• Once the start time for each class has been determined, each team in that class will move to the holding chute one minute before their assigned start time.
• After the first team of a class starts the race, each subsequent team in that class starts at one minute intervals.
• The Rosebud Run Sleddog Classic is a timed event. A musher's time is the time it takes the musher and his team to run the trail from the Start Line to the Finish Line.
• Prior to the start of any class, all teams from the previous class must have crossed the finish line. The Race Marshal will not allow a class to start racing until the previous class is off the race trail.
• The Race Manager is in charge of everything; the race, concession, parking, the statisticians, registrations, souvenirs, awards, prizes and all personnel.
• The Race Marshal is responsible for the entire race; ensuring the rules are followed, handling disputes, trail deviations and trail etiquette. The Race Marshal is also responsible for the trail condition and evaluating and addressing safety concerns.
• The Official Starter is responsible for making sure the correct dog team is in the Start Gate and that the team starts the race at the correct time.
• The Start Chute Crew is responsible for holding the dogs and sled at the Start Gate and only releasing them at the correct time as directed by the Official Starter.
• The Chute Boss is responsible for getting the correct team in the Holding Chute at the correct time. He does this in a coordinated effort with the Handler Boss and Dog Handlers.
• Timers are responsible for determining and recording the time when a musher crosses the Finish Line. Rosebud Run Sleddog Classic uses four Timers at the Finish Line, a Chief Timer and three Timer Assistants.
• Dog Handlers assist the musher in getting his dog team from his dog truck to the Holding Chute and then to the Start Line. Dog Handlers can be identified by a fluorescent orange arm band.
• Trail Monitors are positioned at various places along the trail to ensure the safety of the dogs, mushers and equipment. The Trail Monitors report any concerns to the Race Marshal. If a team of dogs gets away on the trail, it is the Trail Monitors who are responsible for gaining control of the team and ensuring everyone's safety.
• The Race Announcer is responsible for announcing the team at the Starting Gate, where they're from and any other information of interest about the team.
• Volunteers at our race are pleased to provide assistance where requested. Volunteers prepared to help you are easily identifiable by the fluorescent orange toque they are wearing. Race Officials, in addition to the fluorescent orange toque, will be wearing a safety vest.
• About 70 volunteers are involved in the hosting of the Rosebud Run Sleddog Classic.

Spectator Tips
Sled dog racing can provide your family with unique and exciting entertainment. Consider the following tips to ensure you enjoy the sport at its fullest.

• Never bring your pets to the race site. Drivers of racing teams cannot be responsible for the safety of your animals. Races can be disrupted by pets on or along the trail.
• Bring your camera and take all the pictures you want. However, if you are using a Polaroid, please be aware that the chemicals used in the film are poisonous to dogs. All photographers should make sure that their activities do not startle the dogs or interfere with a team's progress.
• Sudden moves toward or away from the trail may cause a team to bolt so pick your position and hold it until all teams in your area have passed your post.
• Never offer a dog treats and always ask before petting.
• Naturally, if a dog shows signs of nervousness, this is not the time to form an alliance with him. He has important business at hand and should not be distracted. Many people feel that they "have a way with animals" but a sled dog race is not the place to test that theory.
• Keep toddlers in hand. Eager dogs, ready to run, may leap or rear up in anticipation of the race and it would be unfortunate to have an accident that was the fault of neither dog nor child.
• Cooperate with race officials. Stay clear of the trail. Stand well back as anyone too close may distract the dogs and cause them to bolt or balk. It's easier for everyone to have a clear view of the teams if the crowd is not jammed.
• Stay off the race trail. A person's tracks crossing the trail can be a distraction to the race teams and can cause a disruption in the race.

Sled Doggin' Definitions

Basket Sled

A sled with an elevated basket set up on stanchions as opposed to a flat bottomed toboggan.

Break Out

To start a sled moving forward or to loosen a sled that has been standing on snow long enough for the runners to freeze to the surface.

Bridle

The rope rigging of a sled to which the towline is attached.

Brush Bow

A curved bow attached to the front of the sled. It deflects off trees and other obstacles to prevent breakage or a sudden stop.

Chute

The fenced in area at the start of a race that guides the dogs onto the right trail and keeps spectators clear.

Double Neckline

A short line with a snap on each end which connects the collar of each leader. Used when running a double lead.

Gangline

A stake-out line with individual drops used for picketing dogs temporarily. Same as a towline.

Handlebow

The upright handle at the back of a sled that the driver holds on to. It may be curved or square. Also called a Drive Bow.

Handler

An assistant who helps to harness and hold dogs at the start. Also does chores at the dog yard.

Harness Banging

When an excited dog leaps against his harness trying to start the sled.

Holding Area

The area at a race where the dogs are organized and harnessed prior to the race start.

Hot Wax

Just like skiing, wax is put on the sled runners to improve glide and decrease friction.

Neckline

The line running from the towline to the dog's collar to keep him from turning around or swinging out of line.

Necklining

When a dog is dragging, pulling against the neckline.

Pedaling

The driver stands on the sled runner on one foot and kicks the other foot on the ground to take the weight off the team.

Ski-joring

Running sled dogs on skis instead of with a sled.

Snow Anchor

Also called a snow hook. It is used to stop the sled and to keep it stopped.