Offshore Model Racing Association

 

 RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION

(updated Jan 28th 2009 includes all 2008 AGM changes)

 

1. Name and objective 

1.1  The name of the Association is the 'Offshore Model Racing Association' and the insignia of the Association shall be the motif on the front cover of the handbook.

1.2  The object for which the Association is formed is to promote and facilitate the affairs of the Association generally. To stimulate the design and construction of Offshore Model Power Boats within the classes rules and to encourage the running, racing and development of Offshore Model Power Boats.

 

2. Membership

2.1  All paid up members are to have a vote in the affairs of the Association at the Annual General Meeting.

2.2  The Association on the recommendation of the committee may in the general meeting elect honorary members.

2.3  Every member on joining the Association undertakes to comply with the rules. Any refusal or neglect to do so or any conduct that in the opinion of the committee is either unworthy of a member or otherwise injurious to the interests of the Association shall render a member liable to expulsion. The committee shall call upon that person for an explanation of their conduct and shall give them the opportunity of defending themselves, or resigning their membership. The vote on the resolution of expulsion shall only be carried if not less than three quarters of the members of the Association vote in favour of the resolution.

2.4  There shall be a subscription fee payable on joining and annually on or before the 31st. December. The fees shall be proposed by the committee and voted on by those members at the Annual General Meeting.  Any existing member who has not re-joined by the 31st January will have to pay their full membership fee plus the joining fee.

2.5 A junior member shall be one who is 16 or younger in the calendar year of membership. Likewise, a senior citizen shall be one who is 65 or over in that calendar year of membership.

 

3. Officers

3.1  The Officers of the Association shall consist of a Chairman, an Honorary Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer and two ordinary members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The retiring officers shall be eligible for re-election.

3.2  No candidate for election to any Office (other than retiring officers) shall be proposed unless the name of such candidate and his proposer shall have been sent to the Honorary Secretary two weeks before the Annual General Meeting.

3.3  A Child Protection officer shall be elected in compliance with current legal requirements. The CPO shall be CRB checked and will ensure that the requirements of the OMRA Child Protection Policy are met.

 

4. Committee

4.1 The committee shall consist of the five officers elected at the Annual General Meeting to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting.

4.2  The Officers of the committee will in no way be responsible for the deeds of the Association's members or any financial actions taken against them.

4.3  Candidates for election of the committee shall be those members of the retiring committee who shall offer themselves for re-election and such other members of the Association whose nominations duly proposed and seconded by a member of the Association in writing shall have been sent to the Honorary Secretary 14 days before the Annual General  Meeting.

4.4  If a casual vacancy occurs by death or resignation the Committee may co-opt a member to fill the vacancy.

4.5  If the number of candidates duly proposed and seconded exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled the election shall be by ballot.

4.6  The committee shall manage the affairs of the Association according to the rules and shall apply the funds of the Association to the objectives of the Association.

4.7  It shall be the responsibility of the Honorary Treasurer to keep a complete and accurate account of the Association's finances.

4.8  Membership fees for the committee shall be waived in the year of office.

4.9  The committee may co-opt additional members onto the committee as required to meet any future issues that may occur during the office of the said committee.

 

5. Honorary Auditor

5.1  A member (other than an officer or committee member) shall be appointed by the committee as Honorary Auditor whose duties shall be to audit the accounts of the Association. In the event that he/she is unwilling or unable to act, the committee shall appoint a substitute.

 

6. General meetings

6.1  The Annual General Meeting shall be held at some place on some day in the month of October/November to be "confirmed" by the Chairman. The Honorary Secretary shall, at least 30 days before the date of such a meeting, post or deliver to each member notice thereof and of the business to be brought forward thereat.

6.2  The committee may, on giving 30 days notice, call a general meeting of the Association for any specific business, the nature of which shall be stated in the summons convening the Meeting, wherever possible.

6.3  The committee shall also call a general meeting on the written request of twelve and a half percent of the members.

6.4  At a general meeting of the Association each member (other than an honorary member) shall have one vote; honorary members shall be entitled to attend the general meeting but shall have no vote. In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

 

7. New rules, Amendments and Alterations

7.1  Notice of any alterations or additions to the rules intended to be proposed by a member of the Association shall be given to the Secretary in writing 7 days before the Annual General Meeting or at least 14 days before any special meeting at which the same is to be brought forward and full particulars of any such proposed alterations or additions shall be set out in the notice given to the committee.

7.2 All such proposed alterations, additions and any amendments to them which may be proposed, seconded and presented at the meeting, shall be put to the vote of the meeting. Voting will be conducted on a show of hands (or ballot if requested) and decided by a straight majority of those present.  (I.e. no postal or proxy votes) 

 

8. Dissolution

8.1  Any assets will be divided amongst the paid up members.

8.2  Any deficiencies will be borne equally by the paid up members.

 

9. Model Specification

9.1.1 Classes are designated by engine size and type of ignition system used. They are as follows: -          

Class Z            0 - 2.10cc     (0.129 cu in) Non spark ignition

Class AA         0 - 3.50cc     (0.21 cu in)   Non spark ignition

Class A            3.51 - 7.50cc (0.46 cu in)  Non spark ignition  (All .46 size engines are approved for this class)

Class B            7.51 - 11.0cc (0.67 cu in)  Non spark ignition

Class C            11.01 - 50cc  (3.05 cu in)  Non spark ignition

Class D            0 - 50.8cc               (3.099cu in) Spark ignition only

9.1.2  Any mix of fuel is allowed in all classes.

9.2  Boat class plus OMRA membership number must be visible from both sides of the boat. Numbers to be at least 2 inches or 50mm high. i.e. ‘Member 24’s A’ class boat = A24, ‘B’ class boat B24 etc,

NB:- Z class only require their OMRA membership number

9.3  A failsafe must be fitted to the throttle system and be in working order at all times for all classes.

9.4  A form of grab handle must be fitted front and rear of all boats and must be clear of exhausts, outdrives etc, In addition  -  On large craft with an overall bow to stern length of 50 inches or more excluding running gear, outrigger unit etc,  a lanyard/painter must be fitted (i.e. piece of rope or similar for towing a model.)

9.5  A scale driver or crew consisting of at least head and shoulders must be fitted to all boats that have an open cockpit. Also they must be painted to resemble their full size counterparts.

9.6  An internal exhaust system is to be fitted and may protrude up to a maximum of 2.5 inches or 65mm past the stern of the boat irrespective of shape, unless photographic evidence of the genuine full size craft is provided in which case the hot area of the exhaust must be covered.

9.7  Drive systems can be direct or geared, submerged or surface drive.

9.8  Models to represent their full size offshore type counterparts as much as possible.

9.9  Models must run in a complete state at all times i.e. with tops fitted unless it has been irreparably damaged during the race.

9.10  Models must comply with the noise limit of 80db or less at 10 metres at all times. If a model fails to comply with the noise limit it must leave the water immediately. It may be returned to the water after any necessary adjustments to comply with the noise limit. However, if it still fails to comply the model will be immediately disqualified.

9.11  Models can only be operated in OMRA events on legal radio frequencies.

9.12  All transmitters must have the proper manufactured end on the tip of the aerial.

9.13  All boats (excluding 'specialised designs' such as Tunnel Hulls and Ribs) must have at least 50mm (2 inches) of side height.  "Side height" in this case being the measurement of the maximum distance between the chine rail and deck.

9.14  Boats designed with rounded or chamfered edges to the deck will have their side height measured vertically from the chine line to a point halfway round the curve or chamfer. Rounded decks are not allowed to meet at the chine line directly unless it is a feature of a model of a full size offshore race boat.

 

10. Model Specification  - Z class

Standard Class

10.1  The engine must be a standard 0.12 cu in but no engine price limit applies.

10.2  No gearbox of any sort is allowed.

10.3  Drive to be submerged only. Propeller situated under the hull of the boat and not protruding past the point where the bottom of the boat meets the transom.

10.4  Rudders may be mounted on the transom of the boat.

10.5  Tuned pipes may be used.

Modified Class

10.6  No engine price limit

10.7  Drive systems can be direct or geared, submerged or surface drive.

 

11. Races

11.1  OMRA rules will be enforced at all championship events.

11.2 Only fully paid up members may operate in OMRA championship or other approved OMRA events. Members may be called upon to produce their membership card at any time.

11.3  At OMRA events all drivers must have a 'spotter' during racing to inform them of any obstacles on the course, pass on information and assist them with their boat or equipment etc,

11.4 A competitor may only enter and run one boat in each class.

11.5  A model may be run more than once in the same class only if operated by a junior and their parent or guardian.

11.6  Two types of racing are to be used for championship events one is chase boat and the other endurance.

11.7  During an OMRA event all participants have a personal responsibility to ensure that Health and Safety issues are observed and that where necessary any concerns are brought to the attention of the Officer Of The Day.

 

12. Chase Boat event

12.1  Course to be a minimum of two miles in length.

12.2  Models to be individually timed, the maximum time limit for the run to be set by the Officer Of The Day based on conditions of the day.

12.3 Reruns will only be permitted if the chase boat breaks down or is too slow.

12.4 On course restarts are permitted within the time limit unless otherwise directed by the Officer Of The Day at the beginning of the event.

Note: - Run finishes when model crosses the finish line or the time limit has expired, which ever comes first

12.5 Competitors, spotters and rescue crew will wear lifejackets at all times. The chase boat motor should have a ‘dead man’s handle’ fitted wherever possible.

 

13. Endurance Race Event

13.1  Course to be approximately 300 - 400 yards around 3 to 4 marker buoys or as determined by the water available and by the Officer Of The Day. This will be raced in a clockwise direction.

13.2  Race duration is to be left up to the race organizer as long as the total race time adds up to a minimum of 30 minutes or a maximum of 40 minutes. Race organizers are encouraged to divide the time into two 20 minute heats per class when ever possible.

13.3 A designated area next to the waters edge to be set up as the pit area at all events.  This is the only area in which a boat’s engine may be started for the purpose of running in a heat ie: there will be no carrying of boats with engines running outside this area.

13.4  Races may be started with a full course mill start or where the location allows, a safe dead engine start.

            - A mill start allows competitors to release their models onto the water and proceed in a clockwise direction 2 minutes before the start of the race. Models will then travel the full course during this time with the aim of approaching the start line at the end of 2 minutes. Any cutting of the course during this stage will attract a 5 lap penalty. 

            - A dead engine start, as the name implies, requires that all engines be stopped one minute before the start of the race. Then, at the start signal, engines are started,  models launched and racing begins immediately.

13.5 A standard start will be used for the races by use of blasts from an air horn.  One blast for start of mill time, two blasts for the start of the race and three blasts for the end of the race. At any time, more than three blasts indicates danger and racing must stop immediately.

13.6 A model will start to score laps from the first time it crosses the start line after the start and must complete each time a full circuit of the course to register laps. Any model jumping the start will have to do another legal lap before being counted.

13.7  Models that fail to start or have stopped may join or rejoin the race when safe to do so.

13.8 There will be rescue available during the course of the race for any model that has stopped. The rescue boat will be manned by two persons over the age of 16 years who must wear lifejackets when in the boat. The wearing of hard hats is recommended but not compulsory. The rescue boat has the right of way at all times and all boats must visibly slow from racing speed when passing the rescue boat. Failure to do so will incur penalties. There should be a 'dead man's' handle fitted to outboard engines wherever possible.

13.9 The rescue boat is to be equipped with 2-way radio in order to communicate with ODD or deputy on shore.

13.10  When the end of the race signal is sounded, the boats will complete the lap they are on before returning to the pits in a safe manner, cutting the course will draw a penalty.

13.11  The overall winner is the person who has the highest number of laps in the combined heats. To reduce the possibility of a draw, the finishing order of the boats is to be recorded. In the event of a tie on laps at the end of the meeting, the position numbers for the model from each of the heats are to be added together (the lowest position total wins). In the event of two boats still being equal, it is considered a draw. The count back score for non-finishers equals the number of boats in the heat.

 

14. Driving infractions

14.1  The following rules are mandatory. Disregard of them will be judged to be an infraction and will result in a warning, lap deduction, heat or race penalties or disqualification.

14.2  All competitors are to race with due regard for safety at all times.

14.3  Deliberate obstruction, zigzagging, or overtaking in such a way that avoiding action has to be taken will draw a penalty.

14.4  The natural race lane is the lane that is nearest the course line and is considered to approximately 1 metre wide. This lane has the right of way at all times. The right of way principle also applies at all turns. Any boat wishing to overtake to occupy the race lane must establish a minimum safe distance of three boat lengths in front of the boat passed before gaining the right to that lane. Any boat going wide forfeits its right to the race lane.

14.5  Penalties - Infractions of the above rules will normally incur penalties as follows; -

Hitting the rescue boat at ANY time during the day

                                    - immediate disqualification.

Cutting the course on mill start or end of race.

                                    - 5 lap deduction.

Driving infractions                    

                                    - 1st offence a warning.

                                    - 2nd offence 5 laps deduction.

                                    - 3rd offence disqualification.

14.6  Any buoy missed during the race must be re-circled safely by turning inside the course; otherwise the lap will not count. The Officer Of The Day may advise drivers to miss buoys during the race on the grounds of safety; there will be no penalty for this.

14.7  If a driver is disqualified he is to be advised as soon as possible at which time he must be able to acknowledge the fact and immediately remove his model from the water. Disqualification means that the offending driver may take no further part in this class in this event and that any lap or time score achieved so far is disregarded. (The boat may still be run again by a non-offending junior or guardian).

14.8  If, in the opinion of the rescue crew or the OOD, a model is driven too close to the rescue boat or in a manner that endangers them, then the OOD shall disqualify that driver and model immediately.  If the driver continues to drive in different classes in a similar manner, then that driver can be banned for the whole meeting.

 

15. Championship Scores

15.1  Championship points will be awarded at all championship events to OMRA members only if championship legal i.e. if models conform to the Model Specification.

15.2  Points are awarded as follows:-

 1st    2nd    3rd    4th    5th    6th    7th    8th    9th  10th

 15     12      10      8       6       5       4       3       2       1

15.3  Disqualification means no points are awarded.

15.4  The number of scores to count towards the championship will be set at the Annual General Meeting proceeding the championship season.

15.5  The following trophies to be awarded at all championship events: -

             - Fastest time/Highest laps of the day.

             - Concourse d'elegance.

             - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. for each class.

15.6  In the event of a tie for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the championship on points then the most number of 1st, 2nd or 3rd places during the season are to be taken into consideration.

 

16. Perpetual Trophies

16.1 Award Titles -

British Champion for each class.

Champion Of Champions - best two class scores.

1st. Lady Of OMRA - highest score in any class

Best Junior - highest score in any class

Concourse d'elegance - best finished boat

Engineering - best engineered boat

Max Coote Trophy - Best hull designer, Z class

16.2 Annual honours can only be gained by a model that has competed in at least two championship events during the season.

16.3 Keepsake trophies will be awarded.

16.4 All annual trophies are to be presented at the Annual General Meeting.

16.5 Perpetual trophies are to be returned before or at the Annual General Meeting.

Note: - any member winning a championship class on three consecutive occasions will be awarded a special trophy to mark the achievement (as from 2002).

 

17. OFFICER OF THE DAY

The following information is for guidance of The Officer Of The Day at championship and non-championship events.

17.1  Hold a drivers meeting to clarify all rules before the start of the event especially if any specific rules apply to the venue. It is the competitor's responsibility to attend these meetings.

17.2  The Officer Of The Day has the final decision but guidance may be sought from the committee members available.

17.3  The Officer Of The Day will have an OMRA rulebook available at the event.

17.4  At all OMRA events it is the responsibility of the Officer Of The Day or designated person to check that all boats comply with the model specification. Any non-compliant boats may only be run at the end of the day, time permitting, at the discretion of the OOD.

17.5  The Officer Of The Day is to post results on a notice board when possible.

17.6  The Officer Of The Day is to ensure that lifejackets are worn at all times in the rescue and chase boats. The wearing of hard hats by the crew of the rescue boat is recommended but not compulsory.

17.7   Any members taking part in OMRA events may be called upon at any time to assist the Officer Of The Day with the responsibilities of running the event.

 

18. EVENT ORGANIZERS

18.1  Event organizers to submit their proposed dates to the Secretary, prior to the AGM if possible. The committee will plan for events to be 3 weeks apart when ever possible.

18.2  Under normal circumstances only one endurance race may be used for a championship event at each venue per year. However, providing that all venues submitted for championship racing in any given season are taken up, a venue may be used for a championship endurance race on more than one occasion as decided by the committee. A chase boat event may be held on one or more occasions as a championship event at the same venue per year

18.3  Accommodate all competitors at championship events by adjusting the race duration, within the rules, accordingly. Choice of frequency is on a ‘first come first served’ basis. No entries will be accepted after 9pm two days before any event (i.e. Friday 9pm for a Sunday event).

18.4  To advise the committee if they wish their event to be used as a championship event. Championship events must be run to OMRA rules.

 

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