AVA Handbook

5.01 REGULAR VOLKSSPORTING EVENTS

I. GENERAL

Regular sanctioned volkssporting events are those events conducted by member clubs, state organizations, and the AVA National Headquarters using routine 90-day sanctioning procedures outlined in Policy 4.02, Event Sanctioning.

II. POLICY

A. Regular walking events are also known as walks/runs and volkswalks. Guided walking events are also known as guided walks. Night walking events are also known as night walks and evening walks.

1. Regular Walking Events. Sponsoring clubs must offer at least one short and one medium distance at an event. Instead of a medium distance, clubs may allow participants to walk the same trail twice at no additional charge. They may also offer a long distance. The distance requirements are:

a. A short distance walk must be 10 kilometers (km) to 19 km in length.

b. A medium distance walk must be 20 km to 29 km in length.

c. A long distance walk must be a minimum of 30 km.

d. A Marathon must be 42 km in length.

2. Guided Walking Events. Clubs conduct these events using one or more designated guides familiar with the predetermined route. They should offer only one distance, either short or medium. Clubs normally do not mark the route nor provide maps and directions. The guides must be familiar with the route or carry a map or directions of the route. All participants should start at approximately the same time. The club may form several groups with their start times staggered. Guides must carefully watch the slowest participants to ensure they are not left behind.

3. Night Walking Events. Clubs conduct these events over a marked route or using guides. They can only offer a short distance. Clubs should encourage participants to bring a flashlight.

B. Bicycling events are also known as volksbikes and bike events. These events will have a minimum distance of 25 km, although clubs may offer several distances. Participants may use tandem bicycles but may not use motorized bicycles. Participants may walk the course for event and distance credit if the sponsoring club deems the route safe for walkers.

C. Skating events are also known as volksrolls and volksskates. Skating events may be either roller skating, roller blading or ice skating. The event will have at least a short distance (10 km) but a club may offer longer distances. Participants may walk the event for event and distance credit if the sponsoring club deems the route safe for walkers.

D. Cross-country skiing events are also known as volksskis and skiwanderings. Cross-country skiing events will have at least a short distance (10 km), but clubs may offer longer distances. Because of unpredictable winter weather, clubs may sanction these events for one day, two consecutive days or for up to ninety (90) consecutive days.

1. If a cross-country skiing event is scheduled for one day or two consecutive days and there is no snow, participants may walk the event for event and distance credit if the sponsoring club deems the route safe for walkers.

2. A cross-country skiing event scheduled for more than two consecutive days is called an All Season Cross-Country Ski Event. This type of event is not considered a Seasonal Event and does not fall under the policies for Seasonal Events. Clubs will use the sanction request form for regular events (AVA Form 402E) to request sanctioning of these events. Participants may not walk the event except on the last weekend of the event. Participants may walk the course and obtain event and distance credit if there has never been an opportunity to ski the course because of poor ski conditions. The authorization to walk the course is contingent upon the sponsoring club deeming the route safe for walkers. The brochure for this event must state the event will be open during the stated times if safe skiing conditions exist. Participants will receive one event credit for participation in the event. They may receive distance credit for each time they complete the course.

E. Snow Shoe Events are also known as snowshoes and snowshoewanderings. Snow Shoe Events must have at least a short distance (8 km), but clubs may offer longer distances. If there is no snow, participants may walk the event for event and distance credit if the sponsoring club deems the route safe for walkers.

F. Swimming events are also known as volksswims and swim events. Swimming events will have a minimum distance of 300 meters although clubs may offer several distances. The sponsoring club must comply with the following:

1. Swimming pools are the preferred location. Clubs may use shallow or slow-moving waters. They may not use water with undertows or strong currents.

2. The depth of the water must allow participants safe movement of their limbs using a variety of strokes. Resting places must be at reasonable distances. This includes a depth where participants can stand or walk the event.

3. Participants can receive only IVV event credit for these events. They will receive no distance credit for a swimming event.

5.02 YEAR ROUND AND SEASONAL EVENTS

I. GENERAL

The AVA has gained IVV approval to hold events of long duration at locations across the United States and other areas under AVA jurisdiction. These events give the volkssporter additional opportunities to enjoy our sport and to improve his or her health through regular participation in low stress sporting activities.

II. POLICY

A. Year Round Events. Year Round Events are events sanctioned for at least eleven (11) continuous months during a calendar year. These events will have a continuous start time that allows the completion of the event during daylight hours. The general rules for events apply to all Year Round Events. For these events, however, the club must send the proposed brochure and trail map with the Event Sanction Request.

B. Seasonal Events. Seasonal Events are events sanctioned for less than eleven (11) continuous months during the year. The general rules for events and the rules for Year Round Events apply to all Seasonal Events.

5.03 SPECIAL AVA PROGRAMS

I. GENERAL

AVA annually supports and/or sponsors special programs that promote volkssporting and low stress exercise for achieving physical fitness.

II. POLICY

A. The National Executive Council will approve AVA support and/or sponsorship of all AVA special programs. They will develop an annual special programs calendar by September for programs in the following year. The Council will update this calendar as they develop new programs.

B. The AVA National Headquarters will ensure all members are aware of the planned AVA special programs. The Headquarters will provide promotional and support materials for each program.