Firefighter Combat Challenge Rules (© OTC, 2022)
Table of Contents

1.0 - Disclaimer

The Intellectual Property (I.P.), commonly internationally known as the Firefighter Challenge, was created in 1976 by Dr. Paul Davis. There is no form of firefighter testing or competition employing climbing a tower under load, hoisting, simulated forcible entry, hose advance, or victim rescue that is not a derivative work of Dr. Davis.

These Rules and Procedures are copyrighted under U.S. and International law. The Hose-Dragging Firefighter and stylized words “Firefighter Challenge” are registered trademarks of On•Target Challenge, Inc. No use is allowed without the written permission of the Rights Holder.

 The Challenge Tower and associated architectural drawings are copyrighted; no replication is allowed without the expressed written permission of On•Target Challenge.

These rules and procedures are in force to the fullest extent of our ability to provide a level playing field for all competitors. Weather, equipment failures, civil disturbances, or acts of God may dictate alternative strategies to keep the competition moving. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes, substitutions, or fabrications as may be necessary to avoid delays or interruptions to the competition. The Course Marshal is the final arbiter and decision-maker of any changes.

First Responder Institute is the sole licensee authorized by On•Target Challenge to run the firefighter challenge in the United States.

2.0 - The Course

The Challenge course and competition are defined by the banner line, according to the distances and weights described in the course layout and relevant rules on this website. Only authorized course staff and current competitors are permitted on the Course.

2.1 - Start

The start area is at the base of the tower. The competitor may adjust the placement of the highrise pack within the boundaries of the staging area but shall not have a void of more than one inch (2.54 cm) off the ground. The start official may exercise discretion to decide if a pack is too bowed. Besides the highrise pack, the competitor may not touch any other props, including the hammer. If any prop is improperly positioned in the opinion of the competitor, such discrepancies should be pointed out to an official before the race. Upon the order of the Starter, competitors will stand on their respective staging pads without touching the highrise pack. The start sequence count down will finish when the siren sounds. The Start Signal is randomized by time to defeat “gaming” at the start. If the competitor touches the highrise pack before the siren sounds, they will incur a 5-second penalty.

2.2 - EVENT 1 Highrise Hose Pack Carry

The hose pack cannot be touched before the start. The handrails may be used in climbing the tower, and stair steps may be taken in multiples on the way up. The rubber jacketed hose load and cover (42 lb.; 19kg) may be carried in any manner and must be deposited into the container at the top of the tower, with no part of the pack touching the deck outside of the box. One foot must be on the top deck before releasing the highrise pack. A two-second penalty will be assessed for either infraction. If a competitor misses the box, they may correct the position, but only before starting the next evolution. The highrise pack may not be used as a step. A 10-second penalty will be imposed for this infraction. The hose load must stay on the top platform. The competitor is disqualified if the highrise pack falls off the tower.

2.3 - EVENT 2 Hose Hoist

A 42lb. (19kg) donut roll of large diameter hose and (15mm) kernmantle rope (nominally weighing 7 lbs) is used for this event. The competitor cannot stand on anything other than the top platform while hoisting. The evolution is complete when the roll clears the railing at the top of the tower and is placed in the container on the top floor. The donut roll must ascend; loss of control, such as slippage of more than one balcony will result in disqualification (as observed by a course official). The proper placement is on or in the container with no part of the donut touching the deck outside of the box. A two-second penalty will be assessed for this infraction if the competitor does not correct the donut roll placement. The donut roll must stay on the top platform. Disqualification results from any loss of control of the donut roll, including falling off the tower, rolling down the stairs, or interfering with the adjacent competitor. If the competitor trips on the hoisting rope, they are responsible for additional penalties. This task must be completed before three minutes have elapsed, or disqualification will result. A fallen donut roll may not be retrieved. Descending the tower, the competitor must hit every step, and the handrail must be grasped. Failure to touch each step on the descent will result in a two-second penalty per infraction. Any contact that materially affects the opposing competitor may cause a penalty or disqualification.

2.4 - EVENT 3 Forcible Entry

The forcible entry evolution utilizes the Keiser Force Machine (a chopping simulator). Using the provided nine-pound (4kg) shot mallet, and with both feet on the diamond plate surface, the competitor must drive the sled, a ≈ 160lb. (72.5kg) steel beam a horizontal distance of five feet (1.5m). Pushing, raking, or hooking the beam is not allowed; only the mallet’s head can strike the beam. Striking the Keiser sled without both feet on the diamond plate will result in a 5-second penalty for the first strike, disqualification for the second. The handle must not come in contact with the beam at any time. A five-second penalty is assessed for each infraction after the first handle strike. A two-second penalty is assessed for every inch (2.5cm) or fraction thereof that the sled is short from the end of the tray. The hammer must be placed on the designated mat. Contacting the mat is defined as the hammer being in contact with the imaginary plane that extends vertically from the mat’s border. A two-second penalty is assessed for failure to place the hammer on the mat. If the competitor loses control of the hammer and it travels outside of the vertical boundaries of the confines of the tray, the competitor will be disqualified.

2.5 - EVENT 4 Hose Advance

The competitor must negotiate the 140 foot (42.6m) slalom course without missing or knocking over any delineator (including the target); doing so will result in a five-second penalty for each infraction. The competitor must pick up the nozzle end of the 1 3/4 inch; (4.45cm) charged hose line and drag it a distance of 75 feet (22.8m). Once the nozzle penetrates the swinging doors (i.e., crosses the threshold 75 feet distant), the competitor opens the nozzle, hits the target with the water stream, shuts down the nozzle, and places the nozzle on the pavement. A failure to advance the hose a distance of 75 feet will result in a 10-second penalty. Failure to drop the target will result in a 10-second penalty. If the nozzle is not shut before it is set down, the competitor must go back and close it. If the course staff must shut off the nozzle, a two-second penalty will be assessed. If the nozzle opens after hitting the ground, there is no penalty, and the competitor can continue to the victim rescue evolution. Skipping this station will result in disqualification.

2.6 - EVENT 5 Victim Rescue

A 175lb. (79.4kg) NASCO, Rescue Randy® mannequin (model 1435, dressed in Lion turnout gear) must be lifted and dragged backward a distance of 106 feet (32.3m). Carrying the dummy is not permitted. If any competitor crosses the course center delineator (i.e., goes out of lane) or grasps the mannequin by its clothing or appendages, a five-second penalty will be assessed for each infraction. Any contact with the opposing competitor will result in disqualification. Time stops when the competitor and mannequin completely cross the finish line. It is the competitor’s responsibility to drag the heels of the mannequin over the finish line threshold. If the heels of the dummy do not make contact with the finish line, the lane grader will use the stopwatch time, and a one-second penalty will be assessed. The official will enforce the 1-second penalty regardless of the competitor’s intent. Falling at any other point during the drag is considered self-penalizing and does not cause a penalty. At their sole discretion, Course Marshals may stop any competitor who creates or is in a dangerous, unsafe, or stressful condition in the official’s opinion. Spiking the dummy at any time will result in disqualification. Spiking is defined as any elbow movement other than extension while releasing the dummy. The competitor must finish in six minutes or less. 

3.0 - Running the Course

3.1 - Run Order(s)

First Responder Institute (hereinafter FRI) reserves the right to revise the order in which competition categories run the Course. Lane assignments are randomized and not subject to change based upon preference or request. Competitors will be assigned a number corresponding with the run order and their course side (odd numbers on the blue side, even numbers on the red side). The next-up Relay, Tandem or individual must be in the staging area in full turnout gear when the preceding participant is at the start line. Individuals or teams not ready for the start signal will be disqualified. Although competing in multiple categories (e.g., Tandem, Relay, etc.) at a regional or championship venue is not prohibited, a warranty of a specific slot in the run order is not possible. Competitors are cautioned that there may be little or no recovery time between their races. The assumption of risk is on the competitors. Teams are responsible for knowing their run order and being in the Scott Staging Area when called.

3.2 - Equipment

SCBA: 3M Scott high-pressure breathing apparatus (Air-Pak® & facepiece) is provided and must be worn by all participants in the individual/team categories during non-COVID conditions. Competitors may use their facepieces. Competitors may not modify our equipment, including tying knots in the harness straps or removing the nose cone from the facepiece. Any willful or malicious destruction of Challenge equipment will result in disqualification and suspension pending restitution.

3.3 - Turnout Gear

All competitors must compete in their protective equipment. PPE (i.e., turnout gear - helmet, coat, pants, gloves, and boots) must be serviceable (i.e., without holes), approved for structural fire fighting consistent with NFPA 1971 standards in effect at the time of manufacture. Hoods, face shields, and earflaps are not required. Articles of turnout gear, SCBA, and all other equipment/worn apparel (including eyewear, radios, etc.) must not be removed or lost during the competition. If dropped, the competitor must retrieve and correctly replace them before continuing—non-retrieval results in disqualification. Competitors who are non-compliant either during or after a competition will be disqualified and their time nullified. Questions about suitability and compliance shall take place before racing. Duct tape or other visible modifications are not permitted. Coats must be appropriately sized and cover the area of intended protection. Collars must be showing (not tucked in). Boots must comply with NFPA 1971 protection requirements, including a distinct heel breast (of not less than 90° or more than 135°, and not less than 1/2 inch or more than 1 inch.) The trouser pants of the turnout gear must cover the boot upper. Gloves must be designated for structural fire suppression and bear an NFPA-compliant label. Helmet decorations are allowed. However, helmets must have an NFPA-compliant label with the original suspension and padding present. Officials may inspect all Gear before participation. Their decisions are final. Competitors who leave their personal Gear at the event may have it shipped to them at their expense. Any competitor who reports to the Staging Area and is found to violate these rules may be subject to a 15-second penalty or disqualification depending upon the severity of the infraction. Competitors outside the United States and Canada must wear PPE compliant for structural firefighting as defined by the jurisdiction having authority.

3.4 - Task Completion

All competitors are personally responsible for the completion of each task. No course volunteer has the authority to instruct a competitor in the negotiation of the events on the Course; only the Course Marshal can intervene or direct a competitor’s actions. In those rare situations where the event staff or the opposing competitor may have created an impediment, the options to rectify this situation may include a deduction in time to remedy the hindrance or allow another run of the Course. All competitors must have completed the Course in six minutes or be disqualified where they are, no matter how close to the finish line.

3.5 - Firefighter Combat Challenge Penalties Summarized

• False start: 5 Seconds
• High-rise hose pack placement (out of the box): 2 seconds
• Premature release of highrise pack: 2 seconds
• Donut roll placement (not in or on the box): 2 seconds
• Standing on hose pack: 10 seconds
• Skipped step (tower descent): 2 seconds
• Keiser Force Machine foul: 5 seconds per misstrike
• Failure to finish forcible entry: 2 seconds per inch or fraction thereof
• Hammer placement (not touching mat): 2 seconds
• Knocking over or missing delineator: 5 seconds per occurrence
• Failure to advance hose 75-ft.: 10 seconds
• Failure to close nozzle: 2 seconds
• Failure to knockdown target: 10 seconds
• Out of lane: 5 seconds per occurrence
• Unauthorized personnel on Course: 10 seconds per occurrence
• Failure to stop clock: 1 second

3.6 - Firefighter Combat Challenge Disqualification Summarized

• Failure to show
• Altered turnout gear
• Loss of object from the tower
• Skipped event
• Disrupting the competition
• Unsportsmanlike behavior
• Interference on the Course
• Unauthorized personnel on the Course
• Failure to finish in six minutes
• Spiking the dummy
• Destruction of Challenge equipment
• Failure to retrieve dropped equipment/apparel

3.7 - Disputes

The Course Marshal will resolve all disputes regarding penalties. All Course Marshal decisions are final. Protests for individuals and tandems must be filed before the end of the competition with the clerk of the Course. Relay protests must be filed immediately with the Course Marshal, without any delay.

4.0 - Relay-Specific Rules

All rules for the Firefighter Combat Challenge apply - except as noted
below.

4.1 - Relay Turnout Gear

Requirements for turnout gear are the same for all competitors, consistent with the NFPA requirements in effect at the time, except that the facepiece on the Air-Pak is not worn.

4.2 - The Baton

The Baton must be in possession of the team member performing an evolution. The baton passing must be hand-to-hand, and a clear transfer must occur. Competitors may elect to put the Baton down after exchange, but the same competitor must pick up the Baton before advancing to the next event. Loss of control of the Baton (such as forgetting to pick it up) will stop the team’s forward progress until the member completing the evolution regains possession. Teams may have a member complete more than one evolution in succession or have another member interposed between the events. In any case, the handoffs must be accomplished per these rules.

4.3.0 - Passing the Baton

Passing the Baton may be done as many times as wished, but only at the five passing zones on the Course (a maximum of 6 handoffs is possible):

4.3.1 - First Relay Pass Zone

At the top of the tower, following the deposit of the highrise hose pack into the box, a legal pass takes place when both the competitors’ feet are on the top platform. The competitor receiving the Baton must have one hand on the top rail of the tower; with, the thumb visible (to the official, i.e., facing the backside of the tower). The competitor must not grasp the hoisting rope or release the rail until receiving the Baton. Incidental contact while holding the top rail is not a penalty. A second handoff at the top of the tower may occur after the second competitor has completed the hoist evolution. This exchange must take place with all parties on the top deck.

4.3.2 - Second Relay Pass Zone

After the last step exiting the tower and before mounting the Keiser Force Machine, for example, if the competitor performing the forcible entry station is not the individual descending the tower, the exchange must be made before mounting the Keiser Force Machine.

4.3.3 - Third Relay Pass Zone

Anywhere between the Keiser Force Machine and the first turn but only after placing the hammer on the mat. The individual performing the activity on the forcible entry station must first place the hammer on the mat and then pick up and hand the Baton to the next competitor.

4.3.4 - Fourth Relay Pass Zone

Before the line at the last delineator, the receiving competitor’s feet must not contact the line or the ground past the line until the handoff is made. No contact with the nozzle or attack line is permitted until the competitor is in possession of the Baton.

4.3.5 - Fifth Relay Pass Zone

After striking the target, including shutting down the nozzle, the handoff can occur before or after setting the nozzle down. The nozzleman is the only individual that may shut down the nozzle. The competitor cannot touch the mannequin until they are in possession of the Baton.

4.4 - Relay Penalties

Any early exchange (i.e., touching any tool or prop including hose hoist rope, forcible entry hammer, nozzle, mannequin) before a handoff, etc., will result in a 2-second penalty. No assistance can be rendered to a team member by any other member of the same team; each infraction will result in a 5-second penalty (i.e., if a member completing a task drops the Baton, they alone must be the one to pick it up). A Baton falling down the stairs and not leaving the tower must be retrieved by the person who dropped it. If any object should fall off the tower (i.e., the Baton, donut, or highrise pack), the team will be disqualified. If any teammate crosses the course delineator (i.e., goes out of lane), a 5-second penalty will be assessed. If contact with the opposing team results, the team will be disqualified. The fouled team, at their election, will be allowed a second run. The second run time will be the time of record.

4.5 - Relay Penalties Summarized

• False Start: 5 Seconds
• High-Rise Hose Pack Placement (not in box): 2 seconds
• Premature release of highrise pack: 2 seconds
• Donut Roll Placement (not in or on the box): 2 seconds
• Standing on hose pack: 10 seconds
• Skipped Step (tower descent): 2 seconds each
• Keiser Force Machine Foul: 5 seconds per misstrike
• Failure to finish Forcible Entry: 2 seconds per inch or fraction thereof
• Hammer Placement (not touching mat): 2 seconds
• Knocking over or missing delineator: 5 seconds per occurrence
• Failure to Advance Hose 75-ft.: 10 seconds
• Failure to close nozzle: 2 seconds
• Failure to knock down Target: 10 seconds
• Out of Lane: 5 seconds per occurrence
• Improper Relay handoff: 2 seconds
• Illegal Assistance: 5 seconds
• Unauthorized personnel on Course: 10 seconds per occurrence
• Failure to stop clock: 1 second

4.6 - Relay Disqualification Summarized

• Failure to show
• Loss of object from the tower
• Failure to Hoist Donut Roll in 3 minutes
• Skipped event
• Disrupting the competition
• Unsportsmanlike behavior
• Interference on the Course

4.7 - Relay Substitutions

Relay substitutions due to injury, transfers, illness, and shift changes are not permitted after the original team run. A team may reduce the number of its members. Extenuating circumstances will be considered only in extreme situations.

5.0 - Tandem-Specific Rules

All rules for the Firefighter Challenge apply - except as noted below. Competitors may compete on as many different Tandem teams as they would like throughout the season and during the competition. The exception is on the final day at Worlds. A competitor may only run once in each tandem category during the last day. We do not warranty that we can accommodate rest between multiple heats.

5.1 - Turnout Gear

Requirements for turnout gear are the same for all competitors, consistent with the NFPA 1971 requirements in effect at the time, except that the facepiece on the Air-Pak is not worn.

5.2 - The Baton

A Baton will be used.

5.3 - Tandem Defined

A tandem team consists of two competitors. The Course is divided into two parts, and each competitor must complete one of the parts; the Keiser Force Machine is the delineator for the transition point. The decision as to where to make the handoff is that of the team and maybe made before or after the completion of the Keiser. The handoff must be made before mounting the Keiser or after completing the event (following the hammer being placed on the mat). It is up to the competitors to determine who does which portion of the Course. The team time comprises the total elapsed time to complete the five Firefighter Challenge evolutions.

5.4 - Tandem Categories

Competitors may register and compete in any category for which they both qualify, i.e., a team comprised of two over 40 competitors would register for the Over 40 category. The categories at regional competitions are:

• Open Male
• Open Female
• Over 40
• Over 50
• Co-ed

Team members do not need to be from the same department, state, etc. Tandem Penalties are the same as described above for the Relay competition.

6.0 - General Rules

6.1 - Eligibility

Regional Challenge Eligibility: Active and retired firefighters and other first responders who are or were members of an organized first responder unit anywhere in the world are eligible to compete. A “Team” may be comprised of individuals from the same department, county, fire district, or accredited governmental, educational agency. If any other organization believes they meet the criteria’s intent, they may submit a written request to the Challenge Team Eligibility Committee for review and approval. The exceptions to this rule are: Female relay teams, Hybrid Teams/Relays, Tandem teams, and over 50 Relay teams may consist of members drawn from anywhere.

World Challenge Eligibility: Teams and Relays must be comprised of individuals from the same department for the Worlds event. The Hybrid Team and Relay categories are only present during Worlds and will provide a competition category for all others. Female relay teams, Tandem teams, and Over 50 relay teams can draw their members from anywhere.

6.2 - Regional Challenge Eligibility for Non-Municipal Departments and Agencies

Accredited/licensed private Fire/EMS departments and educational agencies providing Fire/EMS training shall be eligible to assemble a team for competition. Competitors of said teams must provide verifiable proof of their organization’s current employment/contract service by delivering signed documentation indicating continuing employment (paystub, 1099, w-2) from the accredited/licensed organization. FRI intends to be inclusive rather than exclusive, ceasing the practice of “cherry-picking” elite competitors that share no standard connectivity. Suppose a competitor wishes to challenge the validity of a team or question the legitimacy of their team. In that case, a written appeal must be submitted to FRI and the Challenge Team Eligibility Committee (CTEC).

6.3 - Competition Category Definitions

Individual Defined – a competitor running the entire Course, on-air (COVID protocols permitting), in full turnout gear; automatically considered for the specific respective age or sex category that is in effect at the event, as well as the open category.

Team Defined – a team is comprised of 3 to 5 members, each of whom runs the Course individually (that is, on-air (as COVID protocols permit), in full turnout gear) and receives an individual time. The team time is composed of the three fastest individual times from team members added together. If there are less than three members with times due to disqualifications, no-shows, etc., there is no time, and the team will not receive consideration for placement.

Relay Defined – a group of 3 to 5 members, each of whom completes part of the Course before handing a baton over to another member. The members are in full turnout gear, except that facepieces are not worn. They usually are seeded with their first race at regional events and then enter an elimination bracket based on their seeding time. New and veteran relay teams typically compete in separate brackets.

Tandem Defined – a pair of competitors, each of whom completes roughly half the Course, with the handoff coming before or after the Keiser Forcible Entry Evolution. The members are in full turnout gear, except that facepieces are not worn. A tandem team may qualify for multiple categories but must specify beforehand which category they wish to compete in. (To compete in more than one category, it necessitates running more than one race, each designated as the specific category for consideration).

6.4 - Registration

Competitors are urged to sign up early since some enrollments may be capacity-limited. Registration will be via the official Firefighter Combat Challenge website (www.firefighterchallenge.com). No telephone or fax registrations will be accepted. Registrations received promptly will be confirmed on the website roster and via an email to the address of record. Registration for World Challenge will not open until after the U.S. Nationals. If capacity is available, registration on-site is allowed.

Registered defined:

Receipt of an electronically completed and online submitted registration form with payment. All entry fees are required seven days before the scheduled date. Until payment is received, the registration is “pending.”

6.5 - Fees

The fees can be found on our website. Registration should be performed in advance online. There is a 10 dollar late fee for all categories but tandems if you register on-site.

6.6 - Refunds and Cancellation

Requests for refunds will be honored seven days before the competition date; after that, no refund will be made. At the sole discretion of First Responder Institute, we may credit the registration fee to a future event. The credit must be used within the current calendar year/tour season and not be rolled over to the successive year. If an event posted on the schedule is canceled, a full refund will be made. Keep in mind that it is our Policy to post a scheduled event upon the receipt of a signed contract and a deposit from the hosting organization. FRI will not be responsible for reimbursement of plane tickets or other out-of-pocket or travel expenses for canceled events. We have delayed or interrupted the event where weather posed a hazard to the safe operation of the competition.

6.7 - POC/Team Captain

The team captain/contact must ensure that all team members are apprised of critical details, including start times and rules. Correspondence and communication will be directed to the Point of Contact (POC) only at the address of record. POCs are urged to keep contact information up to date.

6.8 - Check-in

Every competitor is responsible for personally checking in at the Command Operation Center (COC) on the scheduled event. This is a mandatory additional requirement following online registration. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee. Competitors who check in on a timely basis are afforded priority placement in the run order. Check-in will be suspended 1 hour before start time. No refunds are given in those cases where competitors fail to check in before the 1-hour rule. Once the event has started and when check-in resumes, latecomers will be placed at the end of the run order. In other words, a clear preference is afforded to those competitors who show up on time.

6.9 - Waiver and Release

Every competitor must sign a waiver form before participation. No one can participate without this form. The waiver and competitor data form is issued at check-in. The document stipulates that this is a drug-free competition. By executing this form, competitors acknowledge they are not using any banned substance and submit to a drug test as outlined in our drug policy and published on the official Firefighter Challenge website. The World Anti-Doping Code website contains a complete list of the banned substances. Each competitor should review the competitor’s guide, rules, and procedures before participation. They are executing a legal document and are participating at their own risk and warranty to comply with all rules in effect, including the right for FRI to use their likeness in its T.V. and media promotion efforts. It is expected that all competitors are medically cleared to perform their duties as assigned. A complete copy of the contents of this form is posted on this website.

6.10 - Participant Background Information

Competitors are encouraged to review and update their information for accuracy by accessing their profile on site. The announcer uses the biographical information provided to inform the spectators.

6.11 - Competition Protocols

Depending upon local dictates, run orders may be changed by FRI, altered, or modified, including those events spanning more than one day.

6.12 - Relay Protocol

The Protocol for the Relay Series is based on a seeding procedure followed by a bracketed single elimination style race to determine who advances. Team times are computed by the official clock plus any penalties. However, it is the position of the winning team that advances and not their time. New and veteran relays are typically in separate brackets. At those venues where numbers allow, a double-elimination tournament may be structured.

7.0 - Awards Categories and Events

7.1 - Regional Competition Categories and Recognition Awards

Award Competition categories are created based upon the demographics of the competitive field. Medals will be awarded only to individuals who meet the World Challenge Finalist Qualification Criteria described below. In other words, to receive a medal at a regional event, the competitor must have a time equal to or better than the posted qualification criteria. All age-related categories are determined by the competitor’s age at the event, except for Worlds. World Challenge age categories are based on the Olympic rule; whatever age a competitor will be at the end of the calendar year is the age that they compete. Presently, we recognize:

Top 3 Team and Individuals Team (3-5 members)
Top 3 Over 50
Top 3 Over 40
Top 3 Open Female
Top 3 Open Male

Relay
Top 3 Male Teams (3-5 individuals)
Top 3 Female Teams (3-5 individuals)
Top 3 Over 40 Teams (with the proviso that four teams present and competing)

Tandem
Top 3 Female
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Co-Ed
Top 3 Over 40
Top 3 Over 50

7.2 - Awards and Prizes

FRI, in its capacity as the event manager, in cooperation with a number of our sponsors, provides the following awards:

• Medal with ribbon (Top 3 placement)
• Finalist Flag (Team, Relay & Tandem Qualifiers)
• FCC Patches (as appropriate)
Team Plaque (Top 3)
Relay Plaque (Champion)
Over 40 Relay Plaque (Champion: assuming three teams are competing)
Women Relay Plaque (Champion: assuming three teams are competing)

7.3 - State Record Holder Program

The State (or Provincial) Champion is the individual with the fastest time in any of the following categories: Female, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60, Open Male, Chief Officer, Fastest Team, Fastest Relay Teams in the Open, Over 40 and Women’s categories. The State Champion retains their title until their record is broken (meaning that the position does not expire based on a season). A one-time-only State Champion patch is issued after the season.

7.4 - Lion’s Den Membership

The Lion’s Den season eligibility runs from the current year’s World Challenge until the U.S. Nationals of the following year. I.E., Qualifying times run during the World Challenge are eligible for recognition at the next year’s World Challenge.

The criteria for receiving membership in the Lion’s Den is as follows:

• Sub 100 Male (Defined: A male competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 100 seconds [≤1:40].)
• Sub 3:00 Female (Defined: A female competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 3:00)
• Sub 2:00 Over 40 (Defined: An over 40 competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 2:00.)
• Sub 3:30 Over 40 Female (Defined: An over 40 female competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 3:30.)
• Sub 2:30 Over 50 (Defined: An over 50 competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 2:30.)
• Sub 5:00 Over 50 Female (Defined: An over 50 female competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 5:00)
• Sub 4:00 Over 60 (Defined: An over 60 competitor whose regional or world championship time is less than or equal to 4:00.)

Inductees receive (one-time only for the life of the program) the following:

• Lion’s Den Embroidered Patch
• Lion’s Den Induction Certificate and Plaque
• Lion’s Den Varsity Jacket (as posted on the Lion’s Den link)
• Lion’s Den Challenge Coin

Individuals who do not respond to our RSVP will be deleted from the inductee list.

7.5 - U.S. National Championship

All U.S. teams and individuals may attend and compete in the U.S. National Championship; the same categories and award criteria apply as at the Regionals. Foreign nationals may participate if space is available but will not be eligible for prizes. The Lion Traveling Trophy is awarded to the first place U.S. team.

7.6 - Grand National Champion (GNC)

The GNC points are awarded according to the following paradigm: There are 20 competition slots awarded points per category for each regional event; first place receives 30 points; second place receives 25 points, and third place, 20. From the fourth place down, 17 points are awarded and decremented by one point in descending order. The GNC competition ends at the last regional event. To be eligible for the GNC Award, a competitor must earn a minimum of 75 points before a category is recognized; the greatest number of points determines the Grand National Championship. In the case of ties, the winner will be decided by the most first, second, or third-place finishes. If this is a tie, it will be determined by the best run time during the season. Individual competitors may only run in one category in a given year and must declare which category they prefer.

The GNC Categories are:
• Ted Overcash Award (most points overall)
• Female
• Male
• Team
• Male Over 40
• Male Over 50
• Female Relay
• Male Relay

7.7 - Prize Policy
Prizes provided by sponsors are the responsibility of the various companies. We will make every effort to ensure their timely delivery but are not liable for producing any such prize. Check the appropriate link on our website for more details. Competitors must be present to receive their awards and prizes in all cases. We do not ship these items.

7.8.0 - World Challenge

In addition to the Regional Awards, special categories are also created and recognized at the World Challenge Championship; these additional categories are:
• Chief Officer (Top 3)
• Over 45 (Top 3)
• Over 55 (Top 3)
• Over 60 (Top 3)

When eight or more individuals/teams participate in a World Challenge, that category will be recognized and included in the Protocol and awards the following year.

7.8.1 - Qualification Times

Advancement to the World Challenge Wild Card (and award of medals at a Regional Event) requires that the following times must be met at a Regional Event:
Open Male: 1:50
Open Female: 4:30
Over 40: 2:30
Over 45: 2:45
Over 50: 4:00
Team: 6:30
Relay Men: 2:00
Relay Women: 3:00
Relay Over 40: 2:30
Tandem Open Men: 1:45
Tandem Open Women: 3:30
Tandem Over 40: 2:00
Tandem Over 50: 3:00
Tandem Co-Ed: 2:30

All competitors will be allowed to finish the Course regardless of whether or not they qualify, provided they finish in 6:00 minutes or less. Competitors age 60 or over have no minimum time to be eligible for Worlds as long as they meet the 6:00 minute mark.

7.8.2 - Wild Card Competition

In extenuating circumstances, such as when competitors hail from foreign countries or economic conditions preclude participating in a qualifying event, a petition for a waiver may be made to FRI for a slot during the Wild Card competition. The request must be in an email before Wild Cards.

7.8.3 - Byes

A “Bye” is a free non-competitive slot that allows automatic advancement to the finals (the last two days), earned at the U.S. National Championship for the top competitors. More information on the allocation of byes is described below under the World Challenge section. The bye is accompanied by free admission to the World Challenge for the final two days. Once earned, the team/individual can compete in the Wild Card competition without the risk of losing their ranking. They must, however, register and pay for slots during the Wild Card competition. Chief Officers are not required to qualify at the Regional or U.S. National Championship.

U.S. Competitors receive byes based on how well they do at Nationals. The byes include:

Top Team
Top Female
Top Male
Top Over 40
Top Over 45
Top Over 50
Top Over 55
Top Over 60
Top Chief
Top Male Relay
Top Female Relay

7.8.4 - Foreign Nationals

FRI has initiated many officially sanctioned competitions in countries outside of the U.S. Standing invitations to these teams/countries are extended with the caveat that timely prior arrangements and notice be given of intent to participate by contacting FRI’s management. Byes may be awarded irrespective of their standings before arriving at the World Challenge.

7.8.5 - Worlds Substitutions

Substitution within a team that has qualified for the World Challenge competition is allowed, provided that at least 3 of the original members are still on the team and the substitute is from the same organic organization. Substitution for a Challenge Team that qualified at a Regional is allowed at World Challenge, assuming that 3 of the original members are present.

8.0 - Intellectual Property

The Firefighter Challenge® and its associated logos, rules, procedures are the copyrighted property of On•Target Challenge, Inc. (dba On•Target Communications). No use may be made without the express written permission of OTC.

Last updated on Wednesday, January 4, 2022.