New England Muster Assoc. Inc.
Rules


REVISED 2004
2004 Rule Changes are marked with ***

GENERAL RULES

*** 1. All participants shall be members of their respective Fire Departments (men and women), or Fire Department sponsored organization or association, and shall use their own trucks. Small equipment may be borrowed with no penalty. If a team arranges to borrow a truck, they will run last. The team lending the truck shall supply the driver. As of March 21, 2004 any new team not affiliated with a fire department and wishing become a NEMA team, shall come before the Association for a vote. A roster of team members, men and girls, will be given to the Secretary to be placed on file with names. All teams will sign a waiver and fill out a roster. If a person is terminated this will also be given to the Secretary. If a name is not on file he or she cannot run on the team until this is done. Any additions shall be given to the Secretary before any muster they run. The team will supply the Secretary with a name, address, and telephone number of a person who shall get all the information from the association.

2. Any truck failing to move from the starting line due to equipment failure will be given a re-run in last place if necessary. All trucks shall be left running on the line for all truck events.

3. Teams will draw one number for their position for the day immediately preceding the first contest. Following the drawing there will be a meeting of the team captains and judges to discuss contest rules. At the judges and captains meeting on the field there will be only these people there. All others are to stay away from the meeting. Any questions of the rules by the judges shall be addressed to an officer of the association.

4. Only the competing team, judges, and officers of the association will be allowed on the running field. All other contestants and spectators must remain behind the lines of fence designating the field. Teams that have just completed a run are asked to leave the field as soon as possible. The judges have the authority to award a re-run in case of interference.

5. There shall be at least three judges and their decision is final. There will be a fourth judge to be on hand to relieve a judge when necessary. At least two of the judges shall be chosen from the list of New England Muster Association judges. No two judges shall be from the same department officiating at the same muster. The head judge will be one that attends either the annual meeting or the judges meeting. Each muster is to have at least one of the head judges.

6. Any questions pertaining to the classification of apparatus by any member of any team competing: the Engine/Equipment Committee shall be allowed to investigate the condition and report of their findings is final. They have the right to ask the judges to remove apparatus from the event if they deem necessary to preserve the moral of the muster competition. All trucks are subject to inspection prior to the first competition the truck is in of each season.

7. Equipment used in the muster competition shall be original or equivalent thereto and shall be on at least a ton and one half chassis. Replacement engines that alter the horsepower, RPM, or cubic inch displacement must be approved by the Engine/Equipment Committee.

8. Any equipment not meeting the specifications shall constitute a three-second penalty. The equipment committee shall determine the changes from original to replacement equipment including engines, pumps, rear-ends, and transmissions.

9. When replacing an engine, it shall be permissible to change the rear-end to coincide with the engine. This holds true for transmission. It shall be permissible to replace a transmission or rear-end when necessary after first obtaining permission from the chairman of the engine committee or the engine committee itself.

10. The starter will ask the team captain if they are ready, check to see if the judges are ready, and then sound the gun or whistle. This will help teams from jumping the gun. When a team jumps the gun they will be given a new start with no penalty in their original position. If a team jumps the gun three times in a row it will be disqualified. This will be the starters and judges decision.

11. A five (5) second penalty will be invoked on each infraction after the gun is fired.

12. All members must mount truck behind the center of the front axle. This holds true for all events. A disqualification will result upon violation.

13. No members shall push in front of the rear axle. A disqualification will result upon violation.

14. The sponsoring company must notify the Secretary of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and times.

15. Team captain and one assistant shall have the authority to inspect any truck on the waiting field, upon notifying the team captain of the truck to be inspected.

16. All threads on suction hose, discharge hose, and nozzle to be standard.

17A.  One representative from each muster team voted by his team is allowed to speak for his team at meetings (at muster competition).

17B. This also includes the Engine/Equipment Committee - The Engine/Equipment Committee can be comprised of one representative frome ach team per meeting. If that representative can not attend then each team should have an alternate in place to represent the team at the said meeting.

18. All gaskets to be original equipment not built up (one gasket is standard equipment). All equipment comes under the guidelines of the NFPA Book of Standards.

19. Regular lugs on all hoses must be standard fire-fighting equipment and not built up, this applies to caps also.

20. Any changes or disregards of the rules as written in this rulebook by muster captains or judges at the muster will disqualify that event.

21. Once a truck arrives on the muster area it must have a responsible person riding on the furthest point to the rear of the apparatus in motion. When a muster truck or flatbed is being moved in the muster area or parking area there shall be a responsible person functioning as a spotter while it is in motion. This rule shall not apply once the truck is on the competition area but caution should be exercised. A team caught violating this rule by a judge shall receive a five (5) second penalty on the next truck event. This could carry over to the next muster. This is for safety and shall be strictly enforced.

22. All spiked shoes are disqualified from competition.

23. In case of a tie the teams will compete for the position tied for and the next lower position or positions as the case may be.

24. No tire chains shall be used.

25. There shall be a motorcade or parade preceding a muster with truck events with each team in it.

26. Dues to the association shall be twenty dollars a year for the teams.

27. Any team that comes to a muster, that is not part of the New England Muster Association must pay a membership fee of $20.00, field a team of a minimum of four people, plus all participating team members must sign a waiver and fill out a roster.

28. No muster team will be allowed to run or compete if they are in the arrears of this association.

29. One legal vote shall be recognized from each team represented at the annual meeting. Each women's team will also receive one legal vote.

30. Anyone that wants a muster must contact the Secretary and he will see that they will get all the information that they need. He will make sure that each team knows about this. A team that is holding a muster should have the date at the annual meeting, if not all dates must be received by the Secretary by June 1st. A team that has had a particular date in previous years will have priority for that date. If another team wants to hold a muster on the same date due to another function in their town (i.e. anniversary celebration) the two teams shall work it out and bring the solution back to the association.

31. There will be no marking on the field as where to stop or to line the truck up with the tanks.

32. The host team shall have the field set up before the competition starts.

33. The head judge or judges and a member from the host team shall measure out the field and check all materials needed for the competition to make sure everything is all set before the events get started and are up to standards.

34. Any threatening, verbal abuse or obscene gestures to a judge will result in a two-muster suspension from competition.

35. In all events there will be only one team run at a time.

36. Horseplay will not be tolerated and will result in a disqualification from that event.

37.The Ladies will run by the Ladies Rules if there are sponsored Ladies Events. If there are no sponsored Ladies Events at the muster, then the Ladies Team must compete by the Men's Rules, which includes carrying the portable pump.

*** 38. The host team of an event must send out invitations with a list of scheduled events, including noting if there are Mens and/or Womens events; the invitations must be sent out at least 2 weeks in advance of the event; make sure that the judges are confirmed well in advance; and make sure that all equipment is in place well in advance to the event, such as oil fire tank, suction tanks, midnight alarm gear, etc. It is the host teams responsibility to have all of these things in place.


PUMPING CONTEST

1. Teams shall consist of ten members or less.

2. Length of run from truck to tank shall be 225 feet.

3. Trucks are to be left running on the starting line.

4. Booster tank and all water tanks must be dry and no hidden water supplies are allowed. Also suction cap on pump must be in place and all discharge gates closed and capped until the truck stops. Rotary pumps may be allowed to have other discharge open and uncapped other than the regular discharge for bleeding purposes, but regular discharge must be capped and valve closed. All caps must be easily removed for inspection by the judges.

5. No equipment is to be moved until the truck comes to a full stop and members are not to get off the truck until truck comes to a full stop. If a truck comes to a complete stop and is not in the position for suction to reach the tank and men get off a five-second penalty will be invoked if truck is moved or repositioned.

6. After truck stops, three 50-foot lengths of 2 ½ inch hose shall be laid approximately 140 feet to nozzle line. All couplings shall have screw threads. The nozzle shall be at least 65 feet (designated by a mark or a line) from the target. Two lengths of suction hose shall be laid to water tank, each length to be at least nine feet long. No aligning sleeves are to be used on suction, discharge hose, or nozzle.

7. Suction couplings, 2 ½ inch hose, coupling to discharge gate and nozzle must not be connected until truck comes to a stop. Nozzle shall not be attached to hose until nozzle man has stepped off the truck onto the ground. However, 2 ½ inch discharge hose may be coupled together prior to start of the event. 2 ½ inch discharge hose must remain totally in hose body except for a maximum of three feet of the female end, which may be looped over the handrail or stanchion and back into the body. Female end must be in the hose bed. Suction hoses must remain in their suction racks in their entirety until truck is stopped. Suction hoses may not be carried end to end.

8. Timing starts from the time the gun is fired and stops when the target is spun around one complete revolution.

9. Each department may enter only one team in this event, either centrifugal or rotary.

10. The host team will determine which class will run first. If there is no host, the team that draws the first position will determine which class competes first.

11. Nozzle to be carried in hose bed. Hose end to be dropped over a stationary peg not to be longer or shorter than 6 inches in height, mounted on the rear running board. Hose cannot be moved until truck stops.

12. If a member misses the truck at the starting line he or she shall run to the truck and touch it to remain qualified without a penalty. This must be done before he moves any equipment. If the member missing the truck does not run down and touch the truck the team will be disqualified.

13. Target to be at least 10 feet off the ground and the top no more than 15 feet. There shall be a minimum and a maximum size of the target. It shall be no less than 18"x24" and no more than 24"x30".

14. Driver and other team members will start from a line 50 feet in front of the truck.

15. There will be a maximum time for the truck to try and pump. This is three minutes. If it does not do anything in this time, the time is stopped. If the hood is opened during the event, then the team is disqualified.


HILLTOP PUMPING

1. One (1) length of 2 ½ inch hose carried in the hose bed (extra length).

2. This event will use the regular pumping rules with this addition.

3. After the target is spun one (1) complete revolution the pump is shut down and the center length of 2 ½ inch hose is replaced. Men can go to the rear of the truck and stand. The extra length of 2 ½ inch hose cannot be taken out of the hose bed or touched until the target has made its one (1) revolution. Then it can replace the center length. After the center length is replaced the pump is started again and the target is spun one complete revolution again. There will be two separate times taken. One for the pumping, both classes, and a separate one taken for the overall time for hilltop. There will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in hilltop.

4. There will be the three judges plus a fourth person to act as a timekeeper for this event only. Two of the judges will time the regular pumping event and the others (judge and timekeeper) will time the hilltop event. If any problems come up the three regular judges or the head judge will take care of them.


PORTABLE PUMP CONTEST

1. Team shall consist of a maximum of seven members with an option of an eighth member to hold the suction only, so that it will not fall over.

2. Pump, 50 feet of 1 ½ inch discharge hose single rolled, nozzle unattached, and 10 foot length of suction hose with strainer attached will be laid on starting line 50 feet from center of tank.

3. Team will line up 25 feet behind the equipment.

4. When starting gun is fired, team will run to equipment, pick it up, and carry it to the tank. All connections will be made, pump started, and discharge hose laid out 45 feet to nozzle line. Target is to be 20 feet from the nozzle line. The portable pump cannot be started until it is in the 10-foot radius circle that is around the tank. This radius will be taken from the center of the tank. A line will be put up to mark this area.

5. No connections are to be made until the pump is in position.

6. All pumps are to be centrifugal and will be dry when starting.

7. All pumps must be 4 cycle.

8. Clapper valves will be allowed on all portable pumps.

9. Portable pumps may be borrowed.

10. Suction hose to be started on the pump before the strainer end goes into the tank.

11. No electric starters to be on portable pumps.

12. If a recoil starter is used and the pump does not start on the first pull and has to be pulled again, a three-second penalty will be imposed.


MIDNIGHT ALARM CONTEST

1. Team shall consist of six members.

2. Length of run from truck to finish line shall be 150 feet.

3. Pumping contest rules will apply to the truck.

4. At start of race, men will line up 50 feet in front of the truck. The coats, helmets, and extended boots will be 25 feet in front of the truck. When gun is fired men proceed to equipment, don helmet, coat, and boots, proceed to the truck and ride it over the finish line. If cots are used, cots will be placed 50 feet from the truck and contestants will lie on cots at start of race. On starting signal they will rise, don equipment, and proceed to truck and drive over the finish line. Fasteners on coat must be fastened in sequence before boarding truck, after boarding truck all personal equipment must remain on until event is completed. Host team will furnish helmets, full length (or ¾) boots, and coats. This equipment must be standard fire fighting equipment and of standard length.

5. Team crossing finish line in the shortest time is the winner. Truck must be stopped before crossing the designated line 75 feet past the finish line to remain eligible. Any part of the truck crossing the 75-foot line will be disqualified. The time will stop when the front axle of the truck is over the finish line. Once the time is stopped any gear that comes off there will be no penalty for.

6. All boots must be up before boarding the truck.

7. If you use buckles or snaps, coats shall have at least four buckles. If coat has five buckles, the top four must be buckled.

8. Trucks shall not start from the line until all men are aboard. Team to be disqualified if truck moves before all men are aboard or if a man falls off after the truck starts.

9. Judges to use judgement on the way the boots fit the legs. The boots are to be pulled up as far as possible.

10. No powder is to be used in any of this equipment used in this event.


BUCKET BRIGADE CONTEST

1. Team will consist of twelve members or less.

2. Service ladder to be secured to arch with base 6 feet from plumb line.

3. Barrel 22 ½ inches inside diameter and top covered with wire above the spout with front of barrel 2 feet from front of arch.

4. Water reservoir to be placed 25 feet from front of arch and ten feet to the right of the center of the ladder.

5. Members and 12 buckets are to be placed on and in back of a line 75 feet from the arch.

6. At starting signal, members proceed to reservoir with buckets and fill them and pass each bucket up the ladder and pour it into the barrel until a full stream of water flows from the spout then the finish time will be taken.

7. Water to flow from spout no larger than ¾ inch diameter at 45-gallon mark.

8. Officials must flood area around the ladder. The host team will supply the buckets and helmets.

9. No wire handles or bails allowed on buckets.

10. All participants must wear fire helmets. If a helmet falls off, participant must put helmet back on before continuing the event.

11. Arch to be 12-15 feet in height.

12. Any team dumping the tank on the ladder side of competition will receive a five-second penalty. At end of the event all buckets will be emptied in the reservoir and returned to the starting line.

13. When the reservoir is full of water the team on the line shall be ready to go. All teams will practice lining up men on the ladder before coming into competition.


GASOLINE AND OIL FIRE CONTEST

1. Tea m will consist of 5 members. Nozzle man and back-up man to wear protective equipment consisting of boots, coat, helmet, and gloves.

2. Members and truck will line up the same as for the pumping contest.

3. When gun is fired, members run to the truck and drive to the fire.

4. Both nozzle members are to have both feet on ground before making connection.

5. Only water from the truck's booster tank can be used to extinguish the fire. No additives will be used in the water. Type of nozzle shall be Rockwood type with applicator. Hose not larger than 1 ½ inch to be used. Hose to be in the hose bed or on a reel. Applicator must not be attached to nozzle until truck is stopped.

6. Members are not to get off the truck until it is stopped. Discharge gate to hose not to be opened until the truck is stopped at the fire. No equipment is to be moved until the truck stops.

7. Trucks using portable pumps can start the pump only when truck is enroute to the fire.

8. Time will be called when the fire is out and nozzle is straight up and shut off. If fire reflashes after nozzle is shut off, the team is disqualified.

9. A 5-second penalty will be invoked on infractions after the gun is fired.

10. Applicator cap can be carried on or off the nozzle.

11. Time on oil fires shall not be called until all fives (in and out of the tank) are out and nozzle is shut off and straight up. No time for flashbacks.

12. The level of the liquid must be 6 inches below the top of the tank at the start of each run. It can be ½ inch either way.

13. Equal measurements of fuel and oil to be used for all contestants. The standard measure of mixture will be 3 quarts of crankcase oil to 1-quart gasoline. There will be a 30-second pre-burn at first to warm up the tank. Then there will be a 10-second pre-burn time for each contestant.

14. An area of 3 or 4 feet around the tank shall be wet or soaked down before start of event.

15. If a team stalls on the line a 30 second pre-burn will be enforced and then a 10 second regular pre-burn. This will be a judge's decision.

16. Tanks used in this event will have no leaks or lips on the inside of the tank.

17. Nozzle and applicator can be carried in either the suction rack or on the hose bed with a rigid divider between them.


DRY HOSE RACE

1. Three fifty-foot lengths of 2 ½ inch hose will be used.

2. The competing team will be composed of a maximum of 8 members.

3. There will be a distance of 25 feet between the starting line and hydrant coupling and the same distance from the nozzle coupling to the finish line.

4. The host team will supply the nozzle to be used by everyone in this event.

5. If a thread on a coupling is crossed the team will be disqualified. All couplings must be connected so that they will not come apart when shaken by the judge. All lines must be pulled tight.

6. A truck may be used in cases where a hydrant is not available.

7. If there is a problem with the hydrant remaining upright after the members leave the starting line, the judge will hold the hydrant.


WET HOSE RACE

1. The same rules will apply as in the Dry Hose Race with the following exceptions:

a) The members of the competing team do not have to run across the finish line.

b) A target will be set up where the finish line would normally be placed. The target will be       furnished by the host team.

c) If a thread on a coupling is crossed the team will be disqualified. All couplings must be connected so that they will no come apart when shaken by a judge.

d) The line of hose will be charged prior to the start of the contest.

e) The time for the end of the race will be taken at the moment the target falls.

f) All competing members will remain with their couplings until the line is shut down or until they are dismissed by the judge or the team will be disqualified.

g) The pump pressure for all participants must be set and maintained equal for all participants at approximately 65 pounds per square inch.

h) The judges, and/or host team, must charge the line and then break down all of the couplings, the nozzle, and the hydrant prior to the start of competition.

*** HILLTOP WET HOSE RACE

1. The same rules for Wet Hose Race will apply to the Hilltop Wet Hose race with the following exceptions:

a) A fourth section of hose will be used to replace the center length after the target is knocked over the first time.

b) The fourth section of hose can be placed to the convenience of the contestants.

c) Rule E, the time will stop after the target falls the second time.

FIVE MAN LADDER-THREE MAN CLIMB

1. Team shall consist of 5 members.

2. Two members may butt the ladder before the start of the contest.

3. Contestants to run 50-75-100 feet. At signal the three men run to and climb the ladder placed against the platform. The three men must hit the ladder no higher than the second rung of the ladder and every rung after. All three men must climb the full length of the ladder unassisted and the first two must touch the top rung before the third man grabs and holds, then the time is taken.

4. The top rung of the ladder must be 3 feet plus or minus 1 foot from the top of the platform.

5. Each judge shall stand on a line with each contestant to catch them jumping the gun and etc.

6. The height of the platform shall be 12 to 15 feet.

7. If a ladder is broken it will be replaced and each team will run again. All teams must run the same ladder.

*** MOVING MOTOR HOSE

1. Team will consist of 6 members: 2 hydrant people, 2 nozzle people, 1 spotter, and 1 driver.

2. The truck will be left running on the standard truck start line with the members on the starting line 50 ft. away.

3. The field layout consists of the hydrant being placed on the 25 ft. line, and the target being set up on the 200 ft. line. The truck disqualification line is at 225 ft. (the standard tank line). Water will be supplied to the hydrant with a water pressure of 60 psi.

4. The set up will consist of 3 - 2 1/2" hose in the hosebed with a 3' dummy length attached to the male nozzle end of the hose setup. Each team will use the same 3' dummy length. The nozzle may be plced either in the hosebed or in the suction tray.

5. At the start the members run to the truck and the truck starts down the track. The truck then must decelerate or stop to allow the hydrant crew to get off the truck to make the connection.

6. The hydrant crew then spins off the hydrant cap and connect the 2 1/2". The crew can turn the hydrant valve on at any time after their connection is made.

7. After the hydrant men are off the truck, the truck continues down the track laying the 2 1/2" down. The spotter will tell the driver when to stop to allow the nozzle crew to unscrew the 3' dummy length and screw on the nozzle. The 3' dummy length can not be unscrewed until - the truck has completely stopped, all the hose is off the truck, and the nozzle crew have their feet on the ground. If the dummy length comes apart prior to manually unscrewing it - it is a 5 second penalty.

8. When the nozzle crew is off the truck, the driver pulls the truck off to the side, being careful not to cross the disqualification line.

9. The time stops when the target is spun, or knocked over, by the nozzle crew.



WOMEN'S EVENTS



WOMEN'S MIDNIGHT ALARM CONTEST

1. Team shall consist of six members, 5 girls with the option to have a male driver.

2. Length or run from truck to finish line shall be 150 feet.

3. Pumping contest rules will apply to the truck.

4. At start of race, women will line up 50m feet in front of the truck. The coats, helmets, and extended boots will be 25 feet in front of the truck. When gun is fired women will proceed to equipment, don helmet, coat, and boots, proceed to the truck and drive it over the finish line. If cots are used, cots will be placed 50 feet from the truck and contestants will lie on cots at start of race. On the starting signal they will rise, don equipment, proceed to the truck, and drive over the finish line. Snaps on coat must be fastened in sequence before boarding truck, after boarding the truck all personal equipment must remain on until event is completed. Host team will furnish helmets, full length (or ¾) boots, and coats. This equipment must be standard fire fighting equipment and of standard length.

5. Team crossing finish line in shortest time is the winner. Truck must be stopped before crossing the designated line 75 feet past the finish line to remain eligible. Any part of the truck crossing the 75-foot line will be disqualified. The time will stop when the front axle is over the finish line. Once the time is stopped any gear that comes off there will be no penalty for.

6. All boots up before boarding the truck.

7. If you use buckles or snaps, coats shall have at least four buckles. If coat has five buckles, top four must be buckled.

8. Truck shall not start from line until all women are aboard. Team to be disqualified if truck moves before all women are aboard or if a woman falls off after the truck starts.

9. Judges to use judgment on the way the boots fit the legs. The boots are to be pulled up as far as possible.

10. No powder will be used in any equipment.


WOMEN'S PORTABLE PUMP

1. Team shall consist of seven members with no minimum.

*** 2. The suction hose, 1 ½ inch hose roll, and nozzle shall be placed at the Equipment Line and carried to the pump. The pump shall be set at the tank area.

3. The team will start on a line 50 feet from the center of the tank.

4. All pumps are to be centrifugal and will be dry when starting.

5. All pumps must be 4 cycle.

6. Clapper valves will be allowed on all portable pumps.

7. Portable pumps may be borrowed.

8. Suction hose to be started on pump before the strainer end goes into the tank.

9. Run only one team at a time.

10. The team will be all girls and no males.

11. Men's recoil starter rule will be imposed for the girls also.


FIVE WOMEN LADDER-THREE WOMEN CLIMB

1. Team shall consist of 5 girls, but has the option to substitute 2 men to butt the ladder.

2. Contestants to run 50-75-100 feet. At signal three women run to and climb ladder placed against the platform. The women can hit the ladder no higher than the second rung and must hit every rung thereafter. All three women must climb the full length of the ladder unassisted and the first tow must touch the top rung before the third woman grabs and holds, then the time is taken.

3. The top rung of the ladder must be 3 feet plus or minus 1 foot from the top of the platform.

4. Each judge shall stand on a line with each contestant to catch them jumping the gun and etc.

5. The height of the platform shall be 12 to 15 feet.

6. If a ladder is broke it will be replaced and each team will run again. All teams must run the same ladder.


WOMEN'S DRY HOSE RACE

1. Three fifty-foot lengths of 2 ½ inch hose will be used.

2. The competing team will be composed of a maximum of 8 girls with no minimum.

3. There will be a distance of 25 feet between the starting line and the hydrant coupling and the same distance from the nozzle coupling to the finish line.

4. The host team will supply the nozzle to be used by everyone in this event.

5. If a thread on a coupling is crossed the team will be disqualified. All couplings must be connected so that they will not come apart when shaken by a judges. All lines must be pulled tight.

6. A truck may be used in cases where a hydrant is not available.

7. If there is a problem with the hydrant remaining upright after the women leave the starting line, the judge will hold the hydrant.


WOMEN'S WET HOSE RACE

1. The same rules will apply as in the Dry Hose Race with the following exceptions:

a) The members of the competing team do not have to run across the finish line.

b) A target will be set up where the finish line would normally be placed.

c) If a thread on a coupling is crossed the team will be disqualified. All couplings must be connected so that they will not come apart when shaken by a judge.

d) The line of hose will be charged prior to the start of the contest.

e) The time for the end of the race will be taken at the moment the target falls.

f) All competing girls remain with their couplings until the line is shut down or are excused by the judge or the team will be disqualified.

g) The pump pressure for all participants must be set and maintained equal for all participants at approximately 65 pounds per square inch.

h) The judges, and/or host team, must charge the line and break down all of the couplings, the nozzle, and the hydrant prior to the start of competition.