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TERMS + CONDITIONS

COMPLIANCE

Riders must adhere to all clothing and protective equipment requirements. Failure to do so may result in penalties or disqualification from the event.  The primary goal of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, by minimising the effects of crashes by using appropriate clothing and protective equipment. Event officials have the final authority on the acceptability and safety of all equipment and clothing.  The Race Director reserves the right to determine whether any participant’s clothing or equipment meets the required standards. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that their clothing and equipment are satisfactory and meet the minimum requirements for their intended use.

YOUR BIKE

  • Suitability: Must be designed for Mountain Biking; catalogue and department store bikes are not suitable for Mountain Bike Racing.

  • Mechanical Condition: Must be in good working order and good structural condition

  • Brakes: Must have two working brakes.

  • Handlebars: Must have bar plugs/ends installed.

  • Wheel Size: All bikes must have a maximum wheel diameter size of 29 inches.

  • Inspections: All bikes are subject to random inspection throughout the course of an event and those bikes not meeting the above requirements will be forfeited from immediate competition and not allowed back into competition until deemed satisfactory by a race official.

  • Highly Recommended: Dual suspension, downhill-specific tyres, and hydraulic disc brakes.

  • E-Bikes:  must not have the battery/motor activated

CLOTHING + PROTECTIVE WEAR

  • Jersey/Shirt: Must have Full Length Sleeves

  • Elbow pads: are highly recommended.

  • Knee Covering: Full-length pants or Knee Pads are required.

  • Footwear: Fully enclosed, sturdy shoes.​

  • Clothing required for U17 and U15

  • Full-finger gloves.

  • Knee pads and elbow pads must be worn.

HELMET

  • A Full-face helmet with a fixed, non-detachable mouthpiece is required

  • Standards: Must meet current Australian standards or equivalent international standards for downhill mountain biking.

  • Condition: Helmets must be in good condition with no visible damage or cracks.

  • Helmets must be worn and correctly fastened at all times whilst on a bicycle, including the race village and other event staging areas. This includes all participants, spectators, support crews, sponsors and all other attendees

  • Inspection: All helmets used will be inspected for compliance as determined by the presence of an appropriate compliance sticker.

PROHIBITED CLOTHING

  • Singlets or any clothing that does not meet the protection standards outlined.

  • Headphones: Riders are not permitted to wear headphones or other similar music/communication devices during practice and competition.

ACTION CAMERA POLICY

Action cameras mounted on bicycles or helmets are permitted if they comply with the following guidelines.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Mounting: Cameras must be securely mounted to the bike or helmet in a manner that does not pose a safety hazard to the rider or others.

  • Mounts should be robust and positioned to avoid interference with the rider's movement or visibility.

  • Mounts should not interfere with or otherwise compromise the efficacy of critical safety equipment – e.g. screws should not be used to mount the camera to a helmet or bike

  • Size and Weight: Cameras and their mounts should be of minimal size and weight to avoid affecting the bike's handling or the rider’s performance. Excessively large or heavy cameras may be prohibited.

  • Camera Placement:

  • Helmet Mounts: Cameras mounted on helmets should be positioned in a way that does not obstruct the rider’s vision or pose a risk in the event of a fall.

  • Bike Mounts: Cameras mounted on bikes should not interfere with the bike’s components or operation.

SAFETY + COMPLIANCE

  • Inspection: All action cameras and mounts are subject to inspection by event officials before the race. Any equipment deemed unsafe or non-compliant will need to be adjusted or removed.

  • Cameras must not have any sharp edges or parts that could pose a safety risk. All mounts and accessories must be securely fastened and should not create additional hazards.

  • Regulations Adherence: Cameras must be used in compliance with all event regulations and guidelines. This includes adhering to rules on camera placement and ensuring that the camera does not pose a safety risk.

  • Compliance: Non-compliance with the action camera policy may result in penalties or disqualification from the event. Event officials have the final say on any disputes or issues regarding camera use.

LIABILITY WAIVER

Downhill mountain biking is a high-risk sport with inherent dangers. By attending, spectating, or participating in the VDHS, you acknowledge and accept that you do so entirely at your own risk.  The VDHS is a state-level competition and serves as a pathway to national, international, and World Cup events. It is not designed for beginners or novices. As such, the tracks will include sections that are technically challenging and potentially dangerous. Alternative “B” lines are available. It is incumbent upon each rider to ensure that they are physically, mentally, and technically capable of navigating the tracks.  The VDHS, its organisers, Hosting Clubs, race officials, volunteers, sponsors, and affiliates accept no responsibility for any injuries or damage to personal property, however caused, including but not limited to bikes and personal vehicles. This disclaimer applies to all activities associated with the event, including practice sessions, races, and shuttles.  These are the rules, IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT ENTER THE SERIES. Participants or supporters engaging in discussions contrary to this disclaimer and the following rules may face disqualification from the entire series.

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