RULES AND REGULATIONS MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER GRAN CANARIA 2023

PREAMBLE

The following rules apply to the 2023 edition of the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER organised by Top Time Eventos S.L.U. and promoted by the Gran Canaria Tourist Board and the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council. In case of doubt in the interpretation of these rules, the opinion and decision of the organisation shall prevail. By registering, all participants accept these rules in their entirety.

By accepting these rules, participants also accept the liability waiver detailed in Section 25.

Section 1. DATE AND PLACE

The MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER will take place on 16 September 2023. Starts will take place according to the timetable published on the official website of the event.

Section 2. PARTICIPATION AND MINIMUM AGE

All participants from all countries are welcome, whether they are registered in the swimming federation or not, as long as they have successfully completed the registration process.

Promo 1,000m
This race is authorised for participants aged 16 or older (participants must turn 16 in the year of the event to be able to compete). Participants who have not turned 18 yet on the day of the event must have a parental consent form signed in order to collect their bags.
Participants born in 2008 and 2009 will be able to participate as long as they are registered in the swimming federation in the current year. The status of licences will be checked with the Canarian Swimming Federation. If you do not have a valid licence, you will not be allowed to participate and your registration will be lost.

Popular 2,000m
This race is authorised for participants aged 16 or older (participants must turn 16 in the year of the event to be able to compete). Participants who have not turned 18 yet on the day of the event must have a parental consent form signed in order to collect their bags, and must also be registered in the swimming federation in the current year. Participants under the age of 18 who are not registered in the swimming federation, must provide a brief sport CV that shows that they are able to take part in the race.
The status of licences will be checked with the Canarian Swimming Federation. If you do not have a valid licence, you will not be allowed to participate and your registration will be lost.

Long 7,400m
This race is authorised only for adults aged 18 years or older (participants must turn 18 in the year of the event to be able to compete).

PARENTAL CONSENT

Section 3. REGISTRATION, DEADLINES AND FEES

1st registration deadline WELCOME FEE FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY 7th JULY UNTIL 11:59 PM OF THE SAME DAY.

1,000 m race           15€   2,000 m  race           25€    7,400 m race            45€

2nd registration deadline FROM 00:00h ON SATURDAY 8th JULY UNTIL 23:59h ON 31st AUGUST.

1,000 m race           20€   2,000 m  race           30€    7,400 m race           50€

3rd registration deadline FROM 00:00h ON FRIDAY 1st SEPTEMBER UNTIL 23:59h  ON 10th SEPTEMBER.

1,000 m race          25€  2,000 m race           35€  7,400 m race            65€

Section 4. REGISTRATION

To register, please go to the following website: www.maspalomasopenwater.com

Max. no. of entries by distance:
1,000 m race.           The maximum number of participants will be 200.
2,000 m race.           The maximum number of participants will be 300.
7,400 m race.           The maximum number of participants will be 150.

Once the maximum number of participants has been reached, a waiting list will be created.

After the deadline NO registrations will be accepted.

A registration will be deemed to be completed once the registration fee has been paid. Participants will receive an e-mail confirming their registration. There will be no need to print any proof or receipt to collect the race kits.

Participants can check the status of their registration in the REGISTRATION section, by clicking on the CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION button.

Section 5. WAITING LIST

All those who have requested to enter the competition in the registration process will be included in the list.

The organisation will use the email address and phone number provided by participants in the waiting list to contact them regarding the replacement of another participant. If after trying to reach them twice at different times and by different means, no response is received, the space will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.

Section 6. PERSONAL AND NON-TRANSFERABLE

Registration is personal and non-transferable. Refunds of the registration fee will not be issued, whether you withdraw in advance or do not show up for the race. Participation cannot be transferred to another person, friend or family member on account of not showing up on the day of the race.

Section 7. IDENTIFICATION

You will need to show your ID card or any other official document proving your identity in order to collect the race kit.

Kits may be collected on behalf of another person at the scheduled time by showing a signed authorisation together with a copy of the identity card of the person concerned.

The swim cap, the race number on the hand and the chip attached to the ankle strap must be worn by the swimmer at all times during the race.

Section 8. THE START

Starting point:
The 1,000 m race will start from the sand in front of the Maspalomas Pond (Charca de Maspalomas) at 12.30 h.
The 2,000 m race will start from Meloneras beach at 11.30 h.
The 7,400 m race will start from the Pajar beach at 10.30h.

Start times will be scheduled according to the number of participants and the times will be published and communicated to the participants once registration has closed.

The participant’s chip timing will be used to establish the actual start time in order to obtain a net time for each participant.

Start times will be published in advance and communicated to all participants of the event.

Swimmers must be at the start area 10 minutes before their scheduled start time. Swimmers will be called to the start box over the loudspeaker system to form the starting line in an orderly manner. Competitors who are late for their start time shall be timed as if they had started at their original start time.

The race judge will signal the start of the race with a loud horn.

Section 9. USE OF SWIMSUITS

The FINA standard approved by the Bureau on 16 January 2010 will apply. The open water swimwear for both men and women shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulders, or below the ankle.

Section 10. USE OF WETSUITS, SWIM BUOYS AND OTHER ELEMENTS

Promo modality 1,000 m: A wetsuit may be worn if the water temperature is below 21°C on the day of the race and may be worn at all times by swimmers over 50 years of age. The swim buoy is not required for this race modality although it may be used for safety.

Popular modality 2,000 m: A wetsuit may be worn if the water temperature is below 21°C on the day of the race and may be worn at all times by swimmers over 50 years of age. The swim buoy is not required for this race modality although it may be used for safety.

Long Distance 7,400 m: The use of a swim buoy is compulsory. The use of a wetsuit is recommended.

Section 11. COURSE

1,000 m race: coastal area in front of the Maspalomas Pond and the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
2,000 m race: coastal area between Meloneras Beach and the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
7,400 m race: coastal area between Pajar Beach and the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

Section 12. TIME LIMIT

The finish line will close at 2 p.m. After that time, any swimmers remaining in the water will be removed by event organisers.

The race doctor may remove any swimmer from the water if he/she deems it appropriate for the safety of the swimmer and the safety of the event at any time.

The event organisers will be allowed to pull swimmers out of the water at any time if necessary due to ocean conditions or any other justifiable circumstance to ensure the safety of swimmers.

Section 13. JUDGES AND DISQUALIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

Please note that the Judges of the event and the staff responsible for safety have the power to disqualify participants or pull swimmers out of the water when: their behaviour is not coherent; they show symptoms of hypothermia; there is any type of risk to their own safety; if they stray more than 50 metres from the marked course, or when, in their opinion, a participant poses a danger to other swimmers and hinder the normal development of the event.

Section 14. SAFETY AND ROUTE

Along the course there will be buoys to serve as a reference and for the safety of swimmers.

In any case, it is compulsory for all participants to know the circuit and route of the race.

Section 15. EXTERNAL MARITIME AGENTS

No vessels, except from those authorised by the organisers, will be allowed to navigate within a 100-metre radius to the right and to the left of the marked-out course. 

Section 16. SUPPORT VESSELS

Boats or canoes that wish to assist in the control of the race should contact the organisers sufficiently in advance so that they can be informed of the safety rules to be followed and collect their ID for the race.

Section 17. FINISH LINE

The race ends when swimmers cross the finish line, after passing through the control point. Swimmers will be able to collect their refreshments and race bags at the cloakroom.

Section 18. GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

The following shall be grounds for disqualification:

1. Failing to present valid identification in accordance with these rules.
2. Start before the start signal sounds.
3. Using any type of watercraft or aids to improve performance in the water (fins, gloves, snorkels, etc.) or to reduce the swimming distance.
4. Interfering with the progress of other swimmers, thus behaving in a way that goes against the basic principles of respect and fair play.
5. Crossing the finishing line through any place other than the designated point of arrival.
6. Not wearing the cap provided for the event.
7. Not wearing the timing chip provided for the event.
8. Not wearing the mask covering nose and mouth outside the competition itself.
9. Failure to follow the safety procedures put in place for the event.
10. Failure to complete the course correctly as planned will result in the swimmer’s disqualification and he/she will also be disqualified from participating in the Open Water Series for 2 years from the date.
11. Any other circumstance not provided for in these rules but which, in the opinion of the organisers, is grounds for disqualification.

Section 19. CATEGORIES

The reference age for each category shall be the age of participants on 31 December of the current year.

• MINORS: 14 to 17 years old
• ABSOLUTE: 18 to 24 years old
• MASTER A: 25 to 29 years old
• MASTER B: 30 to 34 years old
• MASTER C: 35 to 39 years old
• MASTER D: 40 to 44 years old
• MASTER E: 45 to 49 years old
• MASTER F: 50 to 54 years old
• MASTER G: 55 to 59 years old
• MASTER H: 60 to 64 years old
• MASTER I: 65 to 69 years old
• MASTER J: 70 to 74 years old
• MASTER K: 75 to 79 years old
• MASTER L: 80 to 85 years old

Section 20. AWARDS

Trophies or prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in each gender category.

1,000m race:
Prizes will be awarded to the first 5 finishers in each gender category.

2,000m race:
A trophy will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each gender category.
Prizes for the first 3 finishers (male and female) in each category.
Special prize:
– To the oldest participant
– To the youngest participant
– Recognition to para-athletes

7,400m race:
A trophy will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each gender category.
Prizes for the first 3 finishers (male and female) in each category.
Special Prize :
– To the oldest participant
– To the youngest participant
– Recognition to the para-athletes

Section 21. SUSPENSION OF THE RACE

The event organisers reserve the right to change the start and finishing points, set a new starting time, reschedule or cancel the race. The race will be considered to have taken place when the start signal has been given, even if it is cancelled after starting.

Section 22. USE OF DATA FROM PARTICIPANTS

Registration implies authorisation for the free use of the participant’s name and photograph in the media (television or radio broadcasts and programmes), in the press or in any other accredited media related to the event.

In accordance with the provisions of Organic Law 15/1999, of 13 December, on the Protection of Personal Data, we hereby inform you that participation in the event implies consent to the incorporation of the personal data provided into the automated file owned by the organisers. The purpose of this file is the processing of data for the management and development of the aforementioned race.

Section 23. PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITY. THE ORGANISERS’ WAIVER OF LIABILITY

We have all the necessary licenses to carry out the event. And although this is intended to be an open competition with the purpose of promoting the sport of swimming, the organisers warn all participants that the race is tough and entails risks associated with open water swimming.

It is the sole responsibility of swimmers to be fit for the competition, i.e. to be in good general health and to have sufficient physical, technical and mental preparation to take part in a long-distance open water swimming competition. People who are not or think they are not physically fit and do not have enough training to face a long-distance and endurance competition in the water should abstain from participating.

By registering, swimmers declare that they meet the requirements that make it possible for them to participate in the race without causing major inconveniences for themselves, the other competitors and the organisation. 

Participants fully and consciously acknowledge and assume the the risks derived from their participation in the event as their own, and the organisation is completely exempted from any liability that may arise as a result of the damages that participation in the event may entail for participants, their assigns or third parties.

Weather conditions:

In the event that the organisers consider that weather conditions or other contingencies beyond their control put the participant’s physical integrity at risk, they may decide to postpone the race or change its course. In such a case, registration fees will not be refunded, either in full or in part.

Liability:

The Organisers accept no liability for any damage, harm or injury that, by participating in this event, participants may cause to themselves or to other people or even in the case that third parties cause damage to any participant.

All participants, simply by taking part in the race, accept the rules indicated above, and in case of doubt, the Organiser’s criteria will prevail.

Section 24 – RIGHT OF ADMISSION

The right of admission is recognised in section 59.1.e) of Royal Decree 2816/1982, of 27 August, which approves the Reglamento General de Policía de Espectáculos y Actividades Recreativas (General Regulations on the Policing of Entertainment and Recreational Activities), extending its scope to all types of establishments intended for the public, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned. The organisers reserve the right to cancel the registration of any participant at any time.

Section 25. MODIFICATIONS

These regulations may be subject to amendments, which shall prevail over all previous regulations published up to that time. Such modifications will always be for the common good of the event, the participants and their safety.

Disclaimer:

Considering that I have registered for the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER race, I agree to comply with the rules governing the race, and those of the race management. I accept the rules which can be found on the organisation’s website.

I, hereby:

I hereby understand that I am solely responsible for all my sport belongings and equipment during the development of the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER and all other collateral activities.

I claim and confirm that I am physically prepared and sufficiently trained for this competition and that I have passed the appropriate medical examinations. Being physically well prepared for the competition, I am in good general health, and I suffer no illness, physical defect or injury that could be aggravated by my participation in the event. If I suffer any type of injury or any other incident that could seriously damage my health during the race, I will inform the event organisers as soon as possible by raising my hand in the water or in the medical area at the finishing line.

I agree to receive medical treatment at my own expense in case of injury, accident and/or illness during the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER competition. I am aware that this type of competition, as it takes place in a natural environment and places that are difficult to control, entails an additional risk for participants. I, therefore, take part freely and voluntarily and I assume all risks and consequences resulting from my participation.

I give my permission for the free use of my name and of any picture of me taken during the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER event, in any post or media.

I hold the organisers, event directors, collaborators, sponsors and volunteers of the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER competition harmless of any responsibility or claim on my part, including any direct or indirect damage or injury and cases of death. This shall not apply if said damage or injury is caused by the organisation’s wrongdoing or negligence.

I have sufficient physical ability, technical skills and survival resources to ensure my own safety under the conditions of autonomy in which the event takes place. Likewise, I have the sports and safety equipment required by the Organisers and I guarantee that it is in good condition and complies with regulations, and that I know how to use it properly and I will carry it with me throughout the competition.

I understand and undertake to comply with the safety rules and protocols established by the Organisers for the MASPALOMAS OPEN WATER competition, as well as to behave responsibly so as not to increase the risks to my physical or mental integrity. I will follow the instructions and abide by the decisions taken by the organisers (judges, doctors and organisers) on safety issues.

I authorise the Medical Services of the race to perform any treatment or diagnostic test that I may need, whether or not I am in a position to request it. I agree to withdraw from the race if they deem it necessary for health reasons.

I will not use banned substances, considered as DOPING. The organisers may carry out doping tests on the participants. In case of a positive result, participants will be disqualified.

My bib number is personal and non-transferable and cannot be worn by any other participant or person in my place.

I am aware that the organising entity reserves the right to admit or reject participants, even after paying the registration fees, which would be returned to me if I am not admitted.

I undertake to follow the general guidelines of respect for the environment:

1. a) To pass along the coast and the race course with caution.
2. b) Not to cause any disturbances to the natural processes and functioning of ecosystems.
3. c) To refrain from deteriorating biotic, geological, cultural and general resources of the landscape.
4. d) To avoid or get around environmentally sensitive areas.
5. e) To do basic bodily functions in the proper places, or at least far from the water, from transit areas or meeting points.
6. f) Not to dump or abandon objects or solid or liquid waste outside the places usually designated for waste disposal and collection.

During the race, the chip must be attached to the participants’ ankle. No chip, no time!

The organisers reserve the right to change or modify any information concerning the race or to cancel the race due to force majeure, which would be published on the official website.