Untitled

Untitled RULES

ENTRANCE FEES

ELECTION OF OFFICERS, BOARD OF CONTROL
AND OTHERS

DUTIES AND POWERS OF BOARD OF CONTROL,
SECRETARY AND OTHERS

GENERAL MEETINGS

PROTECTION OF PIGEONS

STRANGE PIGEONS

SALE OF PIGEONS

OWNERSHIP OF PIGEONS

YOUNG BIRDS

DISEASED BIRDS

LIFE RINGS

RACING CONDITIONS

ORGANISED RACES

COMPETITORS

NOMINATION FEES

ENTRIES

ENTRY FORMS

NOMINATIONS

LIFE RING INTACT

BASKETING

DESPATCHING BIRDS

RACE BASKETS

LIBERATION OF BIRDS

BIRDS MUST HOME TO A MEMBERS LOFT

TRAINING FLIGHTS

DISTANCES

TWO COMPETITORS ON ONE LOCATION

TWO OR MORE LOFTS

TWO MEMBERS FLYING TO ONE LOFT

PRIVATE LIBERATIONS

PROTESTS

CLOCKS

FAULTY CLOCKS PRIOR TO BIRDS HOMING

FAULTY CLOCKS WHEN BIRDS ARE HOMED

TWO OR MORE IN ONE CLOCK

CLOCK SET AND SEALED

INSPECTION OF CLOCKS

RUBBER RINGS

BIRDS HOMING WITHOUT RUBBER RINGS

THIMBLES

TELESCOPIC THIMBLES

TOULET CLOCKS

CLOCK SEALS

DECIDING RACES

WHEN ALL PLACES NOT FILLED

TIME LIMIT OF RACES - PERMISSIBLE FLYING TIMES

HOURS OF DARKNESS

IMPROBABLE VELOCITY

CERTIFICATES & PRIZES

APPEALS

QUESTION NOT SPECIFIED

RESPECT OF ORGANISING COMMITTEES

EX-OFFICIO

ALTERING & RESCINDING RULES

STANDING ORDERS

RACE SCHEDULE/PROGRAM

FEDERATION ACCOUNTS & RACE NOMINATION

LINE OF FLIGHT

RING MEMBERS

FEDERATION BOUNDARIES

INVITATION RACE

PAYMENT OF PRIZE MONEY

FLYER OF THE YEAR COMPETION

FLYER OF THE YEAR - FEDERATION RACES

APPENDIX

Part I.

ENTRANCE FEES

1.       The entrance fees and subscriptions for Clubs and financial Members of Clubs shall be as follows:-

       1. $10.00 per Club

       2. $50.00 per financial Member of each Club, or such other sum as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Control, provided however that a nomination fee for new Members of $20.00 shall be payable before the granting of Membership which shall be by the Board of Control.

2.      The entrance fee and first subscription shall be paid when the nomination is lodged with the Secretary and all future subscriptions shall be due and payable of the 1st April in each and every year, and will be forwarded to the Federation Secretary within seven (7) days thereof. The fee of late starters shall be forwarded to reach the Federation Secretary within seven (7) days of receipt.

3.       Any Club retiring from the Federation before the end of the season must waive and forfeit all rights, money etc deposited with the Federation and will be held liable for an equal part of any deficit in general expenses account.

Part II.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS, BOARD OF CONTROL AND OTHERS

4.       A Patron, Vice Patron (not exceeding five (5) in number) and officers shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting, and shall hold office until the next succeeding Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election.

5.       Nominations for Officers of the Federation are to be forwarded in writing to the Federation Secretary not later than the thirtieth (30th) November preceding the Annual General Meeting when the election of Officers will take place.

6.       The election of Officers (not including Seal Holders and the Board of Control) shall be by ballot and taken in manner following the names of candidates shall be printed, typewritten or written ballot forms. Each Member present at the General Meeting shall be given one of such forms, from which they shall strike out the names of any candidates for whom they does not wish to vote, leaving the same number of names as there are vacancies. Informal ballot papers shall be invalid. Scrutineers appointed by the Meeting shall then collect the forms and on examination shall declare the names of the candidates who have been elected. In the event of vacancies occurring between the dates of Annual Elections the Board of Control shall have the power to elect other Members of the Federation to fill such vacancies. Any member, including supernumerary Members, who will be unavoidable absent from a General Meeting may obtain from the Secretary by personal application or by writing after the twenty third (23rd) of January the names of candidates seeking election as Officers, Members of the Board of control, and make their vote in a special sealed envelope with attached name sticker, which must be lodged personally with the Secretary, or posted to reach him not later than eight (8) hours preceding the time set down for the Meeting.

7.       The election of Seal Holders is as in the Constitution provided.

8.       The election of Patron and Vice Patron shall be at the General Meeting by a show of hands and no notice of nomination shall be required.

9.       The retiring President shall be an ex-officio Member of the Board of Control until the Next succeeding Annual General Meeting.

Part III.

DUTIES AND POWERS OF BOARD OF CONTROL, SECRETARY AND OTHERS

10.       The Board of Control shall meet at least once in every calendar month and may act not withstanding any vacancy therein and minutes of all resolutions and proceedings thereof shall be entered in a book to be provided for that purpose.

11.       The quorum of the Board of Control shall be five (5).

12.       If any member of the Board of Control shall fail to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board of Control without leave of absence their seat may be declared vacant and upon the happening of such event shall be notified accordingly.

13.       The Board of Control shall manage the affairs of the Federation in accordance with the Rules and Objects of the Federation generally and shall have power to do the following special acts:-

       1. To purchase, take on lease any building or part thereof for the purpose of the Federation and to sub-let any building or part thereof so taken or leased upon such terms as they may think fit.

       2. To erect, maintain, improve and alter any buildings for the purpose of the Federation.

       3. To purchase magazines, periodicals and books for the use of Members in the Club House.

       4. To purchase, hire or otherwise acquire any personal property of the benefit, convenience and accommodation of the Members and to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of same.

       5. To borrow money for all or any purposes of the Federation on mortgage, debenture or otherwise.

       6. To appoint a Secretary and other servants of the Federation and to require them at their discretion.

       7. To open and operate accounts at any Bank.

       8. To remit for such time as the Board of Control thinks fit the whole or any part of the subscription of any Members who is absent from the metropolitan area for a longer period than six (6) months at any one time or for other good cause, and also establish a supernumerary list of Members.

       9. To make alter amend and repeal by-laws of the Federation from time to time for the good working and management of the Federation PROVIDED such by-laws shall not abrogate or alter the Rules of the Federation PROVIDED FURTHER that notice of the Federation by-laws shall be posted on the Notice Board of the Federation for a period of seven (7) days and shall thereupon become operative and binding.

       10. To pay any servant of the Federation any gratuity for faithful and diligent service as seems fit.

       11. That it be an instruction from the Annual General Meeting to the General Committee to prepare a budget of anticipated income and expenditure to be presented to Members at a half yearly meeting to be convened.

       12.
         1. To appoint a Member to fill any casual vacancy of Officers or Members of the Board of Control.

         2. The term of a casual vacancy, on the Board of Control, shall be deemed to be that term given to the original nominee at the Annual General Meeting

       13. To appoint sub-committees consisting of Members of the Federation for all or any purposes that they may deem fit.

       14. To arrange sporting and social functions and appropriate for the provision of prizes such funds of the Federation as it thinks fit.

       15. To raise by levy or any other means approved by the Board and expend money for such purpose as the Board of Control in its discretion considers necessary for the benefit, convenience and accommodation of the Members.

       16. To discipline, suspend and expel Members in a manner consistent with the constitution and these Rules.

       17. Subject to seven (7) days notice of motion being posted to each Member of the Board of Control, the Board of Control may from time to time limit the number of Members of the Federation generally and specially and may vary or withdrawal such limit.

       18. To invest surplus money in investments authorised by law for Trustees.

       19. To appoint an auditor who shall be a Chartered Accountant or Accountants.

14.       The Secretary shall carry out all duties pertaining to that office and all other duties imposed upon him by the Board.

15.       The Honorary Treasurer shall cause true and proper books of accounts to be kept and be responsible that balance sheets and statements of the accounts are presented to the Board of Control as and when required and that the books of account, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts are duly audited also that the balance sheet profit and loss account and such other accounts that the Board of Control deem fit shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting.

16.       The Secretary shall at least seven (7) days before any General Meeting post to every Member a notice of such meeting stating the time, date and place where it will be held and the business to be brought before it.

Part IV.

GENERAL MEETINGS

17.      The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be conducted in the following order:-

     1. Receive reports and balance sheet made up to the thirtieth day of November in each year
     2. Election of Patron, Vice Patron, Officers and Board of Control.

     3. Transaction of such business of which notice shall have been given.

     4. General Business.

18.       At a General Meeting the Senior Officer present shall take the Chair, or if no officer be present, by some Member chosen by the meeting. Every question (unless otherwise expressly provided by these Rules) shall be decided by a majority of votes. Every Member shall have one vote and in case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote, and such meeting may be adjourned as resolved by such meeting.

19.       On a vote any two (2) Members may call for a division when the Chairman shall divide the meeting.

RULES

1.       PROTECTION OF PIGEONS

Any Member or any affiliated Club whose pigeons shall have been destroyed, stolen or trapped, shall give notice to the Secretary in writing supplying such information as in their power, and should the said information in the opinion of the Federation, warrant of prosecution of the offender, the Board shall at once direct legal proceeding to be taken in that behalf.

2.       STRANGE PIGEONS

Any member, to whose loft a pigeon other than their own shall come, shall immediately report same to the Ring Secretary of the Federation. The Executive Committee of the Club shall have the power to expel or fine any Member who fails to comply with this Rule. No Member shall be held responsible for any such pigeon after fourteen (14) clear days of the owner's knowledge of their whereabouts. Any Member racing a pigeon for which they cannot prove ownership shall be immediately disqualified.

Any Member of the PRF shall be compelled to promptly acknowledge any reported bird. After a second report, if not acknowledged by the Member within seven (7) days, they will be automatically suspended. And their Club Secretary notified, until they produce evidence of acknowledgment to the Federation Secretary. A sum of $15.00 to be forwarded to cover cost, if the bird has to be picked up.

3.       SALE OF PIGEONS

Any member of any affiliated Club selling birds with false racing performances, shall come before the Board which shall meet at such times as required, to be dealt with, and such Board shall have the power to disqualify any such Member on proof of the sale under false performance being established, or act in a manner as they may deem necessary for the protection and welfare of the Federation.

        TOTAL SELL-OUTS

Any Member of the PRF advertising total sell out sale shall be debarred for three (3) years for competition in any race or show, as from the date of sale. In cases of hardship applications may be made to the Federation Secretary, such applications to be dealt with by the Board of Control.

4.       OWNERSHIP OF BIRDS

The owner of a bird or birds shall be deemed to be the person to whom the life rings or ring has been issued by their Club Secretary. In cases of the sale or gift the responsibility of transfer shall rest with the purchaser.

5.       YOUNG BIRDS

All young birds competing in the Young Bird Races must bear the appropriate "year" ring.

6.       DISEASED BIRDS

To be dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing.

7.       LIFE RING ISSUE

     1. The Federation shall control the purchasing and distribution of all life rings, which shall be issued to Club Secretaries for distribution to Members by the first day of August in each year, or a date set by the Board.

     2. Life rings to bear the lettering PRF which will be registered for sole use by the PIGEON RACING FEDERATION OF WA.

     3. On change of ownership of birds rung with PRF rings, it shall be that the person or persons disposing of the bird shall complete and sign a transfer certificate. This certificate shall be countersigned by the Club Secretary and retained by the person or persons receiving the bird, as proof of ownership. Onus of proof of ownership shall always be on the possessor of the bird and the PRF can demand proof of ownership for birds entered on the PRF program at any time. Birds rung with PRF rings, which have been transferred, can be entered for competition in any Federation or Club race for which they may be eligible.

     4. Any pigeon, rung with an intact life ring registered with any pigeon racing Club in Australia and owned by a financial Member of any other competing Clubs affiliated with the PRF shall be eligible to compete in any Federation or Club race, subject to the following conditions:-

       1. Production of proof of ownership on demand. This may be proof of original purchase of the life ring or documentary proof of transfer on the bird.

       2. When a bird is entered in a restricted age race, the owner must if required, be able to prove that the ring was not issued by the Club concerned prior to the first (1st) of August in the year shown on ring.

8.       RACING CONDITIONS

The Board shall have power to frame regulations for the conduct of races between pigeons belonging to Members of various Clubs affiliated with the Federation.

9.       ORGANISED RACES

No races shall be conducted other than those authorised (by program drawn up) by the Board of Control prior to the Annual General Meeting each year.

10.       COMPETITORS

No Member shall compete in any Federation Race unless they are a fully financial Member of an affiliated Club.

11.       NOMINATION FEES
       1. All nomination fees in Federation races must be paid to the Federation on night of basketing or at such time as the Board may decide.

       2. A bird limit of 18 birds per Member shall only be permitted for all Federation races.

12.       ENTRIES

All birds entered by any competitor must be entered through the Club which they are represented on the Federation.

13.       ENTRY FORMS

Entries must be written in ink and be made on the recognised form and contain all marks on metal rings, which must be set down in numerical order and a correct description of birds entered. Failure to comply with this rule shall empower the Board to refuse acceptance of birds.

14.       NOMINATIONS

To be dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing.

15.       LIFE RINGS INTACT

All birds competing in Federation faces must be rung with an intact life ring, which must not be defaced in any way.

16.       BASKETING

All birds competing in Federation races must be basketed as directed by the Board under the supervision of representatives appointed by the Board.

17.       DESPATCHING BIRDS

In order to facilitate the dispatch of birds the baskets must be distinctly labelled with the Federation or Club name, also number of birds and baskets.

18.       RACE BASKETS

As per Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing.

19.       LIBERATION OF BIRDS

     1. Any competitor other than the Secretary or President of the Federation Telegraphing to the conveyor or liberator or in any other way interfering with the liberation of birds shall be debarred from the race and future competition in the Federation for such time as the Board may determine.

     2. Any two of the Board officers shall have power in all races to take whatever action they may consider advisable to ensure that all birds have been liberated at the race point.

     3. Birds to be liberated as per the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing.

     4. All long distance race liberations to take place at sun-up, or as soon as possible thereafter, or as provided in the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing

20.       BIRDS MUST HOME TO A MEMBERS LOFT

All birds must fly to a members loft, and be the absolute property of Members in whose names they are raced. All winning pigeons must be inspected and liberated outside the Members loft by two (2) PRF Members approved by the Board, within forty-eight (48) hours of the result being announced. Those birds so inspected and liberated must return to the Members loft in their presence. Any infraction of this rule shall annul all rights to prizes and to future competition in Federation races. The Board shall also be at liberty to send a representative to investigate the legitimate ownership of any pigeon, the expense of such investigations, as fixed by the Board to be borne by the defaulting Member, and to be recoverable as and for liquidated damages. The Board shall have the power to impound a bird and keep it impounded at its discretion if a bird should be unfit to fly on inspection.

21.       TRAINING FLIGHTS

No bird shall be released on training or exercise flights after 9:00am on any race day.

22.       DISTANCES

Member flying distances over any course decided upon shall be measured by an official to be appointed by the Board and only these measurements will be accepted. The original measurements shall be held by the Federation but a copy of same must be supplied to each Club Secretary. All objections to said measurements must be lodged with the Secretary within seven (7) days of the race. Locations must be in the hands of the Federation Secretary one (1) month before the date of the first (1st) race on the Schedule of each Club or as directed by the Board of Control.

       1. DISTANCE - LOFT LOCATIONS

If a Member moves the position of their loft/cage for which their distances apply, or if they erect a new loft/cage in a different position at the same residential address, they must notify their Club Secretary immediately who will be responsible for ensuring new distances are obtained. The obtaining of new distances will be obligatory/compulsory if the Member's new loft position shortens their air line distances.

       2. For the measurement of the loft location the point shall be to the centre of the loft. The measurements so taken shall be from the nearest fence line side, and from the rear fence to the centre of the flying loft. (Note: not to trap location.)

23.       TWO COMPETITORS ON ONE LOCATION

If two (2) Members, except as a firm, fly their birds to the same loft or premises in any one race, each Member must fly all the races they compete in during the season to the same loft or premises, unless they be incapacitated from doing so by change of residence or otherwise in which case the Board may grant them permission to fly their birds to another loft.

24.       TWO OR MORE LOFTS

If more than one Members loft is situated on the same premises such lofts must be nominated. The distances of these competitors would be computed from one loft, the nearest to the race point, such shall be official distances from all lofts on said premises.

25.       TWO MEMBERS FLYING TO ONE LOFT

Two (2) or more Members not flying as partners to the same loft shall nominate ring number of birds and register before commencement of season and shall not add any number to their registration list during that year.

26.       PRIVATE LIBERATIONS

Any Member of an affiliated Club of the Federation sending or taking birds for liberation to a race point on the day or races, otherwise than through the Federation, or their Club shall be dealt with at the discretion of the Board.

27.       PROTESTS

Protests of any description must be accompanied by a deposit of $2.00 and must be made within one (1) week of declaration of race, and if the said protest is considered frivolous by the Board, the deposit shall be forfeited.

28.       CLOCKS

All competitors in Federation races must have a continuous running clock especially made for timing homing pigeons, the same to have the approval of the Board, and no alteration shall be allowed to any clock other than what may be sanctioned by the Board. All clocks to be started at actual time obtained from a master timer or chronometer and a record of the time kept. On the production of clocks after the race it shall be compared against the master timer or deducted in the usual manner. IN the event of a clock gaining more than one (1) minute in twenty-four (24) hours, double the time slow is to be added to the registered time. All paper dials must bear the name of the race point, AND THE SIGNATURE OF ONE MEMBER OF THE CLOCK COMMITTEE. Any competitor whose clock shall on being opened, show more than the recognised regulation punctures or prints, shall be dealt with at the discretion of the Board and if need be disqualified.

29.       FAULTY CLOCKS PRIOR TO BIRDS HOMING

In the event of a clock stopping before the arrival of their birds, such clocks may be taken to the Clock Foreman or their assistant or anyone so designated by that Club, for the purpose of re-setting.

30.       FAULTY CLOCKS WHEN BIRDS ARE HOMED

In the event of the clock stopping after the bird has been time in, Members may go to either the President or Clock Foreman of their Club with the clock intact and have their clock opened, and have the rubber ring or thimble and rubber ring removed and timed into another clock, the time register on the second (2nd) clock to be recognised.

31.       TWO (2) OR MORE IN ONE CLOCK

With the owner's permission, two or more competitors may time in on any one clock, set by the Committee.

32.       CLOCKS SET AND SEALED

All clocks used by competitors in Federation races; must be set and sealed as decided by the Board, and shall have a number or letter painted thereon. No competitor shall have more than one clock for each Federation race, which shall be issued to them from the Club in which they are represented on the Federation, and shall have a tag affixed with the name of the competitor. Unless such tag is affixed the Board has the power to refuse to seal or set such clocks. All clocks must be fitted with special oil containers and must be returned as issued; otherwise Member is liable to disqualification.

33.       INSPECTION OF CLOCKS

All birds competing in Federation races shall carry a rubber band, which must be placed, on arrival in the receptacle in the clock provided for that purpose. The Board Officers shall have power to view any competitor's clock at any time during the progress of a race, and impound same if found to be faulty. In the event of a clock stopping after the bird has been timed in, the user thereof ceases to compete until such clock is reset and re-plugged to the satisfaction of the Board.

34.       RUBBER RINGS

     1. Unless, in the opinion of the Board, a clerical error has occurred, all lettering and numbers on rubber race rings, race tags and race entry forms must correspond with those on entry forms.

     2. Only one rubber to be placed in each bucket or thimble. In the event of a bucket having two (2) rubbers, the first rubber removed from the bucket shall be the one read and recorded.

35.       BIRDS HOMING WITHOUT RUBBER RINGS

In races eight hundred (800) kms and over every bird entered must be fitted with two (2) rubber rings and must home with at lest one (1) to be considered in the result. In line with all other races, No rubber - No velocity.

36.       THIMBLES

The thimble must be placed in the receptacle of the clock and inserted in a manner so that the open end of the thimble faces inwards in the receptacle, leaving the closed end facing outwards. Failure to insert the thimble correctly will automatically disqualify such defaulter, unless a satisfactory explanation is given. The thimble must be in the receptacle of the clock that corresponds with the Member's clock sheet number. This rule does not apply to:-

       1. Fully enclosed rectangular hinged receptacles as supplied by the manufacturer and approved by the Board of Control.

       2. Fully enclosed cylindrical containers as supplied by the clock manufacturer an approved by the Board of Control.

37.       TELESCOPIC THIMBLES

Telescopic thimbles must be used in all Toulet clocks and in any other make of clock which the Board may from time to time consider should be used.

38.       TOULET CLOCKS

All old Toulet clocks must be sealed in cases approved by the Board, and no alteration shall be made thereto other than that which the Board may sanction.

39.       CLOCK SEALS

All clocks competing in any race shall be produced at the Federation or Clubrooms to be checked and the seal must be intact.

40.       DECIDING RACES

The Federation prizes and awards will be awarded on the system of velocity and complying with all Federation rules to be deemed the winner. If after the second (2nd) decimal of Any velocity, two (2) or more clocks are even, then such clocks shall be deemed to be the same time, and are equal in placed secured and value of prizes.

41.       WHEN ALL PLACES ARE NOT FILLED

Should only one competitor get a bird home within the time limit they shall be entitled to all prize money, but if two (2) or more competitors home birds within the time they shall be entitled to divide all surplus prize money equally. Other monies appertaining to the race shall come under the same jurisdiction.

42.       TIME LIMIT OF RACES - PERMISSIBLE FLYING TIMES

Races up to four hundred (400) kms shall close thirty (30) hours form time of liberation. Races from four hundred (400) to six hundred (600) kms shall close forty-eight (48) hours from time of liberation. Races from six hundred (600) to eight hundred (800) kms shall close seventy-two (72) hours from time of liberation. Races from nine hundred and sixty (960) kms shall close ninety-six (96) hours from time of liberation. Races from nine hundred and sixty (960) and longer shall close seven (7) days from the time of liberation. The distance to the longest flyer in the Federation shall apply to calculating the permissible flying time.

43.       HOURS OF DARKNESS

     1. In the case of a race or races extending over one day there will be a deduction of hours of darkness during sunset and sunrise. Hours of darkness shall be under normal conditions, half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise, according to local calendar

     2. In the event of the birds homing during hours of darkness their velocity or velocities will be computed without consideration of the hours of darkness, and positions awarded according to velocity recorded, and all birds homing later will be worked out according to the hours of darkness and places awarded.

44.       IMPROBABLE VELOCITY

Should any competitor be credited with having made such a velocity as the Board consider IMPROBABLE, they shall have absolute power to disqualify the bird in the said race although there may be no evidence to suggest or support any evidence of fraudulent practice by the competitor or any person responsible for the marking or despatching of the birds to or at the race point.

45.       CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES

In all Federation races, places and certificates shall be determined by the Board before the commencement of the race.

46.       APPEALS

The Board shall consider any appeals appertaining to races or otherwise, made by Federation Members over disputes with their Clubs, and arbitrate subject to the approval of both parties.

47.       QUESTIONS NOT SPECIFIED

The Board reserves the right to decide any questions that may arise which is not specified in these Rules and Regulations and its decision shall be binding on all parties.

48.       RESPECT OF ORGANISING COMMITTEES

All due respect must be paid to the Chairman and Board Members during the organising and running of races and any Member whose conduct is disorderly or offensive shall be dealt with under Membership (4) Section (f) of this Constitution.

49.       EX-OFFICIO

The President and Secretary shall be ex-officio Members of all committees.

50.       ALTERING AND RESCINDING RULES

Notice of Motion to alter or rescind any rule must be made in writing to the Board of Control. The Board will discuss the matter at a meeting to be held not less than seven (7) days prior to the Annual General Meeting which shall deal with any change of rules whatsoever.

51.       STANDING ORDERS

Standing orders shall be such as those recognised for parliamentary debate.

52.       RACE SCHEDULE/PROGRAM

     1. The Race Schedule for the following year will be finalised prior to the thirtieth (30th) of October of the preceding year. Failure to reach agreement by that date the Race Schedule as flown on the scheduled line of flight the previous year shall be accepted as the schedule for the coming year.

     2. Commencement and conclusion as provided in the Code of Practice for Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Racing.

     3. The Toss Program is to commence three (3) weeks before the start of the racing program each year.

     4. All races on the Race Program be Club Races and Federation Races be optional to those flyers who wish to participate in them with the exception being the Federation Young Bird Derby. This race is to be Federation Race only.

     5. In the event of inclement weather or mechanical problems the birds shall be brought back to a shorter distance without deviating from the line of flight.

53.       FEDERATION ACCOUNTS AND RACE NOMINATION

Federation accounts will be rendered to Clubs at the end of each month, and will be payable with thirty (30) days. Failure to pay within the specified time will render a Club liable to suspension. All other monies becoming due to payable will be paid as directed by the Board of Control.

54.       LINE OF FLIGHT

To fly 1996 from the North Line followed by the North East Line and again return to the North Line - ie cutting out the Eastern Line of flight.

55.       RING MEMBERS

Ring Members shall be allowed to purchase rings for two (2) years only. No rings will be made available thereafter unless the ring Member competes as a full flying Member of the Club, or unless exempted by the Board of Control.

56.       FEDERATION BOUNDARIES

The area will encompass all Cities and Shires up to the northern boundary of the City of Wanneroo then parallel east as far as and including the Shire of Mundaring vertically south to the southern boundary of the Shire of Murray and then parallel to the Coast. All existing Clubs will continue to have a pick up, though the Board reserves the right to deny a pick up for newly formed Clubs. Any existing Member who resides outside these boundaries will automatically become a Country Member with this Federation. Commencing at the start of the 2002 flying season.

57.       INVITATION RACES

       All invitation races to be open to all flyers, providing they have airlines from the PRF and IRPF

           SPECIAL RACES - PAYMENT OF PRIZE MONEY

       In special races, such as Sires and Invitation races etc, conducted by Clubs affiliated with this Federation, the payment of all prize monies won in these events must be paid no later than four (4) weeks after the date of the event.

58.       FLYER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

The flyer of the year consistency to be worked out as follows:-

The top velocity in the Federation each week receives one point and further positions receive additional points according to the numerical order they finish. Flyers not clocking out receive numbers of flyers +1. The maximum penalty points each year to be reviewed by the Board of Control. The flyer with the least number of points at the end of the season will be declared the winner.

For the purpose of the flyer of the year consistency, Members may only nominate eighteen (18) birds per race including Federation Races. This does not preclude a Member sending more than eighteen (18) birds per race where open limits apply to that Club or Federation race. Birds nominated must be on the first entry sheet submitted and the race entry original sheet to be submitted to the Federation Secretary with the race results.

59.       FLYER OF THE YEAR - FEDERATION RACES

A competition open to all PRF Members be undertaken to determine the Federation flyer of the year. To be eligible a Member must finish in the first twenty (20) positions of any Federation race. Their position in all Federation races of that year will then be added together to determine the total of positions gained. The Member with the lowest number of points to be declared the winner.

APPENDIX

RULES AND UNIFORM PRACTICES For the conduct of Federation and Club races.

RACE ENTRY FORMS AND BASKETING OPERATIONS

     a)     Ink or biro shall be used in writing up the form.

     b)     The date entered on the form shall be the day of the basketing.

     c) All entry totals on the form (bird numbers and cash) shall be completed by the Member before lodging.

     d)     Bird entries shall be recorded in numerical order.

     e)     When basketing, the entry form shall be completed by one person only - meaning one person on the basketing Committee to complete form and envelope - both of which shall be initialled by that person.

      f)     No Member shall handle, ring their own birds, or record rubber ring numbers on their own form.

     g)     Basketing shall not commence unless there are a minimum of three (3) of the basketing Committee in attendance.

CLOCKS

     a)     Clock papers shall be identified with the flyers name, club, race point and date when clock set.

     b)     All clocks shall be started with a starting plug and the time of the second plug shall be variable, if the Clock Committee so desires.

     c)     All clocks shall be plugged out with two (2) plugs and the time of the second plug shall be variable, if the Clock Committee so desires.

     d)     When timing in, if it is found not possible to enter the thimble in the bucket, the clock shall be plugged only after the rubber has been taken of the bird. The thimble is to be placed in the next bucket, and the clock plugged again forthwith.

     e)
          i)     In the event of a rubber ring not being in the correct bucket the time recorded against that bucket will be disallowed.

          ii)     Should the rubber ring be deposited in a later bucket, that bucket shall be accepted for the Federation prize money and as the time of timing for the FLYER OF THE YEAR purposes.

          iii)     Should the rubber ring not be deposited in a clock bucket, ie lying on top of the buckets, the rubber will be disqualified and the flyer award (for the FLYER OF THE YEAR purposes) a velocity equivalent to the velocity applicable if the pigeon had been time in at the checking time of the clock.

          iv)     Should a Member be unable to place the rubber ring in the correct bucket because of the clock malfunction, they shall strike off the clock prior to timing in and insert rubber in the next bucket. The time recorded against the bucket containing the rubber shall be accepted providing the Member has informed the Clock Foreman prior to the clock being struck off.

          v)     Nothing in the above will prevent a Member timing in a second pigeon and the time recorded may be accepted for all purposes.

     f)     The clock paper shall be intact - complete to the last print - when the clock is opened. If a clock paper is torn through, a flyer shall take only the velocity of the last place getter, and the last place.

     g)     Seals from clock shall be retained for identification in the envelope with the race rubber tabs until the clock is certified correct.

     h)     A clock that is not sound or is in any way mechanically faulty shall not be accepted for competition.

     i)     All clocks shall be fitted with an anti-acceleration device except those approved by the Federation. Where dolometers are fitted, they should be checked at regular intervals to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The hands shall be set at zero. Only four (4) points shall be allowed on a HUDSON clock dolometer, and four (4) points on a STB clock dolometer. Five millimetres (5mm) on a BENZING or SIMPLEX clock dolometer. Five (5) points on a Record clock dolometer. Any other clock must be shown to the Clock Committee before an allowance is given. Any clock showing more than the amounts allotted shall be disqualified.

     j)     It is the responsibility of the flyer to see that their clock is in complete operating order, that is:-

          i)     Clock is wound up

          ii)     Sufficient paper on the roll.

          iii)     Printing clearly

          iv)     Correctly set. Dolometer hand on zero and "day hand" on seven (7) or as designed.

          v)     That the clock is going and correctly sealed before leaving the Federation or Club rooms

     k)     The Clock Committee, before recording the bucket number, shall give all clocks, where applicable, a extra plug and take up the slack

OIL WELLS (This applies to all clocks not exempted by the Federation)

Before being used for competitive purposes in Federation and Club races, oil wells shall be fitted to all clocks subject to the following provisions:-

     1.     Where possible, two (2) oil wells shall be fitted and at right angles to one another

     2.     Where one oil well only can be fitted it shall be fitted diagonally if possible.

     3.     Provision shall be made and decided on by the Board of Control for the use of those clocks to which oil wells cannot be fitted.

Oil wells shall be made of transparent, open ended "U" shaped glass tube. The "U" shall be approximately twenty five millimetres (25mm) from top to bottom and the tubes or approximately three millimetres (3mm) bore. The wells shall be not less than three quarter (3/4) filled with oil as supplied by the Federation. No other oil shall be permitted. The absence of oil wells without authorisation, or evidence of oil spillage in the clock shall render the member liable to disqualification.

DOLOMETERS AND OIL WELLS - CLOCKS EXEMPTED

The development of technology in some clocks has resulted in the production of modern clocks that cannot be made to go either slower or faster, and, accordingly, do not have dolometers, or need oil wells.

The Board of Control shall have the power to exempt such clocks it deems meets these requirements.

Clocks approved for use without dolometers, or oil wells are as follows:-

     1.     Benzing Electronic/Quartz Clocks.

     2.     STB Electronic Quartz Clocks.

     3.     STB New mechanical models have in the 36'000 frequency (in lieu of the 18'000 frequency).

(The timers of 36'000 frequency are models 102-1781, 1728, 1774 and 1779 and, accordingly, do not have dolometers)

LOSS AND GAIN

In the calculation of time variations, the limitations on loss or gain for any clock laid down under Rule 28 are to be one (1) minute.

     a)     Clock papers and clock variation calculators shall always be read against the flyer. The first running plug on the clock paper shall be referred to for any variations on the plugs on paper.

     b)     Clocks listed by the manufacturer as dual purpose, that is, for use with or without a thimble, and are approved by the Board of Control can be used as thimble-less clocks if desired

     c)     The variation Calculators shall adhere to the following rules when completing clock and race sheets:-

       i)     If the clock has been set FAST, the amount shall be DEDUCTED.

       ii)     If the clock has been set SLOW, the amount shall be ADDED.

       iii)     If a clock GAINS on the run, the proportionate gained (variation) shall be deducted.

       iv)     If a clock LOSES on the run, the proportionate amount LOST (variation) shall be ADDED.

     d)     Clock sheet shall be completed exactly as the reading appears on the clock tape. The Fast/Slow space shall show the actual reading from the clock paper with the non-relevant work crossed out.

     e)     The numerals of the distance sixtieths (60th) and the bird flying time in seconds, shall appear on both the original and duplicate of the clock and race sheets, at back. The velocity shall be entered on the top right hand corner of the sheet in the space provided.

     f)     In calculating, always read against the flyer, for example:-

          i)     Losing clock - read on

          ii)     Gaining clock - read back

Where there is one (1) second gain or loss the following procedure will apply:-

          i)     On a gaining clock - deduct

          ii)     On a losing clock - read as one (1) second

     g)     Clock papers are to be read against the running plug in determining loss and gain. (Starting plug may be at 7:55pm, running plug at 8:00pm).

     h)     Electronic clocks must not vary by eight (8) seconds.