Chapter 8 - Running Rules/Penalties - Royal Navy PDev Portal

BRd 9615
PART 1
Para
0801. Disqualification
0802. Interpretation of Rules
0803. Trainer’s Duties
RULES AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 8
RUNNING RULES/PENALTIES
CONTENTS
0804. General
0805. Before the Start
0806. Throughout the Run
0807. The Start
0808. 1st Advance and 1st Wheel Change
0809. 2nd Advance and 1st Action
0810. 1st Retire and Wheel Change
0811. 2nd Retire and 2nd Action
0812. 3rd Retire and Finish
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CHAPTER 8
RUNNING RULES/PENALTIES
0801. Disqualification
a. A crew will be disqualified if unauthorised additions or alterations are made to the
equipment after issue. This does not apply to tape on wheels or slats. Tape is not
allowed on shells or extractor – see Chapter 4 Para 0413 sub para d Note 1 and Note
2.
b. A crew will be disqualified if they contravene the rules in an attempt to gain an
unfair advantage and therefore go against the spirit of the competition.
c. There will be no disqualification during a run.
0802. Interpretation of Rules
Any challenges to the rules in BRd 9615 (RNRMC FGIs) are to be referred to the Chief
Judge.
0803. Trainer’s Duties
Throughout the run and before the start signal, the trainer may position him/herself
anywhere inside the borders of his/her track. He/she may give any orders they wish, but must
not physically assist his/her crew in anyway except to prevent an accident or assist in an
emergency.
RULES AND PENALTIES
0804. General
Rule 1. The Chief Judge/BC will issue a warning to any team considered to be
running with unsafe drill. Additionally, the BC and Judges are to inform the Chief
Judge on completion of the run of any of the following infringements:
(1) Loose items of clothing or strapping.
(2) Female running crew with hair not tied back when necessary. Pony tails are
acceptable, and must be secured with navy blue, black or brown bands.
(3) Exposed jewellery and mouth studs or chewing gum.
(4) Additions to kit such as white tape on boots, leather patches on trousers and
gloves. (Para 0409 sub para a).
(5) Swearing by crew members or Trainers at any time from entry into the arena
area until return to the quadrangle area. This is to be monitored by Judges during
the warm up period, during and on completion of the run.
(6) Spitting by any crew member or Trainer is not permitted at any time in the
Competition Arena.
Penalty 1. The receipt of two warnings, for any of the above, will entail a six
second penalty for the run for which the second warning was issued. Each
subsequent warning will result in a six second penalty for the respective run.
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0805. Before the Start
Rule 2. Gun is on the 40-yard line pointing in the direction of advance with breech
closed. Gun lynchpins are in place and fully home. The inside of the barrel is to be
clear of any obstructions. Fig 8-1.
Fig 8-1. Gun on 40 Yard Line
Rule 3. Limber with wheels removed is placed ‘on’ the ground with axle ‘on’ the 10-
yard line and pole pointing in the direction of advance. The wheels are placed one on
each side of the limber, but not touching the limber, with hubs on the ground on the 10-
yard line. Drag ropes are laid out on the ground in the direction of advance. Fig 8-2.
Fig 8-2. Limber on 10 Yard Line Ready for Start
Rule 4. Six cartridges with blank rounds fully inserted are in their stowage (Fig 8-3),
and the limber boxes are closed.
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Fig 8-3. Cartridges in Stowage
Rule 5.
feathers.
Pintle key is secured to the limber in an approved manner and is to have two
Rule 6. Limber lynchpins and hand extractor are to be proved to the Track Judge.
The use of the hand extractor is mandatory at both the 1st and 2nd Actions. When not
in use it may be stowed in the limber or be held on the person of any member of the
crew, other than the trainer.
Rule 7. The running crew is to be behind the start line. The position of the trainer is
optional within the borders of the track.
Rule 8. The Track Judges will check Rule 1 to Rule 7 before the start and inform the
trainer immediately of any contravention. A maximum of three minutes will be allowed
from the order to lay out the gear to the crew being ready to run. Track Judges will not
touch any gear within one minute of the start.
Penalty 2. The crew will be disqualified if any contravention is not corrected
before the start signal. The start signal will not be delayed.
0806. Throughout the Run
Rule 9. The trainer must not touch any crew member or gear except in an
emergency to prevent accident or injury.
Penalty 3. Three seconds for each crew member or piece of gear touched by
the trainer unless judged necessary to prevent accident or injury.
Rule 10. No member of the crew or piece of gear may be supported either partially or
completely outside the sidelines of the track.
Note. The painted sidelines (including the dotted extension lines) ‘belong to the field
gunner’, i.e. Penalty 4 applies if crew member or gear is supported outside these
painted lines. To be supported it/they must be actually touching the ground.
Penalty 4. Three seconds for each crew member or piece of gear supported
either partially or completely outside the sidelines of the track.
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0807. The Start
Rule 11. The bugle call ‘Commence’ will precede the start signal (the explosion of a
SBS L35A1). The start line or track is not to be touched before the start signal.
Note. The start line does not belong to the field gunner.
Penalty 5. Three seconds for each crew member touching or crossing the
start line before the start signal after the 45 second whistle blast.
0808. 1 st Advance and 1 st Wheel Change
Rule 12. Limber wheels are assembled, drag ropes are shipped and lynchpins are
inserted fully before the limber leaves the 10 yard line and is run towards the 30 yard
line. The limber is stopped on the 30 yard line. A lynchpin is fully home when part of
the lynchpin is protruding from the bottom of the axle (Fig 8-4). Fig 8-5 shows the
lynchpin not fully home.
Rule 13. Lynchpins need only to be inserted as follows:
(1) Gun Wheels. Whilst on the 40-yard line prior to the start and on crossing the
finishing line.
(2) Limber Wheels. On leaving the 10-yard line and on crossing the finishing
line.
Fig 8-4. Pin Fully Home
Fig 8-5. Pin Not Fully Home
Notes:
1. A slight initial displacement is allowed while the limber is assembled, however the
limber axle must be on, or above, the 10 yd line when assembly is completed and
before advancing, the wheels do not need to be in contact with the line to achieve this
condition.
2. Definition. An axle will be considered to be ‘on’ the line in all the following
situations throughout the run:
a. Wheels shipped and touching the ground. When the base of the wheel
is in contact with any part of the line. (Fig 8-6, Fig 8-6a and Fig 8-6b are all
examples of wheels being on the line).
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Fig 8-6. Wheel Touching Line
Fig 8-6a. Wheel Touching Line
Fig 8-6b. Wheel Touching Line
b. Wheels shipped but not touching the ground. When the axle is vertically
above the line and an imaginary line drawn down from the centre of the axle would
touch the line.
c. Wheels not shipped. When the axle is vertically above the line and an
imaginary line drawn down from the centre of the axle would touch the line. Fig
8-7, Fig 8-7a and Fig 8-7b are all examples of the axle above the line.
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Fig 8-7. Axle Above the Line
Fig 8-7a. Axle Above the Line
Fig 8-7b. Axle Above the Line
Penalty 6. One second for each wheel and shackle and three seconds for
each lynchpin not properly shipped before the limber axle leaves the 10-yard
line.
Rule 14. The gun wheels are exchanged with the limber wheels in such a way that the
wheels remain on their respective sides of the track. A slight initial displacement of
the gear due to impact is allowed but the gun and limber axles must be ‘on’ their
respective lines when the wheels are removed and replaced. Drag ropes are then
shipped and the limber is placed back on the line.
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Penalty 7. One second for each gun and limber wheel removed or replaced
whilst its axle is not ‘on’ its line.
Note. An infringement could occur at ‘wheel off’ and/or ‘wheel on’.
Penalty 8. Three seconds for each drag rope not shipped whilst its axle is ‘on’
the 30 yard line. Three seconds for each limber thrown forward.
Rule 15. The limber is run forward of the gun and stopped with both wheels on the
start side of the 40 yard line; the trail of the gun is turned to point in the general
direction of advance. The gun is buttoned up to the limber and both are then advanced
towards the 63-yard line. The gun and limber must remain buttoned up and both drag
ropes shipped until the gun axle crosses the 40-yard line. If any of these rules are
contravened then it is allowed to bring the gear back to correct the situation, in which
case the penalties will not be applied.
Penalty 9. Three seconds for either limber wheel in contact with (or on the
advance side of the 40-yard line) at initial contact of the ‘Button Up’.
Penalty 10. Three seconds for not being buttoned up before the limber wheels
leave the 40-yard line in the general direction of advance.
Note. Penalty 10 will not be awarded provided that both limber wheels are brought
back to the start side of the 40-yard line prior to the advance to the 63-yard line.
Penalty 11. One second for each drag rope not shipped before the gun axle
leaves the 40-yard line in the general direction of advance.
Penalty 12. Three seconds for unlimbering the gun before its axle leaves the
40-yard line in the general direction of advance.
0809. 2 nd Advance and 1 st Action
Rule 16. The period of both Actions is from the firing of the first round to the firing of
the third round (including Misfire Drill).
Rule 17. The gun is unlimbered when desired after its axle has left the 40 yard line
and is run to the Gun Action Zone (83-85 yard) turned and stopped with the point of
contact of the wheels within this zone. During the turn the gun may break the 85-yard
line as can any member of the crew. All members of the crew must be back in the track
for the period of the action or Penalty 4 will be incurred.
Rule 18. The limber is turned and stopped, its drag ropes and wheels are removed
and it is placed or dropped to the ground with the centre line or forward edge of its axle
either on, or on the Start side of, the 70 yard line and pole pointing in the general
direction of Retire (Fig 8-8). The limber boxes are then opened (Fig 8-9).
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Fig 8-8. Limber Drop Between 68 and 70
Yard Lines
Fig 8-9. Limber On Ground – Box Open
Notes:
1. The limber must be dropped (on its base) with the centre-line or forward edge of
the axle inside the drop zone (ie on or on the action side of the 68-yard line) when one
or both touch the ground unless a wheel falls (not pulled) off (Fig 8-10, Fig 8-11). It
may be adjusted after the boxes are opened till the start of the Action. The order in
which the limber is turned, wheels removed and grounded is not important so long as
the procedure used is safe and is contained within the track. The slat pole is
considered to be pointing in the general direction of Retire when it is anywhere within
the 180° Retire Arc.
2. If a limber wheel comes off on the Start side of the 68-yard line and the stub of the
limber axle is grounded, this will not constitute limber grounding and will not attract
Penalty 12. However, if a wheel is removed and the stub of the limber axle is
grounded, this will constitute limber grounding and will attract Penalty 13.
Fig 8-10. Axle Grounded Within 68 and 70
Yard Lines
Fig 8-11. Axle Grounded Outside the Drop
Zone
Penalty 13. Three seconds for the limber not dropped between the 68-yard line
and the 70-yard line.
Penalty 14. Three seconds for limber boxes opened before the limber is on the
ground with the centre-line of axle either on, or on the Start side of the 70 yard
line and with the slat pole pointing in the general direction of Retire. (Fig 8-12)
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Penalty 15. Three seconds for centre-line of the axle leaving the 70-yard line
towards the gun during cartridge transfer. (Fig 8-13)
Fig 8-12. Box Opened, Axles on Action
Side of 70 Yard Line
Fig 8-13. Axle Breaking 70 Yard Line
During Cartridge Transfer
Rule 19. The limber wheels are placed such that the hubs are on the ground either
on, or on the Start side of, the 70-yard line (Fig 8-14).
Fig 8-14. Limber Laid In for 1st Action
Rule 20. The drag ropes are laid out by the limber and on the Start side of the 70 yard
line and may be laid out either before or during the period of the action (see Rule 24).
The shackles, chains and lynchpins are deemed part of the drag ropes.
Rule 21. One at a time, three live cartridges are removed from their limber stowage
each by the same crew member and carried by him and handed to the gun loader who
is to be either in the Gun Action Zone or closed up* on one knee at the gun with the
gun in position in the Gun Action Zone. The same crew member must receive and
load all three cartridges. The third shell must be handed to the loader with the adapter
pointing towards the 85-yard line. (Fig 8-15).
Note. *Definition of closed up: is that the crew member is in position at the gun and
makes no unreasonable foot adjustment between receipt of first and third shell.
Failure to comply attracts Penalty 19. The gun must also be in position.
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Penalty 16. Six seconds for each live cartridge transferred from limber to gun
whilst another cartridge is being transferred (e.g. crew member carrying two or
two crew members carrying).
Penalty 17. Three seconds for each live cartridge handled by other than the
two crew members defined in Rule 21. (See Note to Penalty 18).
Penalty 18. Three seconds for each live cartridge not taken from its correct
limber stowage carried and handed to the gun loader clear of the breech (i.e.
thrown or placed on the ground). The third shell must be handed to the loader
with the adapter pointing towards the 85-yard line.
Note. If any live cartridges fall out of their stowage during the limber turn they must
be returned to the correct stowage before transfer commences. Any member of the
crew (other than the trainer) may carry out this task. This also applies to Rule 34 (2nd
Retire and 2nd Action) failure to comply attracts Penalty 18 (removal from incorrect
stowage).
Penalty 19. One second for each live cartridge received by the gun loader not
in the Gun Action Zone or closed up on one knee at the gun, with the gun in
position in the Gun Action Zone.
Note. For position in the Gun Action Zone both feet must be on the Action side of the
83-yard line. The 83-yard line does not belong to the gun loader (e.g. shell receiver)
for this piece of drill.
Penalty 20. Three seconds for each cartridge not extracted using the hand
extractor. (This Penalty also applies to the 2nd Action.)
Rule 22. The three rounds are fired when desired by the gun loader who is to be
closed up at the gun throughout loading and firing. The spent cartridges can only be
handled by the gun loader, extractor number or cartridge carrier during the period of
the action, but may be returned to the limber box in any way (see Rule 24).
Rule 23. During the period of the action all except the cartridge carrier and trainer
must be on one knee and closed up at either the gun or limber and on the Retire side
of the 85 yard line.
Penalty 21. One second for each crew member other than the cartridge carrier
and trainer not on one knee and closed up at the gear to the retire side of the 85
yard line during the period of the action.
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Fig 8-15. 1st Action
Rule 24. During the period of the action all gear must be in place as ruled above and
no gear is to be handled or moved except the drag ropes (Rule 20) and that gear which
must be handled or moved to achieve the action (e.g. breech or cartridges).
Note. No other part of the equipment may be handled or touched other than by those
detailed below:
(1) The Cartridge Extractor - must use the extracting tool to remove all
cartridges from the gun. This also applies to the 2nd action.
(2) The Cartridge Extractor/Gun Loader – may accidentally, not deliberately
come into bodily contact with any part of the gun (including the wheels).
(3) The Cartridge Carrier - may come into bodily contact with the limber during
the transfer of the shells. However, the limber must not be used deliberately as a
turning aid e.g. using the back of the box to push off with foot or hand.
(4) Warning. If the cartridge carrier causes another member of the crew to touch
the limber or come off one knee Penalty 21 and Penalty 23 will be applied
appropriately.
Penalty 22. Three seconds for each piece of gear not in place during the period
of the action.
Penalty 23. Three seconds for each piece of gear touched or moved during the
action except the drag ropes, spent cartridges and that gear which must be
handled or moved to achieve the action (See Note to Rule 24).
Rule 25. If the gun fails to fire then the gun loader may try to fire again or any member
of the crew or trainer may report ‘Misfire’ and carry on with the next round if any. After
the run the track judges for that track or nominated Misfire Judge will inspect the
cartridges in order to justify the number of misfires reported.
Penalty 24. Three seconds for each live round that has clearly not been struck
by the firing pin.
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Notes:
1. A misfire penalty will not be awarded if there is evidence that the breech firing pin
has clearly struck the percussion cap of the round. In the case of a missing round at
the end of the run a penalty will not be awarded providing the judge(s) can confirm that
all rounds were fired during the actions.
2. It is in every crew’s interest to practice the misfire drill and to ensure blank rounds
are secure.
0810. 1 st Retire and Wheel Change
Rule 26. The limber is assembled anywhere with its axle on or on the Start side of the
70 yard line and brought to the gun. The wheels are to be shipped before the limber
axle crosses or leaves the 70-yard line.
Penalty 25. Three seconds for each wheel not shipped before the limber axle
leaves the 70-yard line in the direction of the gun.
Rule 27. The gun and limber are limbered up and the drag ropes are to be shipped
before the gun wheels cross the 83-yard line, the gun and limber are run towards the
63-yard line. Gun trail members MUST NOT reach out to a reversing limber prior to
button up after the first and second action (the limber should be stopped before the
trail numbers grab it).
Note. The Gun Numbers may step outside of the 85-yard line during this activity
without incurring Penalty 4.
Penalty 26. Three seconds for each gun trail member who reaches out to the
limber box prior to the button up and before the limber is stopped.
Penalty 27. One second if not limbered up and for each drag rope not shipped
before the gun wheels cross the 83 yard line.
Rule 28. The gun and limber are stopped so that their axles are astride the 63-yard
line (Fig 8-16). The gun wheels are exchanged with the limber wheels without any part
of the gun or limber except the wheels, pins and drag ropes touching the ground. The
gun and limber must remain limbered up until completion of the wheel change and the
gun axle has crossed the 63-yard line.
Note. To be astride of the 63-yard line axles must not be above the line as described
in the definition at Note 2 to Rule 13. The definition of limbered up is that the pintle pin
must be visible within the trail eye. If the pintle pin drops below the trail eye and is no
longer visible Penalty 30 will apply. Only 1 judge has to witness this and is duly
allowed to step into the track when safe and practicable so as to confirm this fact Fig
8-17 and Fig 8-18.
Penalty 28. Three seconds for gun and limber axles not astride the 63-yard line
during the wheel change.
Penalty 29. Three seconds for any part of the gun or limber (including the
pintle pin) other than wheels, drag ropes or pins touching the ground during the
wheel change.
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Penalty 30. Three seconds for gun and limber not limbered up during wheel
change or before gun axle crosses 63-yard line.
Fig 8-16. Gun and Limber Astride 63 Yard Line
Fig 8-17. Gun and Limber Limbered Up
Fig 8-18. Gun and Limber Not Limbered Up
Rule 29. The drag ropes are shipped and the gun and limber are run towards the 40-
yard line.
Penalty 31. Three seconds for each wheel not shipped before the gun axle
crosses the 63-yard line.
Penalty 32. One second for each drag rope not shipped before the gun axle
crosses the 63 yard line.
0811. 2 nd Retire and 2 nd Action
Rule 30. The period of the action is from the firing of the first round to the firing of the
third round (including misfire drill).
Rule 31. The gun is unlimbered and stopped with its wheels on the 40-yard line where
they must remain for the period of the action.
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Penalty 33. Three seconds for both gun wheels not on the 40-yard line for the
period of the action.
Rule 32. The limber is run to the 30-yard line and stopped with its wheels on the line
and the pintle on the ground. (Fig 8-19).
Rule 33. The limber box is then opened.
Fig 8-19. Limber on 30 Yard Line (2 nd Action)
Penalty 34. Three seconds for each wheel not stopped on the 30-yard line and/
or pintle not on the ground before the limber box is opened.
Rule 34. Three cartridges are taken from their correct limber stowage, passed by
hand and not thrown to the gun crew and are fired. Any number of crew members
including the loader may handle the cartridges prior to and during the action. The
spent cartridges are returned to the limber box in any way. The same crew member
must load all three cartridges.
Notes:
1. The misfire drill and penalties are as for the 1st Action (Rule 25 Penalty 24 Note
1).
2. Penalty 20, for not using the hand extractor at the 1st Action is also applicable for
the 2nd Action.
3. Penalty 21 for touching gear is not applicable during the 2nd Action.
Penalty 35. Three seconds for each wheel not on the 30-yard line and/or the
pintle not on the ground for the duration of the action.
Notes:
1. Position of Limber Wheels. If the position of the limber wheels incurs both Penalty
34 and Penalty 35 and the wheels are on the Retire side of the 30-yard line only
Penalty 34 will be awarded. However, if both Penalty 34 and Penalty 35 are incurred
and the limber wheels have stopped on the Advance side of the 30 yard line (i.e. closer
to the gun) then both Penalty 34 and Penalty 35 will be awarded.
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2. Position of Pintle. Regardless of where the limber is stopped Penalty 34 and
Penalty 35 will still apply for the pintle.
Penalty 36. Three seconds for live cartridges not passed by hand or loaded by
the gun loader.
0812. 3 rd Retire and Finish
Rule 35. The limber is brought to the gun. The gun and limber are limbered up before
the gun wheels leave the 40-yard line.
Penalty 37. Three seconds for each gun trail member who reaches out to the
limber box prior to the button up and before the limber is stopped, Also, Three
seconds for not limbered up before the gun axle leaves the 40-yard line.
Rule 36. On completion of the 2nd action the gun and limber are run over the finish
line. The gun must be pulled over the line by the limber. Before the gun axle crosses
the finish line the following actions must be completed: pintle key fully home (Fig 8-
20), both limber box lids closed, both drag ropes shipped correctly (inside lynchpins),
all lynchpins in place and fully home and all six cartridges in the limber box. The hand
extractor is to be either in the limber or proved to the Track Judge by a member of the
crew. The crew form up on one knee on the start line (Fig 8-21).
Fig 8-20. Pintle Key Fully Home
Fig 8-21. End of the Run
Penalty 38. Three seconds for each condition specified in Rule 36, except drag
ropes (Penalty 39), not met before the gun axle crosses the finish line.
Penalty 39. One second for each drag rope not correctly shipped before the
gun axle crosses the finish line.
Note. Fanning of drag ropes is permitted inside of the running track and dotted lines.
It is only permitted outside of the dotted lines if it is deemed essential to stop the gun
and limber from colliding with the crowd barriers. Penalty 4 will be applied if this drill
is abused.
Rule 37. The running time is measured from the start signal to the gun axle or last
person including the trainer crossing the finish line, whichever is the later. A person
judged to be disabled will not count.
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