RULES

1.1. Red Bull Defiance is an X2, two-person, team Event.

1.2. There are three X2 categories in Red Bull Defiance: X2 Mixed, Male and Female.
1.3. The Event consists of a three-day, multi-stage endurance Event, involving different sporting disciplines.

1.4. Disciplines include, but are not restricted to: Running, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Abseiling and other activities.

1.5. Each day of the Event follows a set, marked Course with Teams changing through varying disciplines at designated Transition Areas.

1.6. Teams are provided with Duffle Bags which, will be used for the mandatory and personal equipment needed for each Stage of the Event. Duffle Bags will be transported by the Event Officials to designated Transition Areas. Duffle Bags are to be returned to Teams at the end of Day 2 so that they may be repacked, ready for transportation to the beginning of Day 3.

1.7. Teams must provide items of Mandatory Equipment that will be used on certain stages of the race. A complete list of all mandatory equipment can be found at: https://defiance.events/resources-au/equipment-au/.

1.8. Teams will commence Day 2 together in a mass start.

1.9. Teams will commence Day 3 together in a mass start.

1.10. Event Officials will transport teams to the Start Line in Cardstone from Mission Beach on Day 2. Event Officials will additionally transport Teams back to Mission Beach from the Finish Line at the end of Day 2.

1.11. Teams will be responsible for all other movements to and from the Event.

1.12. Teams must stay together (within 100m) at all times and complete all stages of the Event within the time allowed to qualify as a ‘finisher’. No substitutions of Team Members are permitted during the Event at any time. If a Team Member elects to exit the Event at any time, for any reason, that Team must withdraw from the Event. No solo competitors will be allowed to continue.

1.13. Teams are not permitted any external assistance or support other than what is provided by Event Officials.

1.14. Winning Teams, for all divisions, will be determined on the bases of lowest combined time over both days.

1.15. Event Officials reserve the right to impose time penalties or disqualify teams for any breaches of the Rules, contained within the Rule Book.
1.16. English is the official language of Red Bull Defiance.

2.1. No responsibility is taken by Red Bull Australia, 100% PURE Racing, Cassowary Coast Multisport Club, third party suppliers or sponsors for any loss or damaged property of competitors, assistants, friends or supporters during Red Bull Defiance. In completing an Entry Form and signing the Acknowledgement Waiver & Release, the competitor accepts full responsibility for the risks entailed in competing in Red Bull Defiance. Competitors and support should have their own personal insurance policies to cover against injury and equipment losses. 
2.2. The Event takes place in the mountains, on the ocean and surrounding environments. Much of the course travels through wilderness areas where rescue or evacuation could take some time. Individuals and Teams must take personal responsibility for their own safety, make good decisions and are required to carry the Mandatory Equipment at all times.

3.1. Event Officials reserve the right to disqualify or impose time penalties on any competitor for disregarding Race Rules, not carrying Mandatory Equipment and failure to uphold the spirit of the event. 
3.2. Rules are enforced for athlete safety and to create a fair Event. Competitors are encouraged to abide by the rules and the spirit in which they are written. Any Team found disregarding the specified rules or purposely changing the interpretation of rules for their benefit may be disqualified.
3.3. As a general rule, time penalties will be added to finish times and Teams will not be required to wait out a time penalty.

4.1. Any Team who wishes to make a complaint about an infringement must do so in writing via email (info@defiance.events) including any supporting evidence (photos/videos), within 24hrs of the completion of the event. Red Bull Defiance decisions regarding the complaint are final.

5.1. In the case of withdrawal of an Individual competitor, or an entire Team, Event Officials must be notified by the quickest means possible. Teams who decide to withdraw should make their way to the closest Transition Area and talk to an Event Official. 
5.2. Athletes or Teams evacuated from any part of the course by helicopter, boat or vehicle, must report to an Event Official immediately on arrival to a safe location. 
5.3. If an athlete is seriously injured, the Team mate must notify Event Officials as soon as practicable. 
5.4. Any Individual/Team that does not complete a stage (this includes failure to meet cut-off times) will be automatically disqualified and cannot continue on subsequent stages. An exclusion to this rule exists on Day 2 - Stage 3 Bike. Teams who fail to beat this cut off will be permitted to start Day 3 but will be ranked on a short course leader board.

6.1. iPods, MP3 Players, drones, personal audio devices and headphones, etc. are not allowed to be used during the race and will result in disqualification.

7.1. The Red Bull Defiance course travels across various properties owned and managed both privately and publicly by the Crown or State.

7.2. Red Bull Defiance has been granted permission and consent to operate a Multisport Event on this land. The conditions for use outlined in these consents must be adhered to.
7.3. Individuals and Teams are welcome/encouraged to visit public land for training purposes. However, no access should be sought on any privately-owned land prior to the Event. Competitors must not harm, approach or interfere with any stock, native fauna and flora.

8.4. At all times stock and farm vehicles have right of way.

8.1. If an Individual or Team is found to be littering they will be disqualified immediately.

9.1. Even if a road closure is in place, normal road rules apply throughout - KEEP LEFT. You must give way to any medic or support vehicle on course. If they are approaching from your immediate front or rear, please move to the side and let them pass. 

10.1. Athletes who have advised us of a medical condition on the entry form are required to have an emergency action plan. This plan will assist athletes to manage any serious/life threatening conditions. Individuals and Teams must carry all appropriate medication to self-manage any such incident. Athletes are required to inform their Team Mates of any medical conditions well in advance of the start. 
10.2. Where Event Officials act to remove a person from the Event due to medical or safety reasons, this decision is final.
10.3. Intravenous Fluids (IV) may only be administered by approved medical staff. Any administration of IV fluids by anyone other than race medical staff will result in immediate disqualification of the Individual and Team. The continuation of any athlete after the administration of IV fluids is at the discretion of Event Officials and medical team.
10.4. Individuals and Teams who come across someone who is in a genuine emergency situation, MUST stop and give assistance. Event Officials will attempt to re-credit lost time where possible.
10.5. If an Individual or Team is First on Scene of an emergency, please stop and assist the injured/distressed competitor & gather as much information as possible. First on Scene is encouraged to contact HQ via mobile phone, if phone reception is available.
10.6. Next on Scene: Talk to First on Scene, then proceed to the nearest radio (Aid Station/Medic/4WD/Tail End Charlie/Event Official) to report the situation so expert help can be requested on the scene ASAP.

11.1. Instruction by Event Officials to competitors must be followed. Failure to follow instructions may lead to disqualification or time penalties.
11.2. Negative behaviour towards Event Officials, staff, volunteers and the public will not be tolerated, and may lead to disqualification.

12.1. Should a helicopter approach, competitors are to follow the directions indicated by the crew. Do not approach the helicopter until instructed or signalled. If the helicopter approaches, do not move away from it. Never, under any circumstances go to the rear of the helicopter – remain in full view of the pilot and crew.

13.1. A mountain bike and gear check will take place at registration. Individuals and Teams must ensure that bikes and equipment are in excellent working order before arriving at the event. Carry all mandatory gear as outlined and know how to use it.
13.2. Remain in control at all times, especially on steep downhill sections. Out of control riders are a hazard to themselves and others.
13.3. Due to the nature of the course, it is strongly recommended your brake pads have less than 25% wear. Disc rotors of 140mm are acceptable but 160mm or greater are recommended.
13.4. Front and rear lights must be illuminated at night. 

14.1. Each Team competing in Red Bull Defiance only will be supplied a double kayak for use throughout the Event.

14.2. No certification is required to participate in the kayak stage of Red Bull Defiance. 
14.3. Competitors should be competent paddlers to a minimum Grade 2 rapid standard, be water confident and capable of self-rescue. It’s the competitors responsibility to have adequate skills for open ocean paddling. 
14.4. No Kites, sails, umbrellas or other methods of wind assistance are permitted.
14.5. Individuals and Teams should be aware of other water users. Power boats must give way to vessels powered by paddles. If a power boat is approaching you from directly ahead, then both must turn to starboard (right) – do this early to avoid confusion.
14.6. If you are in difficulty on the water, then you can use your whistle which should be attached to a lanyard on your PFD (one blast = ‘attention – possible emergency’: three blasts = ‘Help – emergency’). Alternatively, raise your paddle in the air to attract attention. 
14.7. Red Bull Defiance supports Biosecurity in the attempt to stop the spread of aquatic pests throughout Australia's streams, rivers, canals, lakes and sea. All kayak equipment and mountain shoes must be cleaned to biosecurity standards after Red Bull Defiance. 

15.1. Individuals and Teams must follow route markers and stick to the assigned/marked track. No short cuts or taking alternative routes. Teams must remain within 100 meters of the route at all times. 
15.2. Teams must not be more than 100 meters apart and within ‘line of sight’ of each other throughout the race.
15.3. Competitors must use stiles wherever possible do not open or close gates and obey marshal’s instructions.
15.4. Appropriate running gear must be worn and carried, this is the responsibility of the competitors.

16.1. Teams will be issued rafts. Rafts will be ready.
16.2. Each raft will contain three teams (6 people) with a guide. 
16.3. Event Officials will provide specific specialist rafting items for competitor safety.
16.4. Athletes must obey instructions from water staff at all times.
16.5. As per the pre-requisite skills outlined elsewhere on this website, competitors must be able to swim and understand river safety, particularly in regard to avoiding foot entrapment.

17.1. Teams are responsibly for carrying their issued timing anklet. It must be worn according to specifications, otherwise it may not function accurately.

17.2. Teams must ensure to cross the timing mat at the finish line.

17.3. Teams must carry their issued tracking device at all times. This device is used for safety purposes as well as back up timing.

17.4. Teams must check in and check out with event officials in each transition area.

17.5. Teams must clearly display their Race Bib at all times

17.6. Teams must clearly display their race plate number on their bike.

18.1. Event Officials reserve the right to introduce other 'mystery' activities throughout Red Bull Defiance. Any activities that require specific skills will be outlined to Teams in advance of the event start. 

19.1. All Transition Areas will be manned by Event Officials and times will be electronically recorded at each area. No outside assistance is permitted on the course and no spectators/support persons are allowed in designated Transition Areas.
19.2. Spectators/support persons are allowed in designated spectator areas along the course.