Barstool Ski Races Rules and Prizes

Rules

THE #1 Rule: We are here to have fun!
Regular Division
  • Team members must be at least 18 years of age and sign a waiver of responsibility.
  • Teams will consist of no more than three people: the rider, the pusher, and the mechanic. 
  • At least one person from the team must be a resident of Minnesota in order to represent Minnesota in the Minnesota-Wisconsin Border Battle.
  • Once a team has been checked in at the event, no substitutions or sharing of team members or barstools is permitted.
  • All team members are required to check in and attend a short meeting prior to the start of the races.
  • Sleds
    • Gravity power ONLY.
    • One barstool, mounted on two skis.
    • Minimum height of stool with skis attached is 27 inches.
    • Maximum outside width of skis at their widest point is 18 inches.
    • No outriggers of any kind.
    • No ribs or cutters.
    • Maximum width of individual ski is 5 inches.
    • Minimum width of individual ski is 2 inches.
    • Length of ski is open.
    • Composition of ski is open.
    • All race sleds must be inspected by Race Committee prior to the race.
  • Riders
    • Riders are required to wear a helmet. Racing without a helmet will result in disqualification. If the helmet comes off in a crash, it must be put back on and strapped before the rider continues racing.
    • The rider must ride the barstool sitting down, in drinking position, butt on top of the barstool, and feet not touching the ground.
  • Pushers
    • Riders may push themselves or be pushed by another team member.
    • The push zone is 23 feet long (approx. 7 paces) and defined as the area between the push line and the starting line.
    • Pushing starts from behind the push line at the starter’s signal. Crossing the push line before the green light is on will result in disqualification.
    • Pushers may not cross the starting line. Pushers crossing the starting line will result in disqualification.
    • The rider must be seated on the barstool and the pusher must not be touching the rider or the barstool as the barstool crosses the starting line.
  • Racing
    • Racers will be disqualified if, at any time during the race, their feet touch the track, unless both racers’ feet touch the ground.
    • If both racers crash, they may get back on their barstools. Racers must be sitting on the barstools. At this point, racers are permitted to use their feet to propel the barstool across the finish line, but the racer must be sitting on the seat or they will be disqualified.
    • Crossing into the other lane during the race will result in disqualification.
    • Interfering with another racer forfeits the race.
  • Finish line
    • The finish line judges will have final say in determining a winner of each race. If the finish line judges cannot determine a winner, the race will be re-run.
    • Racers must make sure they understand the results of the race before they leave the bottom of the track. Race results cannot be altered once the next race is run.
  • No-show on the starting line when called forfeits the race and the entry fee.
  • Spectators and/or racers are not allowed in the announcer’s booth.
Powder Puff Division
  • Pusher and rider must both be female.
  • If entering both the Regular and Powder Puff Divisions, the same barstool must be used in both divisions.
  • If entering both the Regular and Powder Puff Divisions, the same team members must compete in both divisions.
  • All other Regular Division rules apply.
Open Class Division
  • If you can sit on it and it will go down the hill, you can race it. Sled must be gravity powered only and must be on skis. No other Regular Division sled rules apply.
  • All other Regular Division rules apply.

Prizes

Regular Division
  • 1st place – $475 and trophy
  • 2nd place – $200 and trophy
  • 3rd place – $75 and trophy
Powder Puff Division
  • 1st place – $100 and trophy​
Open Class Division
  • 1st place – $100 and trophy​
Best Design (voted on by spectators)
  • $50 and trophy