Just for the record.....since there is much confusion over the 'rookie' rule (I have gotten a few calls and PM's about it).....The above posted rules for Comp Jet state the following:
2) All Competition Jet Drivers will qualify according to Rule 11 of the APBA Inboard Racing rules.
Here is Rule 11 of the APBA Inboard Rules:
RULE 11 - DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS:11.1 Inboard racing members who intend to drive racing boats and inboard riding mechanics must submit a statement of good health, certified by either a licensed FAA or D.O.T. physician. The original or a photocopy of this current FAA Class I, II or III, or D.O.T. medical certificate, with no waivers except for corrective lenses, must be sent to APBA headquarters with membership application. Along with the above the new APBA Inboard Physical form may be used. This form is available at the Inboard website
www.goboatracing.net or on request from the Inboard office. If corrective lenses are listed on the medical certificate, they must be used in competition. Any of the above stated medical certificates will remain current from date on said certificate until 12:00am of the second anniversary of the physical.
11.2 If an individual prefers to apply for his membership at the regatta site or if he prefers to apply for a one-day membership, the same requirements given above must be met; however, the Scorer will have the responsibility of sending the medical certificate or photocopy to APBA Headquarters with the membership application. APBA will make and keep a copy on file at headquarters and send the original back to the member with his APBA racing cards. Filing false or incorrect medical certificates shall be sufficient cause for suspension of the driver for two years from all APBA racing. Any driver found competing without a current physical shall be fined $100.00 and shall sacrifice all points earned back to that date where a current physical can be shown. Proof shall be the responsibility of the driver.
11.2.1 Canadian residents can submit proof of their CBF physical and membership forms along with their APBA application and waive the required FAA, D.O.T. or Inboard physical. Canadians who are not members of CBF must still provide an FAA, D.O.T. or Inboard medical certificate.
11.3 A new driver is any APBA Inboard member in good standing who has never driven a registered APBA Inboard boat in closed course competition. New drivers shall be designated “Unqualified Rookie” until all provisions of these rules have been met. After completion of these qualification requirements, a new driver shall be designated “Qualified Rookie” for the remainder of his first season.
11.3.1 A new driver or unqualified rookie may run qualifying heats during the UIM World Championships, APBA Summer Nationals, APBA Divisional Championships or APBA North American Championships, following referee instruction, to obtain the necessary heats to become a qualified driver, but will not be eligible to advance to the final. However, if there is a need to fill the field, the boat will be eligible to compete in the final with a qualified driver.
11.3.2 New drivers will be issued white paper cards with provisions on the reverse side for referees’ signatures.
11.3.3 New drivers must be given a written open book examination, followed by an oral review of said examination by the referee or an Inboard Commissioner. He shall show knowledge of course safety and racing rules before being approved to enter the race course. At each race during their rookie season, all new drivers and Rookies shall present themselves to the referee, and shall be introduced at each driver’s meeting as a rookie driver.
11.3.4 New drivers shall tape or paint a one inch (1”) wide white cross on their helmet for a period of one calendar year. The cross shall extend from the front, up over the top of the helmet to the back rim of the helmet, and from left ear, up over the top of the helmet to the right ear. Rookie drivers in reinforced cockpits, whose helmets are not readily visible, must put the rookie “X” on the cockpit or canopy as near the driver’s head as possible, without obstructing his vision. The “X” may be taped or painted on and must be at least 12” long and 1” wide on both sides of the hull in a color strongly contrasting the color behind it.
11.4 New drivers are considered legal starters of the class.
11.4.1 A new driver shall run four heats, starting at the rear of the pack and advancing only to a position predetermined by the referee. After successfully completing the first 4-heat requirement, a new driver shall run four (4) additional heats advancing only to a position predetermined by the referee. The new driver may only start in the farthest outside position during these heats. To become fully qualified to race, the new driver must get signatures from four (4) qualified drivers in his/her class and at least one referee he/she has raced under. Any driver new to the Jersey Speed Skiff class must complete a minimum of ten (10) heats on the outside - eight heats as described above with the remaining two heats to be run on the outside.
11.4.2 Drivers already qualified, but who desire to drive in the 2.5 Liter Mod, National Modified, Grand National Hydroplane or Pro Stock classes; or who move from a hydroplane class to a runabout class, or vice versa; or who have been inactive for more than twenty-four (24) calendar months; must re qualify as follows;
• Shall run two (2) heats starting from the farthest outside position, advancing only to a position predetermined by the referee; and three qualified drivers from the 2.5 Liter Mod, National Modified, Grand National Hydroplane or Pro Stock classes designated by the referee, will also observe and give their opinion to the referee.
11.5 In those classes where more stringent driver qualification rules have been approved, the class rules shall prevail.
11.6 Injured drivers returning to competition must present a medical doctor’s certification as to their physical and psychological fitness to race.
