The Maine Highlands Sled Dog Club

Mid-Distance General Rules

The TMHSDC will consider any race of more than 20 miles as a mid-distance race. Musher’s must demonstrate proficiency to compete by completing a race or training event of 20 miles or more before entering a TMHSDC race of more than 30 miles. There will be a mandatory drivers meeting for every race. Attendance is required.

1. Required equipment for all races/heats of 30 miles. Each driver will possess gear as indicated below.

a. Drivers shall display their identifying bibs throughout the race.

b. #9; All dogs shall be harnessed in single or double file.

c. Carried by musher:

Knife or multi-tool

Fire starting devices and basic fuel such as fire sticks

d. A sled capable of accommodating injured or fatigued dogs as well as the required food, materials and equipment. Spare parts such as runners are the responsibility of the driver. Gang lines may be cable, cable core, or any synthetic or natural material. If cable or cable core gang lines are used, the driver must have cable cutters easily accessible. A bag capable of safely restraining a struggling dog and, if necessary covering a severely injured or expired dog. Any expired dog shall be completely covered.

e. Carried on/in Sled:

Sleeping bag-zero degree or below rating (4 pounds min.)

First Aid Kit for dogs and musher

Energy food for the driver which may be used

Food for dogs (at least one pound per dog determined for each race) to be used only in an emergency.

Booties for dogs (4 per dog)

Snacks for dogs which may be used

Snub line of at least 10 feet

Snow shoes and bindings

Working head lamp

Ax (22 inch handle) or saw solid blade (no wire saws)

A cooker or a pot or a stove with fuel (Any of the three must be capable of heating one gallon of water)

Signaling device such as a mirror, whistle, or flares

An Artic Parka or acceptable substitute

Snow hook attached to sled's bridle

Adequate sled brake

Brush bow on sled

f. Carried by each dog:

Padded Harnesses with reflective material

Collars (may not be full choke type)

g. The following is recommended equipment:

Extra harness and collars

Extra necklines

A flashing red light for the lead dogs to be worn from sunset to sunrise

A second working head lamp or flashlight

Extra winter clothing for driver

Tarp or space blanket

3. Racing Dogs:

a. #9; Dogs may be marked at the start of the race.

b. A class of six dogs must start with a minimum of five dogs on the towline and finish with at least four dogs.

c. Drivers may not drop dogs

4. Trail Procedure:

a. Time starts when the timer counts you down and time stops when the first dog crosses the finishing line. The driver must be with the sled/team at all times.

b. If a driver loses control of his/her team the driver must regain control by the quickest means possible (including accepting a ride on a snowmobile) and report the loss of control to race officials. Time penalties may be added to the driver’s time.

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c. Teams being passed must yield or stop at the passing driver request. After being passed you may not re-pass within two minutes or one half mile without the approval of the other driver.

d. Teams may not follow one another closer than one team length unless by mutual agreement.

e. #9; Outside Assistance: These procedures will be briefed at the driver's meeting at each race.

f. Drivers may withdraw from the race at any checkpoint by notifying a race official in writing.

g. Any complaints or appeals of rule violations should be submitted in writing to a race committee member at least one hour prior to the awards ceremony.

5. Race Committee:

a. The Race committee will determine the appropriate classes and number of dogs required to start and finish each race.

b. If a check point is required the checkpoint will be staffed as determined by the Race committee.

c. #9; The Race committee will determine the amount of outside assistance allowed for each race using the criteria of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, AND WHERE.

d. The Race committee will determine if any other race officials such as Race Judges, Trail Boss, and Race Veterinary are needed for a particular event.

6. Race Marshal:

The Race Marshal shall resolve disputes among drivers and interpret race rules in regard to infractions and penalties. He/she shall also have the authority to establish rules to cover special or unforeseen situations after discussion with as many race committee members as possible.

7. Veterinary information:

a. All dogs at the race site must have current DHLPP vaccinations and current rabies vaccinations. Be prepared to show proof with signed Veterinary certificates or receipts.

b. There may be a mandatory Vet check

c. The following drugs are permitted:

Topical medication (except DMSO)

Dewormers

Antibiotics (except procaine penicillin)

Antidiarrheal

Ovaban

Glycoflex and Cosequin (Injectable Adequan is prohibited)

Prescribed medications approved by the chief Veterinarian

f. All other drugs are prohibited and random testing may be performed.

8. Sportsmanship: TMHSDC Code of Conduct

(See Attached)

a. Any driver who uses ski poles must stop poling and place the poles in or on the sled whenever his/her team is with 100 feet (30 meters) of another team.