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International Whip Cracking Championship

Competition Rules

The head judge has final say in rule determinations and will arbitrate any challenges or protests.  A line judge and time keeper may in addition to a score keeper.

* The distance between each target stand shall be equal and proportionate to the overall distance.  A distance of 24 inches between adjacent targets is recommended.

* The toe line will be placed at a distance of nine (9) feet from the target stand row for the standard whip classification.

* The toe line will be placed at a distance of fourteen (14) feet from the target stand row for the long whip classification.

* The toe line will be placed at a distance of twenty five (25) feet from the target stand for the extra long whip classification.

* All toe line and target distances are subject to change at the discretion of the head judge.

* All late arrivals WILL NOT be allowed to make up missed event or events.

Equipment:  A Stock Whip, Bull Whip, Cow Whip, Snake Whip, and Signal Whip may be used in all the competitions.  Any and all Whips used in all competitions must be in good repair and capable of producing an audible report or crack.  If a judge determines that a Whip is not in good repair it will not be allowed to be used in any competition.

Conduct:   Any competitor heard swearing or using profanity during the competition will be disqualified immediately from that event.

Manners:  Competitors should acknowledge the judges before and after their performance and at all times conduct themselves in a sporting way.

Accuracy Challenges:

Non-Timed Event:  Will consist of ten (10) targets (five with each hand alternating) and will be worth a maximum of 30 points determined thus:

3 points per clean cut (a piece cut off the cup the rest remaining)

2 points per smash (the cup or part is smashed off the target stand)

1 point per hit (cup hit but not piece removed)

0 points for a miss (hit target stand or cup missed all together)

The size of the cups will vary according to the expertise of the whip handler, this means that the more expert amongst us will be handicapped to give those with less experience a more even chance.

Only one attempt may be made at each target.  Targets may be set at different heights.  Distance from the targets will be determined by a line on the ground (toe line).

Competitors may not cross the toe line.  A line fault shall disqualify that target score and shall not be added to the total.  Winner will be determined by highest score.  Additional rounds may be completed to eliminate a tie.

(The Non-timed Event will be awarded 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place awards for each toe line distance)

Timed Event:  Will consist of ten (10) targets struck in sequence for a timed averaged score.  Targets may be set at different heights.  Distance will be determined by a line or mark on the ground (toe line) at a 9’ distance from the target stand row.  Competitors may not cross the toe line.  A line fault shall disqualify that target and the target will not be used in the timed average.  A five second penalty shall be assessed for each passed or disqualified target.  Winner will be determined by lowest score from an average of total time and number of targets fairly struck, plus penalties.  Penalty time shall be added to the averaged time score.  Example: 8 targets struck in 20 seconds, two targets remaining.  20 seconds divided by 8= 2.5 seconds per target + (2 targets X 5 seconds penalty = 10 seconds) adjusted time score of 12.5 seconds per target.  Competitors are liable for damages to target stands or event equipment up to the replacement cost.

**Special Note** the time keeper shall pause the recorded time until any entanglements are cleared and shall restart upon the competitors continuance of attempts.

(The timed event will be awarded 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place awards)

Basic 8 Event:   The Judge will call out 8 basic cracks in turn, the competitor will be expected to perform each crack correctly 3 times

(Awards for this Event have yet to be decided)

Precision Board:  Will consists of one target panels containing five targets worth five points per struck target for a total possible score of 25 points.  Targets object (candle) is located beyond a four inch round hole that the Whip must pass thru to be considered a fairly struck target.  Any target hits obtained by circumventing the side of the target panel shall not be scored.  Only ten attempts may be made at the target panel aiming at targets in any order.  Competitors may use either hand but are not required to alternate hands.  Distance will be determined by a mark or line on the ground (toe line).  Competitors may not cross the toe line.  A line fault shall disqualify that target score and shall not be added to the total.  Winner will be determined by highest score.  Additional rounds may be completed to eliminate a tie.

NB This competition will only take place if there is sufficient interest registered beforehand.

Protests: 

* Any and all formal protest or ruling challenges must be submitted to the head judge prior to the close of the event to be considered and adjudicated.

These rules have been taken by kind permission and with some modification  from the DFW-WE International Competition Rules.