OFFICIAL RACE RULES NO.6
- Policy Definition
To maintain the highest standard of safety for participants, staff, the general public, and local wildlife within the forest ecosystem, Coastal Track and Trail Runners operates our events with a zero-tolerance policy regarding audio devices.
- Prohibited Equipment
The wearing or carriage of any audio-capable hardware on the head, neck, or ears is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
• All Headphones & Earbuds: Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, wired, or wireless.
• Bone Conduction Technology: Any device utilizing bone conduction (e.g. Shokz), regardless of whether the ear canal remains open.
• Smart Wearables: Audio-integrated glasses, headbands, or hats.
• External Speakers: Any device broadcasting sound from a pack or belt.
NOTE:MOBILE PHONES
MUST BE CARRIED FOR PHONE CALLS ONLY (MANDATORY GEAR - SAFETY COMMUNICATION DEVICE)
- Scope of the Ban
• The "Power Status" Irrelevance: A device is considered in violation of the rules if it is worn on the person, regardless of whether it is powered on, playing media, or being used for communication.
• Situational Awareness: Claims of being able to hear ambient noise while wearing a device will not be accepted as a valid defence. The ban is absolute to ensure uniform enforcement by race marshals.
- Mandatory Exceptions
The only exception to this rule is for medically prescribed hearing aids. If a participant requires hearing aids, they may be asked to provide medical verification if the device resembles commercial earbuds.
- Enforcement & Penalties
a) On-the-Spot Disqualification (DSQ): Any participant observed by a race official, marshal, or sweep timer wearing a prohibited device at any point from the start line until they cross the finish line and after if found in photos wearing or holding devices will be disqualified immediately.
b) No Warnings: Due to the safety implications in a forest environment (emergency vehicle access, animal encounters, and runner overtaking, general public), no warnings will be issued. The official’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
- Common Asked Question about Bone Conduction Technology:
This rule is a hardware-based ban, not a volume-based one.
While we understand runners position that bone conduction technology allows for ambient noise, our policy does not distinguish between different types of audio transmission. The presence of the device on the head/neck is the violation. This ensures our marshals can enforce safety rules consistently without having to test the volume or technology of every participant. If the device is worn during the event, disqualification will stand to ensure fairness and safety for all competitors who adhered to the mandatory safety briefing."
Please Note, this is a Coastal Track and Trail Runners Race event safety rules for all events we run. It explicitly prohibit the 'wearing of any audio devices.' This rule is a hardware-based ban, not a volume-based one.
Race Directors decision is final. RD’s
