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Rules For Tractor High Cut Ploughing
1. PLOUGHS
• a. Plough bodies can be raised or lowered but cannot be raised out of the “ploughing” position.
• b. All plough bodies must be used when ploughing the finish.
• c. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
• d. Hydraulic top links and other hydraulic rams are not allowed.
2. TIME ALLOWED
• a. 5 hours to complete the plot. Penalty for failure to finish the plot at finishing signal – 10 points per minute or part minute.
• b. 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.
• c. Maximum of one hour only allowed for a breakdown.
3. OPENING
There is no opening.
4. START
• a. Start to consist of 11 or 12 furrows.
• b. Competitors to cast towards the next highest number plot.
5. FINISH
• a. Finish to consist of last 8 furrows.
• b. Last furrow to be ploughed towards competitor’s own start.
6. DEPTH
Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
Minimum depth 13 cm.
7. PLOUGHING
• a. Boats, smoothers, press wheels and chains may be used.
• b. Scratches may be handled but not removed.
• c. Width of furrows at competitors discretion.
8. GENERAL
• a. The first and second runs next to the neighbours’ plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
• b. Rolling of scratches or furrows is not allowed. Penalty – 20 points deduction.
• c. Twin tractor wheels are not allowed.
• d. Three sighting poles only (one may be placed on the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance allowed including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.
• e. Handling, treading or shaping of furrows is not allowed.
• f. Only one tractor and one plough wheelmark allowed at the finish.
• g. Only the competitor allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones, etc. Clearing stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
• h. The use of Global Positioning Technology, laser beams, or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices are not allowed.
• i. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty – 20 points.
9. SAFETY
• a. Passengers not allowed on tractors or ploughs at any time
• b. Society of Ploughmen safety policy to be adhered to at all times
10. FINAL DECISION
Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the chief steward whose decision is final and binding
Judges Method of Scoring – High Cut Ploughs
START (11 or 12 furrows) ............................................. 20
Uniform and level
SEED BED .............................................................................. 20
Weed control and soil made available
FIRMNESS ............................................................. 20
Firm, well packed furrows, no holes
UNIFORMITY ........................................................................20
Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing of furrows
FINISH .................................................................................... 20
Uniform and shallow
INS AND OUTS .................................................................... 20
Neat, accurate and regular
STRAIGHTNESS .................................................................. 20
Straightness of the whole plot
GENERAL APPEARANCE ................................................ 20
Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot
Maximum score: 160 points
FIXED PENALTY DEDUCTIONS
Two tractor wheel marks - Up to 20 points penalty
Finish wrong way - 20 points penalty
Depth infringement - 20 points per cm less than specified depth
Rolling - 20 points penalty
Failure to finish opening on time - 2 points per minute or part minute over time
Failure to finish plot by finishing signal - 10 points per minute or part minute over time
Abuse of officials or fellow competitors - 20 points penalty
Any other penalty deduction will be decided by the chief steward