Approved: November 2006

Revisions herein become Effective with Old Bird series races for year 2007

This revision: November 2006 and it Supersedes all Previous Editions.

Introduction

(1.00) Competition Standards

(2.00) Competition Standards Committee

(3.00) Responsibility for following AU Race Rules

(4.00) Membership Competition Requirements

(4.01) Club Level

(4.03) Partnerships General or Family

(4.10) Combine, Concourse, Association Level, Etc

(5.00) Race Schedules

(5.10) Average Speed Requirements

(6.00) Airline Surveys

(7.00) Racing

(7.04) Clocking Limits

(8.00) Clock Operations

(8.09) Setting of Clocks

(8.20) Opening of Clocks

(8.27) Reading of Tapes

(8.31) Checking Countermarks

(8.40) Clock Malfunctions

(8.56) Computer Clock Defects

(9.00) Capsules & Countermarks

(9.09) Approved Clocks

(10.01) Conveying and Liberating

(11.00) Tossing of Race Birds

(12.00) Competition Division Rules

(13.00) Time Out for Darkness (Deadtime)

(14.01) Closing of Races

(15.01) Race Velocity Computations

(15.04) Figuring Race Speeds

(15.06) Start to Clocking Time

(15.09) Time of Flight (Elapsed Time)

(15.10) Determining Mileage (or Airline Survey)

(15.13) Calculation Summary

(15.13) Calculation Assistance

(16.00) Electronic Band Scanning System

(16.06) EBSS Antenna Placement

(16.18) Approved EBSS systems

(17.00) Local Organizational Race Rule Amendments

(18.00) Organizational Compliance Format

The American Racing Pigeon Union has developed these rules as a national set of standards for all

competing organizations (Clubs, Combines, Associations, etc.) to:

1. Maintain organizational consistency and the highest standards of honesty,

integrity and sportsmanship in our competitions;

2. To make for fair competitions within our affiliated organizations; and,

3. To ensure that all AU members are competing on a level playing field for AU

national awards, thereby ensuring the absolute integrity, honor and esteem of

those awards.

Please note: All organizations should also be familiar with the AU Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Rules

pertaining to racing and competition to familiarize themselves with expected standards of honesty, ethics

and integrity, in particular as they apply to resolving disputes pertaining to race matters.

The AU Race Rules may not cover every conceivable incident or issue, consequently, the AU Board is

receptive to and always encourages new ideas and input on suggested changes or improvements. If you

have suggestions or recommendations, please submit your ideas in writing to the Chairman of the

Competition Standards Committee, to your Zone Director, or to any other Board Officer for presentation to

the Competition Standards Committee for review.

1.01 Any auxiliary, club, center, combine, concourse, association, federation or other organization affiliated

with the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. Shall be hereinafter referred to as an "organization."

A Combine is created when two or more clubs join together for the purpose of increased competition

and/or for economy of operations. A Concourse is created when two or more Combines are joined

together for purposes of increased competition and/or for economy of operations. A Federation is

created when two or more Concourses are joined together for purposes of increased competition

and/or for economy of operations. An Association may be considered the same as a Federation or in

many instances an Association may be classified as a statewide or regional area of competition. (7/06)

1.02 The AU Race Rules provide the official standards, practices and procedures by which all AU races are

to be conducted to be sanctioned for qualification for AU diplomas and national awards.

1.03 The AU Race Rules are effective for all organizations (Clubs, Combines, Associations, Concourses,

etc.) conducting AU races whether or not these rules have been officially adopted by the competing

organization.

1.04 AU-affiliated organizations participating in racing competition with non-AU-affiliated organizations shall

follow AU Race Rules.

1.05 A.U. Diploma's and AU National awards are to be issued only to AU Members. Moreover, for a

competitor's results in a particular event to be considered for AU national awards, the race must be held in

compliance with A.U. Race Rules and Competition Standards Policies as adopted by the A.U. Board of

Directors. (7/04)

1.06 All races conducted by AU-affiliated organizations shall be conducted in accordance with AU Race

Rules, except as otherwise may be provided for herein. No result for any race not conducted in accordance

with AU Race Rules shall be used, submitted, or considered for any AU national awards. AU diplomas shall

not be issued for any race that is not conducted in accordance with AU Race Rules. AU diplomas will be

awarded on a basis of 1 (one) diploma for every 20 (twenty) birds plus any fraction of twenty or 1 (one)

diploma for every 5 (five) lofts plus any fraction of five, whichever is greater, that have been duly entered in a

race. (Examples: A race with 410 birds would warrant 21 diplomas (410/20 = 20 + 1 for the 10-bird

remainder would total 21 diplomas). A race with 18 birds and 18 lofts would warrant 4 diplomas (18/5 = 3 + 1

for the 3 loft remainder for a total of 4 diplomas). No result for any race not conducted in accordance with AU

Race Rules shall be considered for any annual or race series award made by an AU-affiliated organization,

including but not limited to: Average Speed Winner; Champion Loft; Champion Bird; or, other similar award.

(1/2000) (11/04)

1.07 AU National Awards will be computed from the single, merged race sheet which lists the total number

of birds and lofts for the entire liberation. (7/03)

Special provision: Events such as special races, futurities, one-loft races, or other designated special races,

are exempt from this rule provided that all participants are notified prior to entering birds for shipping in the

competition that the special competition will NOT be flown under AU Race Rules. Loft or bird records

resulting from races that are excluded under the provisions of this exception to these rules may NOT be

used for any official AU national awards. [2-28-99]

2.01 In accordance with the AU Constitution and By-laws, the AU Board of Directors shall select and appoint

a Competition Standards Committee.

2.02 The duties of the Competition Standards Committee shall be to maintain a true and correct copy of the

official rules governing any competitive race, show, or other event sponsored by the Union or by any Union

affiliated organization, and as needed to recommend modifications or amendments to those rules for

adoption by the Board of Directors.

2.03 In the event of any dispute or question about an interpretation of Union rules applicable to any

particular event, the interpretation of the Competition Standards Committee shall be final and binding. If the

Competition Standards Committee determines that any AU-affiliated organization has knowingly violated the

rules of the Union, it may file a complaint with the Infractions Committee and request that appropriate action

be taken.

2.04 The Competition Standards Committee will provide, upon written request, assistance to members and

organizations seeking interpretations that cannot be resolved at the local level via organizational channels.

2.05 No organization may have a race rule which conflicts with an official AU Race Rule, unless a proper

exemption has been requested in writing, granted and approved by the AU Board of Directors.

Organizations may develop and adopt additional race rules as long as those rules do not conflict with or

purposely contravene the spirit and intent of these official AU Race Rules. (See rule regarding exceptions.)

2.06 In the event the Union elects to regulate any area of activity within the sport of racing homing pigeons it

shall be presumed that the Union's policies and rules shall have control over any and all inconsistent policies

or rules made by any affiliated organization with respect to the same subject. All affiliated organizations, and

their members, are bound by Union policies, rules, and procedures.

2.07 The Official AU Race Rules may only be amended or revised by majority vote of the AU Board of

Directors. These amendments may be made and adopted at any regular or special called meeting or by

official teleconference. Amendments considered by the Board will usually be those previously considered by

the Competition Standards Committee and submitted for full Board review and action.

2.08 Any changes, updates, or amendments to the official AU Race Rules shall be updated on the AU

website, and/or published in the next issue of a Designated Union Publication within (60) days after a vote of

approval and shall become effective with the next following regular series of races.

3.01 It is the responsibility of an organization's officers (whether it be at the level of the Club, Combine,

Association, Federation, Centers, etc.) to ensure that the AU Race Rules are followed and enforced, and it is

the responsibility of the organization members to elect officers that will accept these responsibilities and

uphold the intent, the standards and principles these race rules engender.

3.02 Each organization shall elect one person as the Race Secretary. This person shall be responsible for

supervising and ensuring the integrity of each race.

3.03 The Race Secretary shall have the authority to audit, verify, question or halt any action that might

compromise the integrity of any race.

3.04 Each organization shall elect a Race Committee consisting of the Race Secretary and a minimum of

two other members. The Race Secretary shall chair the Race Committee. The Race Committee members

will assist the Race Secretary with the supervision of each race. The Race Secretary or a member of the

Race Committee should be available for assistance during each race.

3.05 If any member of the Race Committee stands to benefit or to be penalized by a decision of the Race

Committee, he or she must absent themselves (abstain) from the decision process, with the exception of

providing informational input to the Committee, if requested.

3.06 Interpretations and enforcement of the AU Race Rules and decisions on questions that may not be

addressed herein, shall be made by majority vote of the organization Race Committee members. The

decision of the Race Committee members shall be final, unless the organization has adopted procedures for

appeal to the organization officers or members and those procedures are followed.

3.07 Each organization shall adopt a procedure by which a race rule interpretation can be appealed to the

organization officers or members. In the event a race rule interpretation is appealed to the organization

officers or members, a written response shall be provided within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such

complaint. A failure of the organization to provide a timely response shall be interpreted as a ruling in favor

of the complainant. Note: Organization officers and members are encouraged to seek AU assistance on

rules interpretations when an appeal has been filed. The AU Competition Standards Committee stands

ready to help in these matters.

3.08 If a member files a complaint that their organization is not abiding by the AU Race Rules, the AU

Competition Standards Committee Chairman will forward an affidavit of compliance to the accused club's

officers and Race Secretary for their signatures. If the organization fails to obtain the required signatures

and return the affidavit verifying compliance within 21 days, the AU Competition Standards Committee

Chairman will duly notify the AU Awards Chairperson that the organization's races do not meet minimum

national standards and their members' race results are therefore not eligible for diplomas or other AU

national awards. See Section 18.00 below for the Compliance Statement to be used if requested by the AU

Competition Standards Committee and/or Board of Directors. (1/2000)

3.09 The procedure identified in section 3.08 may also be used when one organization files a complaint

against another organization.

3.10 AU members are required to be familiar with and abide by the most current “Best Practices for Pigeon

Releases.” Failure to follow these practices will be considered a violation of AU Code of Ethics (310.12)

(7/04)

4.01 The AU will recognize as an Official race for awards any competition in which race birds are

countermarked and entered by five (5) individual AU members with surveyed lofts at three (3) separate,

physical loft locations.* Within the scope of this rule all of the members need not clock birds in the particular

competition for it to be declared as being official. Separate loft location is defined as an address as

commonly recognized by the US Postal Service as a mail or parcel pick up or drop off location or one that is

a regular scheduled delivery point for the mails. An Individual AU Member is defined as either an individual

member or partnership whose birds are registered and countermarked to compete in a particular event

sponsored by an AU-affiliated organization. Under this rule and for the purposes of determining a count for

Official race status, a partnership (regardless of the number of members in the partnership) constitutes ONE

(1) member. *(See section 4.03 governing more than one team from the same loft.) [2-28-99]

4.02 A minimum of three (3) competing members from three (3) separate physical loft addresses are

required to assemble and ship the race; however, as stated in section 4.01 five (5) competing members

must be entered in the race for it to be recognized as an official AU club race. Clubs that enjoy combine, or

similar affiliation, may ship a race for awards at the combine level provided the club has assembled a

“minimum-presence” of three (3) competing members from three (3) separate physical loft addresses. In

such cases, the three (3) competing members from three (3) separate physical loft addresses must be

present to complete the shipping process. (11/06)

4.03 Partnerships (7/04) General or Family

General Partnerships

A. Allowing any kind of partnership(s) where more than one team is to be flown from a

specific location is strictly a club decision.

A Partnership is equivalent to one vote, regardless of the size of the partnership.

A change from this standard is a decision a club must make before the race series starts.

B. If more than one loft partnership (per location) is allowed by the club, the club will

determine how many maximum loft partnerships can be flown from one location as

well as shipping limits. The Club shall determine how long a partnership must stay in

effect to be a valid partnership.

Example: A club may allow a partnership for just the YB series of races. A club may

require the partnership to remain together for both the YB and OB series. Specifics of

the partnership shall be up to the club. A season is defined as both the YB and OB

series of races for the calendar season. An example is a 2006 season includes the

YB and OB series of races. (7/06)

C. Each loft partnership must have a separate list of birds; each competitor must pay all

dues (club, state, national, etc.). Each competitor must pay shipping for each team.

D. It is also a club decision regarding manual clock requirements, i.e., 2 lofts/2 clocks, or

2 lofts - 1 clock, OK for both. If an electronic clock has the ability to differentiate and

separately clock each partnership, it should be allowed.

Family Partnerships

The AU encourages families to participate in our sport together, therefore, a husband and

wife, father and son, or father and daughter, or other family or adult and junior member

combination, may compete (with the approval of their club) from separate lofts, or even

the same physical loft so long as ALL the following conditions are met:

1. Each competing family member must be a current dues-paid AU member and be of

sufficient age to handle and clock his/her own birds;

2. Each competing family member must be a current dues-paid club member and pay all

fees for shipping and related expenses as the organization may require;

3. Each competing family partnership must compete under a different, unique loft name or

identifier.

4. Each competing member of the family partnership must submit a separate list of the

birds with which they intend to compete to the Race Secretary or Race Committee prior to

the first race of the race series in which they intend to compete. No transfer of birds from

partnership lists will be allowed. No additions or replacements will be allowed after

submission of the original list. CROSS- COUNTERMARKING (a "team A" countermarked

bird in a "team B" clock) disqualifies that countermark, and therefore disqualifies the

missed-clocked bird from receiving any race position.

5. All members of a family partnership must compete in each race. If one member stops

flying, those birds designated for that particular team cannot compete on another team

flying to that loft for the remainder of the young bird or old bird schedule. See 4.03b for

club requirements which may stipulate more stringent conditions of the partnership.

(10/05)

6. Per club requirements, the organization may require that separate clocks be used to

time each of the separate teams birds. If an electronic clock has the ability to differentiate

and separately clock each team it should be allowed.

7. Clubs may have other reasonable requirements to help them ensure the integrity of

the clocking and reporting at the loft with the extra team/s. Within the scope of this rule,

there is no intention to allow one member to ship more birds than his fellow club

competitors and this rule in no way should be construed to condone or support any such

action or attempt by anyone. Any such manipulation of this rule for that purpose to

circumvent a club shipping limit will result in the loss of all eligibility for AU diplomas and

national awards for the teams involved. Within the scope of this rule, a family will NOT be

allowed to form an AU-chartered club at any one loft location.

8. As in a General Partnership, a Family Partnership is equivalent to one vote

(regardless of the size of Family Partnership) in race matters. (7/06)

Within the scope of this rule, there is no intention to allow one member to ship more birds

than his fellow club competitors and this rule in no way should be construed to condone or

support any such action or attempt by anyone. Any such manipulation of this rule for that

purpose to circumvent a club shipping limit will result in the loss of all eligibility for AU

diplomas and national awards for the teams involved. (1/2000)

Within the scope of this rule, a family will NOT be allowed to form an AU-chartered club at

any one loft location.

4.04 If a club fails to meet the FIVE (5) member minimum competition requirements for club competition, the

race shall not be recognized for AU National Awards or AU Club Diplomas. (7/04)

4.05 To close a race, organizations (a club, in this example) must have a minimum of three (3) competing

members present, representing three separate loft addresses, in order to knock off clocks. The three

competing members must be from the same competing organization, i.e., the same club, combine or

federation, etc.

4.06 The closing of races shall be decided by the local organization sponsoring the race. For Example:

Based on overall race distances, the club may establish whether the race shall be a one (1) or a two (2) day

race.

4.07 Note: For Definition Of "Active Participant" and the eligibility of members to vote on race related matters

see Race Rule 5.00 (7/05)

4.08-4.09 Left Blank Intentionally.

4.10 Combines, Concourses, Associations, & Federations Competition

Regarding verification of the minimum number of club level flyers and lofts, as

set forth in Rule 4.02 above, combines, concourses, federations, associations, etc. (i.e., combined level and

higher) shall have the authority to verify compliance by any club or lower level organization that is

countermarking and shipping birds for competition in their races, or using the combine level transporter for

shipping their races. Should a combine or higher organization deny recognition of the club based on

violations of the membership competition requirements, the club may appeal the decision to the AU

Competition Standards Committee for the appropriate reviews. (7/2001)

4.11 Where more than one member is flying from the same loft location in a non-partnership status, the club

shall determine the voting rights of the individual flyers. (11/04)

4.12 Members that are required to move to another competing club to satisfy the "minimum presence" rule

shall be eligible for AU awards and diplomas at the combine or similar organizational level.

4.13 If less than three (3) competing members (from three separate physical addresses) are NOT present

for the CLOSING of the race and the OPENING of clocks, the procedure for moving to another organization

as described in section 4.05 (minimum number of members present), will be required.

4.14 If a club fails to comply with the three (3) members "present" rule, the club's race results shall not be

included in any combine or similar organization's race results and shall not be considered for AU awards or

diplomas

at either the club level or at combine level.

4.15 A Combine and/or Concourse that fails to enforce minimum competing club requirements may forfeit all

rights to AU national awards.

5.0 Only active racing members are eligible to vote on an organization’s race-related matters. An ‘Active

Racing Member’ is an organizational member who has shipped, clocked and reported in at least 2 races of a

regular series per year the previous year. This rule is a minimum requirement although local organizations

may adopt a rule requiring higher levels of participation as a qualification to vote on race-related matters.

(7/04)

5.01 The race schedule, including dates, race stations, closing of races, shipping times, shipping limits, and

procedures for changes, shall be established at a regular or special business meeting.

5.02 A race schedule may not be changed in any way while a race series is in progress, except:

A. Where such procedures for changes are spelled out writing in the organization's

constitution and bylaws or race rules at the time the schedule

is adopted; or,

B. Unless deemed necessary by the Race Secretary for the safety or welfare

of the birds; or,

D. In the event a special meeting is held to amend the race schedule, such meeting will

be held with reasonable notice of the meeting being given to the competing membership

in advance. (7/06)

5.03 The organization shall state in writing, prior to the start of the season for the benefit of the membership,

how race schedule changes will be handled in the event of inclement weather, procedures for holdovers,

delayed releases, or for possible outbreaks of disease.

5.04 For purposes of the AU National Awards, midweek races will not be allowed when those midweek

races are not their own separate series. (10/05)

5.05 For the purposes of AU National Awards, the number of regional open races that are marked Special

is limited to no more than two open races per organization per race series. In the event that more

than two regional opens are flown per race series, they must be submitted for AU Awards as if they

were their own separate organizational level of competition and not marked Special in the WinSpeed©

race program. The AU Awards Committee reserves the right to disallow any race marked Special

that, in their opinion, does not meet the intent of this definition. (10/05)

5.06 For the purpose of AU Awards, sectioning of a club’s race results is not allowed unless every section

flies at least five (5) lofts. (10/05)

5.07 For the purpose of AU Awards, stacking of club results is not allowed. Stacking results is defined as

merging a club’s results with another club’s results and then with still another club’s, etc., results

sequentially until reaching the final combine/concourse result. (10/05)

5.08-5.09 Intentionally Left Blank.

5.10 Average Speed Requirements

The AU National Awards standard does not mandate average speed competition;

however, organizations electing to compete for average speed awards must meet the

following conditions:

A. Eligibility. To remain eligible for the average speed award, each competitor must ship

birds in every scheduled average speed race in a particular distance or division, and this

requirement applies even if the race is later cancelled, ruled to be a No Contest, or the

birds are brought back from the originally scheduled release point. Note: A No Contest is

described in AU Race Rule 10.04 and 10.07.

B. The choice of a competitor to NOT ENTER an average speed race is effectively

equivalent to his/her forfeiting eligibility for the award at the given distance category.

C. A competitor must clock an eligible return, (a bird countermarked for that scheduled

race) and receive a documented speed in every released average speed race to remain

eligible for the award at that given distance division.

D. A competitor to remain eligible for any average speed competition or award must

compete from the same surveyed loft location for the entire schedule of average speed

races.

E. The results of a race declared by the race secretary, or race committee to be a No

Contest shall not effect average speed calculations at any distance. Note: AU Race Rule

10.07 declares under what circumstances a race must be declared a No Contest.

F. In the event a race is liberated at a different station than originally scheduled, the local

organizations Procedures For Changes referred to in AU Race Rule 5.01 to 5.02 will

dictate how the liberation will be treated with regard to average speed calculations.

G. In the event an organization does not possess Procedures For Changes with respect

to average speed calculations, then for example, if a Long Average Speed race is brought

back (for whatever reason) and released at a shorter surveyed station, the results will still

be used to calculate awards in the Long Average Speed competition division, and not

applied to short or middle distance divisions

6.01 All competitors in any given race must use airline surveys, which have been calculated by an

organization approved by the AU Board of Directors, or by GPS as specified below (see 6.06). A new loft

survey is required if a loft is moved 30 feet or more. (7/2003)

6.02 A two (2) member committee, neither of whom will fly from the location in question, shall make a

location diagram of the property on which the loft sits, clearly showing the loft position with pertinent

reference measurements from at least three points. This diagram, with the competitor's approval, shall be

mailed to the surveyor by the Race Secretary or an authorized representative of the organization.

6.03 The airline distance measurement to the competing members' lofts must be from the same release

point for each competitor.

6.04 Airline distances will be figured on the basis of the shortest distance (a straight line) between the

release point and the competitors’ lofts.

6.05 "Bent" or modified airline surveys may only be used when NO other racecourse is available.

Organizations desiring to use a bent airline survey shall submit a written request to the Chairman of the

Competition Standards Committee requesting an exception for the use of bent airlines. The request must

contain justification for the exception. The Competition Standards Committee by majority vote may grant an

exception for bent airlines. Race results of organizations using bent airline surveys will NOT be accepted for

AU national awards; however, race results shall be eligible for AU club diplomas.

6.06 GPS units may be used by clubs/combines to obtain airline survey distance data for a loft. Only WAASenabled

units may be used. Bowen and GPS loft measurements shall not be mixed in a race. (7/04)

7.01 All AU races must be conducted under the sponsorship of an AU-affiliated organization such as a club,

combine, concourse, federation, association, etc.

7.02 Organizations composed of clubs may join together to increase competition and/or for economic

advantages.

7.03 All pigeons participating in a race or series of races must be released simultaneously at each agreed

race liberation point/station.

7.04 Race Result Accuracy

A. Each organization shall establish its own procedures and deadlines regulating

competitors seeking to correct race result/award data and place their procedures in its

constitution and by-laws. If the organization has not established procedures governing

petitions for award data correction, then a competitor has 15 days from publication of the

awards data to appeal to the Race Secretary in writing. The Race Committee will then

issue a written reply within 15 days to the protesting member as to why the awards data

will stand as published; otherwise, the Race Committee will refigure the race

results/awards data for accuracy. (AU Race Rule 3.07)

B. Race Results shall be published and distributed to the race participants by the

organization’s Race Secretary or Race Committee in a timely manner. Race results shall

include as a minimum:

1. The true top 20% of the entered birds in the true order of their finish and the speed

each has achieved; (Note: per UPR Guidelines)

2. The name or loft name of the competitor;

3. The number of birds the competitor shipped;

4. The competitor's survey distance;

5. The timed bird's color and complete band number (and sex for old birds);

6. The time of the bird's clocking;

7. The speed the bird attained in yards per minute; and

8. Clocking limits will not be permitted in AU sanctioned competition. (7/03)

7.05 No bird may be entered in a race if the competitor entering the bird cannot show written proof of

ownership. If written proof is requested, ownership documentation must be provided within a reasonable

period of time.

7.06 The Race Secretary and/or the Race Committee has the authority to issue requests for written proof of

ownership.

7.07 A bird that does not home to the loft of the competitor entering it shall not be included in any race

results.

7.08 Only birds with unaltered seamless racing pigeon size bands, with size approved by the AU, may be

entered in an AU recognized race. (See Rule 7.09)

7.09 Birds banded only with AU, I.F., CU, FMC* may be entered or released in an AU race and be eligible

for AU national awards and diplomas, providing: (11/04) (7/05)

A. The handler must be an active AU member;

All non-AU bands recognized by the AU: IF, CU, & FMC, must be registered with the AU

office, prior to competition to be eligible for AU awards. (11/04)

I.F., CU, and FMC bands must be registered with the AU national office as an alien

registered band (prior to the first race of the season. The cost of registration is $1.00 (one

dollar-U.S.) for the first registered bird, and then 50¢ (fifty cents-U.S.) for each bird

thereafter. This is a permanent registration for the alien banded bird. (Note: The Initials

FMC cited above are the initials used by the Federacion Mexicana De Colombofilia.)

(11/04) (7/05)

Please note: Applications for AU national awards by any member reentering the AU will be reviewed on an

individual basis by the AU Competitions Standards Committee. Use of foreign bands for any such

application shall require prior registration with the AU national office and bird records achieved prior to alien

registration will not be eligible for AU awards. See above. (1/2k)

7.10 No old bird may be entered in a young bird race. An old bird is defined as a yearling or older banded

bird or a bird with a band from a year other than the current year (e.g., a bird banded as a 1998 bird and

entered in a 1997 young bird race). Similarly, a young bird may not be entered in competition in an old bird

race. A young bird is defined as a bird hatched and banded with a current year's band since January 1st of

the year in which the bird race series is conducted. (2/1999)

7.11 Sick pigeons will not be shipped. Pigeons which appear unhealthy or contagious shall not be sent on a

race or on an organization sponsored training release. Enforcement shall be by the Race Committee as

stated in Section 3.06. For purposes of this rule, this will include pigeons which are showing symptoms of

diseases which are known to be communicable, such as:

-In coordination, such as that associated with paramyxovirus;

-Standard wing boils associated with paratyphoid;

-Pox lesions on the skin or mucous membranes;

-Seriously soiled vents which is associated with serious intestinal infections;

-Outward symptoms of respiratory disease complex, such as swollen eyelids, a nasal

discharge or discolored nasal ceres;

-Any pigeon that is injured and appears unable to make the flight.

7.12 The maximum number of birds that may be entered in a given race by competing members shall be

determined by the organization's membership at the time the race schedule is adopted, if the limit is not

stated in the organizational constitution and by-laws or other race rules.

7.13 Clubs, Combines, Associations, etc. may not impose bird clocking limits on AU races.

7.14 Each competing organization shall establish its own rules and procedures for particulars with regard to

shipping young birds or old birds, the separation of cocks and hens, liberation times, etc., providing they do

not conflict with AU rules.

7.15 Birds must be at the designated place and time for countermarking/basketing or they may be barred

from competition in a given race. (7/06)

7.16 Each race bird must have placed upon its leg an official race countermark OR an EBSS band, which

will trigger an electronic scanning, sensing device as approved by the AU. (See Section 16.00 for Electronic

Band Scanning Systems.) Competing organizations will NOT require countermarks on either leg if a

competitor is using an electronic band scanning system to time his/her birds. (1/2000)

7.17 All competitors' race entry forms must clearly display the race bird's countermark number or the chip

ring or chip code number, in the case of an electronic band scanning system.

7.18 After the final bird of a competitor’s race entry has been countermarked, any "scratched birds" (listed,

but not countermarked) must be crossed out on the official race entry form, including the countermark

space, and initialed by a Race Committee member and the competitor or their representative.

7.19 A Race Committee member shall verify the number of birds entered for each competitor, initial the

competitor's entry form, and forward the form to the Race Secretary or an authorized representative.

7.20 All countermark paper slips must clearly display the bird's band number. If an electronic or computer

countermark system is used, the organization scanner must clearly display the bird's registered permanent

band number.

7.21 Countermark slips shall be grouped together by competitor displaying the competitor’s name, and shall

be given to the Race Secretary or an authorized representative immediately after all birds are

countermarked.

7.22 The entry form and countermark slips for the organization Race Secretary shall be kept by some other

competing member during the race.

7.23 Removed. (7/04)

7.24 No competitor or representative of the competitor may handle their own birds during the

basketing/logging process.

During the basketing/logging process, all band data must be reviewed, to ensure band data accuracy by the

Race Secretary or Race Committee member. At no time is a competitor or representatives of the competitor

permitted to perform race entry logging of their own race entries or participate in the verification process of

their race entries. (11/06)

7.25 A competitor (including Race Committee members) cannot write countermark numbers or operate the

countermarking machine for his or her own race entries.

7.26 After a race bird is placed in a shipping crate, it will not be removed without first consulting the Race

Secretary or a Race Committee member, who must then supervise such removal.

7.27 The shipping crates will be sealed with a tie wrap or locked in a secure manner to ensure security for

the birds while in transit. (11/06)

7.28 From the time the birds are delivered to the shipping organization until they have been liberated, it is

the responsibility of the organization to provide the best possible security and safety for the birds. Any owner

who elects to ship a race bird in competition or for training assumes all risks of loss.

7.29 An AU-affiliated organization may not ban or outlaw racing or loft management/handling systems, such

as loft darkening, lighting, widowhood or other such systems. An AU-affiliated organization may not specify

the physical condition of a race bird for entry into competition (such as number of flights moulted), unless

they first provide the Competition Standards Committee with scientific evidence or proof that the use of such

systems is harmful or injurious to birds flown under that system, or unless the organization determines that

the bird is sick or exhibits symptoms of an infectious disease. (See Rule 7.11 for sick birds.)

7.30 Birds to be raced must be physically entered at a shipping site(s) as designated by their club. (12/2001)

7.31 The Race Secretary shall be assured that a sufficient quantity of birds have returned from the race and

all positions for awards have been taken before designating the time for opening of the clocks and closing

the race.

8.01 All timers, to include electronic band scanning clocking systems, shall be started and operated on a

continuous running basis.

8.02 Only continuous running timers, or Electronic Band Scanning Systems as approved by the AU, shall be

acceptable in AU sanctioned races.

8.03 Each competitor must have his or her name on or affixed to the outside of their clock.

8.04 Each competitor is responsible for winding and setting the start-time of his or her clock, for seeing that

the clock has a proper supply of paper tape, and an ink ribbon that prints a clearly legible stamp. Note: Race

Committee members are NOT responsible for the paper tape supply, ribbon quality, winding, batteries, or

the operations of the clock.

8.05 Left Blank Intentionally.

8.06 All clocking devices or systems must be able to generate a printout of the arrival times of all birds

clocked. (7/03)

8.07 Electronic Band Scanning Systems or computerized clocking systems that have been approved by the

AU Board of Directors are acceptable for either organizational or individual use.

Note: AU-approved electronic clocking systems represent a new technology for the sport. Competitors are

encouraged to thoroughly investigate the features of any system prior to purchase to ensure that their

system is or will be technologically compatible with other such system/s within their organization. Until more

experience is gained with electronic timing systems, the AU must first approve the use of any such systems

and reserves the right to withdraw the approval of any specific system that fails to maintain race integrity.

(Please see Section 16.00 for Electronic Band Scanning Systems.)

8.08 Left Blank Intentionally.

8.09 Setting of Clocks

Each competing organization shall establish its own standards for setting the clock DAY hand on time

stamps.

8.10 No competitor (including Race Committee members) may inspect or seal his or her own clock. Each

competitor is responsible for verifying the operations of his or her clock prior to beginning competition.

8.11 For clocks that use paper tapes, the owner must either write or have his or her name written on the

clock tape along with the race station and date of race.

8.12 A Race Committee member will be responsible for checking each competitor's clock, ensuring that their

name, race station, date of race, and the "Time" and "Day" settings of the clock for the "Kick Off" or “Start” is

correct. A Race Committee member will either initial or sign each competitor's clock tape.

8.13 For Benzing computer clocks, after the start "Kick Off", the clock will generate a specific race number

(randomly generated) for that race series. A Race Committee member shall record the race number from the

computer clock on the competitor's entry form and shall verify the race number again after the clock knockoff

(Stop Time). If a different race number is displayed, the computer clock is disqualified for that event.

8.14 Each clock shall be sealed with a numbered seal by a Race Committee member checking the clock. If

numbered meter seals are not used, a plain lead seal may be used in conjunction with a seal press

containing a distinguishable die known only to that racing organization. All lead seals shall be pressed with a

seal press. The Race Committee person shall record seal numbers or verify all distinguishable organization

die imprints before timer start and after timer knockoff.

8.15 The competitor is responsible for verifying the proper placement and physical integrity of the seal on

his or her clock prior to removing the clock from the club, or shipping point for clocking race returns. The

competitor is responsible for making sure a seal is present, the seal number is properly threaded, (through

all holes in the clock’s pin and locking mechanism) and the lead seal proper has been crimped tightly. The

competitor should report and discrepancy found to the Race Secretary or Race Committee before the timer

is removed from the shipping point.

8.16 No clock will be considered in proper working order if the number one (1) porthole for clocking the first

bird has not moved to the ready position during the starting knockoff, and the tape moved proportionately. If

a competitor's clock has an operational problem that will not permit the number one (1) hole to come up, the

organization Race Secretary shall be assured of the clock's integrity before use of the clock is authorized. If

satisfied with the clock, the Race Secretary shall record the cylinder hole position on the competitor's entry

form and release the clock.

8.17 All clocks will remain on the table until inspected and released by a Race Committee member who shall

record the porthole number up for each competitor's clock.

8.18 If the competing organization requires that clocks be "knocked" a second time BEFORE clocking birds,

the Race Committee shall perform the second knock at random times insuring that the capsule cylinder

moves in sync with the knock.

8.19 Left Blank Intentionally.

8.20 Opening of Clocks

When an organization requires a double bump of a clock at closing, and the clock CANNOT be bumped the

required number of times due to the portholes being full, a Race Committee member from the local

organization shall open the clock, pull the tape forward and take the closing bump, to obtain any clock

variations. Computer clocks shall not require double bumps at closing.

8.21 After the closing knockoff (Stop-time) with the Master Timer, the competing members may open the

clocks. However, clock owners may not open their own clocks. Competitor's clocks must be opened and

read by the organization (club, combine, etc.) sponsoring the race. Example: A competitor may NOT take a

clock to another competing organization and receive a clock opening and reading.

8.22 Prior to opening a clock, the clock seal number (where used) will be verified against the recorded

record, and the seal checked to see that it has not been tampered with: broken, replaced, or mis-threaded

through the locking mechanism. If a seal is not present, or the seal number cannot be verified by the

recorded record, or the seal has been broken or altered against without the Race Secretary’s and/or Race

Committee’s knowledge, the clock and all race results shall be disqualified. Any discrepancy found should

be reported to the Race Secretary or the Race Committee.

8.23 The clock shall be opened and the capsule cylinder, or top of the timer (for computer clocks) will be

removed. Clocks with holes left empty inadvertently will not be disqualified.

8.24 For clocks with tapes, the tape must be removed and checked to see if it has been perforated at closing

and opening of the clock. There must be ONLY two perforations on the tape, and all stamp times MUST be

positioned between these perforations. (Any other perforations between these stampings indicate the clock

has been opened during the race and is thereby disqualified subject to section 8.26 below.)

8.25 For clocks with tapes, the tape must be advanced so that when the clock is opened, the tape will be

perforated after or near the knockoff stamping. (See sections 8.49 through 8.52.)

8.26 If uncertain of the perforations on a particular clock, the Race Secretary may perform a test with the

clock tape. The test must show that the beginning perforated hole(s) was made prior to the starting knockoff

and that the ending perforated hole(s) was made after the closing knockoff (stop-time).

8.27 Reading of Tapes

Read the time-stamp and write "START TIME” for the first imprint on the tape. This is the time the clock was

started with the Master Timer. The next time stamping will be the first bird clocked, unless your organization

requires a second knock.

8.28 Next, write the ''BIRD CLOCKING TIMES" beside each time-stamp. If the minute hand prints between

two numbers on the tape, read the SMALLER number. If the second hand prints between two marks on the

tape, read the LARGER number.

8.29 Finally, the "STOP TIME" must be recorded, and marked FAST or SLOW. This is the time the clock

was stopped with the Master Timer. If the minute hand prints between two numbers on the tape, read the

SMALLER number. If the second hand prints between two marks on the tape, read the SMALLER number.

The difference between this recorded STOP TIME and the Master Timer is the amount of time the clock is

FAST or SLOW, and is commonly known as the VARIATION (i.e. slow 0 minutes, 44 seconds). The

variation is then properly recorded on the competitor's entry form.

8.30 For FAST clocks the variation (after being corrected) will be subtracted from each bird's clocking time;

for SLOW clocks the corrected variation will be added to each bird's clocking time. Clocks varying more than

five (5) seconds per hour will be penalized (see section 8.40).

8.31 Checking Countermarks

The countermarks must then be removed from the clock cylinder porthole - one at a time. Each countermark

number is read and recorded on the clock tape, starting with the first bird's stamp time. After each

countermark is read, the countermark (and capsule, if used) is placed back into the original cylinder porthole

or placed in clocking sequence order. This is required, in the event an error has occurred with the clock

reading and an audit is necessary. If electronic band scanning systems "chip rings" are used, the

organization scanner shall display and record each electronic countermark clocked.

8.32 The countermark numbers must then be checked against the entry sheet countermark numbers, and

also the band number of each bird marked on the tape at each stamping. The entry sheet is then marked

1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., to indicate the clocking sequence.

8.33 The inside countermark number must be verified on at least the first bird clocked by each competitor in

each race. With Electronic Band Scanning Systems (EBSS), on basketing, they automatically write a

security code to the electronic countermark (chip ring), and authenticates that security code when the

eligible race entry returns. The electronic security code written on basketing must match the authenticated

security code when the bird returns, or the systems will not recognize that clocking as being valid.

8.34 For computer clocks, after the clocking sequence has been recorded, the competitor reading the clock

will scroll through each clock stamp time and record that time against the proper countermark or sequence

number 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

8.35-8.39 Intentionally Left Blank.

8.40 Clock Malfunctions

A clock which varies more than five (5) seconds per hour of running time will be penalized. Clocks fast more

than five (5) seconds per hour shall have each bird timing read and calculated without any adjustment.

Clocks slow more than five seconds per running hour shall have the variation, without adjustment, (entire

amount slow) added to the clock's time of each bird's arrival as a penalty, before calculating. A clock running

in excess of eight (8) minutes fast or slow in a 24-hour period shall be disqualified. (7/2001)

8.41 If a competitor's manual clock malfunctions, the competitor may time a countermark in another

member's clock with that member's permission. For malfunctions of Electronic Band Scanning Systems,

see Race Rule 16.15. (7/2001)

8.42 The official distance of the competitor whose clock had the malfunction will be used, as will the time of

clocking, with no allowances for traveling time or distance.

8.43 Should a competitor, before clocking time, notice that his or her clock has malfunctioned or may be

disqualified for any reason, he should then take advantage of section 8.41 or contact a Race Committee

member with a time Cube or official club timing device for a clock inspection and reset, if time permits.

8.44 If a clock inspection and reset is performed for a malfunctioned clock, the Race Committee member

shall report to the Race Secretary the procedures that were followed.

8.45 If a clock stops after birds have been clocked, the competitor with the faulty clock, in order to get a

quicker "Closing Knock-Off", may take his or her clock to a Race Committee member, place a slip of paper

in the next porthole of both clocks noting the situation, and clock them the same as a countermark. The

competitor with the faulty clock may also telephone a Race Committee member and ask them to perform the

same stamping process to minimize penalty time.

8.46 The competitor with the running clock shall become the master timer for the faulty clock. The time

stamped during this procedure shall be considered the "Closing Knock-Off" time for the faulty clock.

8.47 The arrival time of the birds clocked in the faulty clock will be adjusted with the full amount of time that

the faulty clock is slow. Example: The time difference between the "Closing Knock-Off" and the last bird

clocked in the faulty clock will be added to the clocking times of each bird stamped on the tape.

Note: The purpose of this provision is to aid a fancier whose clock has stopped after having timed one or

more birds in a race in which the returns are spread out and/or to help the competitor stay in average speed.

It would not be of any competitive value where the returns are close together, and is not intended to be so.

8.48 Clocks that have malfunctioned will not be opened and read until the regular opening time for all

competitors. The clock shall be turned in to the Race Secretary or Race Committee with its numbered seal

intact. Any alteration of the clock seal or other evidence of the clock being tampered with shall result in the

disqualification of the clock and all results.

8.49 If a competitor's clock tape tears, fails to wind properly, fails to print, overprints, or does not allow arrival

times from being positively and accurately read, his results shall NOT be considered in a race. See 8.51.

8.50 If a tape partially tears and the stampings are readable, and the clock stampings are between the

perforations, then they will be read and accepted.

8.51 If a clock tape tears during (or after) the "stop-time" knockoff, the Race Secretary may open the sealed

clock and inspect the tape for perforations. If the clock tape bears any other perforations other than the

opening "Kick," then the tape and race results shall be disqualified. If the clock tape has the opening "Kick"

perforation only, the Race Secretary may pull the tape forward and take a closing "Knockoff". The closing

"Knockoff" shall perforate the tape and provide the Race Secretary with a FAST or SLOW reading on the

clock.

8.52 Every effort shall be made by the Race Secretary and/or the Race Committee to include all time

stamps if readable.

8.53 Any evidence of a clock having been tampered with shall be sufficient cause for all awards and

diplomas in that particular race to be forfeited by the owner of the clock. The AU Rules of Conduct, section

1.01, paragraph 11 shall be reviewed for any appropriate action to be taken, as club officers deem

necessary.

8.54 No clock shall be used that has been modified from the original manufacturer's specifications for

clocking operations. Note: To help determine if a clock has been modified, take one in its original state, as

shipped by the manufacturer and place it next to the one being reviewed. Both clocks should be the same

operationally with nothing changed, bent, filed, enlarged, or modified in any way.

8.55 (See also 9.07.) Regarding the use of two or more manual clocks for timing returns, except as noted

herein no competitor may time birds in a second manual clock in any given race until the first manual clock

being used is full (the last porthole may be left empty for a knockoff or stop time). The second timer will not

be used unless and until:

A. The first clock has malfunctioned; or,

B. In special races, where a majority vote of the organization’s race committee or

membership has approved the use of multiple clocks to ensure race integrity.

Note: The purpose of this rule is to reduce errors in data retrieval. Therefore, if, in the course of clock

operations, a competitor fails to place (or clock) an official race countermark in a porthole, the clock will not

be disqualified. Also, Race Rule 9.07 would apply.

8.56 - Computer Clock Defects

8.56 CLOCK DISPLAY MALFUNCTION - If a digital clock display is not functioning (display out completely

or partially), the clock may be knocked-off in an unopened condition. If at all possible, the data shall be

downloaded and be recorded manually by the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member. This data

shall be used for calculating race results. Data may be printed out and evaluated only if the data is complete

and in the correct chronological order. The Race Secretary shall perform verifications on any computer clock

malfunctions.

8.57 CLOCK DATA CANNOT BE PRINTED - If the computer clock data cannot be printed but the clock

display shows the complete race data including Knockoff, a report of the display shall be manually

generated. The report concerning the defect must be certified by a minimum of two Race Committee

members or two racing competitors. The report shall be equivalent to a printout from the clock. A report

generated by the owner of the clock prior to system failure may be used to generate a report. In such cases,

all data must be compared with the clock display and authentication certified. “Clocks that fail to print and

are manually read may not be used again in a race until the clock is repaired.” (7/04)

8.58 LOW BATTERY CONDITION - If the clock displays a low battery condition, the clock may be knockedoff

immediately with another Race Committee member. As a precaution, a display report (as described

above) is to be generated.

8.59 PRINTING PROBLEMS - If the clock printout shows incomplete or random data, the clock must be

connected to another printer. If the reviewed printout continues to show irregularities, a display report shall

be generated as described above. The report generated from the clock display may be used when all

reported data have been generated correctly and in proper chronological order. If a complete report cannot

be generated or if the data cannot be interpreted, the entries shall not be included in any race results.

9.01 Each countermark must be in a regulation capsule except in the use of electronic band scanning

systems, or in those clocks specifically designated by the manufacturer and/or AU Board of Directors to be

used without capsules. (See 9.02 below.)

9.02 AU-approved clocks manufactured for use without capsules may be used without capsules at all levels

of competition. An AU-affiliated organization may not require the use of capsules in approved capsule-less

clocks or with electronic band scanning systems.

9.03 Left Blank Intentionally.

9.04 Telescoping capsules can be placed in the hole with either end up. Open-end capsules, which are not

recommended because the countermark can fall out during clocking, must be placed in the hole with the

open end down. Hinged-type capsules can be used with either end up. [1/2k]

9.05 A competitor may place multiple countermarks in a clock porthole. When the clock is opened the

competitor shall designate the first bird order of clocking for the multiple countermarks in that porthole,

thereby assigning different race positions to birds with the same race speed. Also see rule 9.08. [1/2k]

9.06 In the event an exterior countermark number is not readable or ascertainable, the second (inside)

countermark number shall be verified with the inside number on the countermark slip assigned to the

competitor.

9.07 In the case of a "stray" or "foreign" countermark (an odd one not assigned to one of the scheduled

day's race entries) being placed in a clock porthole-the odd countermark will be ignored and the time

stamping corresponding to that hole will be crossed off on the tape and not read for a race position if there is

also an official race countermark for the current race in that hole, the current countermark for that race will

be valid for record/s, award/s and/or prizes and the corresponding time recorded on the tape. [1/2k]

9.08 Countermarks (without capsules) that are not completely placed and not completely enclosed within the

clock porthole shall be disqualified and no time allowed for the entry.

9.09 Approved Clocks - The absolute integrity of our races, and as an extension, the value and validity of

our awards, depends directly on the security and tamperproof construction of our timers. Therefore, the first

and foremost factors in evaluating a pigeon timer is to; 1) ensure its security against potential tampering

of/with the drum and countermark portholes; and, 2) to assure the accuracy of the mechanism that prints the

birds’ arrival times. In either case, if the Competition Standards Committee can determine that reasonable

security devices can be defeated, the timing mechanism can be tampered with or manipulated, or that the

recording devices (print heads and ribbons) are not accurately printing the hour/minutes and seconds when

the bird arrived home, then the timer is not allowed.

9.09 (a) Approved Clocks and Capsule Requirements

Benzing Comatic- All models approved for use with or without capsules. (Note: In year 2000 Yearbook, the

Comatic was incorrectly cited as requiring capsules. Indeed the Comatic was designed by the manufacturer

to operate as a capsule-less model, and has been approved by the Competition Standards Committee for

capsule-less use in AU Organizations.).

S.T.B. - To qualify as a capsule-less model, this clock must have a "continental cover." This is a solid, heavy

cover, with only one porthole exposed, and no other porthole can be seen. This clock may also be used as a

capsule model.

BENZING (Wooden case 1, 2, 2A) - All models require capsules, unless the portholes are covered with a

spring-loaded, "flip-up" door and a heavy plate on top of the drum.

BENZING PALOMA - All models may be used with or without capsules.

BENZING QUARTZ (Plastic case 126, 261, 301) - These models must have an optional, spring-loaded, fliptop

drum ("speed barrel") to be used as capsule-less timers.

BENZING COMPUTER CLOCK - All models can be used with or without capsules.

BENZING JUNIOR (T-3 Model) There are two Junior T3 Models, one with spring-loaded, flip-top drums and

one without. Only those Quartz computer T3 models with spring-loaded, flip-tops may be used with or

without capsules. (2/1999)

HEIRMAN - All models may be used with or without capsules.

LA LEDOISE - The drum must have flip-flop or slide-top covers to be used without capsules.

PLASACHAERT - All models require capsules.

JUNDES - All models require capsules.

TOULET - All models require capsules.

ISGUS - All models require capsules.

RACE MASTER - All models may be used with or without capsules.

EASY WAY - All models require capsules.

10.01 The birds must be released at the release point used to calculate the airline survey distance.

10.02 The Race Secretary or an authorized representative and the liberator shall synchronize their times

with the Master Timer. The Race Secretary shall ensure that he and the liberator/conveyor have

synchronized release times and the race birds are released at the synchronized times.

10.03 Only the Race Secretary or an authorized representative may communicate with the liberatorconveyor

during their duties with the race birds.

10.04 Should one or more birds escape in transit, or at the liberation point before the official race release, an

inventory shall be performed to account for the missing bird(s). Those birds identified as missing shall be

disqualified. If an inventory of the remaining birds in the crate(s) from which the birds escaped is impractical,

and if there is NO other independent method to determine which birds were in the affected crate(s), such as

by a crate designation on the organization race entry form, the entire race shall be declared as NO

CONTEST.

10.05 The Race Secretary shall have the liberator/conveyor look throughout each crate to be assured that

each bird has left the shipping crate before closing the door.

10.06 Multiple races per day from a single release site must be liberated separately (by at least 30

minutes). If multiple releases on the same day are released by less than 30 minutes of separation, they

must be separated in distance by no less than 35 airline miles. No trainers (or non-race birds of any kind)

may be released with race birds. Trainers must be liberated 30 minutes after the final race release or 30

minutes time separation window or at least 35 miles in distance separation. (11/06)

10.07 For those Competitors competing for average speed awards, the results of a “No Contest” race shall

not affect any average speed calculations.

A race shall be declared a “No Contest” if:

A. A crate of race birds which are properly countermarked and entered into a race series

are NOT released with the other birds of that race; or,

B. The birds are released for a race and a crate of birds for that release is later found to

be on the trailer.

In either event, the race may be rescheduled under the local organization rules for changing schedules.

11.01 A majority vote of the Race Committee members acting as a committee has the authority to require

any race bird to be tossed by its owner. The toss must be performed in the presence of at least one (1) Race

Committee member.

11.02 Within twelve hours of the official clock opening, a competitor may request in writing to the Race

Committee that any particular bird clocked from a race be tossed.

11.03 If requested, within three days of clock opening, the race bird shall be tossed at the loft in full daylight

ONLY. No other birds may be outside the loft when a race bird is tossed.

11.04 A tossed bird must return to the race entrant's loft and enter within two hours and be verified by the

Race Committee member, or it will be disqualified. If the Race Committee member has doubt about the

fairness of the toss, he may perform another toss.

Pigeon racing as it is traditionally structured is one of the few sports where the novice competes directly on

the same level with the Major Leaguer from the day he/she begins competition. Understanding that there is

a tremendous variation in the experience, free time, and finances dedicated to the hobby from one

competitor to the next, the members of the AU have requested the following competition divisions.

Note: Competition Divisions (AU Race Rules Section 12) may not be appropriate or desired in every AU

affiliated organization nationwide. Therefore, an organization’s adoption of Competition Divisions is

optional. Your AU Officers encourage every organization to investigate Division Competition in an effort to

retain members, create an atmosphere of better competition, and level the playing field. Competition

Divisions and also the Universal Performance Rating System (UPR) are alternative competition/award

formats supported by WinSpeed© software. UPR guidelines may be obtained from the AU Office.

12.01 Divisions

A. Open- this division is open to any competitor who has at least two (2) years experience

racing pigeons in organized competition. It also is the assigned division for any competitor

who is a professional, family of a professional, or employed by a professional, or who:

1. Won a third (33%) or more of the club races in which he has competed in the

preceding two (2) years; and/or,

2. Has advertised the sale of pigeons for personal gain during the prior twelve months

preceding the current race series.

B. Sportsman Division- this Non-Professional division is open to all other flyers, except

junior flyers*, regardless of their competitive racing experience, and who are not

competing in the Open Division.

*Clubs are encouraged to have and actively support a program for junior flyers. If such a program is not

available, however, junior members will be allowed to compete in the Sportsman Division. A separate race

report may be generated for the Junior Open Division if the club so chooses. (Note: Disputed division

assignments are subject to Race Rule 12.08.)

12.02 Division Assignments/Selection. Competitors should declare their Competition Divisions at the first

meeting of the year so it can be recorded on the roster in the AU Club Secretary kit and returned to the

National Office. The Division assignment will remain in effect for the calendar year, not merely a race series.

If a competitor fails to declare a Competition Division then the Club's Race Committee, will, by majority,

assign that flyer to the appropriate division per the criteria in 12.01 (A), Open Competition Division and 12.01

(B), Sportsman Competition Division above. (7/04)

12.03 Concourses, Combines, Federations, and Associations are also encouraged to implement

Competition Divisions.

12.04 Change in Division Status – Failure to meet defining criteria for a particularDivision. As race records

and achievements change from year to year, senior members with two (2) or more years of competitive

experience may opt to move to the Sportsman Division. A Sportsman Division competitor may opt to move

to the Open Division. The Sportsman Division Competitor shall be moved to the Open Division when they

no longer meet the criteria for Sportsman Division. (7/04)

12.05 A Race Report will be issued for each division conforming to the race report guidelines set forth in AU

Race Rule 7.04. In addition, each Race Report must be correctly identified as either Open or Sportsman.

Winspeed© software is currently being adapted to support AU Clubs who choose to participate in Division

Competition.

12.06 The Open Division Race Report must include the results of all competitors regardless of their division

assignment. (7/04)

12.07 National Awards. The American Racing Pigeon Union shall issue an equal and full complement of

national awards in both the Open and Sportsman Divisions. Each Division must meet applicable AU

minimum competition standards set forth in Section 4.00-4.15 of the AU Race Rules to be eligible to

compete for AU Diplomas and awards.

12.08 Disputes on Assignments/Declarations. The criteria for assignment as described above is simple, but

if a competitor and an organizations race committee cannot agree on a division assignment they may seek a

ruling from the AU Competition Standards Committee.

13.01 Closing of races of each day shall be one-half hour after the official local sunset. The starting time

each morning shall be one-half hour before the official local sunrise. The period between the sunset and

sunrise times is defined as "dead time." Organizations that are geographically spread out may use sunrise

and sunset times at a central point for determining dead time. (7/03). A bird that is clocked before midnight

during dead time shall be awarded 1st day status. A bird that is clocked after midnight during dead time shall

be awarded 2nd day status.

Note: The AU WinSpeed© race calculation program automatically calculates the beginning and the end of

"dead time" once local sunset and sunrise times have been entered. (2/1999)

13.02 An organization may request an exemption from the "Time Out for Darkness" (Dead Time) rule stated

in Section 13.01. The exemption request must be in writing to the Competition Standards Committee

Chairperson. The written request must contain an explanation for such an exception. An example could be,

but is not limited to, a request for a modified dead time in geographic areas where extended twilight hours

occur. The Competition Standards Committee by majority vote may grant an exemption for altering an

organization's "Time Out for Darkness" rule.

14.01 A race is officially closed at a time and day agreed upon by the organization membership when the

race schedule is set, if not otherwise set in the organizational constitution and bylaws, or race rules.

14.02 If a competitor desires a security or safety clock knock-off prior to the closing of a race, the

organization Race Secretary or Race Committee members shall allow that competitor to perform the knockoff.

The knock-off procedure may be in person or via telephone, depending upon local organization

requirements.

14.03 The length of a race shall be: one day race, up to 48 hours. A two day race, up to 72 hours if the

provisions of 14.01 are not defined by the organization. (7/06)

15.01 When clocks are knocked-off (stop-time) and opened for computing the race results, any variation

from the master timer shall be adjusted in proportion to the time elapsed between the starting of the clock,

the timing of the bird, and opening (Stop-Time) of the clock.

15.02 Whenever possible, the speed of an individual bird will be computed with a calculator or computer,

and is to be reported in yards per minute (YPM).

15.03 Removed 11/04, covered in 15.02 (11/04)

15.04 - FIGURING RACE SPEEDS Correction of Clocking Time. This section provides the formula for

correcting clock times and for calculating the yards per minute (YPM) of race birds if you are not using the

computer software approved by the AU.

Correction of clocking time. First determine the clock variation (as to how fast or slow) by the last stamp on

the tape, i.e., the STOP TIME. (For example, a clock was 44 seconds slow if the last stamp printed 7:29:16,

and STOP TIME was 7:30 P.M. or 19:30 hours.

15.05 The formula for correcting the clocking time is a simple math problem based on the following decimal

figure: Take the time the clock ran (elapsed seconds) until EACH bird was clocked from START TIME to

CLOCKING TIME.

15.06 Then take the TOTAL time the clock ran from START time to STOP time (elapsed seconds). Example:

Clock start time at 8:00 P.M., Clock Stop time at 7:30:00 P.M. the following day. The total elapsed time is

84,600 seconds.

15.07 Divide the TOTAL time the clock ran (number from 15.06) into the time that the first bird was clocked.

This will result in a decimal figure. The decimal figure is then multiplied by the clock variation. Example From

Chart Below: 69,734 seconds of time occurred when the first bird was clocked, divided by 84,600 seconds

the total time the clock ran, resulting in a decimal figure of 0.824113475. Multiply the decimal by the amount

the clock was slow or fast. The clock variation in this instance is 44 seconds slow. 44 seconds times

0.824113475 equals 36.261 seconds variation to the first bird clocked. Each succeeding bird clocked would

have a slightly different variation based on the elapsed time. The formula is: Clock run time until each bird

was clocked in seconds, divided by the total time the clock ran in seconds, then multiplied by the clock

variation.

15.08 Removed

15.09 - Time of Flight (Elapsed Time) The next step in the process of speed calculation is to determine the

time of flight (elapsed time in seconds). This figure is found by subtracting the corrected clock time(s) from

the time of liberation.

15.10 - Determining the Mileage or Airline Survey Distance. The next step in speed calculation is to divide

the distance (in 1/60 yards) by the time in seconds (1/60 minutes); the speed derived will be a figure in yards

per minute. Note: distance in miles is easily converted to the 1/60 yards figure by multiplying the miles

number by 105,600 (1760 yard/mile x 60 = 105,600).

15.11 Find the total distance in miles, or the distance in 1/60 yards, of each bird's race. If the miles figures

are used, multiply the total by 105,600. Example: 313.008 survey miles x 105,600 = 33053644.

15.12 Figure the total time of each bird by calculating the time of flight (elapsed time), in seconds.

15.13 Calculation Summary and Calculation Assistance. Divide the total distance in 1/60 yards by the total

seconds; the result is the average speed in yards per minute. Example: 33053644 yards divided by

25670.26 seconds of flight time equals 1287.624 Yards Per Minute. Perform this calculation for each bird

clocked. (Please see the calculation chart below.)

A. Figure the corrected clocking time for each bird.

B. Determine flight seconds for each bird.

C. Figure the mileage based on the survey miles.

D. Divide mileage (1/60 yards) by the elapsed time of flight seconds of each bird giving

the yard per minute.

E. Clock Start Time 8:00 P.M. 10/16/94

F. Clock Time of 1st Bird 3:22:14 P.M. 10/17/94

G. Clock Stop Time 7:30:00 P.M. 10/17/94

H. Knockoff Stamp Time 7:29:16 P.M. 10/17/94

I. Clock Variation 44 seconds slow (difference between G and H)

J. Clock Run (Start to 1st Bird) 19:22:14 69,734 Seconds, Clock Run Time

K. Clock Run (Start to Stop) 23:30:00 84,600 Seconds, Clock Run Time

L.. Decimal Figure 0.824113475 (divide J by K)

M. Correction (.824 X 44 = 36.26 slow)

N. Corrected Clock Time is 3:22:14 + 36.26 = 3:22:50.26 (add F and M)

O. Time of Liberation 8:15 AM

P. Elapsed Flight Time 7:07:50.26 (subtract O from N) (25,670.26 Secs)

Q. Elapsed Time in seconds 25,670.26 (1/60 minutes))

R. Distance (in miles) 313.008 (from survey))

S. Distance (miles x 105600 *) 33053644.8 (1/60 yards)>

T. Speed 1287.624 YPM (divide S by Q)

U. *1760 Yards/Mile X 60 = 105600)

Calculation Assistance

Those Race Secretaries computing speeds by manual means, should consider acquiring a used computer.

The AU-approved computer race program may be obtained for a nominal fee. The race program was

tailored to AU specifications and will easily figure the race results. The printout contains band numbers, bird

color, sex, arrival time, speeds in yard per minute (YPM), total lofts entered, and points earned. Combines

can use the program to merge results from member clubs, which may be transmitted to the Combine Race

Secretary by telephone, using a modem. The race software will print diplomas, figure average speeds, and

keep track of points won by both birds and lofts. If a club cannot use a computer owned by one of its

members, the cost of a basic computer and printer is minimal, and often an easily justified expense to save

time and labor. FOR OBTAINING AU PROGRAMS and SERVICES CALL 405-848-5801.

Note: The use of certain Electronic Band Scanning Systems (EBSS) has been approved by the AU Board of

Directors. The AU Board reserves the right to withdraw the approval of any Electronic Band Scanning

system at any time. In the event the AU Competition Standards Committee (CSC) determines that a system

or system design does not provide adequate security or presents a potential security question, the CSC may

disapprove the use of that system. The disapproval of any system will be effective upon receipt of notice

from the CSC and the disapproval will be published in the UPDATE and/or other periodicals as soon as

reasonably possible. The Competition Standards Committee shall apprise the Board of Directors at the next

scheduled meeting of the system problems encountered and shall recommend appropriate action.

Organizations are free to buy any EBSS they choose. Individual members within the organization are

responsible for ensuring system hardware and/or software compatibility of the system they purchase with

other system/s in use within the organization. Neither the AU nor the local organization shall be responsible

for any system incompatibilities.

16.01 If any Race Secretary or race official determines that a lack of security exists with any individual unit,

he may notify the AU Competition Standards Committee and seek an immediate statement as to the validity

of continued system use. The Race Secretary or race official must provide a written statement of the

reasons for concern to the system owner and to the Competition Standards Committee.

16.02 An AU-affiliated organization may not refuse to allow the use of an AU- approved electronic band

scanning system.

16.03 A user of an Electronic Band Scanning System (EBSS) shall be permitted to use the clocking system

throughout his entire organization at each level of competition for AU-affiliated Clubs, Combines,

Federations, etc.

16.04 An AU-affiliated organization may not make the use of an Electronic Band Scanning System

mandatory.

16.05 Users of Electronic Band Scanning Systems shall be required to:

A. Use electronic band scanning systems that have a re-programmable electronic band (read/write chips).

(11/04)

B. Use EBSS bands as approved or supplied by the scanning system manufacturer.

16.06 The antenna shall only be installed at the loft entry of the competitor using the system. This shall be

at the entrance to the loft, touching the outer wall or may be placed at the bottom of a “sputnik”, as long as it

is the normal bird entrance into the loft. The race bird does not need to be contained. (11/06)

16.07 All EBSS operating and reading units shall be reported to the organization Race Secretary for each

individual member.

16.08 No antenna or electronic band scanning system may be employed or placed at the loft of another

competitor without prior notice to and approval by the organization Race Secretary.

16.09 System control modules or system keys and administrative software used in EBS Systems shall be

purchased or procured by the system owner. (See 16.10.)

16.10 The Race Secretary of each competing organization shall secure all individual system control modules

or system keys during competitive events. The use and operation of these security controls shall only be

permitted by the individuals specifically authorized by the Race Committee or the organization during

competitive events.

16.11 An organization may require that its Race Secretary or members of the Race Committee affix or

attach electronic bands to a pigeon, or inspect the bands, in order to ensure the band's locking mechanism

is securely engaged. This process may be performed at the first shipping, or earlier, as required by the

organization. The organization may allow a competitor to affix or attach electronic bands to a pigeon subject

to verification by the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member that the bands locking mechanism is

securely engaged.

16.12 After all electronic bands have been securely placed on each bird, prior to a race season in which the

birds may be entered in one or more races, the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member shall scan or

read a competitor's bird band numbers and print out an assignment report of all his birds' electronic band

numbers. The report shall be signed by the Race Secretary. The organization shall retain a copy of the

report in its records and another copy shall be delivered to the competitor as his verification of the eligibility

of each bird.

16.13 Electronic banded pigeons may not be handled by the competitor or representatives of the competitor

during the race entry logging or shipping process. During the logging process, all band data must be

reviewed to ensure band data accuracy by the Race Secretary or a Race Committee member.

16.14 After all race birds have been entered in EBSS system administrative software, the Race Secretary

shall print a list of all the competitor's entrants for each race. The printout should be signed by the Race

Secretary or designated person and the competitor. The printout serves as a race entry list. An additional

copy shall be delivered to the competitor. In the case where an electronic clock race sheet shows a tie, the

first bird listed will receive the highest ranking of the tied birds, and so forth, down the list. [2-28-99]

16.15 Any electronic clock (EBSS) that cannot clock a bird is eliminated from the race. Race birds shall not

be clocked in training mode. (11/06)

16.16 When closing the race, the Race Secretary or his designee shall print out all data prior to transferring

data from the EBSS system to the computer. The printout will serve as a back-up document for later

reference, if necessary. All data files should be stored on a back-up diskette, in the event data

reconstruction becomes necessary.

16.17 Should an EBSS system display (after a race entry or race) show the complete data set, but NOT be

able to generate a print out, the organization Race Secretary or Race Committee member shall view the

display data and report it manually. The report shall be used for calculating race results.

16.18 The following Electronic Band Scanning Systems have been reviewed and approved for use by AUaffiliated

organizations beginning January 1, 2000. Note: Several new low-cost models were approved for

use at the 1999 Convention Board meetings. These new models are essentially new configurations the

software and hardware are just new designs there is no change to the basic manner the birds are timed, the

security of the devices nor the technical issues with these new timers/scanners. Each competitor using

EBSS Technology is responsible for any software, or hardware upgrades which may be required for the

system(s) to remain in approved status with respect to developing AU Competition Standards.

16.19 Electronic bands/chip rings shall not be placed in counter-mark clocks. An EBSS electronic scanning

clock that malfunctions and cannot be read at knock-off after reasonable attempts by the race committee is

disqualified. Reasonable attempts in the club the birds were basketed should be made before disqualifying

the clock. (7/05)

A. UNIKON Deister Electronic GmbH N Unikon and Unikon Light (eff January 2000)

Versions: 1.9, 2.0 or Higher

Race Antenna: 2.0 or Higher

B. TIPES Diehl Ident GmbH

Version: 3.00 or Higher

Race Antenna: ESA 400 or Higher

C. TauRIS RUTER EPV - Systeme GmbH, Minden

Version: 5X or Higher

Antenna: ES2 or Higher

D. Benzing Technische Uhren GmbH N Atis and, Atis Express

Version 1.21 or Higher

E. Victory N Basch Electronics

F. Bricon

16.20 Electronic Clocks shall not be used in training mode or any unsecured mode in an AU race. (10/05)

17.01 Local organizations may add or adopt additional race rules provided they do not conflict with or

contravene the Official AU Race Rules. See section 2.05.

17.02 A local organization may modify or change its race rules only after first giving reasonable notice to all

its members of the proposed change(s) and opportunity for the entire membership to vote on any such

change(s).

17.03 Organizational rule additions or changes shall become effective immediately after adoption by the

membership, but will not be retroactive and will not apply to a race series in progress.

In the event the AU receives a complaint that an organization is not abiding by AU rules as agreed, the

following format may be used to respond (USE ONLY IF REQUESTED BY THE AU COMPETITION

STANDARDS COMMITTEE TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOREGOING RULES).

THE FOREGOING RACE RULES were adopted by the (name of organization) ________________ and we

hereby certify that said organization competes in full compliance with the above AU race rules. Signed

this__________ day of ________________________, 200___.

(Club officers MUST EACH SIGN BELOW)

Club Officers' Signatures:

President: (Print name:)

Vice President: (Print name:)

Race Secretary: (Print name:)