NZJSBA Open Licence: Eligibility and Conduct Requirements

1. Purpose and scope

1.1 This statement establishes the requirements for obtaining and retaining an NZJSBA Open Licence and the standards of conduct applicable to Open Licence holders.

1.2 These requirements apply to any rider competing in a Limited or Open/GP class at an NZJSBA sanctioned event.

1.3 The purpose of these requirements is to promote the safety of riders and other competitors through demonstrated competence, racing experience and fitness to participate.

2. Eligibility requirements

2.1 Competence

An Open Licence holder must demonstrate the competence required to safely operate their craft in the relevant Limited or Open/GP class. This includes sufficient physical fitness, strength and endurance to navigate the racecourse and maintain control throughout the full race distance under competitive conditions.

The rider must demonstrate consistent and predictable riding. Assessment of competence shall include consideration of any previous dangerous riding that has caused an accident or required another rider to take evasive action.

Riders must:

• Maintain reasonable control of their craft throughout the race.
• Be prepared for other competitors to pass.
• Comply with the applicable requirements when being lapped.
• Follow the directions of race officials.
• Complete a competency assessment by an appointed official where required.

The Race Director may deny participation to any rider considered to present a hazard to spectators, other participants or themselves.

A rider’s classification may be reviewed or changed in the interests of safety, competition and sportsmanship.

2.2 Racing experience

A rider must have more than 24 months of racing experience, including time competing in Novice, to qualify for an Open Licence.

All first-time racers must commence in Novice.

Novice riders may not compete in Open, Modified or GP classes in which supercharged or turbocharged runabouts are permitted.

2.3 Medical fitness requirements for riders over 60

A rider over 60 years of age must provide a certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming their fitness to race.

The certificate must be provided at the commencement of each race season in November and before the rider participates in competition.

The certificate is required to confirm fitness to race only. No diagnosis shall be recorded, and full medical records are not required.

Medical information shall be collected, stored, accessed and retained in accordance with the NZJSBA Member Medical Information Privacy Policy. In particular:

• Only information reasonably necessary to assess fitness to participate shall be requested.
• Records shall be held securely by the national office.
• Race officials shall receive only the information necessary to administer participation safely, including confirmation of whether a rider is cleared to compete.
• Medical information shall not be circulated through group chats or social media.
• Records shall be retained in accordance with the retention provisions of the Privacy Policy.

Riders must provide accurate information on all entry, declaration and waiver forms.

3. Conduct requirements

3.1 Standard of conduct

Open Licence holders must demonstrate safe riding, good sportsmanship and compliance with the applicable rules and officials’ directions.

Dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct, whether on or off the racecourse during a sanctioned event, may result in disciplinary action.

Conduct subject to penalty includes:

• Reckless or dangerous riding.
• Crowding or blocking other competitors.
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour.
• Verbal or physical abuse.
• Threatening or intimidating behaviour.
• Failure to comply with officials’ directions.

3.2 Black flag and Race Director action

A rider displaying dangerous or unsportsmanlike behaviour while on the racecourse may be black flagged.

A black-flagged rider must leave the course immediately and report to the Race Director. Failure to comply may result in additional penalties.

The Race Director shall take the appropriate action under the applicable IJSBA rules and NZJSBA conduct and penalty provisions.

All members and racing personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with the applicable rules.

3.3 Infringement penalties

Infringements shall be addressed under the NZJSBA Infringement Penalty System, including the escalating Blue, Yellow and Red card provisions.

A third Yellow card within two years results in an automatic Red card and immediate suspension.

Accumulated infringements may result in a Red card and/or a downgrade of the rider’s classification. Breaches of the NZJSBA Code of Conduct may also result in loss of membership or exclusion from events.

4. Review and reclassification

4.1 Concerns regarding a rider’s competence or conduct shall be recorded against the rider and reported in writing to NZJSBA.

4.2 Repeated infringements shall be assessed under the NZJSBA Infringement Penalty System. Accumulated infringements may provide grounds for reviewing or downgrading a rider’s classification.

4.3 A rider stood down for medical or safety reasons may be required to provide medical clearance before returning to competition.

4.4 Appeals against a card penalty shall follow the appeal process prescribed in the NZJSBA Infringement Penalty System.

5. References

This statement shall be read alongside the following rules and policies:

• 2024 IJSBA General Rules.
• 2024 IJSBA Competition Membership.
• 2025 Runabout Naturally Aspirated rules.
• NZJSBA Code of Conduct 2019.
• NZJSBA Infringement Penalty System v1.0.
• NZJSBA Member Medical Information Privacy Policy, effective 1 November 2026.
• NZJSBA Junior Race Class Regulations.