Draft AREuroSeries rules
Declaration
1) Long distance (expediton) adventure race (shortly adventure race or AR) is a multiday non-stop competition of 4-member teams. Adventure and discovering of interesting and beautiful places is inseparable part of the race.
2) Fair play plays an important part of the race. As most of the race happens in the remote areas, it is not possible to check whether all rules are fulfilled. Teams must not use any tactics that would give them unfair advantage. The race organizers can make decisions that differ from these rules or rules of the race if and only if these decisions help to keep the race fair.
3) The race must be environmentally sensitive.
Rules and recommendations for the AREuroSeries races
4) Main category of the race is for 4-memer teams. There must be at least one woman in every team.
5) The race must be organized as a non-stop event. Time limit must be over 55 hours. We recommend that time limit is around 75 hours with expected time of the winner being 50 hours.
6) The course must be marked by checkpoints (CPs) with emphasis to the navigation skills and sports versatility. Teams should have choice of route between CPs, however in some parts of the race, mandatory route is acceptable.
7) All CPs should be mandatory with mandatory order.
8) Course and conditions set by the organizer must be the same for all teams
9) All events and special tasks must be fulfilled by all teams in the same extent.
10) Incomplete teams must be disqualified. However, if it is safe they can continue unranked.
11) Teams on the short course must be either ranked behind all teams on the regular course or penalized. This penalty must be at least 3 times of the average time needed to complete the section.
12) If part of the race or special task is canceled during the race (for example due to weather conditions) it must not be to the disadvantage of the teams that already fulfilled this part or special task.
13) Teams that did not fulfill a special task must be penalized. This penalty may be time added to the finish time or a penalty task. This penalty should be more severe than the original task (at least twice). It is recommended that race rules contain obligation for the teams to attempt original task before incurring penalty. Penalty should be known before the start of the race or at least before attempting of the task.
14) The race must be a combination of at least three sport events (at least four are recommended). Recommended sports are:
- a) Mountain biking/cycling
- b) Trek/run
- c) Navigation/orienteering
- d) Climbing/bouldering/rope activities
- e) Canoeing/kayaking/rafting/swimming
- f) Winter events SKI-XC/Ski alpinism
- g) Other outdoors sports
15) If teams have to make strategic decisions they must have sufficient information to do so.
16) Teams must have sufficient information about progress of other teams.
17) Exceptions to these rules are possible. However they all must be consulted with all the race organizers of the AREuroSeries races. This is to provide maximum evaluation of any innovations.
AREuroSeries Cup rules
18) Only results of mixed teams (at least one women in every team) will be taken into account for inclusion to the cup results.
19) For the cup standings 3 best results are included to the rankings.
20) Following points are awarded in each race (from the first place):
| Position | Points |
| 1st | 20 points |
| 2nd | 17 points |
| 3rd | 15 points |
| 4th | 13 points |
| 5th | 12 points |
| 6th | 11 points |
| 7th | 10 points |
| 8th | 9 points |
| 9th | 8 points |
| 10th | 7 points |
| 11th | 6 points |
| 12th | 5 points |
| 13th | 4 points |
| 14th and more | 3 points |
Teams that did not finish will receive 1 point.
21) In case two teams have even points, their position in the final rankings is decided by following criteria:
- a) Better result on European Championships.
- b) Better results from the races where teams raced against each other.
- c) Better result on any AREuroSeries race
Registration of races
22) Race can be registered to the cup if it meets following criteria
- a) It is organized in Europe.
- b) It meets above rules.
- c) Organizers paid fee of 200 Euros per year. Registration for year 2009 is free. This fee will be used to cover administrative costs of AREuroSeries.
Registration of teams
23) Teams must register on the AREuroSeries web page.
24) Teams can either be nominated by national associations or register directly.
25) Number of people starting for a team is not limited. However, team must show continuity. Teams are allowed to introduce two new team members in each race (except the first one). The other two members must have raced in the team in previous races.
26) If the name of team changes, it must be announced to the AREuroSeries by a form on its web page.
Awards
27) First teams on the European Championships will be awarded:
- The winners will receive title "European Champion" and a challenge trophy
- First three teams will receive medals and trophies.
- Qualification of first three teams to the AR World Championships is being negotiated.
28) First teams on the AREuroSeries Cup will be awarded:
- First three teams will receive trophies, diplomas and material awards.
- Qualification of first three teams to the AR World Championships is being negotiated.