THE OBSTACLE COURSE RACING LEAGUE

OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

-2014-
INTRODUCTION

The Obstacle Course Racing Association (OCRA or the Association) is the governing body of
the Obstacle Course Racing League (OCRL or the League). To compete in the OCRL you must
be a member of the OCRA, but not all members of the OCRA have to race in the OCRL.

The OCRL was launched in 2013 as a national League. In 2014 it will be a state based leagues
managed by local members of the OCRA, known as OCRL State Managers. The state based
leagues are designed to ensure greater equality and opportunity for racers as well as build a
more local grass roots community.

This OCRL Rule book serves as a common reference and guide for OCRL Competitors, OCRL
State Managers and other OCRL Officials.

This document outlines standards for OCRL Competitors conduct before, during and after
an OCRL race and will apply for all OCRL sanctioned events in any town of any state or
territory.

As the first established Obstacle Course Racing League anywhere in the world, our aim is to
set benchmarks within every aspect of the League so that future international obstacle
course racing leagues can build from our great foundation.

This guide is designed to set a standard for competitors on the many varied courses and
event venues that we race upon. The physical and mental tests will vary at every event but
the quality of the experience at OCRL races, from zero-tolerance for unsportsman-like
behaviour to the enforcement of race rules, shall be universal to OCRL competitors
everywhere.

In closing, the rules herein aim to create consistency for OCRL competitors and race
management. These rules are a foundation to help build and gain formal recognition for this
sport we all love. As members of the OCRA and competitors in the OCRL please respect and
uphold these rules and the spirit of good sportsmanship.

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Contents
SECTION 1: GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................. 4
SECTION 2: EVENT AND ATHLETE REGISTRATION................................................................................... 5
SECTION 3: TIMING AND RECORD KEEPING ........................................................................................... 6
SECTION 4: WAVE PARTICIPATION AND START RULES ........................................................................... 7
SECTION 5: COURSE LAYOUT AND OBSTACLES ....................................................................................... 8
SECTION 6: CLOTHING AND GEAR AT THE EVENT AND ON THE COURSE ............................................. 10
SECTION 7: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES .................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 8: INFRINGEMENTS AND MISCONDUCT ................................................................................ 12
SECTION 9: PENALTIES .......................................................................................................................... 14
SECTION 10: APPEALS ........................................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 11: OFFICIAL OCRL ROLES ...................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX 1:OFFICIAL OCRL BURPEE METHOD..................................................................................... 17

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SECTION 1: GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

a) OCRL competitors are expected to always behave in a manner which shows respect
to other competitors and pride as a member of the OCRA. OCRL competitors must
remember that they are representing a community and that we are fortunate to
have the support of race organisers to participate in their event.

b) The high standard of OCRL competitors conduct and ethic should be evident from
the moment competitors arrive in the parking lot, through to registration, in and
around the venue, out on the obstacle course itself and until the competitor leaves
the event.

c) OCRL competitors are to conduct themselves in a manner that no person at the

venue, on the course, through social media online or otherwise shall be offended,
hurt, discouraged or hindered in any way from running the race to the best of their
ability.

d) The same shall apply regarding consideration of everyone enjoying the broader
events atmosphere of fun, challenge, spirited competition and mutual support.

e) Any athlete breaching this code of conduct may be subject to penalties outlined in
section 9.

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SECTION 2: EVENT AND ATHLETE REGISTRATION

a) The OCRL State Managers will negotiate an OCRL-specific wave time and OCRA
discount code for all OCRA members including OCRL competitors to use when
registering for a sanctioned event. This will be conveyed through email, website and
social media.

b) Once registered, the competitor will forward the race receipt email from the event
organiser to YOUR STATE@ocra.org.au. This is to allow the OCRL State Manger to
manage event resources accordingly for the number of OCRL members competing in
any one race. OCRA members not racing in the OCRL but still attending the event are
encouraged to also contact your state manager to let them know you will be there.

c) The OCRL will have its own registration tent at each sanctioned event, where OCRL
competitors can register before the race. OCRL competitors must register at least
thirty (30) minutes prior to wave time and are responsible for filling out their own
details on the OCRL Race Results Sheet. If a racer does not preregister their results
will not count.
i. In addition to registering with OCRL always follow events registration
process unless specifically instructed to do otherwise by your OCRL State
Manager.

d) OCRL competitors may not qualify for cash prizes that race organisers have
promoted for the event. Depending on the discount offered to OCRL competitors,
event-specific giveaways such as shirts and medals may be made unavailable to
OCRL competitors by the organiser.
i. Section 2(d) will be dependent upon each race organiser and the terms of
agreement made between them and the OCRL State Manager.

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SECTION 3: TIMING AND RECORD KEEPING

a) Not all OCRL-sanctioned events are timed by the event organisers. However, the
OCRL State Manager will note the wave start time on the OCRL Race Results Sheet.

b) At the end of race, OCRL participants must report straight to OCRA tent to claim
place and report finish time as per the OCRL timing device held at tent. If finish time
not reported straight away and place not claimed, places may not be claimable and
points may not be awarded.
i. In the event of a group finish, the time awarded may not be accurate,
however, it is the position that the OCRL competitor finishes that will
determine the points they are awarded, it is important that races behave
with honesty and integrity.
ii. If claimed places are disputed, a final dedication will be made by the OCRL
State Manager. Please respect their definition as this is not an easy position
to be in. OCRL races who do not respect the final decision may be
disqualified.

c) All OCRL events will utilise a Points System based on finishing position for the race. In
addition finishing position and times will be published on the OCRL section of the
obstacleracing.com.au website.

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SECTION 4: WAVE PARTICIPATION AND START RULES

a) All OCRL competitors will all start in the same wave.

i. Depending on the race organiser and competitor numbers, there will either
be a specific OCRL wave or OCRL competitors will run with participants of the
general event in a designated OCRL wave as agreed to by the States OCRL
Manager and event organisers.
ii. OCRL competitors cannot record a time or placing if they start in a different
wave.

b) OCRL competitors must report to the start line five (5) minutes before the start time
for an OCRL race briefing, if this process varies races will be notified when they
register. It is the OCRL competitors responsibility to attend the brief. If the OCRL
competitor does not attend they may be denied entry to race or submit finishing
place.

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SECTION 5: COURSE LAYOUT AND OBSTACLES

a) OCRL competitors must follow the course or course map provided to them,
completing all obstacles in their intended order and must not venture off course. If
the course is unclear, use your common sense as well as your integrity as an OCRL
racer, skirting obstacles or challenging terrain is considered a breach of OCRL code of
conduct.

b) OCRL competitors must attempt all obstacles on the course, if an obstacle cannot be
completed after two (2) genuine attempt this is considered a standard infringement
and the OCRL competitor must complete the burpee penalty before proceeding.
i. The thirty (30) burpees must be performed upon the infringement being
identified, by the OCRL competitor themselves or a race or OCRL official or
spectator.
ii. Every effort must be made not to obstruct any competitor, OCRL or
otherwise, whilst completing the burpee penalty.
iii. Each burpee must meet the technique outlined in Appendix 1.
iv. All burpees must be performed to the satisfaction of an OCRL Official, if
present. The OCRL Official may instruct that additional burpees be completed
due to incorrect technique/form.
v. Not all courses will have officials to count and check correct technique. OCRL
competitors are expected to always complete burpee penalties correctly as a
matter of honour and to maintain the OCRL code of conduct.

c) An OCRL competitor cannot accept outside assistance to compete any obstacle or

during the race unless otherwise given permission by the OCRL State Manager prior
to the race.
i. Slower and faster OCRL competitors must demonstrate mutual respect,
especially in single-track situations.
ii. Faster OCRL competitors must pass on the right after calling PASS. In doing
so, the faster OCRL competitor does not interfere with the slower
competitors progress.
iii. Slower OCRL competitors may remain on the single track but must use
sportsman-like common sense in making the faster OCRL competitors pass
possible.
iv. An OCRL competitor causing a bottleneck is expected to yield immediately to
end the clog.

d) Should an OCRL competitor need to leave the course for a comfort break, minor
medical treatment or any other reasonable reason, they must;

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 i. Advise an OCRL Official as soon as possible.
ii. Seek OCRL Officials permission to re-enter onto the course.

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SECTION 6: CLOTHING AND GEAR AT THE EVENT AND ON THE COURSE

a) Clothing must be socially acceptable by local norms.

b) Clothing may not be used in an irregular fashion in order to assist in the completion
of an obstacle.

c) No glass, other than spectacles, may be present on the course.

d) No weapons are allowed to be brought onto the course.

e) No highly flammable or explosive substances are allowed to be brought onto the

course.

f) No footwear or clothing that may cause harm to another competitor may be worn.

g) Fluids and food carried on course may not contain alcohol or any other mind-altering
substances.

h) OCRL members are responsible for the removal of any item, including food and
clothing; they take out on course with them.

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SECTION 7: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

a) OCRL competitors must cease racing to provide assistance if any unattended person
(OCRL or otherwise) is in need of urgent medical attention or whose safety is in
danger.
i. In medical and safety emergencies, OCRL competitors are expected to use
their best judgement about staying to assist a competitor(s) in trouble (OCRL
or otherwise), or running to the nearest race official for help.

b) OCRL competitors who lose significant race time because they were assisting a
competitor (OCRL or otherwise) in a medical emergency are entitled to re-run the
race in an alternate wave or will be compensated at the judgement of the OCRL
State Manager. After the medical emergency is under control, they may speak to the
OCRL State Manager, OCRL Race Director or nominated proxy about a new start time
or alternative compensation. It is the OCRL competitors responsibility to remember
the competitor who experienced the medical emergencys race number or name, for
verification by OCRL Officials.
i. In the event of a new start time being granted, the OCRL competitor shall be
awarded place points according to their course time in relation to where they
were likely to finish in the rest of the competition field.

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SECTION 8: INFRINGEMENTS AND MISCONDUCT

a) OCRL State Managers, other OCRL Officials and other OCRL competitor who witness
an infringement, may identify infringements. Self-policing is encouraged for the
purpose of good sportsmanship and is in accordance with OCRL code of conduct.

b) When an infringement has been identified, the OCRL competitor who has committed
the infringement should be informed immediately, if they are not already aware and
taking appropriate action to correct or undertaking penalty.

c) If a disputed or OCRL competitor does not undertake penalty, the infringement is to

be reported to the OCRL State Manger immediately at the end of the race.

d) If the infringement is causing any risk to any competitor it must be reported

immediately to race officials or OCRL State Manager.
i. OCRL competitors who report infringements which pose immediate risk and
who loses significant race time because they were reporting infringement are
entitled to re-run the race in an alternate wave or will be compensated at the
judgement of the OCRL State Manager as per Section 7b(i).

e) STANDARD INFRINGEMENT: A OCRL commits a standard infringement if they;

i. Fail to complete an obstacle after a minimum of two (2) attempts.
ii. Make unnecessary contact with, or hinder, another competitor, OCRL or
otherwise.
iii. Fail to pass a competitor, OCRL or otherwise, in a safe and proper manner.
iv. Accept another competitors assistance, OCRL or otherwise, where prior
mission was not given by the OCRL State Manager to do so.
v. Make a non-advantageous error in course direction.
vi. Utilise a foreign object, including clothing in an unintended manner, in order
to complete an obstacle.

f) TECHNICAL INFRINGEMENT: A OCRL commits a technical infringement if they;

i. Unknowingly make an advantageous error in course direction.
ii. Make careless or reckless contact with another competitor, OCRL or
otherwise.
iii. Leave any gear or rubbish on the course.
iv. Fail to yield when causing a bottleneck.
v. Behave in any way contrary to the spirit of OCR.

g) MISCONDUCT: A OCRL commits misconduct if they;

i. Knowingly make an advantageous breach of course direction.
ii. Make intentional dangerous or aggressive contact with another athlete, OCRL
or otherwise.
iii. Intentionally cause damage to the course or obstacles.
iv. Physically or verbally abuse another competitor, OCRL or otherwise.

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 v. Physically or verbally abuse any official or volunteer, OCRL or otherwise.
vi. Bring the OCRL into disrepute.

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SECTION 9: PENALTIES

a) A standard infringement will result in a penalty of thirty (30) burpees.

i. The thirty (30) burpees must be performed upon the infringement being
identified, by the OCRL competitor themselves or a race or OCRL official or
spectator.
ii. Every effort must be made not to obstruct any competitor, OCRL or
otherwise, whilst completing the burpee penalty.
iii. Each burpee must meet the technique outlined in Appendix 1.
iv. All burpees must be performed to the satisfaction of an OCRL Official, if
present. The OCRL Official may instruct that additional burpees be completed
due to incorrect technique/form.
v. Not all courses will have officials to count and check correct technique. OCRL
competitors are expected to always complete burpee penalties correctly as a
matter of honour and to maintain the OCRL code of conduct.
vi. For the Official OCRL Burpee Technique, refer to Appendix 1.

b) A technical infringement, may result in;

i. A loss of points gained from the race.
ii. Disqualification from the race.
iii. Referral to the OCRL Disciplinary Panel.

c) An OCRL competitor reported for misconduct shall be referred to the OCRL

Disciplinary Panel, where the competitor may receive;
i. A loss of competition points from the OCRL.
ii. A suspended sentence, handed down by the OCRL Disciplinary Panel.
iii. Suspension from the OCRL, handed down by the OCRL Disciplinary Panel.
iv. Expulsion as a member of the OCRL, handed down by the OCRL Disciplinary
Panel.

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SECTION 10: APPEALS

a) A standard infringement may not be appealed. An OCRL competitor may, however,

respectfully ask for an OCRL Officials explanation behind the reason for the
infringement being penalised.

b) An OCRL competitor may appeal a technical infringement only by doing the

following;
i. Inform the OCRL Official present of their intention to appeal. Technical
infringement may be retracted by official at this point.
ii. Report to the OCRL State Manager of their intention to appeal. Technical
infringement may be retracted by Manager at this point.
iii. Lodge appeal in writing to the OCRL State Manager and Pay a $50.00 Appeal
Fee to the States OCRL. The Appeal Fee is refundable only if the technical
infringement is overturned.

c) If the OCRL competitor was not allowed to complete the course and the technical
infringement is overturned on appeal, then if possible a restart may be allowed as
per Section 7b(i) or appropriate compensation will be considered.

d) In extreme cases, decisions handed down by the OCRL Disciplinary Panel may be
appealed and considered by members of the OCRA Board.

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SECTION 11: OFFICIAL OCRL ROLES

a) On-course OCRL Officials may;

i. Enforce penalties for standard infringements.
ii. Direct OCRL competitors off the course, due to technical infringements or
misconduct.
b) The Finish Line OCRL Official;
i. Is present for the purpose of determining an OCRL competitors finishing position
and placing.
ii. May also act as an On-course OCRL Official.

c) The OCRL Recording Official;

i. Shall record the placement of OCRL competitors as they present their place
cards.
ii. May also act as an On-Course OCRL Official.

d) The OCRL State Manager may;

i. Act as an On-course OCRL Official.
ii. Hear and decide upon appeals for technical infringements.
iii. Enforce penalties for technical infringements.
iv. Refer OCRL competitors to the OCRA Board or OCRL Disciplinary Panel for
disciplinary action.
v. Make any decisions in regards directly related to the course or its safety.

e) The OCRL Disciplinary Panel shall;

i. Be a minimum two (2) OCRL State Managers or other OCRA officials
appointed by OCRA.
ii. Weigh evidence without bias and attempt to make the most accurate
findings as possible.
iii. Implement just and fair definitions.
iv. In some cases, decisions made by the OCRL Disciplinary Panel may be
appealed and reconsidered by members of the OCRA board.

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APPENDIX 1:OFFICIAL OCRL BURPEE METHOD

a) From standing upright position.

b) Squat, hands on ground.

c) Thrust legs back in a single motion, placing body in the plank position.

d) Do a pushup. The chest MUST touch the ground.

e) Draw legs back into the squat position in a single motion.

f) Jump straight up. Feet MUST leave the ground.

g) Hands must raise above the head.

h) OCRL competitors MUST count their burpees aloud.

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