2004 GSI Rulebook
Below are the rules that will govern all Gravity Sports International LLC, sanctioned events. It will be the responsibility of all GSI participants to become familiar, follow and stay current with any changes to these rules.
The goal of GSI is to set in place a coherent and well-structured set of rules that will promote safe, fair and competitive competition which we believe will help to foster the advancement of all gravity sports. Please bear with us as we work to fine-tune these rules. Anyone wishing to contribute or suggest changes, deletions or additions to these rules are encouraged to contact GSI.
GRAVITY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
272 NORTH VILLAGE RD
LOUDON, NH 03307
USA
PHONE: 603-783-9692
FAX: 413-451-2189
EMAIL: GRAVITYSPORTS@comcast.net
View a printable version here.
= new rule changes for 2004
1 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Technical Inspection
1.1.1 All riders, sleds and safety gear must pass inspection by the GSI Technical Inspector before use at any competition, practice or event.
1.2 Chassis
1.2.1 Chassis must be structurally sound and not pose a safety hazard. All chassis are subject to the technical inspector's
approval.
1.2.2 Length of sled is determined by the height of the pilot. No more than 6" beyond the foot pegs not including bumpers and no longer than 18" behind the head.
1.2.3 Width of luge cannot be more than 2" wider than the pilot's shoulders or waist (whichever is widest).
1.2.4 No part of the luge may hinder the rider's braking ability.
1.2.5 Luge must not weigh more than 45 pounds total as ridden. The addition of weight to a sled is permitted. Any added weight must be securely fastened in such a way as to no interfere with the rider or other riders. Adding of additional weight may be subject to technical inspectors approval.
1.2.6 Fairings may not be wider then any part of the luge at any point. Fairings must be securely fastened. Must not be made of any material which when impacted will splinter or shatter. Can't hinder braking, turning, or other operation of the board. May not extendmore then 6" past foot pegs or foot rest. May only extend a maximum of 18" beyond riders head.Bumper rules still apply. The technical Inspector may refuse any fairing he feels is unfit for competition.
1.2.7 All square or sharp edges must be rounded off or covered with rubber.
1.2.8 No handles or any other obstacle may be placed between the racers' legs. This would include toe loops.
1.2.9 Mechanical braking or steering systems are prohibited.
1.3 Wheels
1.3.1 Wheels may be any size. Any pilot using custom made or limited run wheels must bring at least two extra sets to the event. These will be turned over to the race director for distribution through an open lottery. The lottery will be open to those racing in the same division. Once won, the pilots winning the lottery would pay fair market price for the wheels and the money would be turned over to the pilot bringing said wheels.
1.3.2 The Technical Inspector can refuse any wheel he feels is unfit for competition.
1.3.3 All ABEC ratings are permitted, as are ceramic or plastic caged bearings. Bearings must be available to all competitors under the same terms and conditions.
1.4 Trucks
1.4.1 Truck width must not exceed twelve inches as measured from the outside of the axles.
1.4.2 Trucks must be of lean activated steering design.
1.4.3 All trucks must be mounted and properly secured by four bolts and and lock washers if using regular nuts or nylock nuts. Locktite if is going directly into a threaded plate or block.
1.4.4 All axles must use nylock nuts.
1.4.5 Any custom made or limited run trucks are subject to the technical inspector's approval and are subject to the above rules concerning availability.
1.5 Bumpers
5.5.1 Rubber, urethane or soft foam material bumpers, front and rear, are mandatory. Bumpers must be 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Bumpers must cover the height and width of the front and rear of your sled, regardless of the design. The center of each bumper must have a flat contact area measuring 1 inch in height and span the width of the front and rear. The center of each bumper must be between a minimum of 2" and maximum of 4" from road surface.
1.6 Footpegs/Nerf bars
1.6.1 Foot pegs cannot be longer then a length of 4 inches as measured from chassis edge to outside edge of foot pegs.
1.6.2 Nerf bars must be installed between the outside end of the foot pegs and the front edge of the chassis, not including the front bumper. The bars must be constructed using aluminum, steel tubing, round or bar stock or urethane. 1/2" minimum diameter by 1/8" wall on tubing, 1/8" thick by 1/2" width for barstock. If urethane is used, there must be a cushion zone of at least 1 to 1.5" between the front of the nerf bar and the front of the boom. The purpose is to enclose the front of the foot peg area.
1.7 Number plate
1.7.1 The background of rider number must be light colored with a contrasting number color, e.g. white/black, black/yellow, pink/black etc. Only plastic number plates are permitted. Plexiglas, carbon fiber or fiberglass is not permitted for use as a number plate.
1.7.2 Numbers must be no less than (4) four inches tall and must be visible from both sides of rider whether mounted on luge or on rider. Additional items, with the exception of GSI inspection stickers, are not permitted on the number plate area.
1.7.3 Race numbers may be assigned by GSI. GSI officials may require a competitor to use a different number to avoid
duplication or confusion at racing events.
2 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Luge Road Racing is inherently dangerous. All competitors assume these risks when they participate in land luge events. While all people involved, competitors, crewmembers and GSI Race Officials take measures to reduce the risk of serious injury, the risk cannot be eliminated and will always be present. All participants are obligated to mentally and physically prepare themselves to participate in each event. All participants are required to sign a waiver and release of liability and notify their next of kin. They must also produce proof of a current health insurance policy. This may be done in the form of a card or other paper work showing a current and active policy in full force at the time of event. A copy of this information may be required and filed with the racers completed entry and/or membership form. In addition the following safety equipment requirements are mandatory for all race participants: helmet, leathers, protective shoes, leather gloves as specified below.
2.2 Helmet
2.2.1 All racers must wear SNELL or DOT approved (or equivalent), full-face helmets. Face shields must be shatterproof.
2.3 Leathers
2.3.1 All racers must wear a one (1) or two (2) piece leather suit or AMA approved Kevlar racing suit. If a two piece it must zip otherwise securely attached together at the waist. Speed suits and/or spandex type suits may only be worn over leathers.
2.4 Shoes
2.4.1 Racers must wear leather or canvas shoes with adequate soles to ensure safe braking. Additional layers of rubber may be attached if securely glued.
2.5 Gloves
2.5.1 All racers must wear full-fingered leather or Kevlar gloves.
2.6 Additional
2.6.1 Elbow pads and kneepads and spine protectors are recommended, but optional.
2.6.2 Racers may not carry any type of tools on their person while racing.
2.6.3 All safety gear must pass inspection by the GSI Technical Inspector before use in any competition, practice or event. A sticker recognizing that the riders equipment has been approved by GSI Technical inspection for that event will be adhered to the riders board in plain view and must remain there throughout the entire event.
2.6.4 Addition of any type of weight to the rider is prohibited.