1.1 NOTIFICATION: The dates of the upcoming National Unicycle Convention must be made available to ON ONE WHEEL (and all other interested forms of media) at the earliest possible date. A registration form should be prepared and supplied to ON ONE WHEEL no later than January 15 of the year of the convention. If additional (to the traditional events) points races are to be held, riders must be notified on this form (see below). Competition results should be supplied to ON ONE WHEEL by October 1 following the convention.

1.2 HOST'S OPTION: You are completely free to add events, age groups, or variations that do not appear here, as long as they don't conflict with these rules. When in doubt, contact the Rules Committee through the USA P.O. Box.

1.3 PUBLISHING RULES: For each individual convention, an additional amendment to this rulebook may be needed to explain items such as specific points races, additional events, additional age groups, etc. Points race information must be made available to attendees no later than January 15 of the year of the convention. All information should be included in the registration forms, and published in the newsletter.

1.4 REGISTRATION FORMS: A properly structured registration form is essential. For example, a rider may enter Pairs as an Expert with an older rider, but may wish to compete in an individual artistic event in his or her own age group. However, all racing competition is within age group. Expert racing status is determined as a result of age group competition. It is important that riders are able to make the correct choices to compete at their chosen levels of ability for each event. Before publishing a registration form, the Host must have it approved by a representative of the USA Rules Committee.

1.5 NAMES AND TERMINOLOGY: The proper names and terminology for our sport and events must be used in all advertising and publicizing. "NUC" is an acronym that unicyclists can use, but it is not a good word to use for the general public. The terminology and event names must be kept accurate, to facilitate better understanding of what events are offered. The specific artistic event names are Standard Skill, Individual Freestyle, Pairs Freestyle, Group Freestyle, Club Show and Parade. Variations of these names should not be used.

1.6 LIABILITY INSURANCE: USA carries a Liability Insurance Policy of $1,000,000. This can cover any unicycling event sanctioned by USA Inc. If an insurance rider is required for the NUC, USA will pay the premium.

1.7 START-UP MONEY: USA will lend a maximum of $500 (not to exceed 50% of the balance in the USA treasury) to the Host for expenses incurred in arranging the convention. The entire loan, with no interest charge, must be repaid in full by the Host no later than Oct. 1 of the year of the convention.

1.8 FOOD & LODGING: The NUC is usually held on a college campus or other location where low-cost housing and meal plans are available. The Host should supply these, if possible, to make it easier for riders to afford the trip to the convention. Hosts should also make available a list of hotels, motels, campgrounds, and restaurants in the area for riders who wish to use them.

1.9 SUNRISE SERVICE: Traditionally, a nondenominational religious service is held on Sunday morning.

1.10 USA, INC. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The NUC is the annual gathering of USA membership. An Annual Membership Meeting is required by law for this type of non-profit corporation. A meeting room, large enough to accommodate all expected attendance, must be supplied. This room must be protected from weather, adequately lighted, and have enough seating for all meeting participants. A time of at least 2 hours must be set aside in the NUC schedule to allow for this meeting to take place. No other events should be scheduled during this time. All members should be encouraged to attend. The Meeting is chaired by the USA President.

1.11 WORKSHOPS: Skill workshops are a traditional part of unicycle conventions. One or more places should be set aside, with times in the convention schedule for workshops to take place. Workshop areas must be protected from weather, and adequately lighted. Find out in advance what materials or supplies workshop leaders may need.

1.12 SKILL LEVEL TESTING: The Host should provide a suitable place and equipment for level testing to be done. The Host will designate persons who are qualified to test people on the IUF Achievement Skill Levels.

1.13 NATIONAL ANTHEM: Is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies of most sporting events. When the National Anthem is played, riders should dismount all unicycles, and face the flag.

1.14 PROGRAM BOOK: Should be provided to all registrants, containing full schedule of all events, maps and directions to all event locations, and as much rule and background information as possible. This type of Program Book makes excellent reading for spectators, and gets them more involved in our sport. Local merchants and sponsors can advertise in the Program Book for a fee as a source for convention revenue.

1.15 TRACK: A track must be made available for conducting the track races. The track must be marked in meters, and should be prepared in advance with start and finish lines for the various racing events that are unique to unicycle racing (such as 50, 30, 10 and 5 meter lines). A person who is familiar with all the local track markings must be available. In addition to the track, a smooth area of sufficient size must be set aside to run the official Obstacle Course and Slow Races. A public address system must be provided to announce upcoming events and race winners. Bullhorns are usually not adequate for the track environment.

1.16 WEATHER: If the track is outdoors, plans must be made to deal with inclement weather. This problem can be eliminated by using an indoor track. The track must be available for both days, in case of inclement weather.

1.17 MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: The Host must supply all necessary materials and equipment to run the racing competitions. This includes stopwatches, starting posts and cones for the Obstacle Course.

1.17 ARTISTIC RIDING AREAS: Traditionally, a gymnasium is used. Artistic competitions can also be held in an auditorium, if the stage is large enough. If this is done, a gym must also be available for practice, and possibly for group competition. The gymnasium should have enough room to set up two individual and pairs performing areas side by side. There must also be enough room for judges and spectators. Seating must be provided for spectators, and a practice area must be provided for riders. This practice area may be in a separate gym. The practice area cannot be outdoors. If necessary, the practice area can be behind a curtain in the performance gym, or behind the spectator seating. The gym or riding surface must be marked with the boundaries of all riding areas.

In some facilities black tires, metal pedals, etc. might not be allowed. Make sure the participants are informed of this in advance. All performing and practice areas must be in well-lit places that are protected from the weather.

1.18 MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: The Host must supply all necessary materials and equipment to run the competitions. The USA will provide a long set of curtains for the performance gym, and other USA-owned materials.

1.19 TRAINING OFFICIALS: As the rules state, competitions cannot be started until all key track and artistic officials have been trained and understand their tasks. For Racing, the Referee is in charge of making sure this happens. For Artistic events, the Chief Judge is in charge. Make sure there are plenty of copies of the rulebook for officials to study on the spot. Testing can consist of a simple verbal quiz or anything the Referee or Chief Judge deem appropriate. For certain artistic events, a minimum level of judging experience is required. See section 5.6.

1.20 CLUBS: All clubs must be current (paid up) USA Affiliates. Affiliate membership can be obtained from USA, Inc. for a fee. The club must assume responsibility for all minors attending, whether or not they are accompanied by parents or legal guardians, and must supervise these minors. The club must send names and addresses of all people who are willing to help as racing or artistic officials. Potential officials must obtain copies of the rulebook to study. Each club must have a representative who will speak for the club as a whole, to register it for events such as Club Show, Parade, Team Racing, etc. The representative should be well versed in all rules, so there are no problems in understanding the club's responsibilities.

1.21 GROUPS: Any group of unicyclists that is not an official USA affiliate can enter group events as a 'group.' A group can enter Group Freestyle or Parade, or field a racing team. Responsibilities are the same as those of clubs.

1.22 USA MEMBERSHIP: All riders must be current (paid up) USA members to compete. Registrations must be completed, signed, and fully paid before the rider can participate in any events.

1.23 RACING: Riders must use unicycles that conform to the definitions and dimensions for racing unicycles (section 2.1). Riders must have kneepads, gloves and shoes that meet the definitions below, and helmets for certain events.

1.24 ARTISTIC: Any performance music must be recorded on a standard cassette tape, as described in section 3.18.

1.25 PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: All minors must be supervised by a parent, guardian or other designated person. All attendees should remember that they are guests of the convention hosts, and ambassadors of our sport to all new riders, visitors from far away, and to people in the hosting town. Remember that the Host is renting the convention facilities, and you are expected to treat them well. Irresponsible behavior may lead to disqualification from all events.

1.26 YOUR PRIVILEGE: Entry in a unicycle convention is your privilege, not your right. You are a guest at the Host's event. As an attendee, you are obligated to obey all rules and decisions of convention officials and hosts.

2.2 POINTS RACES: The following points races must be provided at each NUC: 100m, 400m, 800m (0-10 only), 1600m (11-UP), 50m One Foot, 50m Fast Backward, 30m Wheel Walk (11-UP), 10m Wheel Walk (0-10 only), 10m Slow Forward, 10m Slow Backward, and the Official Obstacle Course. Placement in these races will earn rider and team points toward Racing Champion awards. In each event, riders will receive 8 points for 1st place, 6 points for 2nd, 4 for 3rd, 2 for 4th and 1 for 5th. If two or more riders tie, they each receive full points for the place in which they finished. See also section 2.16.

2.3 UNICYCLES FOR RACING: Only standard unicycles may be used. A standard unicycle has only one wheel, is driven by crank arms directly attached to the axle, and is propelled only by human force. Riders may use any number of unicycles, as long as all fit within the applicable restrictions for events in which they are entered.

2.4 DRESS: Riders must wear shoes, kneepads and gloves (definitions in sec. 1.27). In some events, a helmet is required. The Referee has final say on whether a rider's safety equipment is sufficient. Helmets and elbow pads are also good considerations for safe unicycle racing. The Starter will remove from the starting line-up any riders not properly equipped to race, including riders with dangerously loose shoelaces.

2.5 STARTING: Riders start mounted, holding onto a starting post or other support. Because unicycle riders need to be leaning before the starting gun fires, the Starter will give a four count start; "One, two, three, BANG!" This allows riders to predict the timing of the gun, for a fair start. There should be about ' second between each number in the count, with the same amount of time between "One" and "Two" as there is between "Three" and BANG! Starters should practice this several times before the races begin. Riders start with the fronts of their tires behind the edge of the starting line that is farthest from the finish line. Running starts are not permitted in any race. However, a rider may start as far behind the starting line as he or she desires, provided the wheel does not move before the gun fires. Riders may lean before the gun fires, as long as their wheels do not move forward until the gun fires. Riders may place starting posts in the location most comfortable for them, as long as it doesn't interfere with other riders.

2.6 FALSE STARTS: These occur if a rider crosses the line before the gun is fired, or if one or more riders are forced to dismount due to interference from another rider or other source. If the same rider causes two false starts in one event, the rider is disqualified for that event. The Starter will fire the starting gun again to recall riders after a false start.

2.7 FINISHES: These are determined by the front of the tire crossing over the edge of the finish line that is nearest to the starting line. Riders are timed by their wheels, not by outstretched bodies. Riders must cross the line mounted and in control of the unicycle. "Control" is defined by the rearmost part of the wheel crossing completely over the finish line before any part of the rider touches the ground in a dismount. In races where dismounting is allowed (800m, 1600m, Relay, UMX, Marathon, etc.), in the event of a dismount at the finish line the rider must back up, remount and ride across the finish line again. In races where dismounting is not allowed, the rider is disqualified.

2.8 LANE USE: In most races, a rider must stay in his or her own lane. A rider who goes outside his or her lane must immediately return to it. Riders are not usually disqualified for this unless it causes interference with other riders. No physical contact between riders is allowed during racing. 200m and 400m races are started with a stagger start. 800m and 1600m races may be started in one of two ways:

2.9 LANE ASSIGNMENTS: At some conventions, lanes are preassigned at time of registration. At other conventions, riders decide among themselves. If riders disagree, the Clerk makes lane assignments. In races where more than one heat is necessary per age group, every effort must be made to see that the fastest riders compete in the same heat. If the track has undesirable lanes due to potholes or other problems, this should be considered when lanes are assigned. A very bad or dangerous lane might not be used at all. The Referee can override the Clerk's choice of lane assignments. The general rule is that riders decide for themselves.

2.10 MIXING AGE GROUPS IN HEATS: There will be no mixing of age groups, or sexes, in heats except with explicit permission from the Racing Referee.

2.11 PASSING: In track races, an overtaking rider must pass on the outside, unless there is enough room to safely pass on the inside. Riders passing on the inside are responsible for any fouls that may take place as a result. The passing rider's wheel must remain at least one wheel diameter (24") from the slower rider's wheel at all times. The slower rider must maintain a reasonably straight course, and not interfere with the faster rider.

2.12 DISMOUNTING: A dismount is any time a rider's foot or other body part touches the ground and the unicycle must be remounted. Except for the 800m, 1600m, Relay, UMX, Marathon and some other non traditional events, if a rider dismounts, he or she is disqualified. In races where riders are allowed to remount and continue, riders must immediately remount at the point where the unicycle comes to rest, without running. If a dismount puts the rider past the finish line, the rider must back up and ride across the line again. If a rider is forced to dismount due to the actions of another rider, or outside interference, the Referee decides if he or she can enter that race again in another heat. In non-lane races, if a rider is forced to dismount due to a fall by the rider immediately in front, it is considered part of the race and both riders must remount and continue. The Referee can override this rule if intentional interference is observed.

2.13 ASSISTING RACERS: In races where riders are allowed to remount, the riders must mount the unicycle completely unassisted. Spectators or helpers may help the rider to his or her feet and/or retrieve the dropped unicycle, but the rider (and the unicycle) may not have any physical contact with any outside object or person, including a starting block under the wheel, when mounting.

2.14 ILLEGAL RIDING: This includes intentionally interfering in any way with another rider, deliberately crossing in front of another rider to prevent him or her from moving on, deliberately blocking another rider from passing, or distracting another rider with the intention of causing a dismount. A rider who is forced to dismount due to interference by another rider may file a protest immediately at the end of the race. Riders who intentionally interfere with other riders may receive from the Referee a warning, a loss of placement (given the next lower finishing place), disqualification from that race/event, or suspension from all races.

2.15 PROTESTS: All protests against racing results must be submitted in writing on the proper form after a race, until 15 minutes after the results are posted. The form must be filled in completely. This time may be extended for riders who have to be in other races during that time period. All protests will be handled within 30 minutes from the time they are received. Mistakes in paperwork, inaccuracies in placing, and interference from other riders or other sources are all grounds for protests. All Referee decisions are final, and cannot be protested.

2.16 ADDING UP POINTS: Riders earn points in each of the points races. The rider with the most points in each age group gets the Racing Champion award, for his or her age group. Additionally, points will be totaled for persons who qualify as Experts. These points will be added up separately from age group points. The National Racing Champions are the male and female who earn the most Expert points. In each event, riders will receive 8 points for 1st place, 6 points for 2nd, 4 for 3rd, 2 for 4th and 1 for 5th. If two or more riders tie in the race, they each receive full points for the place in which they finished. When totaling points to find the champions, if two riders tie, the award goes to the rider with the most first place finishes. If still tied, it goes to the rider with the most 2nd place finishes, and so on. If riders are still tied after all placings are considered, the award goes to the best placing rider in the 100m race.

2.17 RACING TEAMS: Clubs or groups of riders can register as teams. After all points races have been run, total points for each rider will be added. The scores of the 10 highest scoring riders from the team are totaled to find the team total. The team with the most points is the National Champion Racing Team. The team may consist of any number of riders, male and female mixed. Though a club may be divided into more than one team, each rider's points may count for only one team.

2.18 ONE FOOT: Riders pedal with both feet for the first 5 meters, but must be pedaling with only one foot after crossing the 5m line. The non-pedaling foot may be braced against the unicycle fork, or extended.

2.19 50m FAST BACKWARD: Riders must face and pedal backward. The Starter lines up the rear of the tire above the start line. Helmets are mandatory. Timing is stopped when the rear of the tire crosses the finish line.

2.20 WHEEL WALK: Riders start mounted, with their feet on the tire, and propel the unicycle only by pushing the tire with their feet. No contact with pedals or crank arms is allowed. No crank arm restrictions.

2.21 10m SLOW RACE: The object is to ride in a continuously forward motion as slowly as possible without stopping, going backward, hopping, or twisting more than 45 degrees to either side. Two different board sizes are used: Age 0-10: 10m x 30cm. Age 11-UP: 10m x 15cm. The Slow Race is measured using the bottom of the unicycle wheel. Riders start with the bottom of the wheel on the starting line. On command by the Starter, the rider must immediately start forward motion and let go of starting posts. The timer stops the watch when the bottom of the tire touches either the finish line, or the ground after the line on boards which end at the finish line. Riders can be disqualified for very slight stops or backward motions, twisting more than 45' to the side, riding off the sides of the board, dismounting, or not wearing safety equipment. Riders get two attempts.

2.22 10m SLOW BACKWARD: This is the same as the Slow Forward race except: 0-10 ride on a 60cm board, and 11-Up ride on a 30cm board.

2.23 OBSTACLE COURSE: At right is the official Obstacle Course, in which you must ride around 10 cones in the correct pattern. The direction of the turns should be marked by arrows on the ground for riders who do not know the course. The rider starts at a four count by the Starter. No flying starts. Cones may be hit, but not knocked over. The course must be followed correctly, including the direction of turns. The last cone must be completely circled before the rider's time is taken at the finish line. Riders who go the wrong way around a cone can go back and make the turn the correct way with the clock still running. The cones used are plastic traffic cones. For official competition, cones must be between 45 and 60cm tall, with bases no more than 30cm square. The course must be set up accurately. The proper positions of the cones should be marked on the ground for a cone to be replaced quickly after it has been knocked over. Riders get two attempts.

2.24 10m SLOW GIRAFFE RACE: This is the same as slow forward, but on giraffes. Helping hands can be used as starting posts. No limits on size or gear ratio, but unicycles must have their pedal axle above the wheel axle, with a chain, belt, or other form of drive system.

2.25 RELAY: Usually 100m x 4. The same rules as for track races apply. Mixed male/female teams may be used. Riders may remount if necessary, and must pick up the baton if it is dropped. Usually there are no age groups. If the baton is not handed over within the marked areas, the team will be disqualified.

2.26 ULTIMATE WHEEL: An ultimate wheel is a unicycle with no frame or seat. The traditional distance is 10m for 0-10 riders, and 30m for 11-UP riders. Usually, the maximum wheel size is 24" for all ages, with 5" minimum crank arm length (distance from wheel center to pedal center). These limitations are set at by the Host.

2.27 JUGGLING UNICYCLE RACE: The traditional distance is 50m. Riders use the 5m line from the One Foot Race, and must be juggling when they cross this line. Three or more non-bouncing objects must be used. If an object is dropped (hits the ground) or the juggling pattern is otherwise stopped, the rider is disqualified. Two balls stopping in one hand during a 3 ball cascade is defined as stopping. Riders who start by juggling four or more objects may drop one, as long as their pattern continues, unbroken, into three. The juggling pattern must be 'in control' when the rider crosses the finish line. 'Control' is determined by the Referee.

2.28 UNICYCLE MOTOCROSS (UMX): This is an off-track race over any type of terrain. Traditionally it is a single heat race, with all riders starting together (finishers are divided by age group later). 0-10 riders may be given a shorter distance. A typical distance 1-2 kilometers, over anything from dirt to parking lots, hills, ditches, curbs, rocks, sand, mud, grass, etc. The course must be clearly marked. Non-lane passing rules apply.

2.29 STEEPLECHASE: This is a race up a hill. It can be a single rider against the clock or groups riding simultaneously. One version of this race is a hill that is ultra-steep, the challenge being to get to the top at all. This would be on an unpaved hill. Another version can be on a steep uphill street with racers going for the best time.

2.30 MARATHON: This is a race of several kilometers, typically 10km. It is usually held on roads or bike paths. All riders race together and are separated by age group later. Water stations should be provided at least every 5 km.

2.31 COASTING EVENTS: A test to see who can coast the farthest distance. Riders' coasting distances are measured from a 'starting line.' The farthest distance from the line wins. The distance is measured to the rearmost part of the rider that touches the ground when dismounting, or to the rear of the tire where the rider stops coasting. Remounting is not allowed. Riders must not touch any part of their tires, wheels or pedals while coasting. Riders get two attempts. Riders usually compete one at a time. If a rider crosses the coasting line (front of the tire) not in coasting position, he or she is disqualified in that attempt. The riding surface should be as smooth and clean as possible, and it may be straight or curved. Ample time must be allowed for all competitors to make some practice runs on the course before the official start. The type of event(s) to be used should be announced well in advance of the competition. Crank arm rules do not apply in any coasting or gliding events.

2.32 GLIDING EVENTS: Gliding is like coasting, but with one or both feet dragging on top of the tire to provide balance from the braking action. These events are similar to the coasting events above, with riders gliding for time or distance from a given point. The rules are the same as for the coasting events (above) with the addition that the riding surface must be dry. Coasting is allowed.

2.33 MEDLEY: This is a race involving riding several different ways. Example: Forward 25m, seat in front 25m, one foot 25m, hopping 10m, with 5m transition areas. Rules are set by convention host. Remounting is allowed.

2.34 UNLIMITED 100M RACE (100M OPEN): An unlimited race is one in which there are no unicycle size restrictions. Any size wheels, any length crank arms, giraffes or any types of unicycles (see definition) are allowed. All other track racing rules apply. Helmets are mandatory.

2.35 UNLIMITED ROAD RACE: The 100 mile speed records listed in the Guinness Book of World Records are the results of Unlimited Road Races. The race distance should be no less than 5 km. Helmets are mandatory. For longer distances, water stations should be provided every 5 km. This race can be held in conjunction with a Marathon.

2.36 HIGH JUMP: This is a competition to determine how high a rider can jump to clear a bar. Standard unicycles must be used, but there are no restrictions on wheel size or crank arm length. The bar that is to be jumped should be free standing in case the rider does not complete the desired height. Riders must ride at least 1 meter up to the bar, jump over the bar, and ride away from the bar at least one meter without dismounting, touching a hand to the ground or other stationary object, or knocking down the bar or any of the high jump apparatus. Riders get two attempts at each height. The rider starts at a low height and after each successful attempt; the height increases at set intervals until the rider fails to be successful on both attempts. Once the rider has failed both attempts, the maximum height at which the rider made a successful jump is recorded.

2.37 SPEED JUMPING: This is a rope jumping competition that determines how many times a unicyclist can successfully jump over a rope in a one-minute time period. The rope is to be turned by the rider without any outside assistance. In order for the jump to be counted, the rider must completely jump over the rope. If the wheel or the unicycle stops the rope, the jump is not counted. During the one-minute period, the rider may stop jumping or dismount as many times as needed. Standard unicycles must be used, but there are no restrictions on wheel size or crank arm length. Using devices to make jumping easier, such as bungee cords, is at the host's discretion. The host may decide to make two categories: one with using devices and one without.

2.38 LONG JUMP: The rider jumps over two boards that are 1-cm high and at least 1-cm wide. Riders must pedal at least one revolution before jumping, jump over the two boards, and ride away in control for at least three revolutions of the wheel. Riders can ride up to the boards gathering speed. Riders may jump over the boards with the wheel going forward or sideways. Jumping starts at a minimum distance and the landing board is moved farther away at set intervals until the rider can no longer make it over the boards. Riders get two attempts at each distance. If the rider fails on both attempts, the longest successful distance is recorded. For a successful jump, the tire may not touch either board.

2.39 OTHER RACING EVENTS: Can be invented or added by hosts. Unicycle conventions in the past have had events such as 'Fun' Obstacle Courses, Giraffe Races, Walk (the wheel)-a-thon, Rock-a-thon, Ride-a-thon, Bounce-a-thon, juggling Obstacle Course, Ramp Jump, Water Balloon Toss (on unicycles), Giraffe Mounting Contest, and many more.

3.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS: There are two events for individual riders: Standard Skill and Individual Freestyle. In Standard Skill, riders demonstrate pure skill and mastery on a standard unicycle, by performing up to 18 skills they have pre-selected. Standard Skill judging is based only on the point value of the skills and quality of their execution, not the 'show.' In Freestyle, riders perform to music, with costumes, props and any kinds of unicycles. Riders are judged not only on skill, but also on how well they entertain and put on a show. In Pairs Freestyle, two riders perform together and are judged with an extra emphasis on teamwork and the qualities of a two-person performance. In Group Freestyle, groups of three or more riders are judged with an additional emphasis on the qualities of a multiple-person performance. Club Show is a performance by a unicycle club. It is also judged like Freestyle, with an additional emphasis on the different sizes of clubs and the relative abilities of various club riders. Parade is a competition in which unicycle clubs and groups perform this common form of unicycle entertainment. Judging is similar to a real parade, though geared toward unicycling.

3.2 AGE GROUPS FOR ARTISTIC: Group Freestyle, Club Show, and Parade have no age groups. For Standard Skill and Individual and Pairs Freestyle, age groups are: 0-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-UP, Jr. Expert, and Expert. Junior Expert is open to all riders 0-14. Expert is open to riders of any age, including 0-14. For Standard Skill, all riders enter their respective age groups and the best overall scores determine the expert competitors. Standard Skill does not have a Jr. Expert category. The age group a rider uses for racing can be different from the age groups he or she chooses for artistic events. Except for Standard, riders must state the age group in which they are entering for each (Individual and/or Pairs) artistic event. Example: Riders who enter Individual Freestyle as Experts can enter Pairs in their age group. Riders are divided male/female in Standard Skill and Individual Freestyle, but not in Pairs. Age group is determined by rider's age on the first day of the convention.

3.9 SIZE OF PERFORMING AREAS: For all individual and pairs events, the performing area must be 14m wide x 11m deep for national competitions. At smaller events, smaller sizes can be used, but no smaller than 12m wide x 9m deep. For group and club events, the performing area must be no smaller than 26m wide x 14m deep, and no larger than 30m wide x 20m deep. The boundaries of the areas must be clearly marked on the floor, with lines at least 3cm wide. The distance between the outer edges of the performing areas and walls, poles, or other stationary objects must be no less than 50cm. Riders or groups who go outside the boundaries may get a reduced score (see Judging Criteria).

3.10 ORDER OF PERFORMANCE: The method of choosing performance order is up to the Artistic Director.

3.11 PERFORMANCE SET-UP: Competitors are allowed a maximum of two minutes to set up their unicycles and props in the performing area. Competitors who take too long risk being disqualified. An extension of the set-up time can be given only by the Chief Judge and must be requested in advance. Competitors must show a legitimate need when requesting more time, such as numerous props or complicated special effects.

3.12 START OF PERFORMANCE: The judging, the stopwatch, and the 'performance' all start at the same time. The Timer starts the watch at the beginning of the music, or at a signal from competitors, whichever comes first. The signal can be a nod, wave, bow, verbal cue ("Start!") or any clearly understandable means. An acoustic signal (such as a whistle) will indicate that the timing and judging have started. Any non unicycling activities such as dancing, posing, acrobatics, etc., must be included within the time limit of the routine to be judged. In Standard Skill routines, the end of each minute will also be indicated by an acoustic signal. In all Freestyle routines, an acoustic signal will indicate when there are 30 seconds left. In all artistic events, two acoustic signals or a different signal will indicate the end of the riding time and end of the judging.

3.13 RIDER'S NO-SIGNAL OPTION: (Freestyle events only) A rider may have a well-planned routine to music that he or she knows is under the time limit, and does not wish for the acoustic signals to detract from his or her performance. When riders sign up with the Rider Liaison they can request 'No Acoustic Signals.' This will eliminate the 'Start' signal, and the 30 second warning. The Timer will still keep the time, and if the rider exceeds the time limit, the Timer will make the 'double acoustic signal' to indicate the rider has run overtime. This does not apply to Standard Skill.

3.14 INTERRUPTION OF JUDGING: An interruption of judging can result from material damage, injury, or sudden illness of a competitor, or interference with a competitor by a person or object. If this happens, the Chief Judge determines the amount of time left and whether any damage may be the fault of the competitor. Re-admittance into competition must happen within the regulatory competition time. If a routine is continued and the competitor was not at fault for the interruption, all devaluations coming forth from the interruption will be withdrawn.

3.15 END OF PERFORMANCE: The performance ends at a signal from the rider, such as a bow or "Thank you," or at the end of the time limit. An acoustic signal will indicate the end of the time limit. Any figures or performing that are done after the end of the time limit will not be judged. In Standard Skill, if the rider is in mid-figure, only the part of that figure that was executed before the time ended will be counted (see section 4.9.3). If the figure was less than 50% complete, a 100% devaluation will be given. If between 50% and 100% was completed, a 50% devaluation will be given. Any figures that have not been performed receive 100% devaluations. In Freestyle events, going over the time limit will reduce the rider's score. All time limits are maximums. Riders are free to use less time and will not lose points for doing so. A routine that is very short may suffer in points over a routine with more content. However, a routine that is boring, repetitive or 'padded' may lose points for being too long. The rider must decide what's best.

3.16 CLEAN-UP: In unicycling, a clean, dry riding surface is essential. After a performance, the riding area must be left the way it was before the performance. Riders and their helpers must clear all props, unicycles, and debris from the performing area within two minutes. The next rider may also be setting up during this time.

3.17 MESSY PERFORMING AREA: Riders who are thinking of using messy props in their performances must carefully consider the above rule. Popping balloons, dirt or powder, confetti, water, pies, etc. may take longer than two minutes to remove. Special permission must be received from the Chief Judge or Artistic Director before any such props are used. Competitors who make messes they are unable to remove may be disqualified from the event.

3.18 MUSIC: In Club Show and all Freestyle events, music is judged and competitors should use it. Background music will be supplied for Standard Skill riders, or they may provide their own. The music is not judged in Standard Skill. All recorded music must be on standard cassette tapes. Tapes must be clearly labeled with the performer's name, event and which side of the tape is to be played. They must be cued to the beginning of the performance music. Competitors are advised to have a spare copy of each of their music tapes, and to have the music for their performance(s) recorded at the beginning of the tape, not in the middle. Riders who turn in tapes that are not cued or are inadequately labeled, may have points reduced from their Presentation scores.

3.19 ANNOUNCING OF RESULTS: Final results will be continuously announced and/or posted for public view. Results Sheets will be posted after each age category of an event. The protest period begins at this point.

3.20 PROTESTS: Must be filed in writing, within 15 minutes from the posting of event results. Protest against judges' scores is not permissible. Protest is only possible against calculation mistakes or other mistakes not connected to the scoring. The Chief Judge must resolve all protests within 30 minutes from receipt of the written form.

4.1 FLOOR, MARKINGS AND FIGURE SHAPES: The riding surface must allow flawless riding. The riding area must be sufficiently illuminated. The floor surface must be clean, level, smooth, and not slippery.

RIDING AREA BOUNDARIES: The outer boundaries should be 11 x 14 meters. If space does not permit, the size may be smaller but will be no less than 9 x 12 meters. All lines must be at least 3cm wide, and clearly marked, including the outer boundaries.

4.2 MOUNTS, TRANSITIONS, STATIONARY SKILLS: May be performed anywhere in riding area.

4.3 BODY FORM: Unless otherwise noted, each figure must be performed with riders sitting up straight with their arms stretched and horizontal. Hands must be flat with palms down and fingers together. Arms do not have to be straight out to the sides. As long as arms are stretched and horizontal, they may point in any direction.

4.4 DISMOUNTS: All dismounts must be controlled, including the dismount at the end of the routine. A controlled (intentional) dismount where the rider comes to a stop and steps off the unicycle. Dismounts executed otherwise will be considered unintentional. A dismount occurs any time a rider touches the floor, except in skills where the rider is required to touch the floor; or when a foot on a pedal touches the floor. The rules demand that the rider dismounts in a sportsmanlike manner at the end of the routine. Failure to do so will result in a wave for insecure exit.

4.5 ASSISTING RIDERS: It is forbidden for a rider to get verbal assistance or helping gestures from a person outside the riding area, since this is interference with the rider by an outside person. Also, a rider may not look at the list of skills while performing the routine. This includes the skills written on the competitors hand or a piece of paper. Each occurrence of a competitor looking at a skills list will result in a wave. At other events, these rules may be overlooked for very young competitors.

4.7 JUDGING PANEL: There will be 1 Chief Judge, 2 Difficulty Judges, 2 Execution Judges, 2 Writing Judges, and 1 Timer. The judging panel will be divided into two judging units, each consisting of one Difficulty, one Execution, and one Writing Judge. The judges will be appointed to the functions Writer, Execution, and Difficulty, respectively in order of their experience. All judges for the Expert groups must have previous judging experience.

4.8 OPERATION OF THE JUDGES: While the Difficulty and Execution Judges watch the routine, the Writing Judge reads the names of the figures from the list. The Difficulty Judge indicates if a skill was fully completed, or the reduction percentage if it was not. The Execution Judge indicates the execution mistakes using symbols, as described below. The Writer writes down the verbal remarks of both judges on the judging sheet. For this reason, the Writer is seated between the other two judges. The position of the judging table must be so that all judges have a clear view of the entire riding area. There must be enough space between the two judging units to ensure their working independently of each other.

4.11 TOTALING SCORES: After the routine is finished, The percentages and symbols from the judges are converted into numbers. These numbers are subtracted from the rider's starting score. Then, the scores of the two judging units are added together and divided by two to get the finishing score of a competitor. The winner in the Standard Skill event is the competitor with the highest score. If more than one competitor have the same score, placing is decided by the highest Execution score. If those scores are also the same, the competitors receive tie scores.

4.12 DISQUALIFICATION FOR INSUFFICIENT SCORE: If a competitor has a finishing score below the base score (i.e. less than 200 points), the competitor is disqualified from the event.

5.1 FREESTYLE DIFFICULTY: Judges give a score from 1 to 10. 50% of the score is based on Difficulty, and 50% on Mastery. Only 'unicycling skills' will be judged. Non-unicycling skills only affect Presentation scores. Dancing, juggling and other non-unicycling skills can increase only the Presentation score, and have no influence on Difficulty.

5.2 PRESENTATION: This score is divided evenly into the parts below:

5.3 PAIRS FREESTYLE: Pairs judges must consider the performance of two unicyclists together. All judging criteria from above are used, but the additional factors below must also be considered.

5.6 JUDGING PANEL: There are five judges. All judges must have a good knowledge of the relative difficulty of unicycling skills, and a complete knowledge and understanding of the rules and judging criteria for the events they are judging. Creativity and Originality can only be judged by someone with a knowledge of what has been done in the past. People attending their first artistic unicycle competition should watch and learn, but not judge. Judges should not take pictures or videotape while judging an event. Judges should not be distracted from their task of judging until they are completely finished scoring all the competitors.

5.7 SCORING: In all freestyle events, the scores of each judge are transferred into placing points. The lowest scoring rider/pair/group gets 1 placing point, the next highest gets 2, and so on. NOTE: The top number of placing points available for a competitor depends of the number of entries in that category. If two or more competitors have the same score, they are awarded equal portions of the total number of placing points available for the places they occupy in the ranking. EXAMPLE: Seven competitors. Four of them tie for 2nd place. Last place gets one point, next to last place gets 2 points, and 1st place gets 7 points. For the other four competitors, add up the other placing points numbers: 3+4+5+6=18. Divide by the number of competitors (4) to get 4.5 placing points each. The winner is the competitor with the highest total placing points score. If two or more competitors have the same placing score, placing points from each judge must be figured for Difficulty only. If the Difficulty scores come out the same, all competitors with the same score are awarded the same place.

GROUP, CLUB, PARADE: First place winners are National Champions.

STANDARD SKILL, INDIVIDUAL AND PAIRS FREESTYLE: Male and female winners in the Expert category of each event are the National Champions. Winners in the Jr. Expert category are the Junior National Champions.

RACE DIRECTOR: The Race Director is in charge of seeing that all equipment, forms, people, sound systems, and other requirements are taken care of before the convention. Ideally, the Race Director should be a member of the host organization, or live local near the convention area.

REFEREE: The Head racing official. Makes all final decisions. Handles protests. Makes sure racing areas and officials are trained and ready. Works within the system set up by the Race Director for running the events. Normally, the Referee is an expert from out of town. This aids in objectivity.

CLERK: Sets up riders in lanes before races. Checks riders for correct unicycles and safety equipment.

STARTER: Starts races; explains race rules; calls riders back in the event of false starts. Also checks riders for correct unicycles and safety equipment.

PICKER: Assists Timers by observing riders' finishing order. Watches for finish line dismounts.

TIMER: Takes the time of riders at the finish line. Also watches for finish line dismounts. Two timers may be used for 1st place, the average time being official.

RECORDER: Writes down place and time of each rider after each event. Riders must not leave the finish area until the Recorder has gotten their numbers and information.

RUNNER: A general helper who brings racing forms from start to finish line, to tabulators, and to announcer.

TABULATOR: Processes all race results; totals points; prepares awards for presentation.

RESULTS POSTER: Puts up Race Recording and Results Sheets for all to see, and marks the time.

ANNOUNCER: Operates public address system, announces race results, and calls riders for upcoming races.

OBSTACLE COURSE and SLOW RACE OPERATORS: Run and administrate these two events in an area separate from the track, doing most of the above jobs for each.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: The head organizer and administrator of artistic events. The Artistic Director's job starts well before the convention, arranging equipment for the gyms (or performing areas) and recruiting the other artistic officials. With the Convention Host, the Artistic Director determines the operating systems, paperwork and methods to be used to run the events. With the Chief Judge, the Artistic Director is in charge of keeping events running on schedule, and answers all questions not pertaining to rules and judging. The Artistic Director is the highest authority on everything to do with the artistic events, except for decisions on rules and results.

CHIEF JUDGE: The Chief Judge and the Artistic Director can be the same person, provided that person is able to set up the events, and is also an expert on artistic rules and judging. Ideally, the Chief Judge should be an experienced, neutral person from another geographic area, who is more able to be objective. The Chief Judge must be thoroughly familiar with all of the artistic officials' jobs and all aspects of artistic rules. The Chief Judge oversees everything, deals with protests, and answers all rules and judging questions. The Chief Judge is responsible for seeing that all artistic officials are trained and ready, and that the artistic riding areas are correctly measured and marked on the floor. The Chief Judge is also responsible for the accuracy of all judging point tabulations and calculations.

TIMER: Keeps the time for all performances, and makes acoustic signals at key points in performances.

JUDGE: Rates the performances. The various artistic categories require different judging qualities, and may use different judges. All judges must be completely impartial, and must understand the rules and judging criteria.

TABULATOR: Processes all judging sheets and fills out final results sheets and other forms.

RUNNER: A general helper who transfers forms and other information from one place to another.

ANNOUNCER: Operates sound system with DJ, and announces all upcoming riders and results of competitions. May also provide color commentary between performances.

DJ: Operates sound system, plays all performance music, and keeps track of riders' cassettes.

RIDER LIAISON: Checks in riders before they compete. Determines performing order. Makes sure riders' music tapes are properly marked and rewound, and are otherwise prepared.

STAGE CREW: Helps riders set up, tear down, and clean up after themselves.

RESULTS POSTER: Puts up artistic results sheets for all to see, and marks the time.

TRANSITIONS: Unless stated differently in the description of a transition, it starts and ends with the rider seated with both feet on the pedals. An exception is made for uni spins, where the rider may start with the seat held out in front. Before and after transitions entered on the score sheet as figures, at least one revolution of the wheel must be ridden in the start and end positions. If the start or end position of a transition is a stationary skill, that stationary skill must be executed at least 50% as described, whether or not it is listed on the judging sheet. Example 1: For the transition Riding to Seat in Front, the rider must ride at least one full revolution of the wheel with the seat in front.. Example 2: For the transition, 180' uni spin to idling 1ft, the rider must idle one foot 2 ' cycles.