Race Rules

1.1.1 All dogs are admitted to take part, regardless of breed or pedigree (except category 1 dogs), provided they are at least 12 months old on the day of the CANI NINJA obstacle race. Under applicable law, minors are not permitted to handle a categorized dog. Under applicable law, first-category dogs are not admitted.

1.1.2 All dogs must be vaccinated against parvovirus, leptospirosis, distemper, and kennel cough. All dogs must be vaccinated against the diseases listed above within the previous 12 months, or any other period set out in the vaccine's SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics), and in all cases at least 21 days before the race for a first vaccination. This period may be shortened following certain vaccines' SPC under certain conditions (e.g. 72h for some vaccines against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, per SPC). If the race veterinarian strongly suspects a contagious disease in a dog present on the race site, that dog must leave the premises immediately.

1.1.3 All dogs must be identified (RFID chip, tattoo).

1.1.4 A physical examination of dogs by a race veterinarian may be required before the start of the race for them to be authorized to run. Competitors running with second-category dogs must at the same time submit their muzzle for review by the veterinarian and/or the race judge, who will confirm it is fit for use during the race.

1.1.5 Any second-category dog must be in compliance with the law, meaning its owner must present, at registration and/or on-site:

• A copy of the liability insurance certificate,
• The dog ownership permit,
• An up-to-date anti-rabies certificate or European vaccination booklet,
• A muzzle compliant with regulations.

1.1.6 The Organizers may refuse a dog's registration for valid reasons. The competitor concerned will be notified of the reasons for this refusal.

1.1.7 The following will not be admitted to take part on race day, under veterinary control:

• 1.1.7a Dogs that are sick, injured, weakened, or in a physical condition incompatible with the discipline.
• 1.1.7b Pregnant or nursing females.
• 1.1.7c Dogs with disabilities, unless authorized by a veterinary health certificate.

1.1.8 Females in heat may take part in the race without restriction. Owners of females in heat must take care to stay reasonably far from main traffic routes. They must signal their female by attaching a clearly visible pink ribbon to her leash.

1.1.9 A dog may only run one race per day.

1.1.10 In the event of an accident or incident occurring before a dog has taken the official start of the race in which it is entered, it may be replaced provided the substitute meets the rules set out in these regulations, subject to the organization's agreement and an update to the entrant/start list.

1.1.11 At the organization's request, or to manage certain non-categorized dogs (playful or excitable), the start may be authorized with the dog wearing a muzzle (FFSLC-approved). It may be removed within the first 400m following the start of the race.

1.2.1 The canine sport uniting a single dog and a human in a shared effort, as part of the CANI NINJA obstacle race, is open to anyone, regardless of nationality, who is medically fit for physical exertion.

1.2.2 The wearing of audio earpieces, bone-conduction headsets, or any other sound device (other than hearing aids) is prohibited, for safety reasons.

1.2.3 A liability waiver less than a year old is mandatory for every participant. This rule also applies to guides and/or companions (e.g. for minors).

1.3.1 The legitimate owner of a dog is considered to be the person named as such on the identification card (French CERFA form N° 50-4447 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, in accordance with Decree N° 91-823 of 28/08/91, overseen and managed by the Société Centrale Canine).

1.3.1a The owner is required to ensure that their animal complies with applicable law for its category, and must be able to prove this.

1.3.1b The competitor is legally liable for damage caused by the animal, even if it does not belong to them (Article 1385 of the French Civil Code).

1.3.1c Owners are advised to make sure they are adequately covered by liability insurance for any damage their dog might cause.

1.2.4 The minimum age required is 7 years old. To compete in CANI NINJA, minors (under 18) must present written authorization from their legal guardians. By signing, guardians confirm they consider the minor competitor capable of taking part in the event. Minors are divided into 2 categories:

• Ninjounets (7 to 16 years old): a companion is mandatory, included with the minor's Race Pass.
• Tourbillons (16 to 18 years old): no companion included with the minor's Race Pass.

For minors under 16, participation will only be authorized under the following companion conditions:

• The companion must be at least 18 years old on race day and must have presented a liability waiver for the race.
• Accompaniment for the entire course is mandatory.
• A child's companion may or may not be attached to the dog. A companion attached to the dog must use compliant equipment, including a safety leash 50cm longer than the child's, allowing them to control the animal at all times.
• The companion may only hold the child's hand if there is an immediate risk of danger to the child.
• Since the race belongs to the child, the companion (whether attached to the dog or not) must remain behind the child at all times and must not give commands to the dog except for safety reasons.
• The child must also be attached to the dog with the required equipment.

1.2.5 Registration of competitors with disabilities — A competitor with a disability may receive permanent assistance during the competition. The pair must under no circumstances hinder other competitors.

The adaptive-sport trio is made up of: 1 adaptive-sport runner, their dog, and 1 guide. The adaptive-sport athlete may (or may not), as they prefer, wear an "adaptive sport" armband. Their guide must wear the "AE" bib provided by the organizer, so as to be easily identified by other runners (the guide does not pay a race entry fee).

Guide position — The guide must always stay behind the dog, with the option of being attached (or not) to the competitor with a disability. If attached, this may be via a cord at hand level or a link between harnesses. The guide may move around their partner and the dog but must always remain behind the dog. In narrow or highly technical sections (a steep descent, for example), the guide may position themselves as needed, potentially ahead of the dog, in order to keep their pair as safe as possible. Once the difficult section has passed, the guide resumes their position. The runner is the only one attached to the dog.

Communication between humans and the dog — The adaptive-sport competitor gives commands to the dog. The guide intervenes if there is imminent danger. The guide gives directions to the runner: which way to go, obstacles on the ground or branches overhead, the state of the terrain, etc.

1.4.1 Every participant must register at least one week before the event date. A registration is deemed final and definitive and cannot be refunded or exchanged. The registered dog may be changed provided it complies with these rules. For any change, copies of the vaccination booklet or passport must be sent as soon as possible via the "Dog Profile" and "Vaccinations" pages.

1.4.3 Participants must present the following when collecting their bib:

• The completed and signed liability waiver.
• Canicross equipment when collecting the bib (harness, leash, belt).

1.4.4 A numbered bib will be provided by the organization. It must be collected by the competitor during the hours set by the organizer at the "BIBS" desk: from 8:00 am to 11:30 am on Saturday and Sunday. The handler must attach their bib to their forehead so it remains visible throughout the race.

1.4.5 Bibs must be collected in person. It is not possible for another participant to collect a bib that was not assigned to them.

1.4.6 By registering for the CANI NINJA event, the participant acknowledges being fully aware that taking part in the event may pose risks to their physical integrity as well as that of other participants. They therefore freely choose to accept the possible consequences of their actions and release the sporting organizer, namely Cani Gourmand, from all liability regarding their participation in the event. The participant acknowledges having read these rules in full and undertakes to comply with them. They confirm they are physically fit and have no obvious contraindication to practicing the sport outside of competition.

In the event of an incident, loss, damage, or accident caused by their own fault or by others due to their presence at this sporting event, the participant agrees to bear all the consequences and to take full responsibility for any resulting costs. The participant accepts that the organizer's insurance does not cover them for risks incurred during the sporting event.

3.2 The following are prohibited on the race site: choke collars, training (so-called electric) collars, and prong collars.

3.3 Canicross equipment

3.3.1 In Canicross, the use of spiked running shoes, shoes with metal studs, or any sole presenting a danger to the dog is strictly forbidden under all circumstances. The use of snow chains is tolerated provided they are not sharp or a risk to the dog. The race judge must inspect this equipment and authorize it, or not, based on the risk involved.

3.3.2 A shock-absorbing leash or line with a total extended length of between 1.5 meters minimum and 2 meters maximum is mandatory. The measurement is taken from the handler's waist to the base of the dog's tail.

3.3.3 The dog's harness: this pulling harness must be comfortable so as not to injure the animal. It must be suited to its build, meaning it must:

• Not compress the rib cage or the trachea.
• Not restrict shoulder movement.
• Working-style harnesses, Norwegian-style harnesses, and anti-pull harnesses (any harness with an attachment point on the chest) are all prohibited.
• The organizer may refuse a harness that is otherwise compliant if they consider it unsuited to the dog (too small, damaged…).

3.3.4 The runner must also wear, of their choosing, an abdominal belt at least 7 cm wide, a sub-pelvic belt (harness-type), or shorts with an integrated belt.

3.3.5 Every competitor must bring their equipment into compliance with the above paragraphs in order to be allowed to start.

3.3.6 Any dog requiring a muzzle (category 2 dogs, or "reactive"/"disruptive" dogs) may start. It must be a suitable muzzle, allowing the dog to open its mouth, stick out its tongue, pant, and drink, while keeping its safety function.

A cloakroom will be available for participants with a Race Pass only.

• The bib number assigned to the participant will also serve as their cloakroom number.
• All items left in storage (jacket, water bottle, personal belongings…) must be placed in a closed bag. No item will be accepted without a bag.
• Leaving unwrapped coats or items is not permitted.
• The organization cannot be held liable in the event of loss, theft, or damage to valuables left in the cloakroom.
• To drop off or collect a bag, the participant must present their bib.
• Any collection is final. It will not be possible to access the cloakroom again to change the contents of a bag already dropped off.
• The cloakroom will be open Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Outside these hours, no supervision will be provided.

4.1 Regardless of race conditions and temperatures, a registered competitor may choose not to run if they believe their dog will not tolerate the heat or cold.