HBQ TRAIL PROCEDURE

1. Common Start/Late Start - Teams will leave the starting line at two minute intervals. Any driver who cannot leave the starting line in the order drawn will be started after the scheduled departure time of the final team. Any team that cannot leave the starting line within sixty minutes of the last team's mandatory start may be disqualified.

2. Gear and Equipment - The following items must be presented to the HBQ Race Marshal or designated HBQ representative before checking in at each checkpoint: a proper cold weather sleeping bag - hand axe with an overall length of at least 20" or a snow knife - proper tent that can be set up which will supply adequate protection from the elements - heating device and fuel for that heating device- any promotional material that the HBQ has asked the driver to carry - at the halfway point, the Checker will be required to check the driver's dog food to ascertain whether or not the driver has enough food to finish the race. If the checker believes that the driver needs more food for his dogs the checker will get the Race Judge at this checkpoint to evaluate the situation. It is the Race Judge's final decision if the driver needs more food for his dogs. Remember they are only thinking of the dog's well being.The HBQ states you must carry a GPS/spot checker and Satellite phone for the duration of the race.

3. Checkpoint - Each driver must personally check in and sign out at each checkpoint before going on. The time into the checkpoint is recorded upon the team's arrival and the required gear will be checked immediately. Any driver failing to sign out will be assessed a time penalty of two hours at the next mandatory stop or a driver and team may return on the trail to the checkpoint to sign out without penalty. The checkpoints will be staffed 24 hours a day for a period of 72 hours after the first team arrives. All dogs must leave checkpoints in harness and attached to the towline. A dog may arrive at a checkpoint in the sled and leave in harness attached to the towline.

4. Mandatory Stop - There will be a mandatory stop of 6 hours at the Nunalla Checkpoint, roughly halfway between Arviat and Churchill. At this time, every team will be evaluated by the HBQ veterinarian, with a report to the Race Official.

5. Race Course - All teams must follow the trail as marked or as instructed by the Race Marshal.

6. Standard Race Courtesy - Standard race courtesy shall prevail. An overtaken driver and team must relinquish the trail at the request of the overtaking driver, except within one mile/1.6 kilometres of the finish line.

7. Clearing the Trail - Drivers setting up camp must clear the trail of their dogs and gear.

8. Litter - Litter of any kind may not be left along the trail or at cabins. Camps must be cleaned up before the team moves on. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification.

9. One Driver Per Team - Only one driver per team is permitted, and that driver must complete the race with that team only.

10.Tampering - No driver may tamper with another drivers' dogs, food or gear.

11. Outside Assistance - No driver may receive outside help between checkpoints unless an emergency has been declared by the Race Marshal. The intended spirit of the race is that the driver be self-sufficient and therefore able to help other drivers in case of real need. No assistance which would result in a competitive edge may be accepted or solicited.

12. Demand for Food or Shelter - A driver may not make demands for food or shelter along the trail or at checkpoints.

13. Sleeping Areas - Sleeping areas for drivers are the responsibility of the drivers only. At checkpoints, you can set up camp as designated by checkpoint staff but you have to be self-sufficient.

14. Killing of Game Animals - Any animal killed in defence of life and property must be reported to an HBQ Race Official at the next checkpoint. A food animal must be gutted before proceeding along the trail. No hunting allowed during the race.

15. Motorized Vehicles - In no case may a driver accept assistance from any type of motorized vehicle between checkpoints. Pacing will not be permitted.

16. Care and Feeding of Dogs - All care and feeding of dogs will be done by the drivers only. Drivers may assist one another between checkpoints.

17. Dog Minimums and Maximums - Drivers must start the race with no less than eight dogs and no more than 12 dogs. Finishing teams must have at least six dogs. Dogs may not be added to a team after the start of the race. An expired dog does not count as a dog for the minimum required. Only dogs suitable for arctic travel will be permitted to enter the race.

18. Harnesses - The neck (and breast panel) or all harnesses must be padded.

19. Switching of Dogs - Switching of dogs between teams will not be permitted after they have officially left the start.

20. Treatment of Dogs - There will be no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs. No use of whips will be allowed. The race Marshal or Race Judges in conjunction with the Race Veterinarian will have absolute authority over the dog teams. Their judgement as to withdrawal of a dog or dogs from the race, or any other conditions relative to dog care on the trail, shall be final.

The health and condition of all dogs will be visually assessed at Nunalla. Dogs may not be examined without the driver's knowledge. The Race Veterinarian in conjunction with the Race Marshal or a Race Judge may deem it necessary to detain teams at any checkpoint if the health and welfare of a team warrants it. No dog teams will leave a checkpoint until the dogs in that team are fit to continue in the race.

21. Hauling Dogs - A driver may not allow any dogs to be hauled by another team. Drivers' dogs hauled in a sled must be hauled in a secure, protected, humane manner.

22. Dropped Dogs - Any injured, fatigued or sick dogs may be dropped only at Nunalla without penalty. Each dog dropped must be left with three days of food. The driver remains responsible for that dog and all fees incurred. The dog must be examined by the Race Veterinarian and accounted for prior to the start of the Awards Banquet.

23. Expired Dogs - The death of any dog may result in the disqualification of the driver and/or prohibition from entering future races. Any dog that expires during the race for any reason must be taken to the next checkpoint or checkpoint just passed and submitted to the Race Official. A necropsy will be performed on all expired dogs by a licensed veterinary pathologist or veterinarian at the driver's expense.

24. Unmanageable Team - Outside assistance will be allowed only if a team is unmanageable. Whether a team is unmanageable will be ruled upon by the Race Marshal in each separate instance.

25. Team Configuration - There will be no loose leaders; necklines are not required on leaders. All team dogs will be attached by neckline to the towline, no more than 2 dogs abreast, unless a fan hitch is being utilized. Dogs may not be led behind the sled.

26. A Lost Team - A lost team will not be disqualified if the driver regains control of it, provided that the team and driver complete the entire race trail and comply with the rules including checkpoint requirements. A driver may receive assistance from another driver to regain control of his/her team. A driver may receive assistance from a motorized vehicle to regain control of a lost team provided the driver and team return to the point which the team was lost and continue the race from that point. The incident shall be reported at the next checkpoint.

27. Scratch / Withdraw / Disqualification
a) Drivers wishing to end their participation in the race may do so by filling out and signing a Withdrawal / Scratch form and submitting it to a Race Official or a Checker
b) A team may be involuntarily withdrawn from the race by the Race Marshal. This decision would be made to protect the dogs, the driver, or the event itself, and does not imply deliberate misconduct or rule violation.
c) Failure of a driver to comply with the published Rules of General Race and Trail Procedure will result in disqualification, monetary fine, or a time penalty. Disqualified drivers will forfeit all placements and monetary values.

28. Finish - Subject to checking of mandatory gear, the time of a teams official finish is when the nose of the dog in lead crosses the finish line. Should any mandatory gear be missing, 30 minutes per item will be added to the finish time. Dog teams must remain at the finish line or holding area until released by the Race Marshal, Race Judge, or the Race Veterinarian.

29. Sportsmanship - The Code of the North dictates that all travelers be courteous, helpful, generous and honorable. Conduct yourself well enough so that the next driver will be welcomed with equal hospitality.

Rude behavior or inappropriate actions by a driver will result in a penalty.
Any competitor or athlete worthy of the name realizes that all people, officials, volunteers, media, and fans are equal participants in this event, and that it is the drivers responsibility to define the upper limits of human performance. A true sportsman is an inspiration to all witnesses.

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