data accuracy by the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member.
(14) After all race birds have been entered in an EBS system, the Race Secretary shall print a list of the competitor’s entrants as verification of all birds entered. The printout should be signed by the Race Secretary or designated person and the competitor. The printout serves as a race entry list. An additional copy shall be delivered to the competitor. If an electronic band does not register properly on basketing night you can
a. Re-assign that night
b. Countermark bird and use manual clock,
c. Eliminate bird from race
(15) If the data contained in an Electronic Band Scanning system becomes defective, erased or corrupted between race entry and the return of pigeons to the competitor’s loft, all entries for that competitor shall be disqualified from any race results. The Race Secretary will verify the system failure.
(16) If any competitor intentionally attempts to corrupt or to destroy the electronic data of another competitor, then his entire entry shall be disqualified from competition.
(17) When closing the race, the Race Secretary or his designee shall print out all data prior to transferring data from the EBS system to the computer. The printout will serve as a back-up document for later reference if necessary. All data files should be stored on a back-up diskette in the event data reconstruction becomes necessary.
(18) Any member wishing to use Electronic Clocking System in a club that does not currently use that system must provide a notice in writing thirty (30) days prior to its introduction into the club to allow sufficient time for that club to become knowledgeable in the operation and security features of the system.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
69. A CU-affiliated organization shall not ban or outlaw racing or loft management/handling systems, such as loft darkening, lighting, widowhood or other such systems. An CU-affiliated organization shall not specify the physical condition of a race bird for entry into competition (such as number of flights moulted), unless they first provide the CU Competition Standards Committee with scientific evidence or proof that the use of such systems is harmful or injurious to birds flown under that
system, or unless the organization determines that the bird is sick or exhibits symptoms
of an infectious disease.
APPROVED C.U. STANDARDS
As C.U. members; we believe that people who own or are responsible for the care of pigeons have a fundamental duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of those pigeons.We maintain that; a member, who has the care or charge of pigeons, has a duty to take all reasonable measures to ensure the welfare of pigeons.
1. We define ill treatment of pigeons as wounding, mutilating, abusing, malicious beating and causing unnecessary pain or suffering. These acts are considered by the C.U. as unacceptable treatment of pigeons.
2. We will ensure the health and fitness of every bird and foster a commitment that annual vaccinations of our birds for PMV and a regular health program be maintained on our property and documented on file and accessible if for any reason an inspection becomes necessary.
3. As C.U. members, we will respect municipal by-laws with respect to keeping of pigeons.
4. To promote good public neighbourhood relations by keeping our lofts’ exterior in a reasonable condition to maintain cleanness and a pleasing appearance to blend into our neighbourhood décor.
5. Racing pigeons should be exercised sufficiently to ensure fitness under close supervision by the owner and also in compliance with any local municipal by-laws that may affect our property.
6. There are a number of essential elements that make up the building of a loft. It needs to be dry, well ventilated, clean and sanitary.
7. The size of the lofts is essential to address to maintain healthy birds. The minimum space requirement per pigeon is as follows: Two square feet of floor space per bird.
8. We as C.U. members shall retrieve our lost/stray pigeons within 72 hours of being notified.
APPENDIX A DEFINITIONS:
Short run: The time the clock has run from set up to the arrival time.
Long run: The total time the clock has run from set up to strike off.
Gain or Loss: The time the clock has gained or lost against the master timer in its total run.
Variation: The calculated time the clock has gained or lost at the bird’s arrival time.
Release time: Time the birds were released at the race station.
Flying Time: The time it took the birds to get home. (Release time to Arrival time) Arrival Time: The time the bird was timed in or clocked.
Adjusted time: The arrival time corrected by adding or subtracting the variation as in (5) below.
Measurement: the distance to the loft from the release point.
Velocity: the speed in meters per minute at which the bird raced home.
Formula for calculating clock variations:
1. Determine the short run in seconds.
2. Determine the long run in seconds.
3. Divide the short run in seconds by the long run in seconds.
4. Multiply the resulting decimal figure by the gain or loss of the clock.
If the clock gained time the result of (4) or variation is subtracted from the arrival time or if the clock lost time the result of (4) or variation is added to the arrival time.
This results in the adjusted time.
This is done for each arrival time and may result in a slightly different variation for each arrival time.
Example:
The short run in this example is 69,734 seconds of time occurred when the first bird was clocked (Arrival Time), divided by 84,600 seconds the total time the clock ran (Long Run), resulting in a decimal figure of 0.824113475. Multiply the decimal by the amount the clock was slow or fast (Gain or Loss). The clock loss in this instance is 44 seconds slow (Loss). 44 seconds times 0.824113475 equals 36.261 seconds variation to the first bird clocked. The variation in this case is added to the arrival time.
Each succeeding bird clocked would have a slightly different variation based on the arrival time. The formula is: Clock run time until each bird was clocked (Short run) in seconds, divided by the total time (Long run) the clock ran in seconds, then multiplied by the clock’s Gain or Loss to determine the clock’s variation.
Formula for calculating velocity:
Determine your distance in 60ths
Determine your adjusted time
Determine your flying time (release time to adjusted time)
Divide your distance in 60ths by the flying time in 60ths to determine your velocity in meters per minute.
Example:
Measurement to your loft is 150.015 km.
Measurement in 60ths is 150.015 into meters is 150015 x 60= 9000900
Release time is 8:00:00 AM and adjusted time is 11:30:15 AM Flying time
is 3 hrs 30 minutes and 15 seconds
Convert to 60ths:
(3hrs = 180 minutes + 30 minutes= 210 minutes x 60 seconds = 12600 sec. + the remaining 15
sec.=12615 sec.)
Flying time in 60ths = 12615
Divide Measurement in 60ths by flying time in 60ths = velocity
Velocity = 9000900 / 12615 = 714.507 m/m