tef 1 RULES & REGULATIONS
Welcome to TEF 1 race rules and regulations page. Here, you'll find all the info you'll need as a racer to prepare for the upcoming TEF 1 race in SoCal. Please read through and familiarize yourself with our rules and regulations for race day. This page will also cover rider safety requirements. In order to race, you'll need to ensure that you are well prepared and well-equipped to race at TEF 1.
​
​Safety is the top priority in electric PEV racing, and all riders are required to wear specific protective gear that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Below is an in-depth overview of the safety gear requirements, including helmet certification, protective pads, and chest protection.
Please note: The information on this page is subject to change.
safety
Rider Safety Requirements
Helmet Certification
Mandatory Use: All riders must wear a helmet during any practice, qualifying, or race session.
Helmet Certification Standards
Helmets are certified to meet specific testing standards. Helmets used must comply with certifications from one or more of the following:
ECE 22.05
DOT FMVSS 218
Snell M2015
CE EN1078 & CE EN966 certified
EN 1078+A1:02 2013, ASTM F1952
MIPS
​
Helmet Fit & Condition
Proper Fit
Helmets must fit snugly on the rider’s head, with the straps adjusted to keep the helmet securely in place without shifting during movement.
Condition
Helmets must be free from cracks, dents, or significant scratches. A helmet that has been involved in a serious crash or shows visible signs of damage must be replaced.
Visors
While visors are optional, they are recommended to protect the rider’s eyes from debris and improve aerodynamics.
Knee Pads
Hard-Shell Knee Pads
Riders are required to wear knee pads with hard shells to protect against high-impact falls. These pads typically feature a durable plastic outer shell with a padded interior to absorb shock.
Fit and Comfort
Adjustable Straps: Knee pads must have adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit that doesn’t slide or shift during a race.
Full Coverage: The pads should cover the kneecap and surrounding areas adequately to protect against both frontal and side impacts.
Elbow Pads
​
Hard-Shell Elbow Pads
Similar to knee pads, elbow pads with a hard outer shell and padded interior are required to protect the elbows from abrasions and fractures during a fall.
​
Fit and Comfort
Secure Fit: Elbow pads should fit snugly without restricting arm movement, and straps should be adjustable to maintain position during intense racing.
​
Full Coverage
Pads must provide full coverage of the elbow, extending slightly above and below the joint.
​
Chest Protection
​
Mandatory Use
Chest protectors are required to shield from impacts that could result in severe injuries, particularly to the ribs and internal organs.
Types of Chest Protection
Full-Body Armor
Some riders may opt for full-body armor, which includes chest protection as part of a larger suit that also protects the spine and shoulders.
​
Standalone Chest Protectors
Riders may choose a standalone chest protector that focuses specifically on the front and sides of the torso. These are typically lighter and allow for greater flexibility than full-body armor.
Material and Construction
Impact-Absorbing Materials
Chest protectors should be made from high-impact-resistant materials, such as hard plastic, reinforced foam, or composite materials that can absorb and distribute the force of an impact.
Additional Protective Gear - Optional but Recommended
Back Protection
While not mandatory, wearing a back protector is highly recommended, especially in high-speed racing. Back protectors can prevent spinal injuries in the event of a severe fall.
Neck Braces
Neck braces are an additional safety measure that can protect the rider from neck injuries during a crash by limiting the range of motion and absorbing impact forces.
inspection & compliance
Pre-Race Inspection
Mandatory Gear Check
Before any practice or race session, all riders must undergo a safety inspection conducted by race officials. This inspection will verify that all safety gear meets the required standards and is in good condition.
Random Spot Checks
Officials may conduct random checks throughout the event to ensure ongoing compliance with safety gear requirements.
Non-Compliance Penalties
Disqualification
Failure to wear the required safety gear or wearing gear that fails to meet the specified standards will result in immediate disqualification from the event.
​
Warnings and Fines
Minor infractions, such as improperly fitted gear, may result in a warning or fine. However, repeated offenses will lead to disqualification.
These safety gear requirements are in place to protect all participants from the inherent risks of high-speed electric skateboard racing. Compliance is mandatory and is strictly enforced to ensure a safe and fair competition for everyone involved.
​
Eligibility for a “Do-Over”
Racers are granted a second qualifying lap under specific circumstances that might unfairly impact their performance. These conditions include:
Interference from a Spectator
Any physical or visual obstruction from a spectator that disrupts the racer’s focus or line on the track qualifies for a “Do-Over.”
The incident must be reported immediately to race officials, who will review the situation and make the final decision.
Track Failure or Defect
Race Barrier Placement If race barriers or track markers are incorrectly positioned, causing an obstruction or misleading a rider.
Track Features Obstruction Any movable features on the track (like cones or signs) that inadvertently get in the rider’s way.
Spills or Hazards:** If a liquid spill, dirt, or other hazardous conditions develop on the track that affects a rider’s lap.
Officials will inspect the track post-incident to validate these claims before approving a “Do-Over.”
Debris on the Track
Any foreign objects (e.g., trash, fallen rider gear) present on the track that interferes with the rider’s path or safety.
Riders must report the debris immediately, and officials will verify the presence of such debris before allowing a “Do-Over.”
Timing Error
If there is a proven malfunction or discrepancy in the official timing system, such as a delay or failure to record the correct lap time.
Timing officials will review the system’s logs to confirm the error and approve the “Do-Over.”
Ineligibility for a “Do-Over”
Racers are not allowed a “Do-Over” for reasons that fall within their control or are considered part of the inherent risks of racing.
Board Malfunction
Any mechanical or electronic failure of the rider’s board, including battery issues, motor failure, or controller malfunction, does not qualify for a second attempt.
Riders are expected to ensure their boards are race-ready before the event.
Crash
Crashes, whether caused by rider error, aggressive maneuvers, or collisions with other competitors, are not grounds for a “Do-Over.” It is the rider's responsibility to navigate safely and avoid incidents.
general race format
General Race Format & Guidelines
Heat Races
Each participant will compete in two separate heat races. The performance in these heats will determine which racers advance to the finals.
Finalists
The final race will consist of nine top racers who have successfully advanced through the heat rounds. The selection of finalists follows a structured elimination process detailed below.
Process of Elimination
The elimination process is designed to progressively filter out the slowest riders, ensuring that only the fastest and most consistent racers make it to the final round. Racers will be ranked based on their cumulative performance across the heat races.
Race Stoppage
Conditions for Race Stoppage
Safety Concerns
The race may be halted if a situation arises that poses an immediate risk to the safety of riders, spectators, or officials. Examples include severe track obstructions, inclement weather, or an emergency situation.
Crash Incidents
A crash does not automatically result in race stoppage. The decision to stop the race will depend on the severity of the incident and its impact on the other riders. If a rider crashes but can safely continue, they are encouraged to do so. If the crash causes significant track blockage or endangers others, officials may choose to stop the race.
Procedure During a Race Stoppage
Lining Up
In the event of a stoppage, all riders must line up in the positions they held at the moment the race was stopped.
Restarting the Race
Once the track is clear and safe, the race will be restarted from the last recorded positions. Riders will complete the remaining laps as normal.
Partial Laps
If the stoppage occurs mid-lap, that lap will not be counted, and riders will restart from the beginning of the lap.
Heat Races
​
Structure of Heat Races
There will be **two rounds** of heat races, each serving to rank riders and eliminate those who do not meet the cut-off times for advancement.
Heat 1
Riders are lined up at the start line based on their qualifying lap times, with the fastest qualifier starting in front and the slowest in the back. Your starting position for the first heat race will be determined by your fastest qualifying lap. This approach ensures that grid placements are accurately reflective of each competitor's performance during the qualifying session, providing a fair and competitive starting order for the race.
Race Categories & Breakdown
EUC, Esk8, E-Bike (30 riders):
- 30 riders divided into 5 races, with 6 racers per race.
- The top 3 finishers from each race advance to the next round.
- 15 riders advance to Heat 2
Women’s EUC (10 riders):
- 10 riders divided into 2 races, with 5 racers per race.
- The top 4 finishers from each race advance to the next round.
- 8 riders advance to Heat 2.
Heat 2
Riders line up starting positions for Heat 2 will be based on your lap times from the first heat. This ensures that your performance in Heat 1 accurately determines your grid position for Heat 2.
Categories & Race Breakdown
EUC, Esk8, E-Bike (15 riders):
- 15 riders divided into 3 races, with 5 racers per race.
- The top 3 finishers from each race advance to the finals.
- 9 racers advance to the finals.
Women’s EUC (8 riders)
- 8 riders divided into 2 races, with 4 racers per race.
- The top 3 finishers from each race advance to the finals.
- 6 racers advance to the finals.
​
Finals
- The final race will consist of the top 9 riders from each category and 6 from the Women’s EUC category.
- Riders will compete in a single, final race where the starting positions are determined by their best lap time from Heat 2.
- The first rider to cross the finish line after completing the designated number of laps will be declared the winner.
Safety & Conduct
Equipment Checks
All riders must undergo a pre-race equipment check to ensure their boards and safety gear meet the event’s standards.
Sportsmanship
Riders are expected to compete fairly and respect other competitors. Aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in penalties or disqualification.
Protests
Any disputes or protests regarding race incidents or results must be submitted in writing to the race officials within 30 minutes of the race’s conclusion.
​
These comprehensive rules aim to ensure a fair, competitive, and safe environment for all participants in the electric skateboard race. All riders are expected to adhere to these guidelines to maintain the integrity of the competition.