The US Complete handicap rule

In consideration of those who are not physically able to walk the course, but who wish to compete, the US Complete rules allow for a handicapped person to ride an ATV or horse in sanctioned stakes. This creates an opportunity for those who would otherwise be unable to compete, but also opens a door to abuse.

Here are the relevant rules, directly from the USCSDA Handbook:

10. Handicapped -- US Complete provides for the handicapped handler.

A.   The stake manager determines the eligibility of a handicapped handler

B.   As always, the judges set the pace. A handicapped handler's transportation must be a four-wheeler or a horse in cases where the four-wheeler is not allowed on state grounds. The horse or four-wheeler must be provided by the handler.

C.   The handicapped handler should remain behind their brace-mate so as not to crowd or place their brace-mate at a disadvantage by height that a horse may create, or noise that the four-wheeler would create.

While we encourage handicapped handler to participate, abuse of this privilege or failure to comply with the simple rules above will not be tolerated by the judges, marshals, or stake manager. Complaints of abuse may be filed with the US Complete regional officer.

Of course, all handlers and other participants should exhibit the highest possible level of sportsmanship at all times.