RULES ENGLISH VERSION
- -Updated 2019
I-Introduction:
The organization "EWPAS" is not intended to compete against any Weight-Pulling federation or to try to improve what already exists, we all pulling under various federations for reasons which are specific to each one. The ONLY reason to exist for our organization is on the fact that we want to meet once a year the weight-pullers of all relevant federations who have the same vision of this sport, to share and compete with fair play. In this way we offer simplified regulations to allow everyone to compete and to be able to win the title of EUROPEAN WEIGHT-PULLING ALL STARS CHAMPION.
The EWPAS is not a federation but the fruit of an idea and collective effort and it is managed and supervised by the ABAST (Association of the Sporting and Working American Bulldog from France). The association is very grateful to all weight-Pullers who contributed to this work.
II-Federations:
For a weight-puller who wants to compete in EWPAS qualifications must be carried out under a federation approved by EWPAS under the following conditions:
-The Federation must not allow Baiting
-The Federation shall not reward with prize in money
-The Federation must have a online data in order to check and validate the results required for qualification for EWPAS.
For a federation to be approved, a weight-puller just needs to do the request by proving the points mentioned above.
The approved federations to date are:
-The American Pulling Alliance
-The European Pulling Federation
- The European Weight Pull League
-The Iron Dog
-The W3PO
-BWPF - Baltic Weight Pulling Federation (Stiprūs Šunys)
III-organization:
1/ Dates
The EWPAS should not take place at the same time and in a different place of a European CH from an another federation approved by EWPAS. The competition may be organized jointly with the CH of another federation, at the same location to provide the weight-pullers the opportunity to participate in two European CH during these 2 days. The choice of the location and the host of the European Championship will be in the form of a call for candidacy on the EWPAS FACEBOOK dedicated page. If there are several candidates, a vote will be proposed among the weight pullers, in order to be certain of agreeing by the majority, without any bias other than the general interest. The show host will share the info about the available resources at least 5 months before the event. In the statement must be specified the date, place and in which federation equipment is usually used (carpet/wheels or rails the tracks length etc.)
The organization of the EWPAS Championships and the judge (s) are subject of the EWPAS office validation.
BSL: All breeds and mix are welcome but following the specific legislation on dogs of the EWPAS location, it is unfortunately possible that some breeds or mix are not allowed to compete. The EWPAS has the obligation to respect that legislation, even if it seems unfair. If it is necessary to make adjustments in the regulation (specific laws), these must also be communicated with the candidacy. These adjustments should never be in contradiction with the essential rules of the EWPAS (bait, financial rewards, etc.).
2/ Entry fees
The organization is free to choose the amount of the entry fees for the dog registration, however it should not exceed 30 €. A discount is possible for a handler with multiple dogs or for a given club. The organization is committed to providing at least a reward for the first 3 places of each class as well as for the MWP and MWPPK of each division and will ensure the quality of the trophies and the various possible financings (sponsoring) of these.
Financial rewards are prohibited
Competitors should at least have a certificate setting out the details of his result (degree). The organization will retain the benefit of the recipe for an organized CH.
the EWPAS don’t charge the show host.
3/ Location of the Championship
The place must offer a minimum of amenities for the event so the competition can proceed properly and comfortably. Parking, toilets, lighting, food and refreshments for the convenience of competitors. The European Championship being held at the end of the season the track will have to be covered and the weight-pullers will have the possibility at least to have a shelter. Indoor place is preferred. The pulling area must be sufficiently structured to have a Holding area and a proper track. The place should be clean. The installations track, barriers, the public area will at least meet the specifications of an approved federation.
4/ Equipment
Do we really need new specifications? All equipment must be simply the same as the one used in competitions of an approved federation. The equipment must have been used at least once during a competition of this federation. The pulling surface must be also used by an approved federation.
The organization must communicate to the EWPAS all these 4 points to validate the competition before the deadline of 5 months.
After the competition the organization will send to the EWPAS results within a maximum of 15 days. These results will be available on the EWPAS website.
IV-Judge and officials:
1/ Chief and track Judge
For judging a EWPAS Championship he must be a judge in at least one approved federations. He must also certify knowing the updated regulations at the day of the EWPAS. During the competition the Judge can be replaced and / or assisted by another Judge fulfilling these same conditions. Judges’ decisions are final during the competition. He is responsible for supervising the smooth running of the event. The EWPAS reserves the right to remove a Judge after a serious breach.
Judge will be helped by the following officials:
2/ Holding area Judge
He will know and care of holding area rules on competition day. He can relay the call of the competitors if required. He points to the track judge any failure (see "Holding area”chapter).
3/ Cartmen
Responsible for the proper loading of the cart, for its good performance and pull it back at the starting point. The “hooker” Cartman is front the cart and responsible to hang the dog to the cart, to take the leash of the dog and to ensure that the harness and the rest of the hitch is in working order. The “brakeman” Cartman is responsible for properly slow the cart at the end of the pull. They can switch and be replaced if necessary during the competition.
4/ Secretary
Responsible for the correct datas entry on computer (the paper is still accepted if needed).
V-Competitors:
1/ Eligibility
a) To be qualified the EWPAS championships requires that the dog had managed during his season at least 3 times the following percentages:
-On Wheels, 20% for the Light Weight Division, 17.5% for the Middle Weight Division 15% for the Heavyweight Division.
-On Rails, 30% for the Light Weight Division, 27.5% Middle Weight Division, 25% for the Heavyweight Division.
b) 3 qualifications in any approved federation. It is possible for example to perform a percent at W3PO and 2 others under APA to validate 3
qualifications for the EWPAS.
c) The owner must register at the address on the event announcement before the deadline set by the organization. It should specify the following
infos: Name of Owner / Dog name / age / breed /ID Number and 3 performances obtained during the season with the online links for checking
the results. Order to favor the smooth running of an event the organizer and / or the EWPAS is free to refuse the participation of a competitor if
it has already been the subject of an exclusion in one of the federations Chartered.
2/ the day of the event:
- The handler must complete a registration form and certify that he is aware of the updated rules at the day of the competition and that the dog is in good health condition.
The judge and the veterinarian (if present) have the possibility to exclude any dog exhibiting a condition unsuitable for the competition. - The dog must be aged at least 12 months, microchipped or tattooed no showing injury or weakness. Vaccines need to be updated to travel and participate peacefully according to the location of the Championship. A veterinarian can be on site to control dogs and their European passport / health book. Females in heat, pregnant or lactating are not allowed to compete. There will be no benefit of the doubt about the good condition of the dog. The dog must be provided clean.
- The harness should be in good condition and used by only one dog in the same class
- By respect for other weight-pullers and the show host no delay will be excused. A latecomer competitor cannot compete. If he has already paid his registration online, it will be refunded.
VI-progress of the event:
1/ Weigh-Ins
The weighing of the dog will only be done when the registration form is filled, the dog checked and the fees collected. It will be at least the chief judge and one official: another judge, secretary, Holding area judge or Cartman. The dog must be weighed with his collar. It is possible to do 2 weighing if needed, the handler can choose which of the two weights he wants to keep. The dog must wear a regular flat collar. Only a regular flat collar will be accepted for weighing and during the competition. Choke collars, pinch collars or anything else are prohibited.
The weight classes for EWPAS are as follows and expressed in Kilograms:
"Light Weight Division”
-10 Class: 0 to 9.9 kg
-15 Class: 10 to 14.9kg
-20 Class: 15 to 19.9 kg
"Middle Weight division"
-25 Class: 20 to 24.9kg
-30 Class: 25 to 29.9kg
-35 Class: 30 to 34.9 kg
"Heavyweight division"
-40 Class: 35 to 39.9 kg
-45 Class: 40 to 44.9 kg
-50 Class: 45 and +
The weight of the dog is expressed in Kilograms and rounded to the lower decimal place (10.34 kg = 10.3, 10.8 = 10.89 kg), for a dog who is 29.99 kg it will be 29.9kg and in the "Class 30" .
The round order of the division is at the discretion of the judge depending of the number of dogs in competition.
Before the start of the competition a “Handler meeting”will take place. The handler presence is mandatory and without the dog. During this meeting the Chief Judge will introduce the officials and explain the proceedings of the competition.
2/ Holding area
It must have a well-defined surface; it can be as a barrier, barrier tape or other materials on site (walls, hedges, and paths.). This area must not interfere with the smooth running of the pulling area. In this surface are only accepted handlers and dogs of classes called to pull. The area should be large enough to allow a safe distance between dogs.
Handlers can have comfort items for themselves and their Dog (chairs, varykennel, and bowl for water).
In the Holding area, alcohol and other drugs are prohibited.
You can reward your dog in this area only. Treats and water will be distributed exclusively by the organization, other liquid and treats are prohibited.
It is possible to play with the dog to the extent only it not creates troubles.
Any exit from the waiting area should be reported to the Holding area Judge. If the dog has to leave the area to be walked an official will be appointed to accompany.
It is possible for the handler to be replaced, if necessary, in the Holding area by a third party of his choice to keep the dog. If the handler is called during his absence, he will be considered as "Pass".
No other person or dog is allowed to remain in the Holding area, except in cases of necessity this will be at the discretion of the Holding Area Judge and the Chief Judge.
The area should be divided into 2 separate parts. A first, wide, will be the waiting area for dogs and handlers in situation of "pass" and the second, narrower, will be the airlock competitors. Class and weight will be announced, the weight-pullers wishing to compete at the announced weight must present themselves in the list order, in the airlock, ready to enter the track, there is no competitors call. This system of airlock is not mandatory for a competition with less than 20 competitors, it is possible to call by naming the dogs. In this case when called up the handler must answer "Pull" or "Pass" if there is no response the dog will be considered as "Pass".
3/ Pull procedures
The handler decides when he wants to enter the competition and he has the opportunity to pass as many times he wants
The increment of the cart will be in kilograms and based on good sense, following the lightest dog. However, if the increment increases in the competition it is possible to return to a lower value if one handler asking for. Handlers may be asked to validate a Higger increment to boost the competition.
A 3 minute break will be granted when the time between two pulls for the same dog will be shorter than those 3 minutes.
The participant and his dog come on the track at the called up of the Judge by the way shown during the "Handler meeting" unless specifically way for a disabled handler.
The handler will not have on him any bag or other incongruous object who can be badly interpreted by the Chief Judge (bait).
The Hooker will be in charge of hooking the dog however the owner may choose to hook the dog himself.
The handler will put his dog in place so that the bridle is flat on the ground.
The leash should be systematically given to the hooker assistant. Leashes, even in the back pockets are prohibited.
Once the dog is released, it is no longer possible to touch it (except by a “Tangle” announced by the judge). The walking start is permitted and is not to be confused with the “Slingshot” which is a movement that alternates back and forth in a violent way, with the dog coming to hit himself in his harness.
At no time the handler will be behind the dog or crossing over the bridle after releasing the dog.
The handler has the option to be where he wants to start the pull but it must be front or at the side of the dog.
The time starts when the handler gives the dog a signal, verbal or gesture. The dog then has 30 seconds to start and a minute after these 30 seconds to move the cart. If the minute is exceeded and the cart is still moving the pull is validated and the time recorded. If the cart stops after the minute it is a No Pull.
Cart test rolling will not be permitted.
It is possible to reposition the cart or to groom the track at the end of a round only unless proven mechanical problem and/or a situation that’s stopping the competition.
A "Tangle" will be called if the dog could be injured by his harness and / or equipment. If a tangle is called up, the cart will be repositioned at the start line and the dog will have 60 sec again for pulling. One Tangle is allowed per round.
Warning:
-Slingshot start.
- If the dog jumps when starting.
-The dog seeks to take the exit behind the cart.
- The Dog loses its self-control
-The Dog lies on its side or on its back after the start of the pull.
-Double Handling. The public can encourage the dogs in public area without calling the dog
-The dog pulls out of the track.
In all these cases, only one warning will be given for one of these faults during the competition. Warnings must be noted by the Secretary during the competition.
Disqualification (No Pull):
-When the 2nd report of a case given above.
-The Dog is completely released from the harness
- “Touch” Physical contact between dog and the handler during the pull process.
-The dog not completes the pull in 60sec and the cart stopped rolling.
- The handler is behind the dog or cross over the bridle after releasing the dog.
-The Dog is injured
By Disqualification, the Handler and the dog are out of the competition and the last Pull validated is recorded as result.
On the whole competition a warning, disqualification or exclusion following gravity can be pronounced by the judge in the following cases:
-The handler has an incorrect attitude, virulent towards another competitor or towards officials, the public.
-The participant does not respect the cleanliness of the place, he does not pick up the poops of his dog.
-The Competitor has an aggressive attitude and / or violent towards his dog.
-The Dog shows too aggressive towards other dogs and / or against a person.
-Lack of fair play, courtesy, sportsmanship, cheating attempt.
The result during a competition for a disqualified and / or excluded handler is not registered.
Any problems must be set up in courtesy and diplomacy. Only the Chief Judge has the final decision in the event.
In case of doping and / or violence proved the competitor is permanently excluded from all EWPAS events.
VII-Ranking:
1/ Each class winners are determinate by Most Weight pulled per Pound (Called percentage). Ties will be broken by time.
Each Division is rewarded by a "MWPk" (Most Weight Pulled per kilograms). Winners are determinate by the Most Weight Pulled per Pound on the 3 classes.
Each Division is awarded by a "MWP" (Most Weight Pulled). Winners are determinate by the dog that pulled the heaviest load on the 3 classes.
2/ Points
Who needs points? You will be, or not, at the end of the game a "EUROPEAN WEIGHT-PULLING ALL STARS CHAMPION.
3/ Results
Results will also be available on the website of the European Weight Pulling All Stars.
VII-EWPAS competition during the season:
1 / Conditions:
Outside this championship it is possible to organize competitions under the EWPAS regulation and they will have to be announced as such. These competitions can take place during the season to validate missing qualifications for example, but in no case the EWPAS must compete with a federation validated by it (same weekend in a radius of 500km).
The organization of a competition and the validation of the judge (s) of the competition are subject to the validation of the EWPAS office. These competitions are only intended to allow to obtain qualifications for the European Championship.
2 / Particular rules
-It is not necessary to have an indoor place.
-It is not necessary to have a waiting area judge.
-There is no need for the organization to provide treats.
3 / The Novices
Novices can take part in EWPAS competitions organized during the season. For a registration as an novice, the registration fees must be the half amount of the regular fees. Dogs must meet the same criteria as dogs entered in competition.
The handler can choose to hold his dog on a leash. If this is not the case and the judge considers that it is in the interest of the dog, he can ask the handler to use the leash. The leash is not used to pull the dog but to control it in case of recoil or advance too fast.
The handler is free to choose the Pass and Pull, however the judge can ask him to stop his dog if he considers that it is in the interest of the dog.
Novice competitions do not count for qualifications.
By registering his dog as a novice, the handler accepts receiving advice from the judge and taking his dog out of the competition at the request of the judge.
VIII-Rules Updates:
The regulation is likely to evolve in order to be able to improve it. Only the members of the EWPAS committee are able to carry out these changes.
Updates validated by the committee will have to be announced 6 months before the next EWPAS
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