- At each event the head judge of the event will explain the event and basic guidelines. Prior to beginning an event each team will have 5 minutes in which to ask additional questions and prepare tools and materials for the event. At the end of 5 minutes the team will be asked to immediately stop what they are doing and prepare to start the event. Any preparations not completed in the five minutes will be done on the clock, including putting on tools.
The event will start at the judge’s mark and finish after the last team member reaches the ground and a member of the team calls time.
** NOTE: If the team forgets to call time the clock will continue to run. If the team should go over the mean time while the clock is running they will receive a deduction even if they physically finished the event.
If a team wants to contest a call and it cannot be resolved with the event judge they may talk to the head judge of the event. If it cannot be resolved at this level then they can present their case to the Master judge. All decisions at this level are final and if the deduction is upheld the team will receive the deduction plus an additional 2-point deduction for the protest. If the deduction is over turned then the team will receive their score with no additional penalties for contesting the call.
** NOTE: All calls must be contested immediately while in the event area. Failure to do so will result in the deduction remaining and the team will not have the option to contest the call.
*** NOTE: Many contested calls can be avoided by a clear understanding of the rules prior to starting the event. Discussion of rules that are unclear prior to starting the event can prevent contested calls later. We would also like to stress that there is nothing wrong with contesting a call if a team feels the need to. It is every team’s right.
- Below is a list of common deductions (page 5). While we have attempted to cover the many possible infractions this is by no means exhaustive. This list is provided so that contestants and judges alike will be familiar with the parameters within which teams will be judged.
- The list covers infractions that cover specific events as well as general so it is encouraged that contestants be familiar with them all before competing.
** NOTE: Any infractions added by judges in the ‘other’ category will be 2-point deduction.
In an effort to make competing and judging fairer we have categorized the infractions to make them easier to understand and reference in the event of a contested call.
The list of infractions will be split into six categories listed as follows:
1. General Infractions
These are infractions that are common to all events both journeyman and apprentice.
2. Clothing Infractions
These apply to the type of clothing required and the manner in which it is worn.
3. Working Infractions
These are infractions that apply to the work being performed.
4. Climbing Infractions
These infractions apply to methods of climbing and maneuvering on the pole.
5. Sticking Infractions
These are infractions that only apply to the hot stick event/s and govern the correct use of hot stick tools.
6. Other
Any infraction not listed but that a judge may feel is a valid deduction.
General Infractions
1. Going over mean time - A team’s time goes beyond the specified mean time for the event.
2. Poor housekeeping – This includes leaving trash at the event station or not keeping tools on the provided tarp prior to, during or after the event.
3. Poor Communication –Arguing, yelling or lack of communication between team members.
4. No Gaff Guards – Climbers must have gaff guards on at all times. The only exception is when tools are being set up for hurtman rescue.
5. Exceeding Mean Time / Drop Dead Time - if a team exceeds the events stated mean time they will accrue a 2 point deduction. If a team goes 5 minutes beyond the mean time then they accrue an additional 2 points for exceeding the drop-dead time.
6. Checking Rubber Gloves Prior to an Event - Journeyman must visibly check rubber gloves prior to starting each event requiring them. This will be done during the five-minute prep time.
7. Rubber Gloves – Incorrectly stored in glove bag – cuff up.
8. Glove Bag – Glove bag may not be used to hold or store anything other than rubber gloves
Clothing Infractions
1. Lose Hard Hat – If any member of the team loses their hard hat.
2. Hard Hat Worn Incorrectly – The hard hat is not to be worn backwards or any way other than that which it was designed for.
3. Long Sleeved Shirt – All team members must wear a long sleeved shirt with the sleeves down.
4. Work Gloves – All groundwork must be performed in gloves. Working gloves must have a gauntlet on them.
5. Climbing Belt – The climbing belt must be worn correctly with the strap through the buckle and the keeper.
6. Safety Strap – The keeper must not be removed from the pole safety strap.
7. Gaffs / Climbers – Gaff straps must be of original length and be completely buckled. Velcro pads must be completely cinched and not hanging.
8. Safety Glasses – All members of the team must wear safety glasses with side protection.
Working Infractions
1. Working Distance - Journeymen may not get within working distance / proximity without rubber gloves or adequate cover.
2. Excessive Contact With Rubber goods – Momentary bumps and brushes are permitted extended contact will be a deduction.
3. Insufficient / Incorrect Cover - If any part of the neutral or phase conductors are exposed to contact after covering there will be a deduction.
4. Improper Handline Use – The handline must not be run with twists in the line. Handline may not be run while a competitor is climbing or unbelted. Standing on the handline will result in a deduction.
** Note: Competitors may make minor changes in position while the hand line is in motion, such as a step up, down or to the side.
5. Handline Hook – All tools and materials must be sent up on an open hook or in bags hung from an open hook.
6. Conductor Movement – When an event requires the movement of a conductor two points of control must remain on the conductor while it is in motion.
7. Dropping Of Tools Or Materials - Any tools or materials dropped off the pole.
8. Connectors – Connectors not backed up with a wrench while loosening or tightening.
9. Cleaning – Wire must be cleaned prior to installing connectors or jumpers.
10. Tools And Materials – Tools and materials must be held in bags provided or on the line. Tools or materials held primarily on the belt or body will result in a deduction.
11. Exposed Blade On Knife – Skinning knifes must be “buried” in a tool pouch or ditty bag and may only be hung from the belt if sheathed or a foldable blade.
12. Improper Handline Procedure – The first journeyman to climb the pole must take the handline. The last journeyman off the pole must drop the handline after he is below the neutral and his pole partner is on the ground.
Climbing Infractions
1. Cutout / Slip – If a gaff slides or is out of control other than stepping in a visible crack then a deduction will be given.
2. Hot Dogging – Skip stepping, free falling or any other method of climbing in which one gaff is not in the pole at all times will be considered hot dogging.
3. Unbelting – If a competitor unbelts while the handline is running or his pole partner is climbing it will be a deduction.
4. Safety Strap – If a competitor drops his safety strap or climbs with it lose in his hand it will be a deduction.
Hot Sticking
1. Encroaching into safe work zone marked on stick – If a journeyman places his hands the marked area it will be a deduction.
2. Not using the stick for its intended purpose - Any use other than the manufacturers intended use will be a deduction.
Note: Check with judge prior to event for any exceptions or special cases.
3. Not maintaining positive control of hot sticks - If a journeyman rests sticks in his belt or holds it in any manner in which it is not securely held with his hand their will be a deduction.
** Note: A journeyman may hold a stick against or upon his body as long as primary control is maintained by his/her hand.
4. Hanging sticks from conductor – Sticks must be stored in the bags provided or held on the handline on an open hook.
10 Point Deductions
Contact With Phases – Any contact with primary uncovered phases except with rubber gloves.
Broken Or Cracked Egg – Any damage to the egg will receive a deduction.
Falls – A fall is when after “cutting out” a competitor lands on the ground.
Throwing Objects – Any time materials are deliberately thrown or dropped off the pole will receive a 10-point deduction.
Working Opposite Phases – Journeymen may not work opposite phases or neutral and a primary phase at the same time. Journeyman may install cover, connectors or jumpers simultaneously on the same phase.
Losing Control Of Conductor – Dropping or losing control of the conductor to where it contacts the pole, equipment or other conductor.
Improper Jumper Procedure – Failure to correctly jumper the line before opening it.
Climbing Order – First journeyman up the pole must be safetied and handline secure
prior to second journeyman up the pole.
Disqualification
Arguing – Continued debate after the Master judge has rendered a decision.
Illegal Substitution – Any rotation of climbers or substitution without expressed permission from the master judge.
Cheating – Any form of cheating or glove modification.
Sabotage – Any attempt to alter or sabotage an event or tools for a successive team.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Any conduct that is offensive threatening or otherwise unacceptable.
** NOTE: Any questions on other possible deductions should be asked during the five-minute preparation time prior to the start of each event.
