1. All entrants compete at their own risk. The Olney Group (TOG) will not be held liable for any injury or loss howsoever caused. You are informed that, in common with many other inland waterways, the river contains pollutants such as phosphates, nitrates, algae toxins, Weil's Disease, and possible sewage discharge containing E-coli. 2. Competitors must note that the wearing of lifejackets/buoyancy aids is a condition of entry. Competitors not wearing suitable lifejackets/buoyancy aids will NOT be allowed in the race. Lifejackets/buoyancy aids must not be removed during the race unless for safety reasons. TOG is unable to provide lifejackets or buoyancy aids for use by competitors. 3. All competitors MUST be 14 years old or over and able to swim in open water. 4. If any competitor is in doubt about their fitness to take part in the event they are advised to seek medical advice. 5. For the safety of all competitors anyone deemed by the organisers to have consumed excess alcohol before the race will not be allowed to take part. 6. No interference with other competitors/teams is allowed. Slower rafts MUST give way to faster rafts trying to pass. 7. The maximum number of persons on a raft is 8. The minimum is 3. 8. All rafts must be constructed of waste materials - planking, barrels, tyre inner tubes etc. Fragmentable materials, i.e. polystyrene blocks, will not be permitted. 9. Toxic containers must NOT be used. Any container that has been used for the storage of toxic or harmful substance will NOT be allowed on the river. 10. No rafts may be based on a canoe or boat hull, or have a single, 'smooth line' design and must be built with the spirit of the event in mind. 11. The dimensions of the raft must not exceed a total length of 5 metres, and a total width of 2 metres. 12. All paddles are to be 'home-made' and must not be 'commercially' produced blades. 13. All team members must report to the Judges/Scrutineers at 11.15pm to be scrutineered and be provided with their race numbers. All members of the team must be present at their raft at this time. Depending on the severity, any rafts/teams found not to be in compliance with the rules, or the 'spirit' of the event may be: - a. Asked to make immediate minor modifications as defined by the scrutineer. b. Allowed to enter the race but be ineligible for an official placing or trophy. c. Disqualified, and thus barred from entry. 14. Any raft deemed by the scrutineers to be incapable of finishing the race, or which is likely to pose a danger to its crew or other participants, will NOT be allowed to take part. 15. The scrutineers' decision on the suitability or otherwise of a raft/team is final. No debate will be entered into. 16. There are four classes of entrants: Men, Women, Mixed and Junior (14-17). A separate prize will be awarded to the most entertaining raft as decided by the judges. 17. Only ONE nominated vehicle per team, displaying an entry permit, may enter Emberton Park free of charge in order to deliver the raft to the start. Likewise, one vehicle may enter Olney Recreation Ground to collect the raft. 18. No debris whatsoever is to be left in the river, or on the riverbanks. This includes the start at Emberton Park. 19. All rafts must be cleared from the finish line at the recreation ground by 8.00 pm on the day of the race at the latest. 20. The starting sequence will be decided by a draw and timing will be decided by the Judges/Scrutineers. Their decision is final, and not subject to any appeal. The team captains will be required for the draw at 11.45am. 21. All teams will be given their start number on arrival and must attach this securely and visibly facing forward on the front of their rafts. 22. A team finishes the race when their raft first touches the concrete steps at the finish.
