The Three-Band System

The Federation Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) has established the "Three-Band System" as the international competition standard, used at both World and Regional Championships. The USAOCR National Team competing in the Short, Standard, and Relay Courses will need to be familiar with and adhere to these rules of competition when competing at the OCR World Championships.

Under the three-band system:

• Every athlete starts with three bands and loses one band per obstacle failure.
• Retries are allowed for non-hanging obstacles (e.g. walls, heavy carries, balance, etc.). However, if an athlete cannot complete the obstacle, a band will be removed by the Technical Official.
• No retries are allowed for hanging or overhead obstacles (e.g. rigs, monkey bars, etc.). If an athlete cannot complete the obstacle on the first attempt, a band will be removed.
• If an athlete loses all three bands, the athlete will be listed as “Did Not Complete” or "DNC" in the final results. 
• If an athlete fails one or two obstacles, he or she will complete the same amount of penalty loops at the end of the race as failed obstacles. 
• Every penalty loop is designed by the discretion of the race organizer. 

Additional rules:

• Overhead obstacles, (e.g. rigs) will have a yellow and black start line and finish line. An athlete must start before the start line and dismount beyond the finish line. Failed attempts or incidental touching of either line, or the ground, will result in a band removal. 
• Technical Officials will have the final ruling of obstacle completion. However, athletes may challenge a ruling (a fee will be assessed) at the end of the race but must do so within five (5) minutes after crossing the finish line. If the ruling stands, the fee will not be refunded. If the challenge is ruled in favor, a refund will be provided and results will change accordingly.