Event Overview

Eligibility

The American Canoe Association is the sanctioning body of the ACA Sprint National Championships. The ACA Sprint National Championships is open to current American Canoe Association competition members who are United States citizens, United States permanent residents, or holders of current United States work visas.

Eligible athletes are permitted to represent current ACA Paddle America Clubs, or compete as Unaffiliated.

International Competitors may enter but shall be subject to the progression rules for International Competitors.

For the purposes of eligibility to enter ACA Sprint National Championships, all participants must have a current competition membership through August 25, 2021.

Team Leader & Scratch Meeting

The ACA Sprint National Championships Team Leader & Scratch meeting will be held virtually and/or in-person on Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. in the Devon Boathouse. NOTE: only scratches and competitor substitutions will be allowed.

The ACA Sprint National Championships Team Leader & Scratch meeting is open to current ACA Paddle America Club coaches and team leaders.

No later than seven (7) days prior to the first day of competition a virtual pre-scratch meeting will be held with a member of the Competition Committee to resolve entry issues and to complete any unresolved team boats.

A revised draft order of events which will include the names of the competitors in each event, distributed into heats or finals, will be sent to each team leader/coach at least five (5) days prior to the first day of competition.

Arrival Information

The Boathouse District will open to all ACA Sprint National Championships trailers, participants, and patrons on Tuesday, August 17 at 8 a.m.

Trailer Parking

Trailer parking will be located in the Devon Boathouse Parking lot. All trailer spots will be pre-assigned. Please check-in upon arrival with boat trailers and adhere to posted signage.

Boat Storage and Club Tents

Each club will have a pre-assigned location for boat storage and club tents at the venue. Security personnel will be on duty from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. If clubs are interested in renting a commercial tent locally, please contact the Race Director.

Notice: Club tents cannot be set up until 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17.

Athlete Check-In

A single representative from each club must check their club in on Thursday, August 19 between 12 – 2 p.m. Athlete check-in will be located at the front desk on the second story of the Devon Boathouse.

Awards Banquet

The ACA Sprint National Championships Awards Banquet will be held on Tuesday, August 24 in the late evening after the conclusion of racing.

Athlete admission to the ACA Sprint National Championships Awards Banquet is included in the athlete entry fee. Additional banquet tickets can be pre-purchased by family and friends through August 14 for $35 here. Please see additional information pertaining to coach admission under Additional Banquet Tickets & T-Shirts here.

Race Course

A seven (7) mile stretch of the North Canadian River has been transformed into a series of river lakes bordered by landscaped areas, trails and recreational facilities and is known as The Oklahoma River. The Oklahoma River is dam controlled and has no measurable current. From the Boathouse District, paddlers can access a four (4) kilometer stretch of water. The Oklahoma River is 10 – 12 feet deep. 

Traffic Pattern

All athletes must use the North shore as a warmup lane during competition.

Starting Gates

RIVERSPORT plans to install starting gates at the 200m. All other races will use floating starts.

Night Racing

The 2021 ACA Sprint National Championships will feature selected events 500m and shorter in the late evening, or at night under stadium lighting, creating a memorable experience for the racers and spectators alike!

Program and Order of Events

The order of events will be added to the ACA Sprint National Championships website after its final approval by the America Canoe Association.

Boat Control

All boats are subject to weight and measurement specifications throughout competition. Boat Control will be open August 19-20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for self-controlling. On competition days, Boat Control will open one hour prior to the start of the first event.

Clubs and athletes must supply their own sprint boat numbers. Distance event numbers will be supplied by RIVERSPORT.

Notice: There will be a $10 charge for each distance event number not returned.

Inclement Weather Policy

The Chief Official and the LOC will work together to monitor the weather continuously during the event. Should it be determined that schedule changes are necessary due to weather concerns, the following communication plan will be utilized.

Clubs are responsible for staying updated on announced schedule changes.

• Delay racing later the same day if time is available.
• Begin racing earlier than previously announced.  Announcement will be made no later than 3 hours before racing or 9:00 p.m. the evening before in the case of morning racing.
• Combine events within the same boat class, but across age categories.
• Cancel regatta.