Gear rules

As competitor numbers for the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge continue to increase substantially every year, the competition becomes ever more fierce.   In addition to attracting international competitors, and New Zealand teams regularly traveling to other nation's events, there has been increasing demand to supply a standard dress code for all competitors.  The following 'Rules' have been adapted from other competitions.  Our rules primarily focus on the local standards, but cater for international competitors, and NZ competitors who purchase gear abroad.  It has proven to be impractical to specifically conform to every set of rules for other firefighting competitions (e.g. World Firefighter Games, Firefighter Combat Challenge, Firefighter Tower Climbs).  We will often make reference to a 'Relevant Standard' in this document, this applies to AS/NZ (Australia/New Zealand), NFPA 1971 (USA/Canada), and CE (European) certifications.  Please read all the rules to ensure your equipment conforms to OUR standards.

Rules

1. All competitors must supply their own protective equipment
2. PPE must be serviceable (i.e., without holes, or excessive ware), approved for structural fire fighting consistent with the relevant  standards in effect at the time of manufacture
3. Hoods, face shields and earflaps are not required
4. Articles of turnout gear and Breathing Apparatus must not be removed or lost for the duration of the event
5. All PPE must be worn correctly during the competition
6. Competitors found to be non-compliant either during or after a competition will be disqualified and their time nullified
7. Questions about the suitability and compliance should be directed the Course Marshal prior to racing  or raised with the event organiser prior to the day of the event
8. Duct tape or other visible modifications are not permitted
9. Coats, jackets and pants must be properly sized and cover the area of intended protection
10. Collars must be showing (not tucked in). Jackets shall be appropriately closed throughout the race
11. Structural boots must have a steel sole/shank and toe), and a vapor barrier.  A minimum height of 250 cm (10 inches) measured from the inner heel sole, to the top of the upper boot, This is know as a "Full boot" "Half boots" are not permitted.
12. Gloves must be designated for structural fire suppression and bear the "relevant standard" compliance label
13. Officials may inspect all gear prior to participation. Their decisions are final
14. Competitors who leave their personal gear at the event may have it shipped to them at their cost
15. Any competitor who reports to the inspection area and is found to be in violation of these rules, will have their suspected infringement photographed, and a ruling will be decided upon at a (post race) officials meeting
16. All competitors (with turnout gear in dispute) will be allowed to complete the event
17. Any competitor missing any piece of required PPE will be find a replacement, or be removed from the event.
18. Any ruling on dress code infringements will result in retrospectively applied DNF time
19. No correspondence will be entered into, the judges ruling is final

If you have any PPE items that YOU may think are outside these rules, application can be made to the organisers of the event for a definitive ruling.  All applications must contain:
* Manufacturer
* Model
* Style (if applicable)
* Country of origin
* Governing Standard
* Any supporting data (including manufacturers website, user manual, personal pictures and testimonials)

Applications should be emailed to scottie@scottie.com no later that 1 May 2011.

Important note: There has been a great deal of conjecture regarding acceptable styles of firefighting boots.  The management of the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge have ruled that in order to maintain continuity between the three referenced international standards, and other international firefighting events, a minimum boot height of 250 cm (10 inch) will be accepted, this varies on the size of the turnout boot.  Appearance of firefighting boots is varied, and some styles resemble the exterior of NZFS level 1 boots.  Please be aware that all turnout gear will be checked prior to racing, and every individual is responsible for their own turnout gear compliance.  Do not attempt to enter into any discussion with course officials about another competitors gear!  The officials are experienced and have protocols in place to effectively handle any suspected infringement.

Terms

* PPE  - Personal Protective Equipment, includes helmet, coat, pants, gloves, boots, BA
* Level 2's - Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear
* NFPA 1971 - National Fire Protection Association Safety Standards (USA)
* CE - European Safety Standards
* AS/NZ Standards - Australia New Zealand Safety Standards
* BA - Breathing Apparatus