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International
Human Powered Vehicle Association
Competition Rules (Rev: June 2002) |
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International
Human Powered Vehicle Association
Competition Rules (Rev: June 2002) |
| 1.0
PURPOSE:
2. Water, 3. Air vehicles. In general, it shall be the intention of the IHPVA rules to avoid defining what type of vehicle may enter individual competitions, but to let the competition itself determine which type of vehicle is superior by a normal evolutionary process. Exceptions may be made if unavoidable (e.g., arm-powered vehicles.) The spirit of these rules is to promote design innovation by establishing only the minimum necessary regulations and to promote the goal of human powered competition. The IHPVA Records Committee reserves the right to use "spirit-of-the-rule" judgment when deciding upon unclear issues. Record attempts may be carried out by individuals or by national HPV associations and be subject to additional requirements of that association or location. The IHPVA sanctions and maintains records but assumes no responsibility for the attempts themselves. 3.1 Vehicle Requirements 3.1.2 Energy Storage: No device which stores energy over more than one input power cycle (e.g., one leg stroke), or which releases energy under control of the operator, may be used in any event except the road race, or speed events longer than one mile. Energy storage devices are permitted in these events provided no energy is stored before the start of the event (this means absolutely no chemical, electrical, kinetic, potential, or other form of energy storage at the start.) 3.1.3 Brakes: All vehicles must have a safe means of stopping. 3.1.4 Control: All vehicles must be controlled by the rider(s), with the single exception of that necessitated by the standing start as described in section 3.2.3.1. 3.1.5 Integrity: No vehicle may discard any part after beginning motion. 3.1.6
Geometry: The vehicle geometry may not be alterable during use except for steering purposes; i.e.
sails or moving control surfaces specifically intended to
enhance the sailing characteristics of the vehicle are not permitted.
3.2.1.2 Multiple rider: The vehicle shall contain two or more persons. 3.2.1.3 Arms only: Competitors may use arms only power in all IHPVA events; land, water and air. It will be deemed a separate event category if the rules in section 3.4 "Arm Power Rules" are met. Event officials may request separate arm power events for safety or practical purposes. 3.2.1.3.1 Physically handicapped riders: Rules to be determined. Event Directors may institute special competitions in this area. 3.2.1.4 Male and female riders: The IHPVA shall recognize separate records for males and females in all events. However, segregated competition for males and females is to be discouraged. 3.2.1.5 Organizer's option: Classes may be combined by the event organizer for a single race, but all records will be maintained in the classes indicated. 3.2.2 Types of Events: The following race events are recognized: 3.2.2.1 200 Meter Speed Trial: The winner of this event shall be the vehicle achieving the highest average speed over a 200 meter interval. A flying start from any distance is permitted, within practical limits as established by the event organizer. 3.2.2.2 500 Meter Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 500 meters. 3.2.2.3 1 Kilometer Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 1 kilometer. 3.2.2.4 4 Kilometer Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 4 kilometers and the trial is a "standing start" event. 3.2.2.5 10 Kilometer Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 10 kilometers and the trial is a "standing start" event. 3.2.2.6 1 Mile Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 1 mile. 3.2.2.7 200 Meter Speed Trial, 600 meter start: The winner of this event shall be the vehicle achieving the highest average speed over a 200 meter interval. A flying start from not more than 600 meters before the 200 meter timed section is permitted. 3.2.2.8 1/4 Mile Elapsed Time: The winner of this event shall be the vehicle achieving the shortest elapsed time to travel 1/4 mile. A standing start is required. 3.2.2.9 1-Hour Time Trial:The winner of this event shall be the vehicle achieving the maximum distance in one hour. A closed course is required for this event. A standing start is required. Distance is determined by direct measurement. Alternatively, the time trial distance may be calculated from the course length and lap timings. 3.2.2.10 12-Hour Time Trial: Same as 3.2.2.9 except 12 hours. 3.2.2.11 24-Hour Time Trial: Same as 3.2.2.9 except 24 hours. 3.2.2.12 Road Race: The winner of this event shall be the first vehicle to complete a designated number of laps on a designated course. The starting requirement may be a standing start, flying start or LeMans start. The event organizer shall specify the exact course, the number of laps, and the type of start. No records shall be recognized for this event. 3.2.2.13 Practical/Commuter Vehicle: Rules to be determined. 3.2.2.14 Special Records Events: Members are encouraged to submit applications for new record categories to the IHPVA. Significant achievements will be recognized as new record classes. 3.2.2.15 100 Kilometer Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 100 kilometers and the trial is a "standing start" event. 3.2.2.16 1 Mega-Meter (1,000,000 meters) Speed Trial: Identical to 3.2.2.1 except 1,000,000 meters and the trial is a "standing start" event.
3.2.3.2 Flying Start: A flying start is defined as a start where the vehicle may be assisted by accelerating before entering the timed portion of the course. Push assists by one or more persons are permitted. Pushers may not assist the vehicle for more than 15 meters. 3.2.3.3 LeMans Start: A LeMans start is defined as a start where the vehicles are parked diagonally on one side of the race course, while the racers line up on the other side of the track. At the start of the race, the riders run to their vehicles, get in, and proceed onto the course. Push assists are not permitted. However, if any vehicle is unstable at low speeds, a single assistant is permitted to stabilize the vehicle for not more than 15 meters. The same assistant may also assist the rider in getting into the vehicle, closing canopies, etc. 3.2.3.3.1
Assisted LeMans Start. An assisted LeMans start is defined to be the
same as a LeMans Start, except that a single assistant is permitted to
assist the rider in getting into the vehicle and getting underway.
3.2.5 Change of Riders: No change of riders or removal of riders is permitted during a race. 3.2.6 Passing: In multiple-vehicle races, lapped vehicles must yield right-of-way to lapping vehicles. Blocking or obstructing the race path by weaving is prohibited. Vehicles should follow a steady predictable line during a race and avoid sudden maneuvers which might cause accidents. 3.2.7
Safety Requirements: All riders shall wear helmets during all competition.
Helmets must meet the standards of a nationally accredited testing facility of any IHPVA member country.
The burden of proof of meeting these requirements resides with the competitor. 3.2.8 Conduct: Any competitor judged by the Event Committee to have practiced unsportsmanlike conduct during an event may be disqualified from that particular event. The Event Committee shall review available evidence before making a decision to disqualify. The decision of the Event Committee is final. 3.2.9
Illegal Substances: The competitor may be subject to tests for drugs
or other substances designed to enhance athletic performance that may be
defined as illegal by the International Olympic Committee at the time of
the attempt. Detection of illegal substances will invalidate the attempt.
3.3.2 Course Measurement: In order to qualify as a record course, distances and elevation difference must be measured and certified by a registered Civil Engineer, a registered Land Surveyor, or a person with equivalent training. 3.3.3 Timing: All timing must be accomplished by automatic start and stop actuation. Timers must be certified as accurate to within 1/100 of a second in 10 minutes or 1 second per day at a temperature of 20 degrees/C, plus or minus 5 degrees/C. Certification must be by a chronographic testing service or a registered Electrical Engineer. Timing to the nearest 1/100 second is required, and timing to the nearest 1/1000 second is preferred. 3.3.4
Wind: For any run to be approved as a record, except as noted in section 3.3.4.1 below,
the wind velocity in
any direction must not exceed 6 (six) kilometers per hour (1.67 meters per
second). Wind velocity measurement must be taken during the duration of
the actual timed run at the finish of the course, at a level of 2 meters
above the course surface. These restrictions apply to closed and straight
courses. 3.3.4.1
Wind Restrictions for Long Duration Events: There are no wind restrictions for time trial events
of one hour or longer, or for distance events of 100 km or greater, provided the event is held on a
closed course and at least one full lap is completed. The geometry of vehicles competing under this rule
shall be fixed: there will be no sails or moving control surfaces specifically intended to enhance
the sailing characteristics of the vehicle.
3.4.2 Control: No restrictions, but must meet all IHPVA vehicle control requirements as set forth in general rules. 3.4.3
Qualification: Any rider may compete in arms only events provided they
meet all arm power rules. Rider accommodation waivers may be applied for
and must be approved in advance of an attempt by the IHPVA Records Committee.
The purpose of waivers is to enable a rider to compete in this class without
giving them specific advantage.
This back-up run is required for distances of 4,000 meters or less. 3.6 PRACTICAL/COMMUTER VEHICLE RULES: To be determined. 4.0 WATER VEHICLE COMPETITION RULES: 4.1 VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS (PURE HUMAN POWER CLASS) 4.1.2 Energy Storage: In events with a flying start the accumulation of the kinetic energy of vehicle and rider(s) is permitted in accordance with rule 4.2.3.2. Other forms of energy storage are permitted provided this energy is created within the timing section of an attempt and provided its source is human power. No pre-start storage is allowed. See Appendix B and also rule 4.1.1 regarding instrument batteries. 4.1.3 Propulsion: Propulsion must be provided entirely by hydrodynamic and/or aerodynamic devices. Any type of fluid-dynamic propulsion device is allowed. Particular characterisations of propulsion, e.g. oars, propellers, paddle wheels, or those not covered by these rules (e.g. punting) may be divided into separate sub-classes. Riders may use any and all parts of their bodies for propulsion (except for the 'Arms Only' class defined in rule section 4.2.2.3.) 4.1.4 Control: Vehicle control forces must be provided by onboard rider-controlled mechanical, hydrodynamic, or aerodynamic device(s). The on-board rider(s) must control the vehicle; other person(s) or means must not control the vehicle. Auto-steering devices under the direct control of the rider are permitted. 4.1.5 Integrity: No materials may be jettisoned for aiding propulsion or lightening the craft other than unadulterated water or air collected during the attempt. The rider must ride on or in the vehicle. 4.1.6 Support: All types of devices directly or indirectly supported by the water are allowed. This includes displacement and planing craft, hydrofoils, hovercraft, and craft having moving skins or tracks. Vehicles using an "air cushion" or "ground effect" are permitted, whereas craft capable of free flying are not. Records characterised by the type of support, e.g. displacement craft, or underwater craft, are considered sub-classes (see 4.2.1.2). The rider(s) and vehicle must be able to begin and end any attempt fully afloat and essentially stationary with respect to the water. For the passage through the timing section itself, see 4.2.3. 4.1.7
Rider Attributes: Any number of active riders of either gender may
power the vehicle. The gender and number of riders constitute a class distinction,
e.g. single-rider, women. Those who request a class distinction for other
physical attributes: youth, senior, physical size, physical disability,
etc. may request such distinction from the IHPVA Records Committee. Approval
must be completed prior to any record attempt.
4.2.1.2 Sub-Classes: Classes that do not meet the requirements of the Pure Human Power Class as defined in section 4.1 are called sub-classes. The IHPVA may record or publish achievements in sub-classes that are regarded as worthwhile. The rules governing sub-classes are the same as for the watercraft Pure Human Power Class with the exception of the particularities in question. The sub-class must be qualified by these particularities, if possible within its name. 4.2.1.3 Other Achievements in Watercraft: A record attempt, which nearly fits into an existing class but does not fulfill all requirements, may be recognised as an "outstanding achievement" or "qualified record" within the existing class, provided that the attempt’s particularity is clearly recognisable. An "outstanding achievement" or "qualified record" within an existing class may include class records maintained by other organisations. 4.2.1.4
New Classes: New classes may be started at any time but will not necessarily
be maintained or published by the IHPVA until added to the class list by
the IHPVA Records Committee at its discretion.
4.2.2.2 Multiple Riders: The vehicle shall contain two or more persons. Multi-rider classes may be gender mixed. 4.2.2.3 Arms Only Riders: Deemed a separate category when following rules are met: 4.2.2.3.1 Power: Power from the rider(s) to vehicle momentum shall be transmitted by way of rider(s)’ arm and hand movements only. Upper torso above the hips may contribute to arm and hand power output. No part of a rider’s leg or foot shall contribute to upper body power output for gaining and maintaining vehicle momentum. 4.2.2.3.2 Control: No additional restrictions, but must meet all IHPVA vehicle control requirements as set forth in the watercraft rules. 4.2.2.3.3 Qualification: Any riders may compete in arms only events provided they meet all power rules. Riders who have disabilities that prevent them from meeting all requirements of section 4.2.2.3 may request a waiver from the IHPVA Records Committee (in advance of attempt) so they may legally compete in this category. However, such request will not be granted if doing so would give the rider(s) a significant competitive advantage over others in this class. 4.2.2.4
Male and Female Riders: Upon request, the IHPVA shall recognise separate
records for male and female riders in events. However, segregated competition
for male and female riders is to be discouraged. Multi-rider vehicles with
both male and female riders shall have no class distinction based on gender.
4.2.3.2 Flying Start: The vehicle may accelerate over an unlimited distance prior to entering the timed portion of the course. All watercraft momentum gained prior to the timing section must be made by human powered efforts of the rider(s) as required in other sections of these rules. 4.2.3.3
Finishing: Finishes may always be timed "flying", i.e. with the vehicle
moving.
4.2.5 CHANGE OF RIDERS): No change of rider(s) or removal of rider(s) is permitted during an event. Rider(s) may remove themselves for reason of illness or emergency and the record attempt continued if this does not result in an advantage over the normal situation. Records with defined rider changes are possible under appropriate sub-classes. 4.2.6 PASSING: In events where multiple vehicles are on a course at the same time, vehicles being overtaken from behind, such as being lapped, may not obstruct the path of others on course by weaving or deliberate obstruction of the course. Vehicles should follow a steady predictable line during an event and avoid sudden manoeuvres that might cause accidents. Event observers shall make judgments on passing disputes. 4.2.7
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Safety shall be paramount at all times and is
the responsibility of the entrant. The observers must be satisfied that
the course is safe; attempts will not be observed under unsafe course conditions
or if the the competitors create unsafe conditions through their behaviour
or riding style.
4.2.7.2 Buoyancy: The vehicle must be buoyant under normal event conditions or when capsized. The event organiser may waive this requirement if they supervise each attempt closely and provide for the safety of the rider(s) and for any required recovery of the craft(s). 4.2.7.3
Additional Safety Requirements: The observers must be satisfied that
the rider can exit the vehicle unassisted and has effective protection
from injuries. Official observers may require additional safety equipment
such as paddle(s), bailer, line, whistle, and flag. Safety equipment should
be agreed upon in advance of attempt. For long distance events in open
waters, additional pyrotechnic and radio means are recommended.
4.2.9
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: The competitor may be subject to tests for drugs
or other substances designed to enhance athletic performance that may be
defined as illegal by the International Olympic Committee at the time of
the attempt. Detection of illegal substances will invalidate the attempt.
4.3.2 COURSE MEASUREMENT: The distance of a course shall be measured and certified by a registered Civil Engineer, licensed Surveyor, or equivalent. Markers establishing the distance must be firmly attached to the earth, either on shore, on driven piles or by other means not subject to drift due to current or wind. The start/stop actuators or transits for timing shall be located at these positions. The measurement error must be indicated and the course lengthened by at least this error, i.e. if the measurement error is 0.1 m, the nominal 100 m course must be laid out as 100.1 m, but 100.0 m used in any further calculations for speed. 4.3.3 COURSE DEFINITION: Courses can have the same or different start and end points, but must be continuously measured, i.e. it is not permissible to consider the average of a number of runs as a record. 4.3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: It must be proved plausibly that there is no net environmental power input or advantage due to potential energy difference during the attempt except for the allowable tolerances. Ways of establishing this and the currently allowable tolerances are described in Appendix B. Vehicles which do use environmental energy over the tolerated amount are considered in a sub-class of environmentally-assisted vehicles. There are no restrictions regarding altitude. 4.3.5 WATER: The water must be liquid (no ice boats) and be of a temperature and salinity as found in natural bodies of water. The depth must be sufficient that no support is derived directly or indirectly by the bottom. See Appendix B. 4.3.6
TIMING: Timing equipment must have a resolution of at least 0.1 s except
for long distance events where 1 second is sufficient. Timing results must
be rounded in the unfavourable direction or accepted statistical methods
applied (and documented) in the case of multiple timing devices. Methods
such as Video-Timing or Global Satellite Positioning are allowed if it
can be shown that they are suitable, sufficiently accurate, and calibrated.
Videotape documentation of events is highly recommended; see section 4.4.
6.0 OBSERVERS: 7.0 SANCTIONING: While applications and fees will be accepted up to 30 days after an event, it is strongly advised that the potential applicant contact the IHPVA prior to the event as once an event has passed, it is very difficult to correct deficiencies in the attempt submission. The IHPVA will approve records resulting from attempts that meet these rules. They may be attempted as part of a competitive event as well as a stand-alone record attempt. At least one member of the competing team must be a current member of an IHPVA member association. In order for a record to be recognised, the record must be ratified by the IHPVA Records Committee. The event must be witnessed by an official appointed by the IHPVA - see section '6.0. OBSERVERS'. All contestants in a sanctioned event must sign a waiver releasing the IHPVA from liability for the event. Due to differences in regional law, local officials may require a liability waiver of contestants before an event proceeds. The IHPVA may, at its discretion, waive some IHPVA requirements and accept records established by other record sanctioning organisations provided vehicle and class event requirements are met. Changes will become effective after approval by the IHPVA and publication of the rules. 11.0 LAND RULE AMENDMENTS: The IHPVA
approved the following amendments in 1997 and 1998:
If an HPV at high altitude then goes faster than the "official record", the new speed becomes the "official record" and the old record set at low altitude, then becomes "the low altitude record".
Appendix A IHPVA Watercraft Classes and Events
Appendix B IHPVA Watercraft Environmental Tolerances and examples Wind and Current: Attempts may be disallowed if observation notes show that wind or water currents may have contributed to an improved average course speed (inclusive of flying start run-ups) when compared with a hypothetical no-wind or no-current situation. Favourable winds and currents which result in a speed advantage of less than 1% may be tolerated if this can be adequately and accurately shown. Measurement errors must be specified except in cases where it is clear that even large errors have no relevance. Examples (these are not rules, but suggestions for showing their fulfillment): Water currents: Water surface current can easily be measured by timing and sighting a floating orange. Except near the inflow and outflow of rivers, the water current in lakes is usually negligible except for the wind-induced surface current. Wind: Wind strength can be measured by a variety of instruments either instantaneously or by averaging during the duration of the attempt. Accuracy is not important as long as it can be shown that there is no net power gain. For example with unstreamlined vehicles, if there is a favourable gust this can be discounted if there is at least an unfavourable gust from the opposite direction with at least the same duration. Wind direction can be measured instantaneously by a number of devices: wind vanes, streamers, smoke, or soap bubbles. The wind direction can be considered constant if it varies only slightly during the attempt in the experience of the observers, otherwise the deviations must be recorded. Streamers such as a simple woolen thread, smoke, etc. are extremely sensitive and can shown very low wind strengths and their direction. Some axial vane devices are very sensitive and if set up in the direction of the run will count both forward and backward, thus immediately showing the average wind component strength and direction A negative (i.e. headwind) count is sufficient evidence to prove no wind assistance at the location of the instrument provided that the true wind direction is shown to be at an angle of less than 45 degrees for completely unstreamlined craft and less than 10 degrees for highly streamlined craft or craft using air propellers. In cases of doubt it is suggested to gather sufficient measurements for the record committee to decide. General: What
counts is the experience, integrity, and common sense of the observers.
Clearly a round-course will not cancel environmental effects if currents
and winds are non-uniform and happen to coincide favourably with the course,
e.g. a large eddy in the same direction, or an exposed downwind leg and
a sheltered upwind leg. Equally, any craft with the least sailing capabilities
will gain most by traveling at right angles to the wind. Or, any craft
with both air and water propellers will be capable of exploiting slight
differences in wind or current in any direction.
End of "Competition Rules of the IHPVA" Notice: This is a copy of the Rules for Web presentation only. The master and governing set is maintained by the IHPVA Records Committee. |
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