Soaring Society of America

U.S. National Sport-Class
Competition Rules

Contest Year 2007

31 March 2007

Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE

2.0 GENERAL

3.0 CONTEST PERSONNEL

4.0 PERIOD OF THE CONTEST

5.0 ENTRIES

6.0 SAILPLANES AND EQUIPMENT

7.0 AWARDS

8.0 PROTEST

9.0 SAFETY

10.0 CONTEST FLYING

11.0 SCORING

12.0 PENALTIES

13.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Appendix A Guide to the U.S. National Sport-Class Competition Rules.

Appendix B Index to the U.S. National Sport-Class Competition Rules.

Rule numbers as links point to "Guide Comments"
‡ -> marks rule changed for 2007
† -> rule differs from the corresponding National FAI Class Rule

1.0 † PURPOSE
	1.1 † The purpose of the National Sport Class Soaring Championship is to determine a National Sport Class Champion, to rank all other entrants, to provide a basis for pilots to qualify for entry into future soaring Championships and to select pilots for the U.S. Team in International Club Class Competition.
	1.2 † Sailplane handicapping will be applied in an effort to measure pilot soaring skill, even though sailplanes of different performance are flown.
2.0 GENERAL
	2.1 ‡ Soaring Championships are organized in accordance with the Sporting Code of the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) under the authority of the NAA (National Aeronautic Association), and are sanctioned by the SSA (Soaring Society of America).
	2.2 These rules are the agreement between Contest Officials, entrants, and the SSA by which fair and consistent competition is maintained. Failure to hold the contest in conformance with these rules may result in disallowance of the contest or competition days by the SSA.
	2.3 Copies of these rules are available from the SSA. Comments should be addressed to the Chairman of the SSA Contest Committee and/or current members of the Rules Committee in care of the SSA.
	2.4 Within these rules, unless otherwise noted:
		• Distances are in statute miles.
		• Speeds are in statute miles per hour.
		• Weights are in pounds.
		• Altitudes are in feet.
		• Times-of-day are based on a local 24-hour clock.
3.0 CONTEST PERSONNEL
	3.1 Key Personnel
		3.1.1 Contest Manager Responsible for the overall management of the contest. Is subject to approval by the SSA Contest Committee at least 60 days before the contest.
		3.1.2 Operations Director Appointed by and is accountable to the Contest Manager. Is responsible for all field operations such as towplane operations, sailplane and vehicle movement on the ground, sailplane launches, and landing procedures.
		3.1.3 Competition Director
			3.1.3.1 The Competition Director (hereinafter referred to as the CD) shall be an experienced competition official nominated by the sponsor at least 60 days before the contest and approved by the SSA Contest Committee. The CD works for the Contest Manager, but is responsible to the SSA for insuring compliance with the rules and fair competition.
			3.1.3.2 The CD supervises the Contest Competition Committee, task selection, flight documentation procedures and analysis, start and finish procedures and scoring.
			3.1.3.3 The CD must not be an entrant in any competition over which that CD has authority.
		3.1.4 Contest Competition Committee Chaired by the CD, it consists of up to three other members appointed by the CD. These members should be experienced competition pilots, officials of the contest or pilots with a good understanding of sailplane competition. (Entrants are not eligible.) The Contest Competition Committee is responsible for rules interpretation, assessment of penalties, and protest resolution.
		3.1.5 Task Advisory Committee
			3.1.5.1 This committee assists the CD in the selection of tasks, though the ultimate responsibility for task selection lies with the CD alone.
			3.1.5.2 This committee will be composed of two pilots entered in the contest, selected by the CD.
			3.1.5.3 Minimum qualification for the first position shall be a finish in the top 20% of a previous contest at the same level as this contest.
			3.1.5.4 Minimum qualification for the second position shall be a good knowledge of soaring conditions in the contest area.
		3.1.6 Other key personnel:
			• Scorer
			• Chief Tow Pilot
			• Meteorologist
			• Office Manager
			• Gate Director
	3.2 Extension of Entry Priority A non-entrant who acts as a contest official named in Rule 3.1 and who is listed in the SSA Pilot Ranking List is eligible for a one-year extension on that list. Such an extension must be requested of the SSA in writing and may not occur more often than once in three years.
4.0 PERIOD OF THE CONTEST
	4.1 The period of the contest shall include the official practice period and the period of competition.
	4.2 † The period of competition shall be at least seven, but not more than ten consecutive days (dates as announced).
	4.3 The official practice period shall be the two days immediately preceding the period of competition. All contest support functions (Start/Finish, evaluation of flight documentation, sailplane weighing, retrieve phones, etc.) must be operational.
	4.4 For an official National Championship, there must be a minimum of four valid competition days as defined in Rule 11.1.3.
5.0 ENTRIES
	5.1 Entrants
		5.1.1 Number
			5.1.1.1 Minimum - For an Official competition, either of the following must be satisfied:
				5.1.1.1.1 A sufficient number of entrants must have a final score not less than 40% of the winner's final score. Unless otherwise specified in Rule 6.12, this number shall be eight.
				5.1.1.1.2 ‡ A minimum of five entrants with a current pilot ranking score greater than 92.0 must have a final score not less than 75% of the winner's final score.
			5.1.1.2 Maximum
				5.1.1.2.1 ‡ The total number of sailplanes is limited to 65, unless a smaller maximum number is designated by contest organizers on the Application for Sanction form and approved by the SSA Contest Committee Chairman. This is a maximum for all classes in all contests being held at one site simultaneously.
				5.1.1.2.2 If more than one contest is being held simultaneously, the maximum number of entrants in each shall be in proportion to the number of applications for each received prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline (Rule 5.2.1), but not less than the minimum of Rule 5.1.1.1 plus two.
		5.1.2 Types
			5.1.2.1 All entrants are either regular entrants or guests.
			5.1.2.2 A single-pilot entry includes only one pilot-in-command.
			5.1.2.3 ‡ † A team entry is one for which more than one pilot will act as pilot-in-command (either in a single-place or a multiplace sailplane). Each team pilot must meet all eligibility requirements. Team entries shall be indicated on scoresheets using the last name of each pilot, joined with an ampersand.
			5.1.2.4 † The type of entry must be declared at registration and may not change after the first contest launch.
			5.1.2.5 A Junior entrant is one whose 25th birthday occurs in the current or a future calendar year.
		5.1.3 ‡ † Not Applicable
		5.1.4 Passengers - An entrant may carry passengers in a multi-place sailplane.
		5.1.5 Nationality
			5.1.5.1 A US pilot is one who is a US citizen or a Resident Alien as defined by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service; others are considered foreign pilots.
			5.1.5.2 ‡ Foreign pilots are listed as such on scoresheets, and are considered Guest entrants (Rule 5.8).
	5.2 Entry procedures
		5.2.1 Pilot Ranking score
			5.2.1.1 A prospective entrant's Pilot Ranking score is the greater of:
				• A ranking score from the current SSA Pilot Ranking List
				• The best pilot ranking score obtained in an SSA-sanctioned contest during the current calendar year and prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline.
			5.2.1.2 If an applicant has earned a greater ranking score in a SSA-sanctioned contest subsequent to the publication of the Pilot Ranking List, it is the applicant's responsibility to submit this to contest organizers.
			5.2.1.3 Pilots with no ranking score are considered unranked; their Pilot Ranking score is zero.
		5.2.2 ‡ † An applicant's Preference Number is the Pilot Ranking score of Rule 5.2.1. In the case of a team entry, the least favorable Pilot Ranking score of any team member is used, but a team ranking score earned jointly by all team members will be used if more favorable.
		5.2.3 The Preferential Entry Deadline is 60 days prior to the first scheduled competition day.
		5.2.4 Entry applications (Rule 5.4.2) received no later than the Preferential Entry Deadline are ranked in order by Preference Number (and in case of ties, by date of application).
		5.2.5 At the Preferential Entry Deadline, applicants are assigned to available entry slots in order by rank. Any surplus of applications forms a ranked standby list.
		5.2.6 ‡ Prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline, Contest organizers may designate up to 2 qualified pilots to be granted preferential entry regardless of their ranking score. These entrants shall be in addition to the maximum number designated per Rule 5.1.1.2.1 (but the maximum of 65 sailplanes shall not be exceeded). This rule is intended for use on behalf of those who have contributed significantly to contest organization and operation.
		5.2.7 After the Preferential Entry Deadline, applicants are admitted to open entry slots in order from the standby list.
		5.2.8 The position of a prospective entrant who has not appeared and paid the full entry fee by 9:00 of a class's first scheduled competition day is considered to be open and available to a pilot on the standby list.
		5.2.9 Foreign Pilots
			5.2.9.1 Foreign pilots (Rule 5.1.5.1) with a Pilot Ranking score (Rule 5.2.1) greater than zero are eligible for entry in the same way as US pilots.
			5.2.9.2 Unranked foreign pilots are eligible for entry under the following rules:
				5.2.9.2.1 Two preferential entry positions are available. Priority for these goes to one pilot per foreign country, by date of application.
				5.2.9.2.2 If one of these positions remains open at the Preferential Entry Deadline, it can be taken by an additional foreign pilot from the country already represented, with priority by date of application.
				5.2.9.2.3 Unranked foreign applicants are included among those eligible for entry from the standby list (Rule 5.2.5 - Rule 5.2.7).
	5.3 Fees
		5.3.1 The entry fee will be as announced. A deposit is required when an entry application is submitted. The sponsor may impose a surcharge for entries received after the Preferential Entry Deadline.
		5.3.2 Fee Amounts
			5.3.2.1 Entry fees
				5.3.2.1.1 † The maximum fixed entry fee shall be:
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 7-day contest, $565 per entry.
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 8-day contest, $605 per entry.
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 9-day contest, $645 per entry.
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 10-day contest, $685 per entry.
				5.3.2.1.2 ‡ The maximum variable entry fee shall be $300 per entry plus $48 per aerotow.
				5.3.2.1.3 ‡ These amounts may be increased to cover pre-existing local per-pilot fees that apply to all pilots (not solely pilots entered in a competition) who fly at the contest site, up to a maximum of $25. Organizers must fully explain such local fees on the Application for Sanction form.
			5.3.2.3 The entry deposit is $100.
			5.3.2.4 The maximum late-entry surcharge is $100.
			5.3.2.5 Sanction fees
				5.3.2.5.1 Of the entry fee, $60 represents the sanction fee.
				5.3.2.5.2 Sanction fees are to be paid by contest sponsors to the SSA at the conclusion of the contest. If the competition is not Official (Rule 4.4, Rule 5.1.1.1), half the fee is paid to the SSA and the remainder is refunded to entrants.
			5.3.2.6 Rules governing fee amounts shall be those in effect at the start of competition. If these have been altered between the time the contest was granted its sanction and the start of competition, the new fees and fee limits shall apply.
		5.3.3 When a fixed entry fee has been announced, it includes a number of aerotows equal to the number of scheduled competition days, for use during the period of the contest. But aerotows taken after the start of competition for practice purposes are not covered under this rule.
		5.3.4 The deadline for canceling an entry with full refund of fees paid is 14 days prior to the first scheduled competition day; after this time, money will be refunded at the discretion of the Contest Manager. But an applicant on the Standby list who cancels immediately upon notification that an entry position has become open receives a full refund.
	5.4 Pilot Qualifications and Requirements
		5.4.1 Experience requirements
			5.4.1.1 Each entrant shall meet one or more of the following experience requirements:
				5.4.1.1.1 Have a Pilot Ranking Score (Rule 5.2.1) greater than zero.
				5.4.1.1.2 Present evidence both of having completed a previous National soaring contest and of recent cross-country soaring experience.
				5.4.1.1.3 Foreign pilots may present evidence of having earned the FAI Gold Badge and of experience in soaring competition.
		5.4.2 Entry application requirements
			5.4.2.1 To be considered for entry, an applicant must submit the following to the contest organizers:
				5.4.2.1.1 An SSA number indicating voting or student SSA membership valid through the last scheduled competition day
				5.4.2.1.2 Evidence of meeting the experience requirements of Rule 5.4.1.
				5.4.2.1.3 The entry deposit (Rule 5.3.2.3)
				5.4.2.1.4 A Pilot Ranking score, if earned in the current year (Rule 5.2.1)
				5.4.2.1.5 ‡ † Not applicable
				5.4.2.1.6 If the applicant is a Foreign pilot, declaration of country of citizenship
			5.4.2.2 The date of application is the date on which these submissions are completed.
		5.4.3 Contest registration requirements
			5.4.3.1 ‡ In addition to the requirements of Rule 5.4.2, at contest registration each entrant must:
				5.4.3.1.1 ‡ Present proof of holding a valid FAA Private or Commercial Glider Pilot Certificate (or the equivalent from another country).
				5.4.3.1.2 ‡ Register and declare the sailplane to be flown. A sailplane will be accepted provided it meets all applicable provisions of these rules.
				5.4.3.1.3 ‡ Present proof of ownership of the registered sailplane, or permission of the owner to fly the sailplane in the competition.
				5.4.3.1.4 ‡ Present a copy of the coverage page of an insurance policy applicable to the registered sailplane, effective through the final scheduled competition day, showing coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage liability.
				5.4.3.1.5 ‡ Complete the contest registration form and the waiver/signature form.
				5.4.3.1.6 ‡ Pay the balance of fees owed.
			5.4.3.2 Entry Deadline Registration must be complete by 09:00 of the first scheduled competition day; no entries will be accepted later than this.
		5.4.4 ‡ Tow pilot requirements Prior to conducting any tow operations, pilots of aircraft that provide launches of contest sailplanes must:
			• Present proof of ownership of the tow aircraft, or permission of the owner for its use in contest towing operations.
			• Receive a briefing from the Chief Tow Pilot
	5.5 Notification of Acceptance Within two weeks after the preferential entry deadline, a notice of acceptance will be sent to each successful applicant. This notice will confirm the dates of the contest and specify the control points to be used.
	5.6 Pilot's Kit At registration, each entrant will receive a package of contest-related information and documents, as follows:
		5.6.1 Required
			5.6.1.1 A diagram of the contest site showing runways, taxiways, trailer tie-down areas, vehicle routes, and start, finish, relight and gridding areas.
			5.6.1.2 A map or diagram showing the location of all control points.
			5.6.1.3 Communication procedures for off-site landings.
			5.6.1.4 A list of all key contest personnel (Rule 3.1).
			5.6.1.5 ‡ The following items described elsewhere:
				• List of control points (Rule 10.4.6)
				• Official database of closed airspace (Rule 10.12.4)
				• List of designated airfields (Rule 10.10.3.2)
		5.6.2 Suggested
			5.6.2.1 A map or diagram showing local names for geographic features.
			5.6.2.2 A roadmap covering the contest area.
	5.7 † Eligible sailplanes - see Rule 6.12.
	5.8 Guests
		5.8.1 In addition to foreign pilots (Rule 5.1.5) organizers may, at their discretion, accomodate other pilots who wish to fly as guests.
		5.8.2 Guest pilots must meet all the provisions of Rule 5.0, including the specific requirements of Rule 5.4.
		5.8.3 Organizers may set a partial or pro-rated fee for a guest pilot who wishes to fly only part of a contest. Such a partial fee should cover daily costs and a reasonable share of fixed costs.
		5.8.4 Guests are expected to comply with all rules, and are specifically enjoined from providing aid to other pilots during flight.
		5.8.5 The performance of guest pilots shall not influence the scoring or ranking of regular entrants.
		5.8.6 Guest entrants are ineligible for the tangible awards of Rule 7.0.
6.0 SAILPLANES AND EQUIPMENT
	6.1 General
		6.1.1 A sailplane must have a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the civil aviation authority of the country in which it is registered. It must comply with applicable US Federal Aviation Regulations and meet all the requirements of the class in which it is entered.
		6.1.2 The CD has the right to inspect equipment at any time during the contest.
		6.1.3 Exchange of components
			6.1.3.1 A sailplane's major components include the fuselage, wings (including separable wingtips), empennage, and power unit (in the case of a motorized sailplane).
			6.1.3.2 Except as provided in these Rules, the exchange of a sailplane or major component is not allowed.
			6.1.3.3 If the CD determines that a sailplane was damaged through no fault of the pilot or crew, exchange is permitted provided the replacement exactly matches the damaged component.
			6.1.3.4 In the case of damage to separable wingtips whose span is less than 40 inches, exchange is permitted without considering fault and without the requirement that the replacement be an exact match. The CD must be informed and such an exchange may not be done more than once during a contest.
		6.1.4 Official Configuration
			6.1.4.1 A sailplane's official configuration is the one used during the first competition takeoff.
			6.1.4.2 Except as provided in these Rules, the official configuration may not be altered unless such alteration may be performed in flight.
	6.2 Contest ID
		6.2.1 Each entrant must have a unique Contest ID, consisting of up to three characters (letters or digits). If more than one entrant wishes to use a certain ID, preference will be given first to the entrant using an ID officially assigned by the SSA and second to the entrant who first registered for the competition.
		6.2.2 The Contest ID shall be displayed in a contrasting color on both sides of the vertical tail (minimum height 12 inches) and under the right wing (bottom of ID toward the trailing edge of the wing; minimum height is the smaller of 24 inches or 90% of the wing chord excluding a control surface).
	6.3 Motorized sailplanes
		6.3.1 A motorized sailplane is one that incorporates a power unit available for use in flight that adds energy to the air through which the sailplane flies.
		6.3.2 Unless otherwise specified in Rule 6.12, motorized sailplanes are not permitted.
		6.3.3 If motorized sailplanes are permitted, the following rules apply:
			6.3.3.1 ‡ Each motorized sailplane must carry a flight recorder capable of showing when the power unit is used. Each flight is scored up to the latest fix prior to use of the power unit.
			6.3.3.2 ‡ If a flight log shows no valid fixes for a period of longer than one minute, the flight will be scored as if the power unit had been used.
			6.3.3.3 ‡ The pilot of a motorized sailplane may elect to use the power unit after an outlanding.
			6.3.3.4 ‡ It shall be the responsibility of the pilot to supply the equipment necessary to meet and ensure compliance with the provisions of this rule, and to demonstrate its satisfactory operation to the CD and the Scorer prior to the start of competition.
			6.3.3.5 ‡ Self-launching may be done, in accordance with Rule 10.6.3.
			6.3.3.6 ‡ Except for self-launch, any use of the power unit ends competition flying for the day. The pilot shall return to the home airfield without attempting to proceed further on task; failure to comply can be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
	6.4 Multi-place sailplanes
		6.4.1 Multi-place sailplanes may be entered in any class whose rules they meet.
		6.4.2 Except as provided in Rule 6.12, multi-place sailplanes may be flown solo or with passenger(s); in all cases weight restrictions must be met.
		6.4.3 Two pilots in a multi-place sailplane are not a team entry unless team entries are allowed and the specific provisions of Rule 5.1.2.3 are met.
	6.5 Required Equipment
		6.5.1 Parachutes Each occupant of a sailplane must be protected by a parachute. This can be accomplished by either of the following:
			6.5.1.1 Each occupant wears a parachute.
			6.5.1.2 The sailplane is fitted with a ballistic parachute system approved by the sailplane manufacturer and designed to safely lower the plane and all occupants to the ground.
		6.5.2 Emergency Locator Transmitters When announced by contest organizers prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline, an impact-activated Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is required in every sailplane. The ELT must be a standard production model produced in quantity by a reputable manufacturer.
	6.6 Restricted Equipment
		6.6.1 Each sailplane is prohibited from carrying any instrument which:
			• Permits flight without reference to the ground.
			• Is capable of measuring air motion or temperature at a distance greater than one wingspan.
		6.6.2 An external cleaning device is any device with moving parts designed to clean the exterior of the sailplane during flight. In certain classes (Rule 6.12), the use of such devices is prohibited.
		6.6.3 Carrying any two-way communication device other than a standard aircraft-band VHF radio and a wireless telephone is prohibited.
		6.6.4 Other than an aircraft-band VHF radio, any device that allows in-flight access to weather data is prohibited.
		6.6.5 Violations of any provisions of this Rule are considered Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
	6.7 Flight Documentation equipment
		6.7.1 All flight documentation is accomplished with Flight Recorders.
		6.7.2 Definitions
			Flight Recorder - A device that makes a continuous computerized log of a sailplane's position.
			Flight log - The record of a flight made by a Flight Recorder and transferred to a scoring computer.
			Fix - the record of a single position point, including time, latitude, longitude and altitude. A valid fix is one that lies along the flight track of the sailplane, and is not displaced from that flight track by an implausible distance or time. Throughout these Rules, only valid fixes are considered; invalid fixes are ignored.
		6.7.3 Flight recorder requirements Flight recorders used for flight documentation must:
			• Be a standard production model produced in quantity by a reputable manufacturer.
			• Record position fixes consisting of time, latitude, longitude and altitude.
			• Provide horizontal position referenced to the WGS-84 geographic datum.
			• Be capable of an interval between fixes of 15 seconds or less.[
			• If used in a motorized sailplane, provide a means of determining when the power unit was used (unless a separate means is provided).
			• If used as primary flight documentation for a score that will count towards U.S. Team selection, be of a make and model that has received IGC approval as Secure.
			• If implemented as software that runs on a computer readily programmable by the user (such as a PDA or handheld computer), be IGC-approved as Secure.
		6.7.4 Altitude recording
			6.7.4.1 A Flight Recorder may record altitude derived from a calculated position. The estimated altitude inaccuracy shall be applied in a way unfavorable to the pilot (if the flight log does not include a reliable estimate of this inaccuracy, a value of 75 feet shall be used).
			6.7.4.2 A Flight Recorder may record a calibratable pressure altitude. If such a device is used in circumstances where altitude is needed, the altitude inaccuracy determined from the best available calibration data shall be applied in a way unfavorable to the pilot.
			6.7.4.3 If a Flight Recorder records both calculated and pressure altitude, pressure altitude will be the primary data source and calculated altitude will be the backup data source for flight evaluation.
		6.7.5 Data Format The flight log from a Flght Recorder must be in (or readily convertible to) a file that fully conforms to the IGC standard format. A valid log file must include:
			• A unique Flight Recorder ID.
			• The date of the flight.
			• The entrant's competition ID and name.
			• A record of fixes.
		6.7.6 Data Transfer to Scorer
			6.7.6.1 A flight log may be submitted to the Scorer via any data medium or transmission scheme suitable to the Scorer.
			6.7.6.2 An alternate submission scheme is to transfer the flight log from the flight recorder directly to the scoring computer.
			6.7.6.3 The Scorer has the right to request a re-transfer of a flight log directly from a Flight Recorder to check security or to replace missing or damaged data. Such request must be made no later than 9:00 on the day following the flight. A pilot who fails to comply with such a request receives no credit for the flight in question.
		6.7.7 Accessories It is the responsibility of each entrant, prior to the start of competition, to ensure that Scorer is provided with all software and hardware (cables, etc.) needed to transfer, convert, and check flight logs and to demonstrate their satisfactory operation.
	6.8 Weight
		6.8.1 General
			6.8.1.1 No sailplane shall compete at a weight greater than the maximum certificated gross weight in the country of origin or 1653 pounds (750 kilograms), whichever is less.
			6.8.1.2 † No-ballast rules shall apply.
			6.8.1.3 No-ballast rules
				6.8.1.3.1 Disposable ballast is prohibited, except that sailplanes may carry disposable tail ballast.
				6.8.1.3.2 Fixed ballast is permitted, but not more than an amount that brings the sailplane to its maximum handicap weight, as defined in the SSA Sailplane Handicap list.
		6.8.2 Weighing
			6.8.2.1 Official weighing may be done on the grid or as sailplanes are moved to the grid.
			6.8.2.2 If at an official weighing a sailplane is found to be out of tolerance, the weight of that sailplane must immediately be altered to a legal value. If the amount out of tolerance was more than 25 pounds, a penalty will be applied.
			6.8.2.3 After official weighing or gridding, weight may not be altered so as to be out of tolerance, and may not be increased more than 5 pounds above the weight at weighing or gridding.
	6.9 Wingspan
		6.9.1 The Wingspan is defined as the length of the horizontal projection of the wings, from one extreme tip point to the other, with the wings in their completely unloaded "zero-G" shape. Wingspan may be measured by any suitable means, provided the wings are supported to reasonably approximate the unloaded shape.
		6.9.2 If a nominal wingspan is specfied in Rule 6.12, the maximum span shall be the nominal wingspan plus 2.5 centimeters. No sailplane whose wingspan exceeds the maximum span shall be allowed to compete.
	6.10 Towropes
		6.10.1 Contest organizers shall provide towropes of a strength suitable for typical maximum glider weights. Entrants with unusually lightweight gliders may provide their own weak links.
		6.10.2 Contest towropes shall employ standard Tost rings. Entrants with gliders needing different rings must supply them.
	6.11 Electronic Communication Equipment
		6.11.1 Each entrant is expected to have a properly-functioning aircraft-band VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving on 123.3 MHz and 123.5 MHz.
		6.11.2 Electronic navigation receivers must conform to the restrictions of Rule 6.6.
		6.11.3 Wireless telephony is restricted to emergency and ground use only.
	6.12 † Sailplanes Participation of all types and sizes of sailplanes is encouraged in the Sport Class.
		6.12.1 † Handicapping based on relative performance will be used to minimize the differences in sailplanes (Rule 11.5.1).
		6.12.2 † Motorized sailplanes are permitted (Rule 6.3.3).
		6.12.3 † The use of external cleaning devices (Rule 6.6.2) is prohibited.
7.0 AWARDS
	7.1 † Awards will be made to regular entrants credited with the following achievements:
		• † Highest final score - The Latimore Trophy.
		• † Highest final score by a junior entrant - Bronze Medallion
		• † Best sportsmanship (as determined by the Contest Competition Committee) - The Ed Finegan Trophy
	7.2 † Non-guest pilots will be ranked and SSA Awards provided as follows:
		Gold Award - Highest final score
		Silver Award - Second highest final score
		Bronze Awards - Third through Xth highest final score
		X = 10 for 50 or more entrants
		X = 9 for 45-49 entrants
		X = 8 for 40-44 entrants, etc.
	7.3 An award may be presented to the pilot having the highest final class score in a U.S. designed and built sailplane provided this score is at least 60% of the highest final class score.
	7.4 ‡ Not applicabble
	7.5 In the case of ties, duplicate awards will be presented.
	7.6 Awards may be made for the highest scores on each contest day.
	7.7 Commemorative awards are encouraged for all entrants.
	7.8 † Awards for Best Team, Multi-place or Homebuilt Sailplanes, Feminine or Junior Pilot, etc. are encouraged. For a Team award, no team member shall fly more than 70% of the tasks.
8.0 PROTEST
	8.1 Each entrant is expected to follow these rules and the rulings of the Competition Director, who is the enforcer and arbiter of these rules. For a protest against a ruling of the CD to be sustained there must be clear evidence that a provision of these Rules was not followed.
	8.2 If an entrant feels that an incident or interpretation of these rules has caused an inequity, a formal protest, in writing, must be delivered to the CD within 24 hours of the protested incident or act. In arriving at a decision, the CD shall seek advice from the Contest Competition Committee. He may ask for statements from witnesses, etc. The CD shall make a prompt response, in writing, giving the reason for the decision. The decision must be announced within 24 hours of receipt of the written protest.
	8.3 Appeal of a decision of the CD shall be directed to the SSA Contest Committee Chairman and must include all relevant documents such as the written protest, the CD's written decision, statements of witnesses, etc. The appeal must be mailed to the SSA within ten days of the CD's decision. The Chairman of the SSA Contest Committee shall seek advice from members of the SSA Rules Committee, and shall make a prompt response, in writing, giving a decision and the reason for it.
	8.4 Further appeal may be directed to the SSA Board of Directors which may revise or let stand the decision of the Contest Committee. If the SSA Board of Directors elects to revise the decision, it shall make a prompt response in writing.
9.0 SAFETY A contest should be run with the greatest emphasis on safety. No phase of the operation of the contest or interest in competition can be allowed to compromise safety. Each pilot, crew member, and Contest Official must carry out his responsibility to prevent unsafe practice. The Contest Manager has the primary responsibility for the preparation of a safe plan of operation to be carried out by the Operations Director, CD, and other contest staff.
	9.1 A Safety Briefing will be made at each daily pilots' meeting. Suggested briefing subjects are start procedures, gaggle flying, maximum speeds, finish techniques, landing and rollout cautions, off-airport landings, and local concerns.
	9.2 Circling within 5 miles of the contest site or within an active start cylinder will be to the left.
	9.3 In-flight judgments affecting safety, including any decision to fly over rough terrain or hazardous areas, and evaluation of the safety of any potential landing site, are the sole responsibility of the pilot in command.
	9.4 Sailplanes and trailers will be tied down when unattended.
	9.5 ‡ The following are prohibited:
		• Aerobatics
		• Flying within clouds
		• Flight after Contest Sunset
	9.6 Test flights may be made before the launch line opens if authorized by the CD.
	9.7 The CD may declare a rest day if previous contest flying has created a potential fatigue problem for pilots.
	9.8 The sponsor shall make available a Safety Box for pilots (and officials) to anonymously submit written comments on any incident or action they feel should be brought to the attention of the CD. The CD shall review the contents of the Safety Box daily and take action as deemed appropriate.
	9.9 During take-off and landing operations, all pilots and towpilots should monitor the contest frequency for information pertaining to flight safety.
	9.10 Competitors are expected to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations applicable to non-transponder-equipped aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules.
	9.11 If an aircraft may have suffered damage, the CD has the right to ask that it be examined by a qualified inspector prior to further flight.
	9.12 ‡ Disqualification of an Unsafe Pilot
		• A pilot who, in the opinion of a Competition Director or Contest Manager, has demonstrated a problem or a history of safety related problems during participation in one or more contests is subject to review and action by the SSA. Such review will take place upon the submission by a CD or Contest Manager to the SSA Contest Committee Chairman of a written complaint stating the history of the alleged problem(s). This history should be as complete as possible and include statements by witnesses whenever applicable.
		• The complaint shall be reviewed by an Investigating Committee consisting of the Chairman of the Contest Committee and the SSA Rules Subcommittee. Witnesses may be interviewed for additional information. If the complaint appears credible, it will be discussed in detail with the pilot, if he or she is willing to discuss the complaint. The Investigating Committee will present its findings in writing to the SSA Board of Directors, along with a recommendation for action. Such recommendation may be for no action, counseling, probation, restriction to certain types and/or levels of competition, a ban from competition for a specified period, or a permanent ban. The final action taken shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
		• The Investigating Committee shall when feasible make its recommendation within 30 days of the submission of a request for review.
10.0 CONTEST FLYING
	10.1 Daily Times
		10.1.1 Time of earliest soarable weather - estimated by the CD based on the daily weather forecast.
		10.1.2 ‡ Grid Time - the time at which all sailplanes shall be on the launch grid, as specified by the CD each day. This time will not be less than one hour after the close of the daily pilots' meeting, but should be at least 25 minutes before the expected time of the first launch.
		10.1.3 ‡ Launch Begins - as announced by the CD, but not sooner than 25 minutes after grid time or the end of a pilots' meeting held prior to the first launch.
		10.1.4 Start Opens - at the time of the first launch.
		10.1.5 Task Opens - at a time designated by the CD, about 15 minutes after the last competitor who accepts his designated launch starts his takeoff roll.
		10.1.6 Finish Opens - at the time of first launch.
		10.1.7 ‡ Launch Line Closes - three hours before Contest Sunset, unless extended by the CD.
		10.1.8 ‡ Contest Sunset - the CD shall designate a Contest Sunset time, which shall be approximately 10 minutes prior to the earliest time of sunset at the contest site during the period of competition.
		10.1.9 ‡ Start Closes - 30 minutes prior to Contest Sunset time.
		10.1.10 ‡ Finish Closes - at Contest Sunset time.
	10.2 Meetings
		10.2.1 ‡ A mandatory pilots' contest briefing will be held prior to the first competition launch (a pilot not in attendance must be briefed by the CD prior to that pilot's first competition flight). The purpose of this briefing is to discuss competition rules, Start/Finish procedures, airport operations and contest safety. At this meeting pilots will indicate partners for their Critical Assembly Check.
		10.2.2 ‡ A daily pilots' meeting will be held prior to launch with the following suggested format:
			• Contest Manager - Administrative announcements, results of previous task.
			• Operations Director - Operational comments, gridding and launch.
			• Meteorologist - Weather briefing, current NOTAM information as supplied by the Federal Aviation Administration
			• Competition Director - Safety briefing, proposed and alternate tasks.
		10.2.3 ‡ After Grid Time, the CD may call a pilots' meeting near the launch line to confirm or change the task to be flown. The CD shall ensure that each pilot is aware of the task.
		10.2.4 ‡ The CD may change the task after the launch has begun but before the task opens. The task change will be announced by radio and a roll call (in alphanumeric order by contest ID when practical) made to verify that each pilot not already informed of the change is aware of the announcement. If a pilot fails to respond, the CD will re-transmit the information to that pilot, and will then assume that the pilot has the new information.
	10.3 Tasks
		10.3.1 General
			10.3.1.1 † Task Parameters
				• † Standard Minimum Task Distance: 50 miles
				• † Standard Minimum Task Time: 3.0 hours
				• Standard Task Time: 4.0 hours
				• Minimum length of first leg: 5 miles
				• Minimum length of subsequent task legs: 2 miles
				• Maximum number of task legs: 11
			10.3.1.2 Task Selection - Tasks should be selected so as to provide variety and challenge. The CD should consult all available meteorological resources and seek the advice of Task Advisory Committee (Rule 3.1.5). CDs are expected to use a mix of task types, lengths and directions, as conditions dictate. Specific task-setting guidelines are found in the Guide to the Rules; CDs should be familiar with these guidelines.
			10.3.1.3 Normal Task - Tasks should make as full use of the available soaring weather as is practical. When feasible, tasks should be set so that the expected minimum completion time is not less than the Standard Task Time. Yet a task should be short enough that a pilot who starts as soon as the task opens and who achieves 75% of the expected winning speed is able to finish. A time-limited task should normally allow a maximum possible distance at least 130% of that achievable in the designated minimum time at the expected winning speed.
			10.3.1.4 † Minimum Task - The minimum handicapped distance of a task for which a finish will be awarded is the Standard Minimum Task Distance.
			10.3.1.5 Maximum Task - Tasks should be set such that the total time on course of the highest-scoring flights on any two consecutive days is less than 10 hours. But, consistent with this and as conditions allow, it is appropriate for the CD to set occasional tasks that are substantially longer than the Standard Task Time.
		10.3.2 Task Types
			10.3.2.1 † Assigned Task - not used.
			10.3.2.2 Modified Assigned Task (MAT) - Speed over a course of one or more turnpoints, with a finish at the contest site.
				10.3.2.2.1 The CD shall designate a minimum flight time.
				10.3.2.2.2 The CD may designate from zero to 11 turnpoints. Designated turnpoints must be attempted in the designated sequence, but a pilot may elect to finish after any turnpoint in the sequence.
				10.3.2.2.3 A pilot who achieves all designated turnpoints may elect to fly to additional turnpoints. Such pilot-selected turnpoints must comply with any restrictions the CD has imposed under Rule 10.3.2.2.4, and no turnpoint may be repeated unless at least two intervening turnpoints are claimed (the Start and the Finish are not turnpoints).
				10.3.2.2.4 The CD may restrict:
					• The maximum number of turnpoints to a number less than the normal maximum of 11
					• The number of times any particular turnpoint may be claimed
					• The choice of the first turnpoint (applies only if the CD designates no turnpoints per Rule 10.3.2.2.2)
				10.3.2.2.5 The CD may designate a final turnpoint that all pilots must use immediately prior to a finish. This final turnpoint shall be no further than 5 miles from the finish (line or cylinder perimeter).
			10.3.2.3 Turn Area Task (TAT) - Speed over a course through one or more turn areas, with a finish at the contest site.
				10.3.2.3.1 Turn areas are turnpoints with a designated radius defining a cylinder.
				10.3.2.3.2 The CD shall designate a minimum flight time, a sequence of one or more turnpoints and a radius for each which shall be an integral number of miles not greater than 30.
				10.3.2.3.3 Turnpoint cylinders shall be chosen so that no task leg can be shorter than the restrictions imposed by Rule 10.3.1.1.
	10.4 Control Points
		10.4.1 Control points include turnpoints and Start and Finish points. All control points should be selected prior to the contest.
		10.4.2 Each control point shall be assigned a unique numeric ID and name.
		10.4.3 The latitude and longitude of each control point shall be determined (coordinates of a gate will refer to the center of the gate). Coordinates of points that coincide with a ground feature shall be accurate to 200 feet or better based on the WGS-84 datum.
		10.4.4 The elevation of each control point and the home field shall be determined, with an accuracy of 50 ft or better.
		10.4.5 A point to be used as a finish gate shall include the true track of a glider crossing perpendicular to the gate, accurate to 5 degrees or better.
		10.4.6 Control point publication
			10.4.6.1 ‡ An official list of all control points (in both printed and electronic form) shall be made available no later than 30 days prior to the first scheduled competition day. The standard format for electronic control point data shall be the Cambridge .DAT format.
			10.4.6.2 ‡ An official list of all control points shall be included in each pilot's kit.
			10.4.6.3 ‡ Each control point list shall include a publication date or version number, and all the information specified in Rule 10.4.2 through Rule 10.4.5.
			10.4.6.4 ‡ If after distribution of any pilot kit, changes to the official control point list are necessary, the CD will ensure that each pilot receives an updated copy and acknowledges receipt by signature.
	10.5 Flight Documentation
		10.5.1 General
			10.5.1.1 All contest flights shall be documented by means of a Flight Recorder (Rule 10.5.2).
			10.5.1.2 Flight Documentation consists of a Flight Log and any Task Claim form pertinent to the flight.
			10.5.1.3 Task Claim Form
				10.5.1.3.1 A Task Claim Form is submitted to the Scorer in the following circumstances:
					• A Modified Assigned task was flown
					• A Safety finish (Rule 10.9.5.3) is claimed
					• The pilot of a motorized sailplane used the power unit after launching
					• Flight Documentation includes an incomplete flight log
				10.5.1.3.2 After scores have been calculated and before they are Official, any pilot may submit a subsequent Task Claim form for the purpose of obtaining a more accurate score (Rule 11.2.2.8).
			10.5.1.4 The CD and the Scorer shall ensure that all flight documentation is promptly analyzed. Documentation turned in by 20:00 should be analyzed before the next pilots' meeting. Documentation turned in later than 20:00 should be analyzed before 12:00 the next day.
			10.5.1.5 The Scorer shall make daily flight documentation available for inspection by any entrant. This requirement can be satisfied by posting each day's flight documentation in an accessible place on a common storage medium (e.g. compact disk).
			10.5.1.6 Except as noted below, at the end of the competition the Scorer will publish all flight documentation to a publicly accessible website.
				• An entrant may elect to withdraw one or more logs from post-contest publication.
		10.5.2 Flight log requirements
			10.5.2.1 A valid flight log is one that:
				• Passes applicable security checks.
				• Shows the takeoff, the path of the flight, and the landing.
				• Has a typical interval between fixes of 15 seconds or less.
				• Between takeoff and landing, shows no interval between fixes exceeding 15 minutes.
			10.5.2.2 At any control point, valid control requires that the flight log show the entire path of the sailplane within 2 miles of the control cylinder.
		10.5.3 Turnpoint control
			10.5.3.1 The standard turnpoint radius is 1.0 miles; this applies except when the CD declares a different radius as part of a Turn Area Task.
			10.5.3.2 Proper control at a turnpoint requires at least one fix whose distance to the turnpoint is not greater than the turnpoint radius.
			10.5.3.3 If the closest fix is outside the turnpoint radius, a miss distance shall be calculated: it is the distance from the closest fix to the turnpoint, minus the turnpoint radius. If the miss distance is not greater than 1 mile, turnpoint control is valid but a penalty applies (Rule 12.1.4.1) ; if greater than 1 mile, there is no valid control.
		10.5.4 Incomplete flight log