RULES & PENALTIES

Running Order

British Firefighter Open Challenge (hereinafter BFOC) reserves the right to revise the order in which competition categories run the course. Lane assignments are randomized and not subject to change based upon preference or request. Competitors will be assigned a number corresponding with the run order and their course side (odd numbers on the blue side, even numbers on the red side). The next-up competitor must be in the staging area in full turnout gear when the preceding participant is at the start line. Individuals not ready for the start signal will be disqualified.

Equipment

A breathing apparatus for use during the competition will be provided and must be worn by all competitors. Any wilful or malicious destruction of event equipment will result in disqualification from the competition.
 

Personal Protective Equipment / Turnout Gear

All competitors must compete in their own protective equipment. PPE (i.e., turnout gear – helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and boots) must be serviceable (i.e., without holes), approved for structural firefighting consistent with NFPA / CE standards in effect at the time of manufacture. Fire hoods, face shields and earflaps are not required. Articles of turnout gear, SCBA, and all other equipment/worn apparel (including eyewear, radios, etc.) must not be removed or lost during the competition. If dropped, they must be retrieved and correctly replaced by the competitor before continuing. Non-retrieval results in disqualification. Competitors found to be non-compliant either during or after a competition will be disqualified and their time nullified. Questions about the suitability and compliance should be directed the Course Marshal prior to racing. Duct tape or other visible modifications are not permitted. Coats and jackets must be properly sized and cover the area of intended protection. Collars must be showing (not tucked in). Structural boots must have a steel sole/shank and toe (i.e., meet NFPA / CE protection requirements), including a distinct heel breast (of not less than 90° or more than 135° of not less than 1/2 inch or more than 1 inch) and a vapor barrier. Gloves, likewise must be designated for structural fire suppression and bear an NFPA-compliant label. Helmet decorations are allowed, however helmets must have an NFPA-compliant label with the original suspension and padding present. Officials may inspect all gear prior to participation. Their decisions are final. Any competitor who reports to the Staging Area and is found to be in violation of these rules will be subject to a 15-second penalty or disqualification depending upon the severity of the infraction.
 

Task Completion

All competitors are personally responsible for the completion of each task. No course volunteer has the authority to instruct a competitor in the negotiation of the events on the course; only the Course Marshal can intervene or direct the actions of a competitor. In those rare situations where the event staff, or the opposing competitor may have created an impediment, the options to rectify this situation may include a deduction in time to remedy the hindrance or allow another run of the course. All competitors must have completed the course in five minutes or be disqualified where they are, no matter how close to the finish line.
 

British Firefighter Open Challenge Penalties Summarised

• Failure to keep one hand on the external hand rail on the stairs: 2 seconds for each infraction
• Donut roll placement (not in or on the box): 2 seconds
• Skipped step (tower descent): 2 seconds
• Keiser Force Machine foul: 5 seconds per miss-strike
• Failure to finish forcible entry: 2 seconds per inch or fraction thereof
• Hammer placement (not touching mat): 2 seconds
• Failing to connect hose to the pump or hose becoming disconnected prior to completing the hose drag: 10 seconds
• Failure to place the hose branch over the designated line: 10 seconds
• Failing to place the hose completely in the box provided: 5 seconds
• Sliding the foam barrels: 2 seconds per barrel
• Failure to place foam barrels in the designated areas: 2 seconds per barrel
• Out of lane: 5 seconds per occurrence
• Unauthorized personnel on course: 10 seconds per occurrence
• False start: 5 Seconds
• Failure to stop clock: 10 seconds

British Firefighter Open Challenge Disqualification Infringements

• Failure to show
• Altered turnout gear
• Skipped event
• Disrupting the competition
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour (i.e., throwing gear)
• Interference on the course
• Unauthorized personnel on the course
• Failure to retrieve dropped equipment/apparel

Disputes

The competitor and the Course Marshal will resolve all disputes regarding penalties. We do not review video footage under any circumstances, etc. All Course Marshal decisions are final. Protests must be filed immediately with the Course Marshal, before the next race, prior to leaving the course.