Soaring Society of America

U.S. Regional FAI-Class
Competition Rules

Contest Year 2005

6 April 2005

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. Regional FAI-Class Competition Rules.

Appendix B Standard Class Maximum Weights.

Appendix C Index to the U.S. Regional FAI-Class Competition Rules.

Rule numbers as links point to "Guide Comments"
‡ -> marks rule changed for 2005
† -> rule differs from the corresponding National FAI Class Rule

1.0 † PURPOSE The purpose of the Regional Soaring Championships is to determine a Regional Champion and rank all other entrants in each class, and to provide a basis for pilots to qualify for entry into future National Championships.
2.0 GENERAL
	2.1 Soaring Championships are organized in accordance with the Sporting Code of the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale), 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 period of competition only.
	4.2 † The period of competition may be five, six, or seven days, in not more than three periods, as selected by the sponsor on the sanction application. No rain dates will be approved.
	4.3 † An unofficial practice period may be scheduled prior to the first competition day.
	4.4 † For an official Regional Championship, there must be a minimum of two valid competition days as defined in Rule 11.1.
5.0 ENTRIES
	5.1 Entrants
		5.1.1 Number
			5.1.1.1 † Minimum - For an Official competition, a class must have at least five entrants whose final score is greater than zero.
			5.1.1.2 Maximum
				5.1.1.2.1 The total number of entrants is limited to 65, unless a different number is requested by contest organizers 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 ‡ † Applicants to an oversubscribed contest shall be accepted without regard for the competition class to which they have applied.
		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 intends to act as pilot-in-command. Each team pilot must meet all eligibility requirements. To earn a position on the SSA Pilot Ranking List, a team pilot must act as pilot-in-command on at least 30% of valid competition days. The CD shall be informed which team pilot is to act as pilot-in-command prior to each contest flight.
			5.1.2.4 † The type of entry must be declared at registration and may not change after the first contest launch.
		5.1.3 Shared sailplane - Two or more single-pilot entrants may share one sailplane. Each must use a unique contest ID and each is scored separately. One sharing entrant must pay the full entry fee, and all sharing entrants must pay the SSA sanction fee. The CD shall be informed which pilot is to act as pilot-in-command prior to each contest flight.
		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 fly as regular entrants and are fully eligible to receive awards.
	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-sanctiond 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.
		5.2.3 ‡ The Preferential Entry Deadline is 60 days prior to the first scheduled competition day.
		5.2.4 ‡ † Applications received no later than the Preferential Entry Deadline are ranked in the following order, without regard to entry class:
			• ‡ † Pilots residing within the region, by preference number (and in case of ties, by date of application).
			• ‡ † Pilots residing outside the region, 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 ‡ Applications received later than the Preferential Entry Deadline are ranked by date of application (and in case of ties, by preference number) and added to the standby list.
		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).
		5.2.10 ‡ † Entrants accepted into an oversubscribed contest may not change classes.
	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 5-day contest, $325 per entry.
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 6-day contest, $360 per entry.
					• ‡ † For a scheduled 7-day contest, $395 per entry.
				5.3.2.1.2 ‡ † The maximum variable entry fee shall be $190 per entry plus $41 per aerotow.
				5.3.2.1.3 ‡ These amounts may be increased to cover local per-pilot fees that apply to all who fly at the contest site, up to a maximum of $25. Organizers must fully explain and justify 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 $50.
			5.3.2.5 ‡ Sanction fees
				5.3.2.5.1 ‡ † Of the entry fee, $45 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 ‡ † Present proof of having earned the FAI Silver Badge and the Gold Badge distance leg.
		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 ‡ Declaration of the competition class to which entry is sought
				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 an 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 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 proof of insurance for the registered sailplane, with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage liability.
				5.4.3.1.5 ‡ Complete and sign the contest registration form.
				5.4.3.1.6 ‡ Pay the required entry fee.
			5.4.3.4 ‡ Registration must be complete by 09:00 of the first scheduled competition day; no entries will be accepted later than this.
	5.5 Deadline - No entries will be accepted after 09:00 of the scheduled first competition day.
	5.6 ‡ 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.
	5.7 Pilot's Kit At registration, each entrant will receive a package of contest-related information and documents, as follows:
		5.7.1 Required
			5.7.1.1 A diagram of the contest site showing runways, taxiways, trailer tie-down areas, vehicle routes, and start, finish, relight and gridding areas.
			5.7.1.2 A map or diagram showing the location of all control points.
			5.7.1.3 Communication procedures for off-site landings.
			5.7.1.4 A list of all key contest personnel (Rule 3.1).
			5.7.1.5 The following items described elsewhere:
				• List of control points (Rule 10.4.6)
				• Official database of forbidden airspace (Rule 10.11.4)
				• List of designated airfields
		5.7.2 Suggested
			5.7.2.1 A map or diagram showing local names for geographic features.
			5.7.2.2 A roadmap covering the contest area.
	5.8 † Competition Classes - Regional FAI-class competitions include one or more of the classes described in Rule 6.12.
	5.9 Guests
		5.9.1 † Organizers may, at their discretion, accommodate pilots who wish to fly as guests.
		5.9.2 Guest pilots must meet all the provisions of Rule 5.0, including the specific requirements of Rule 5.4.
		5.9.3 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.
		5.9.4 Guests are expected to comply with all rules, and are specifically enjoined from providing aid to other pilots during flight.
		5.9.5 The performance of guest pilots shall not influence the scoring or ranking of regular entrants.
		5.9.6 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 † In Regional competitions, motorized sailplanes are permitted.
		6.3.3 If motorized sailplanes are permitted, the following rules apply:
			6.3.3.1 Each sailplane must incorporate a sealing method that shows whether the power unit has been used during flight. This seal shall be inspected by a Contest Official before and after each contest flight.
			6.3.3.2 If a sailplane carries a flight recorder or other equipment capable of showing when the power unit is used and when turnpoints are reached, and if post-flight analysis shows that the equipment functioned properly and that the power unit was used during the flight, then the flight will be scored as if the sailplane had landed at the last turnpoint achieved before the power unit was first used. Otherwise, use of the power unit during a contest flight or the failure of the sealing/monitoring equipment will result in no score.
			6.3.3.3 The pilot of a motorized sailplane may use the power unit after an outlanding. The flight that ended with the outlanding will be scored normally if the pilot can prove that the power unit was not used prior to the outlanding. Such proof can be provided by the equipment referred to in Rule 6.3.3.1, or by a signed statement of a landing witness attesting to the fact that the power unit seal was intact upon landing.
			6.3.3.4 It shall be the responsibility of the pilot to supply all equipment necessary to meet and ensure compliance with the provisions of this rule, and to demonstrate the satisfactory operation of the equipment to the CD prior to the start of competition.
	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
			6.5.2.1 ‡ An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is an impact-activated device that meets the specifications of FAA TSO-C91,TSO-C91a or TSO-C126.
			6.5.2.2 ‡ An ELT is required in every sailplane at any contest where this requirement is specified by contest organizers prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline.
	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.
	6.7 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.
			• 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 is (or was formerly) IGC-approved as Secure.
			• A device that consists of software that runs on a computer readily programmable by the user (such as a PDA or handheld computer) is not acceptable unless such a device is IGC-approved as Secure.
		6.7.4 Altitude recording
			6.7.4.1 A Flight Recorder may record no altitude. Such a device is permitted in circumstances where altitude information is not needed; the altitude recorded in the flight log shall be zero for all fixes.
			6.7.4.2 A Flight Recorder may record altitude derived from a calculated position. If such a device is used in circumstances where altitude is needed, 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).
			6.7.4.3 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.
			6.7.4.4 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 Security
			6.7.6.1 If the Scorer is able to check the validity of a flight log file by means of a scheme provided by the Flight Recorder manufacturer, then a pilot may elect to submit an already-transferred flight log to the scorer on a convenient data medium.
			6.7.6.2 Otherwise, the flight log must be transferred from the Flight Recorder to the scoring computer under the control of the Scorer.
			6.7.6.3 The Scorer has the right to request a re-transfer of a flight log from a Flight Recorder to check security or to replace missing or damaged data. Such request must be made no later than the morning of the day following the flight.
		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 † Prior to the Preferential Entry deadline, organizers will announce whether no-ballast rules are in effect. During a contest that allows ballast, with unanimous consent of all regular entrants the CD may declare a day to be a no-ballast day.
			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.
				6.8.1.3.3 ‡ For a no-ballast contest (but not for a no-ballast day during a contest that otherwise allows disposable ballast), sailplanes shall at all times fly at a weight within 15 pounds of that used at the first competition takeoff.
		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 are permitted.
		6.11.3 ‡ Wireless telephony is restricted to emergency and ground use only.
		6.11.4 ‡ Use of other electronic devices capable of communication, including wireless data access devices, is prohibited.
	6.12 Sailplane Classes
		6.12.1 Open Class
			6.12.1.1 No nominal wingspan applies - an Open-class sailplane may change span at any time.
			6.12.1.2 No size or configuration restrictions apply - an Open-class sailplane may change configuration at any time.
			6.12.1.3 Motorized sailplanes are permitted (Rule 6.3.3).
		6.12.2 † Two-Seater Handicapped Class
			6.12.2.1 † Nominal wingspan is 20.0 meters.
			6.12.2.2 † Motorized sailplanes are permitted (Rule 6.3.3).
			6.12.2.3 † No-ballast rules shall apply (Rule 6.8.1.3).
			6.12.2.4 ‡ † Sailplanes must have sufficient seats to accommodate two adults. Two seats must be occupied during each contest flight.
			6.12.2.5 † Handicapping based on relative performance will be used; the maximum handicap used for scoring shall be 1.20.
			6.12.2.6 † Scoring formulas applicable to a Sport-class National contest shall be used.
		6.12.3 18-Meter Class
			6.12.3.1 Nominal wingspan is 18.0 meters.
			6.12.3.2 Motorized sailplanes are permitted (Rule 6.3.3).
		6.12.4 15-Meter Class
			6.12.4.1 Nominal wingspan is 15.0 meters.
		6.12.5 Standard Class
			6.12.5.1 Nominal wingspan is 15.0 meters.
			6.12.5.2 ‡ † Not Applicable
			6.12.5.3 Any method of changing the wing profile other than the normal use of ailerons is prohibited.
			6.12.5.4 The sailplane must be fitted with airbrakes which cannot be used to increase performance. Drag parachutes are prohibited.
			6.12.5.5 Modified 15-Meter Class or Open Class sailplanes are not permitted to compete in the Standard Class.
			6.12.5.6 Pilots of non-production Standard Class sailplanes must obtain a letter of approval from the SSA Contest Commitee before entry can be accepted.
		6.12.6 World Class
			6.12.6.1 No nominal wingspan applies - see below for configuration restrictions.
			6.12.6.2 No-ballast rules shall apply (Rule 6.8.1.3). Prior to the start of competiton, the CD shall designate a competition weight which shall be large enough to accomodate the heaviest entrant, but not larger than the maximum gross weight. Each sailplane shall carry sufficient fixed ballast to attain this designated weight.
			6.12.6.3 The configuration shall conform to the IGC rules for this class in all details, including span.
			6.12.6.4 The Standard Minimum Task Distance shall be 10 miles less than that specified in Rule 10.3.1.1.
			6.12.6.5 The use of external cleaning devices (Rule 6.6.2) is prohibited.
			6.12.6.6 † For an Official competition, the minimum number of entrants meeting the provisions of Rule 5.1.1.2 shall be three.
			6.12.6.7 † A pilot need not meet the requirements of Rule 5.4.1.4.
7.0 AWARDS
	7.1 † Not Applicable
	7.2 † Regular entrants will be ranked in each class and SSA Awards provided in each class as follows:
		Silver Award - Highest Final Score
		Bronze Awards - Second Through Xth Highest Score
		X = 2 for 10-19 entrants
		X = 3 for 20-29 entrants
		X = 4 for 30-39 entrants, etc.
		Guest entrants whose scores would qualify for a medallion will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
	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 In the case of ties, duplicate awards will be presented.
	7.5 Awards may be made for the highest scores on each contest day.
	7.6 Commemorative awards are encouraged for all entrants.
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 Aerobatics and flying within clouds are prohibited.
	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.
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. The CD will assign a grid time each day. This time will not be less than one hour after the close of the daily pilots' meeting, but should be at least one half hour before the time of the earliest expected first launch.
		10.1.3 Launch Begins - as announced by the CD, but not sooner than 15 minutes after grid time.
		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 sunset, unless extended by the CD.
		10.1.8 Sunset - as designated by the CD based on an average during the period of the competition.
		10.1.9 Start Closes - at sunset or all sailplanes reported down.
		10.1.10 Finish Closes - at sunset or all sailplanes reported down.
	10.2 Meetings
		10.2.1 A mandatory pilots' 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.
			• Competition Director - Safety briefing, proposed and alternate tasks.
		10.2.3 After Grid time, the CD may call a pilots' meeting at the front of the launch line to confirm (or rename) the task to be flown. The first launch should not be sooner than 20 minutes from the end of this meeting. 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) taken to verify that each pilot 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: 2.0 hours
				• † Standard Task Time: 2.5 hours
				• Minimum length of first leg: 5 miles
				• Minimum length of subsequesnt 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 scored 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 (AT)- Speed over a course of one or more designated turnpoints, with a finish at the contest site.
			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 25.
				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 A 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. An electronic version of this list in a standard format shall be made available to pilots who request it.
			10.4.6.3 Each list shall include a publication date or version number, and all the information specified in Rule 10.4.2 - Rule 10.4.5.
			10.4.6.4 If, after distribution of any pilot kit, changes to the 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 flight documentation shall be by Flight Recorder (Rule 10.5.2).
			10.5.1.2 Flight documentation must show that control points were achieved in the proper sequence; out-of-sequence points shall be ignored.
			10.5.1.3 The CD shall ensure that all flight documentation is analyzed. Documentation turned in by 20:00 should be analysed before the next pilots' meeting. Documentation turned in later than 20:00 should be analyzed before 12:00 the next day.
			10.5.1.4 Landing Cards and flight documentation shall remain in the custody of the CD and be made available for inspection by all competitors. Any protest shall be made in accordance with Rule 8.0 within 24 hours of the time that all documentation from a day's flying was made available for inspection. All flight documentation is subject to review by the SSA Contest Committee.
			10.5.1.5 At the end of the competition, any competitor may, at that competitor's expense, obtain copies of any flight documentation from contest organizers, except that an entrant may elect to suppress the post-contest publication of one or more flight logs.
		10.5.2 Flight log requirements
			10.5.2.1 A valid flight log is one that:
				•