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THE RULES OF POLAR COMPETITION

There is no global organisation monitoring polar travel, nor is there a board of experts working together towards an internationally recognised framework to monitor polar travel; any rules that exist have been defined by private organisations. A more credible set of definitions and parameters is needed for those who want to engage in a more ‘competitive’ kind of polar exploration.

Cold and harsh environments with constant changes in conditions do not lend themselves to true competition but while the trend to compete exists, some guidelines are required. The following ones are reproduced with permission from Explorersweb (www.thepoles.com).

Assist

This is the outside help received by an expedition. The most common form of polar assist is air re-supply.

Labels

 Unassisted

 Assisted – re-supplies

 Assisted – emergency (this category also applies if one or more members leave an ongoing expedition)

SUPPORT

External power aids used for significant speed and load advantage. Typical aids are wind power (kites), animal power (dogs) or engine power (motorised vehicles). Only human-powered expeditions are considered unsupported. Human-powered equipment such as skis, snowshoes and sleds is not considered support. Navigation aids such as compass and GPS are not considered support. Safety aids such as radios, satellite phones and location beacons are not considered support.