Rules for the 2011 Toboggan National Championships

[TobogganTimes.net]

Complete rules for the National Toboggan Championships to be held in Camden, Maine USA, February 11-13 can be found on the Snow Bowl Website at this link:  http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/sites/default/files/tobogganrulesfor2011_0.pdf

The rules for the traditional toboggan class read as follow:

All Traditional Toboggans:

1. Must be of traditional shape and construction, wooden, and must not exceed 50 lbs with pad.
2. Must be a minimum 15 ¾” wide and a maximum of 20” wide.
3. Must be 6 to 12 feet in length. 6’ toboggans will be allowed for the kids and 2 person divisions. All other
divisions must be 7 to 12 feet in length.
4. Must have a pad that provides cushioning, made of a soft material and placed under all riders. All
toboggans must have some kind of hand-hold for each rider, i.e. rope or wooden handles.
5. The front of the toboggan must have a steam bent, laminated or kerfed open curl with no sides, and is
large enough to protect the front riders’ feet. (Curl diameter - 8”min. –18”max)
6. The curl must exhibit a curl angle with a minimum vertical measurement of 3 inches. Wedge shaped
fronts will not be permitted. Refer to diagram for further clarification.
7. The toboggan must have a flat bottom (running surface), or have a minimum of three slats each extending
a maximum of ¼” below the remaining slats. In the case of a toboggan with three or more slats extending
below the others, the extended slats must all be the same thickness and have a flat surface (parallel with
the ice) and be a minimum width of 2”. All slats must be within ¼” of the adjacent slat. Refer to diagram
for further clarification.
8. No plywood running surfaces will be allowed. Plywood may be used to create structural rigidity but no
plywood may come in contact with the ice.
9. Any design work at the back of the sled must occur within the last 6 inches of the toboggan.
10. Will not have any synthetic fibers, (i.e. fiberglass or carbon fiber) involved with their construction. Wood
grain must be visible.
11. Must not have exposed screws, sharp edges or broken boards.
12. Must not have any substances used as bottom preparation that will impact the chute, the ice or
subsequent racers.
13. No modifications are permitted after inspection.
14. Damaged toboggans that are repaired must be re-inspected.
15. Must be inspected and approved by officials for design and safety. Decisions by race officials are final and
without recourse.
16. All winners are subject to re-inspection.

Over the years the rules have tightened considerably.  What are your comments on this year's rules for the traditional class?