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OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
June 19, 2008 - Staking University, Manteno, IL |
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DISCLAIMER
The information contained within this document is subject to
change without notice. Please continue to check this website
for any updates or changes that may occur. |
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Eligibility
 Practicing, every-day
utility locate technicians and supervisors designed the Midwest Regional Utility Locate Rodeo. If you
are or have been a practicing technician employed by a utility company,
one of their locate contractors, or an owner or employee of a private
locating company, you are eligible to compete in the Rodeo.
If you have located
facilities within the confines of The Planet Underground, Manteno, IL
within six (6) months prior to the event, you are ineligible to compete.
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General Rules
and Mandatory Meeting
All competitors, judges and
volunteers MUST register on June 18, 2008 between 4pm - 5pm at
The Planet
Underground in Manteno, IL to sign waivers and pick up their competitor
packet. |
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All competitors, judges and
volunteers MUST attend the Mandatory Rules Meeting on June 18,
2008 at The Planet Underground in Manteno, IL from 5:15pm - 6:15pm.
Failure to attend will result in total event
disqualification. |
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Competitor packets will
include a copy of the rules, schedule, competitor number plate, T-shirt,
cap and bonus event map. |
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Volunteer packets will
include a copy of the rules, schedule, T-shirt and cap. |
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A Breakfast Buffet will be
available to all competitors and
volunteers at The Planet Underground in Manteno, IL on June 19, 2008 between 6:30am
- 7:30am. Each competitor and volunteer
must provide their own transportation to The Planet Underground. |
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All competitors MUST be in
the staging area at Planet Underground on June 19, 2008 by 7:30am.
Failure to attend will result in total event
disqualification. |
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The competition will begin
at 8:00am on Thursday, June 19, 2008. |
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Competition will proceed in
all weather conditions, except during thunderstorms. If
thunderstorms occur, some events may be shortened or eliminated but
scoring will not be adversely impacted. |
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Judging for the Midwest
Regional Utility Locate Rodeo is based on rules adopted by the
International Utility Locate Rodeo Rules Committee in Atlanta, GA. |
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Dress
Code
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Competitors must wear the T-shirt provided in their Registration Packet
at all times throughout the Rodeo. Competitors may wear any type
of trousers, jeans or shorts. (All clothing must be presentable,
no holes, stains, etc.). Competitors may wear any type of
leather-soled shoes including boots. Clean tennis shoes may also
be worn.
Competitors must wear a hardhat and safety vest during
their actual competition at the event zones. Hardhats may be
removed before and after the competitive sessions. Rodeo caps will
be provided, but competitors may also wear a cap with their company
logo. This will be the only cap, or hat, substitution allowed.
Competitors, or their company, must provide the
hardhat and safety vest they wear during competition.
The competitor number plate must be worn at all times
during the hours of competition.
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Definitions
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Rodeo
Wheel:
Placed in the "Event Area" as the competitors measuring point for all
utilities within the specified event. The Rodeo Wheel resembles a wagon
wheel and contains a center pin with a revolving tape measure attached
to it. From the center pin, 8 lines resonate to end points; each line
is a different color (i.e., yellow, orange, blue, red, purple, green,
pink and black).
Center
Line of Facility: Top-dead center of the target utility
facility as determined by the events committee.
Event
Area: Immediate area of a particular Event Zone.
Area will be designated with ropes and/or other markings to clearly
identify the area.
Competitors
Locate: Location of target utility facility as
designated by the competitor with its measurement (location) as
certified on the Event Template.
Timing
Out: The event judge will call “time”
if the competitor exceeds 12 minutes while competing at a division event
(three minutes while competing at the Bonus Event). The competitor must
stop all activity and a time of 12 minutes and 01 second (or three
minutes and 01 second if at Bonus Event) will be entered. Measurements
on the event site template prior to the call of time will be entered and
a 50 point deduction will be assessed to the competitor's score for that
event. Other deductions, listed under the Infractions section, will also
be applied.
Ghost
Measurement: A measurement placed on any
signal other than the intended target facility.
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Divisional Competition
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Each event site will be
predetermined by the Rodeo Committee.
Four competitive divisions
will be available - Electric, Gas, Telecommunications (phone and TV) and
Water.
Ten (10) slots for each
division will be available.
Each group of 5 will compete
against each other on two events.
The top three winners of
each division will receive monetary awards of $500, $250 and $125,
respectively.
First place in each division
will also receive a plaque.
The map/plat of underground
utilities will be posted for the competitor at each event.
(The map/plat provided for each event shall serve as a
reference document only; the Rodeo Staff cannot guarantee that they are
100% accurate.)
The competitor will have up
to twelve (12) minutes to view the map/plat, find an access point, hook
up, locate the facility and restore the event site to its original
condition before calling time.
Time will be kept by the
Event judge.
Times will be recorded on a
stopwatch in minutes and seconds.
Time updates will not be
given to the competitor by the Event judge.
Each competitor will receive
a supply of 15 Rodeo poker chips to use in spotting out a facility. The
poker chips may be moved as many times as necessary.
Each Rodeo Wheel will have
flags available at the end points of each line for the competitor’s use
of marking a facility. Once a competitor has placed a flag, it may not
be moved.
Conductive locating,
inductive locating or a combination of both is allowed.
The clock starts when the
judge says "begin".
The competitor will record
their own measurements on the Event Template. The location of the Rodeo
poker chip, or flags if used, as measured by the participant is the
accuracy component in judging the event. A tape measure is attached to
the center point of each Rodeo Wheel for this purpose.
The competitor will measure
from the center point of the Rodeo wheel to the crossing point on any
and all of the “spokes” (lines) of the wheel.
All measurements entered on
the Event template must be legibly recorded in feet and inches.
Competitor must return the
Event site to its original condition prior to calling “time”.
 | Roll up tape measure and
return to center point of Rodeo wheel. |
| Return all flags to the end
points of each “spoke” (line). |
| Retrieve all Rodeo poker chips
from the Event site, return to the Event table and count chips back to
scorekeeper to ensure 15 have been accounted for.
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Once the competitor has
completed the event, he/she must call "time". Only then will the clock
be stopped.
When the competitor has
completed their event(s), he/she will give their completed Event
Template to the event zone scoring person and verify the measurements.
The competitor may then proceed to a designated area where he/she may
remain as a spectator.
Once the competitor calls
"time" the clock will not be restarted for any reason. If however, an
unforeseen event should occur, the premature stoppage of time will be
solely determined by the on-site judge.
Time will be considered in a
tie-breaking situation only. |
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Bonus Event
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Unless otherwise stated
under Bonus Event, the Rules listed under the Divisional Competition
apply to the bonus event.
The top three winners of the
bonus event will receive monetary awards of $500, $250 and $125,
respectively.
All competitors will receive
a copy of the map/plat for the bonus event in their registration packet. (The map/plat provided for each event shall serve as
a reference document only; the Rodeo Staff cannot guarantee that they
are 100% accurate.)
The competitor will have up
to three (3) minutes to view the map/plat, find an
access point, hook up, locate the facility and restore
the event site to it's original condition before calling time.
An event volunteer will
record measurements as you call them out.
At least three (3) different
types of locating equipment will be readily available for your choice.
(All three transmitters will be hooked up but only one will be turned on
at your signal.) You will choose your receiver and begin the
locate.
Conductive locating,
inductive locating or a combination of both is allowed.
Rodeo poker chips will be
the only markers used.
When the competitor has
completed their event(s), he/she will give their completed Event
Template to the event zone scoring person and verify the measurements.
The competitor may then proceed to a designated area where he/she may
remain as a spectator.
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Tools and
Equipment
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All types of
electro-magnetic locating devices will be allowed.
Each competitor may use
his/her own equipment
(excluding the bonus
event).
All equipment must be in
safe operating condition.
Instruments provided by
sponsoring equipment manufacturers may be available for use by any
competitor, at any time.
All locating devices and
tools must be clearly marked with the competitor's name and competitor's
company name.
The Midwest Regional Utility Locate Rodeo, and any
sponsoring companies, will not be responsible for any lost or stolen
equipment during the Rodeo. |
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Scoring/Accuracy
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The competitor(s) with the
highest score at the end of competition will be the winner(s).
Every competitor's
measurements are entered into two separate systems by the scorekeepers.
This system of dual entry allows the Master Scorekeepers to verify that
all scores are both accurate and complete. Final scores are reviewed by
the Master Judge and deemed final immediately prior to the presentation
of awards.
Competitors begin each event
with 100 points.
If a competitor fails to
record any measurements on their Event Template, he/she will receive the
lowest possible score for the entire event.
| Example: If an event has
three measurements of 10 feet (120 points), the deduction for this
event would be 360 points (120 points X 3). From the competitor's
original 100 points for that event, 360 points would be deducted for a
total of negative 260 points. This would be the "lowest possible
score" for this event. (Additional deductions may also be taken for
any infractions incurred during the event.) |
If a competitor fails to
record measurements on any single string or crossing where the Master
Template indicates the targeted facility actually crosses, he/she will
lose the amount of points associated with the actual Master Template
measurement.
| Example: If a competitor
fails to take a measurement on the Blue spoke and the Master Template
shows the targeted facility crossing the Blue spoke at 6’ 2” (74
inches) from the Center pin, the competitor will take a 74 point
infraction. If the crossing happens to be 19’ 5” (234 inches) from
the center pin, the competitor will take a 234 point infraction.
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Infractions will be
calculated in the negative if it is necessary for the calculation of the
final scores. |
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One-Point
Infractions |
Moving flags, if used, after
initial placement. (One point will be deducted for each time a flag
is moved.)
Failure to return tools to
tool box OR event zone. (One point per tool.)
Failure to remove flags
and/or Rodeo poker chips from the event zone before you call for time.
(One point will be deducted per flag/chip.)
Failure to retract the tape
measure and return to the center point of the Rodeo wheel.
Failure to have locating
instruments and accessories secured in a carrying case or bag. Case or
bag must be closed properly before time starts and before time is
called. (This only applies to divisional
events.)
Dropping or losing hardhat
while in the event area.
Failure to properly wear
hardhat (not backwards) at all times while in the event area. |
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Five-Point
Infractions |
Failure to reconnect bonds
on any access point.
Breaking a string on the
Rodeo wheel.
Damage to any access point
or facility including, but not limited to, peeling or removing wire
coating or insulated jacket material.
Failure to wear hardhat and
safety vest while in the event area.
Alteration of provided
t-shirt, cap, competitor number plate or any other supplied materials.
Performing any hand gestures
that may be considered offensive.
Performing any body language
that may help or hurt another competitor's score while he/she is
competing.
Recording measurements or
recording “ghost measurements” indicating a targeted facility crosses a
string that is not indicated on the Master Template. (A five point
infraction will be assessed for each “ghost” measurement that is
recorded.) |
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Fifty-Point
Infraction |
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Timing Out - The event judge
will call “time” if the competitor exceeds 12 minutes while competing at
a division event (three minutes while competing at the Bonus Event).
The competitor must stop all activity and a time of 12 minutes and 01
second (or three minutes and 01 second if at Bonus Event) will be
entered. Measurements on the event site template prior to the call of
time will be entered and a 50 point deduction will be assessed to the
competitor's score for that event. Other deductions, listed under the
Infractions section, will also be applied. |
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Competitor
Substitution
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An alternate or substitute
for any pre-registered competitor is allowed up to the time of the
Mandatory Rules Meeting on June 18, 2008. The alternate/substitute
must meet eligibility requirements, have registered and attend the Mandatory Rules
Meeting.
Failure to attend will result in total event
disqualification.
Any alternate or substitute
must comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the Rodeo
Committee. |
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Judges
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The Rodeo will consist of a
master judge, event judges and alternate judges. The master judge
shall oversee the entire competition and be available to settle
disputes. All decisions by the master judge are final. The
alternate judges will be available to substitute an event judge if
needed.
Judges will treat all
competitors professionally, with respect and courtesy. Inappropriate
activity during the competition (such as high-fives, smirks, or other
visible signs of inappropriate behavior) will not be tolerated by
the Rodeo Committee.
Disrespect towards a judge
from the competitor will not be tolerated and may result in
disqualification for the entire event.
Judges may not judge a
competitor from their company or from a locate contractor that works for
their company. Alternate judges will be available for such
scenarios. |
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Questioning
An Event Judge
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Competitors may ask the
on-site judge questions prior to the event, but not after the clock has
started.
It is the competitor's
responsibility to ask the questions prior to the beginning of his/her
event.
The competitor will have a
maximum of two (2) minutes to stand ready with his/her equipment in hand
and ask the judge any questions. This timeframe includes the
judge's answers.
No questions are allowed
from competitors during the bonus event.
Video or photo footage will
not be allowed to settle judging disputes. |
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Contesting A
Call
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If a competitor can
demonstrate a problem with any particular judging call, the competitor
should complete their event and then protest the call to the event
judge.
(1) The master judge will be called via radio and will immediately
proceed to the event in question to rectify the situation.
(2) The competition will proceed with an alternate judge while the
dispute is settled.
(3) The decision of the master judge is final. |
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Disqualification
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Failure to attend the
Mandatory Rules Meeting on June 18, 2008 at The Planet Underground at
5:15pm. (Note: Unforeseen travel delays will be taken into consideration. The
competitor must contact the Rodeo Chairman at 815-351-5002 as soon as
the problem arises. The Rodeo Chairman must give approval.)
Failure to be in the staging
area at Planet Underground on June 19, 2008 at 7:30am.
No competitor will be
allowed access to his/her events until it is their turn to compete.
However, competitors may remain as a spectator in a designated area when
finished. The competitor shall not make hand gestures or other
signs that would benefit or hurt another competitor's chances. Any
competitor found in violation will be immediately disqualified for the
entire competition and asked to leave the Rodeo grounds.
Any competitor that shares
information with another competitor on any event.
Any competitor that strays
from the designated areas.
Any competitor that removes
his/her provided T-shirt and/or Rodeo competitor number plate at any
time during the Rodeo.
Unprofessional behavior at
any time during the Rodeo.
Entering the grounds of The
Planet Underground in Manteno, IL between the hours of 7:00pm on June
18, 2008 until 5:30am on June 19, 2008 unless accompanied by a Rodeo
staff member.
Attempts to gain access to
records or any other information on the physical plant at Planet
Underground.
Intentional sabotage or
tampering with equipment, event sites or other attempts at disruption.
A judge is disqualified from
judging an employee of his/her company or an employee of one of their
contractors.
The competitor must make
his/her protest to the event judges only. Competitor can not seek
help from spectators or others present.
Any competitor exhibiting
aggressive behavior, verbal or physical, including throwing equipment. |
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DISCLAIMER
The Rodeo Committee reserves the right to impose additional
penalties not shown in the rules when unforeseen conditions arise
that may be deemed unsafe or inappropriate, or not generally
practiced in the industry. |
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