Below are the rules of running an AWPA Whipcracking Championship Event. It is encouraged that all clubs/individuals run competition under AWPA rules, but is not a requirement unless running an AWPA State championship. See here for other rules and regulations.
Code Of Ethics
Dress : Suitable ‘Australian – type costume’ including a hat, should be worn. Neat and tidy appearance is suggested. Sneakers, base ball caps, thongs, tee-shirts and other inappropriate clothing will result in the deduction of points in presentation.
Whips : Whips other than Australian Stockwhips will not be allowed. All whips must be safe to use and should be presented in a well maintained condition.
Manners : Competitors should acknowledge the judges before and after their performance and at all times conduct themselves in a sporting way. Points may be deducted from presentation score for failing to acknowledge the judges. Competitors in each event under progression must wait in a designated area while that competition is taking place.
Conduct : Any competitor heard swearing while competing will be disqualified immediately.
Alcohol/Drugs : No competitor, official, judge or compare is to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the competition.
No second person or animal may be used by a competitor during the competition in any section.
Code of Ethics should be adhered to for all approved competitions, exhibitions, and demonstrations, not just AWPA Championship events.
Common AWPA Whipcracking Rules - Championship Events.
Presentation : Up to 10 points can be awarded by each judge for overall appearance, appropriate dress, presentation of whips, performance and confidence.
Equipment : Entrants may only use Australian Stockwhips comprising a handle and thong joined by a keeper. If the judges deem a whip is not in safe working order, the competitor will be asked to use a replacement whip.
Accuracy Component: A whip at least 6 foot in length , from keeper to commencement of fall, must be presented for measurement prior to , and then be used by, each competitor in the accuracy component of the competition. (Not applicable to Pee Wees or Novice sections) Any length of whip may be used in the other sections of the competition. The competitor will be required to cut 10 polystyrene cups from the target stands. 5 with the right hand and 5 with the left. A total of 30points can be awarded in this section. Points will be added to the total points of the freestyle sections to decide the overall winner. A cattleman's crack only must be used. Points awarded will be 1 for a hit, 2 for a slice or chip, 3 for a clean cut. Download the accuracy judges form.
Judging Freestyle Section-Part 1 : A minimum of 2 Judges must be used. Each competitor will be required to fill out a judges form and Competitor Profile Sheet on the day of the competition. On the judges form the competitor will fill out his/her designated cracks/routines. Competitors are encouraged to come up with there own original routines. Each routine/crack will be read out by the MC before the competitor completes the routine/crack. The AWPA whipcracking guide can be used as a reference for judges and competitors. A routine could be awarded from 1 up to 25points depending on the difficulty, it is up to the judges discretion. A "Cattleman's Crack" and "Fast Figure 8's" would be at the bottom of the scale, above would come rhythm cracking, then crossovers such as "QLD Crossover", then routines such as the "Staggered Double Four Corners" at the top end of the scale. A competitor will not score as high if tangles or missed cracks are made or if a routine is not performed as it was in it's original form.
Judging Freestyle Section-Part 2 :After all the routines/cracks have been completed the "Competitor Profile Sheet" will be read out by the MC giving a short rest to the competitor before completing there 30second or 1minute continuous routine/cracking depending on which section the competitor is competing in. Up to 30points can be awarded in this section from each judge.
Protests : After the scores have been released at the end of event the individual competitor has 5 minutes to lodge official protest with event secretary or nominated person accompanied by a fee of $50. Judge's decision will then be final.
Freestyle Sections (Not all sections may be held, but to be run in order shown here): (Novice-Any age), (Pee Wee, 8years and Under), (Juvenile's 12years and Under), (Junior's 16years and Under), (Ladies), (Men's), (35years - 50years), (Over 50's), (Synchronized Pairs), and (Bullock Whip). Ages are as of the day of competition.
Novices' Note!! Please remember that the novice section is there for members & one day Members. Competitors in the Novice section can become a day member for the Novice section only. Only the Novice competitor can enter on the day of the competition. The competitor must have not won at any other Whipcracking competition. This event will be run as a support competition to the major titles being held. All competitors are to be judged in a 1-minute period. You cannot enter any other section if competing as a novice competitor on the day.
Pee Wees are required to complete up to 10 designated routines/cracks. See this list for easiest way to get 10 different cracks. A competitor should be able to reach the level in the list after 3-5hrs practice.
Juvenile's are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 10 designated routines/cracks and a 30second routine,
Juniors, Ladies' and Men are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 10 designated routines/cracks and a 1minute routine.
35years to 50years are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 5 designated routines/cracks, and a 1 minute routine. This section must combine with the Men's/Ladies sections if there are less than 4 competitors in the Men's section.
Over 50's are required to participate in the accuracy component of the competition and complete 1minute of freestyle cracking.
Synchronized Pairs are required to complete 10 designated routines/cracks.
AWPA BULLOCK WHIP Whipcracking Rules.
Entrants will be required to complete a 1 minute routine with a bullock whip and will be given a score of the judge/s discretion. The bullock whip should measure a minimum of 7 1/2 ft in the thong and 5ft in the handle. This section is open to any age.
Public Liability Insurance Stipulations.
1.You must have a first aid kit on hand.
2. Be in a roped off area. Suggested 15mtrs x 15mtrs
3. If teaching, the learner must wear a hat and safety glasses.
Sponsors.
Sponsors must be given the recognition that there level of sponsorship stipulates on the sponsorship page or there agreed terms.
Promoting the art of whipcracking by AWPA members, the following should apply:
All non-championship events which are not National or State titles shall be conducted at the discretion of the individual/club hosting the event.
These events could include country shows, promotion event, or non-championship competition and are not under the common AWPA Championship rules unless the organizer chooses to. Please Note* Promotion events may not cover individuals under the current AWPA insurance policy.
Whipcracking at Country Shows:
Promoting the art of whipcracking by AWPA members at country show level the following should/may apply, but not limited to:
AWPA Code of Ethics upheld.
Age Divisions-(1 minute cracking) Male or Female, at judges discretion