Rules and Guidelines

Please check these rules from time to time as they are regularly updated. As well as rules specific to CaniX, we also adhere to British Triathalon Rules which can be found here.

No. 1: Have fun with your dog!

Age groups and distances (human)
Age groups and distances (dogs)
Bitches in season
What equipment do I need?
Control
Borrowing of dogs
Closing date and Pay-on-the-day
Timetable/classes/cancellation/refunds/credit
General
Your responsibilities
The course
Camping (selected venues only)
Complaints/appeals

Classes, distances and age groups (human)

As our race season runs from 1 Sep to 31 May, the class you compete in for the whole season is determined by your age at 31 May (at the end of the season). For example, the classes you can enter, if on 31 May you are:

• Age 7* is: CM / CF
• Age 11* is: JM / JF
• Age 15* are: TM / TF / H
• Age 19 are: M / F / XM / XF / BM / BF / H
• Age 40 are: MM / MF / XM / XF / BM / BF / H
• Age 50 are: VM / VF / XM / XF / BM / BF / H
• Age 60 are: SM / SF / XM / XF / BM / BF / H

The following distance restrictions apply:

• Age 7* to 14*: 1 to 2km (short course)
• Age 15* to 16*: up to 6km
• Age 17 to 19: up to 10km
• Age 20 and over: any distance

The twelve adult classes (SM / SF / VM / VF / MM / MF / M / F / XM / XF / BM / BF) and the six junior classes* (TM / TF / JM / JF / CM / CF) are officially timed with results and points awarded towards the CaniX UK Championship. The Have-a-go class (H) for 15s and over is officially timed and a goodie bag awarded with time given in alphabetical order but does not count towards the Championship. If you are over 15 and would like to compete in the CaniX Championship (TM / TF class - 15 to 18 year olds) please choose 5km when you enter.

(*) Competitors aged under 19 (CM / CF / JM / JF / TM / TF / H class), please note:

• Entrants as young as 6yrs 3mths can enter ‘C’ class (it is compulsary for an adult to accompany under 11s on the course, with/without a dog).
• Entrants as young as 10yrs 3mths can enter ‘J’ class.
• Entrants as young as 14yrs 3mths can enter ‘T’ class.
• We advise that an adult accompany children under 17 on the course (with/without a dog).
• Under 17s: run with parental/guardian consent. One dog only (no 2 dog class or bikejor class).
• All classes for under 19s will be awarded points towards the CaniX UK Championship and medals at the Championship prizegiving, but do not qualify for a years supply of dog food (with exception of XM, XF, BM and BF classes).

Age groups and distances (dogs)
Dogs must be at least one year old on the day of the race. Dogs under one year old are not able to compete. The following distance restrictions apply:

• Age 1 to 2: up to 6km
• Age 2 and over: any distance

We advise you build your dogs distance up over several weeks/months. During training runs and hot weather (over 16°c) some breeds (ie those with short muzzles) may have difficulty cooling themselves. If your dog is overweight, unfit, not used to exercise, recovering from illness, of advancing years, or you have any doubt about your dogs ability, please consult your vet.

• Always carry water with you – there are camel packs (designed for running) that hold up to 3 litres and folding dog bowls for this purpose.
• Do not train for long distances during hot weather (over 16°c). If your dog is unfit and not used to exercise, it may suffer from heat exhaustion in lower temperatures.
• Familiarise yourself with your dog’s normal behaviour while running. If at any time sh/e shows any signs they are struggling (excessive foaming at the mouth, shaking the head or pulling to the side), immediately find a shaded place to stop (preferably with a cool breeze) and give them some water.
• Watch your dogs behaviour for 1/2hr after your run – this is the most critical time when sh/e is likely to overheat.

If entering a race with a distance over 6km, you must convince CaniX UK that your dog is fit enough to run.

CaniX UK reserve the right to refuse a dog on the start line if deemed unfit.

Bitches in season
If you have a bitch in season, please do not run her, and if at the event, keep well away from other dogs and the start/finish area.

What equipment do I need?
If you already run with your dog, you are already doing CaniX. No special equipment is needed, but for you and your dogs comfort – the following items are recommended:

• Waist belt (for human)
• Running harness (for dog)
• CaniX line
  
  Built-in shock absorption (bungee line) is advised for waist belt and CaniX line.
  
  
• Eye protection
• Booties (in case your dog cuts or injures a pad)

• Studded boots
• Choke chains or any collar that constricts your dog’s throat
• Muzzles (other than racing greyhound type muzzle)
• Flexi leads

Your line (whether a CaniX line or a lead) must ?not have a metal snap on the handle – if released this can cause injury to dogs and by-standers. Together with waist belt (if worn) should be no longer than 2–2.5meters (6–8 feet).

If your equipment does not meet these rules, you may be turned away from the start line – if in doubt ask at registration.

Control
An element of control of your dog is desirable!

The only brakes you have are your feet which can be precarious on loose gravel trails, wet grass or other surfaces where traction is not ideal. Remember that your footing will not be as solid when a dog is pulling you on downward slopes.

Borrowing of dogs
Although the swapping, lending and borrowing of dogs is not prohibited, as the events grow with more competitors, dogs and spectators, safety must be maintained. Anyone running a dog that is not owned by them must disclose this on their entry form. Ultimatly it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the person they are lending their dog to is able to read the dog’s signals in order to anticipate any problems before they happen and if a situation should occur they are capable of handling it. They must also be confident the dog is sound when approaching and being approached by other dogs. For the safety of the dog being lent out, the runner should also be made aware of the dogs limitations, signs that the dog may be having difficulties and have undertaken a number of training runs before entering a race. If there is any doubt that the runner is not capable or the dog could act unpredictably, the entry should not be submitted or withdrawn. If a situation occurs the owner of the dog will be held responsible.

Closing date
CaniX UK may close the entry prior to the advertised closing date if entry capacity is reached. If capacity is not reached, entries will remain open until 5pm the Monday before the event (unless specified). We do not take entries on the day of the race.

Timetable/classes/cancellation/refunds/credit
If entries/conditions/temperatures dictate the race may begin early. Classes may be combined if entries in a particular class are low (this will not effect championship points). In extreme cases the event may be cancelled – all competitors will be notified by the event status page. Due to the amount of admin and organisation that goes into each event, if an event is cancelled we are unable to offer a refund. Likewise, if an individual is unable to attend for whatever reason we do not offer refunds or credit towards future events.

If entries are less than 40, the event may change to a training run. In this instance no championship points will be awarded

General
In all cases the safety and health of you/your dog are paramount. If you/your dog are not active, it is advised that you/your dog should be checked out by a doctor/veterinarian before running. The organisers are not held responsible for any accident or injury sustained during the race. If in doubt, do not run.

If you have one dog between two runners and both wish to run, you may enter the same dog twice - once in the 5km course (SM/SF/VM/VF/MM/MF/M/F/TM/TF/BM/BF Classes) and once in the short course (in the Have-a-go Class for over 17s, or JM/JF/CM/CF Classes for under 17s). If a CaniX event includes a relay, the same dog used in the mornings main race can be used to run in the afternoons 3 by Xkm relay (a different dog must be used for each leg of the relay). Whilst a runner may run more than once with different dogs in the main 5km race, a dog may only run the 5km course once per day.

All particants must attend the pre race briefing/safety talk.

No prizes will be given before prizegiving or mailed after the event. If you are not present at prizegiving, your prize will be recyled. With regard to the Championship Prizegiving and any standalone event (including Crufts), non-attendance at prizegiving will result in award being presented to the next highest placed competitor who is present – the results will not be effected, but you forfeit your award / prize.

Qualified First Aiders will be available on the day.

Your responsibilities
To help ensure the continued acceptance of the sport and the availability of trails that will accommodate dogs:

• always pick up after your dog – carry poop bags with you at all times.
  
  
• leave the trail in a good condition.
  
  
• pick up small items left behind by others (i.e. other dog owners, sweet wrappers).
  
  
• remember not everyone loves canines like we do, keep yours under control and on a lead at all times.
  
  
• if you have an aggressive type dog, don't provide the opportunity for it to be out of control.
  
  
• although facilities will be available, we recommend that you bring water for your dog.
  
  
• no dogs must be left unattended in cars.
  
  
• no physical or verbal abuse of your dog is allowed.

• try and get your dog to do its business before the start.
  
  
• move off the trail if your dog needs to relieve itself. If your dog relieves itself whole heartedly in the middle of the trail – pick it up – no one wants to be running and sliding into your dog’s excrement! Carry poop bags with you at all times.
  
  
• maintain a good rapport with walkers, MTBs, horse riders and other trail users that you may see on the trail – a smile or good morning greeting never goes amiss.
  
  
• do whatever it takes to make other trail users feel comfortable and not intimidated or inconvenienced. Always give right of way. We do not and never will have sole use of trails. Conflicts may jeopardise our future use of venues so don’t allow a small isolated situation escalate to the point where we will be unable to return to a venue.
  
  
• when overtaking other runners on narrow trails, call before overtaking. If being overtaken, keep your dog close. When passing other runners, each party should ensure this is done safely, allowing plenty of space for each runner and ensuring dogs do not become tangled.
  
  
• dogs should be attached to the runner at all times except in cases of danger to dog or runner.
  
  
• runners should not go ahead of their dog at any stage except in cases of danger to dog or runner.
  
  
• the swapping of dogs during a race is not allowed. The dog you start the race with is the dog you must finish the race with. If for any reason your dog refuses to run you must not force your dog to run and you must retire your dog. A DNF (Did Not Finish) result will be recorded in the results. At a two day event, you may change dogs before you start on the second day (*), but you must notify the organiser of the change before you start. At the organisers descrection you may restart the race with the same dog or another dog - but you will not be timed, placed or receive points for a restart.
  
  (*) At the European Championship you must run with the same dog on both days of the main competition. You may change dogs for the relay.
  
  
• runners must not pull, drag or force their dog to go forwards by any means except in cases of danger to dog or runner. Dogs are allowed to run at heel.
  
  
• no bitches on heat.
  
  
• Racing bibs supplied by CaniX UK must be worn on the front of your garment attached with 4x safety pins in each corner (please supply your own pins). The whole bib must be visible at all times during the race. If your bib is not visible to the start timer you will be asked to leave the start line, rectify the problem and be moved to the end of the queue to restart. The whole bib must be visible to the finish timers, marshals, the public and other runners throughout the race - failure to do so may result in your time not being recorded. Bibs must not be altered or defaced in any way or the sponsors logos/CaniX logo intentionally obscured. Sponsors use the bibs to promote their companies and sponsor logos are to be on display at all times - failure to do so may result in the removal of sponsorship resulting in increased entry fees and jeopardise the future of CaniX events.
  
  
• Animal cruelty, unsportsmanlike, aggressive, threatening, abusive or any behaviour deemed to be unacceptable at any stage during the event will not be tolerated. As well as the distress negative behaviour causes, CaniX events are attended by families with young children. The venues are public places where families come to enjoy themselves. This also extends to intimidation or harassment of dogs, runners, marshals, helpers, volunteers or CaniX UK outside of events.

CaniX UK have a permit to operate in the various venues and in the course of running the events have permission to promote, sell or endorse CaniX UK.

CaniX UK respectfully request that you do not bring flyers, brochures or display any placards, bills, cards or notices. Television crews, photographers, live radio, press and freelance journalists are invited by CaniX UK to promote CaniX UK and any person undertaking any of these activities without an invitation will be in breach of venue byelaws and rules & regulations.

OJ Mays - Our smallest marshal

The race Runners start at timed intervals and the winner will be the one to complete the course in the fastest time. Markers will be placed at regular intervals to indicate the direction of the course. Marshals will be positioned along the course with water. Please contact marshals if you/your dog experience difficulties. Any form of abuse of marshals will result in automatic disqualification and possible ban from future events. If you have a complaint, the proceedure is detailed below.

Camping (selected venues only)
Camping is at your own risk. You are responsible for the health, welfare and actions of your party and your dog. Picking up after your dog is essential to ensure we are invited back.

Neither land owners or CaniX UK accept responsibility for damages or loss including accident or injury resulting from the use of the camping facilities to either human or canine.

Anybody whose behaviour is considered unacceptable will be asked to leave.

Disregard of any of the above may result in a Did Not Finish (DNF), Warning (WRN), No Time Recorded (NTR), disqualification (DSQ), Suspension (SUS) and/or a ban (BAN) from future events; championship points being revoked and a suspension/ban from the CaniX membership. In extreme cases a ban will be immediate and without warning. As a member of the ECF any decision made and action taken will be recognised by all ECF member Federations. Refunds will not be issued if your actions result in any of the above.

CaniX UK reserve the right to amend these rules if circumstances dictate and apply retrospectivly should the need arise. Event entries or membership may be declined at the organisers discretion.

Complaints/appeals
The whole complaints/appeals procedure is confidential. During this procedure no names will be divulged at any stage of the process. This is so people can lodge a complaint free in the knowledge their name will not be divulged to the person they have lodged the complaint against subjecting them to possible intimidation and reprisal.

If you make a complaint against another competitor or appeal a decision made against you, you may submit a complaint/appeal which will be considered by the Technical Committee and a ruling made. The procedure is as follows:

- Complaint
If you have a complaint about an incident at an event it must be lodged via email within 3 days of the event with a non refundable payment of £37.00(*). If a complaint about an incident at an event is received outside of this 3 day period, it will be heard at the Technical Committee's discretion. If you have a complaint about an incident outside an event it can be lodged using the same channel. Your complaint will not be heard unless it is accompanied with the payment(*). Complaints are per person per complaint.
- SUBMIT A COMPLAINT
- MAKE PAYMENT

- Action: A decision will be made on what action to take regarding a complaint and the person involved officially notified via email. Any penalty imposed will be recognised by all individual Member Federations of the European Cani-Cross Federation (ECF) and upheld.

NB If a marshal, helper or volunteer report an incident at an event or the race organisers witness an incident, action may be taken on the spot without the Technical Committee's sanction. If this is the case you may appeal the decision using the channel below within 3 days of notification, which will then be heard by the Technical Committee.

- Appeal
If a complaint is made against you and action taken or you are not happy with the action taken regarding a complaint you made, an appeal may be lodged via email within 3 days of the date of notification with a non refundable payment of £37.00(*). Your appeal will not be heard unless it is accompanied with the payment(*). If an appeal is received outside the 3 day period it will not be heard. Appeals are per person, per appeal.
- SUBMIT AN APPEAL
- MAKE PAYMENT

- Record: Following official notification, any penalty imposed will be recorded on the related results page with further information given below under Penalties imposed, but details will not be released.

Following an appeal, the Technical Committee's decision is final.

- The CaniX Technical Committee
The Technical Committee is made up of three independent members of CaniX UK. These members are not directly associated with CaniX UK organisers and have been chosen for their impartial view of any complaint/appeal. The Technical Committee is appointed to address complaints/appeals received by CaniX UK. Members of the Technical Committee, and the names of those who lodge a complaint will remain confidential throughout the entire process. All correspondence between CaniX UK, the Technical Committee and those making the complaint will be confidential. This has been decided to ensure people are free to lodge a complaint without the threat of intimidation or reprisal.

- Reprisal
If, following a penalty imposed against you, you seek reprisal on any individual or CaniX UK, the penalty will be increased. Reprisals include: disrupting CaniX events and/or intimidating individuals at CaniX events including intimidating individuals outside of CaniX events. This includes vengeful, aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour; any inciteful derogatory comments in any form, ie Facebook or any social networking forums, private messaging, emails, etc. Should there be any ongoing legal disputes a ban will remain in force.

(*) This payment does not apply to marshals, helpers and volunteers. The entire payment is divided between the members of the Technical Committee to compensate for their time in making a decision. The payment is non-refundable but may be refunded at the Technical Committee's discretion.