Protective Clothing and Helmets

Rules in Red updated 26 January 1999

Rules in Green updated 8 December 1999

Rules in Purple updated Conference 2000

IN ALL RACES AND OFFICIAL PRACTICES THE FOLLOWING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING MUST BE WORN:

T 3-1-1. Helmets

Protective helmets of approved types must be worn by competitors in competition, during practice, during grand parades, during demonstrations and testing, and on any other occasion that the Steward requires such helmets to be worn. Competitors surname must be on his helmet and must be of a minimum size of 12mm letters to be printed on the right hand side of the helmet.

T 3-1-2 Polycarbonate Helmets:

Competitors using polycarbonate helmets must use letterset labels for naming helmets. Polycarbonate Helmets that have been painted are banned from use in competition.

T 3-1-3 Competition Helmet Standard:

All helmets must carry a recognisable standard.
(a)
The following are the Helmet Standards approved for Competition in New Zealand:
(New Zealand): NZS 1884, NZS 5430:
(Europe): ECE 22-02, 03 or 04.
(b)
European Standard:
Approved number should always begin with 02, 03 or 04 - which is the homologation number of the helmet.
(c)
Each helmet under this standard will have a circle with an E and then a number from 1 to 22 in that circle. The European countries each have
a number as follows:
1=East Germany.    2=France
3=Italy.    4=Netherlands
5=Sweden.    6=Belgium
7=Hungary.    8=Czechoslovakia
9=Spain.    10=Yugoslavia
11=U K.    12=Austria
13=Luxembourg.    14=Switzerland
15=W Germany.    16=Norway
17=Finland.    18=Denmark
19=Romania.    20=Poland
21=Portugal.    22=not yet allocated.

A helmet under this standard will have a label similar to this:-
E4=021007or 0001.514    E3=as for "F.M." Helmets

(d)

Label should always be sewn on to the retention system and should include the serial production number below the approval number:
(Great Britain) BSI 2495 including Amendment 5. BSI 6658 Grade A.
(replaces lettering on label BS2495)
Label is further the same.
(Australia) AS 1698. Label on the inside.
(USA) D.O.T. FMVSS -218.
A sticker or printed lettering on the back of the helmet.
(France) AFNOR S - 72-305
Label is made of green cloth and has to be sewn on to the inner harness of the helmet. The above number is the serial number, the lower number is the approval number.
(Japan) JIS.T8133/1982 CLASS C.
The paper label is affixed on the inside of the helmet and is blue coloured. The number is a production serial number.
(U.S.A) SNELL.90 or SNELL.95
(Sweden) SIS 882411
(FINLAND) SF 3653
(Denmark) DS 2124

(e)

LASER MX 2 - DOT 218 - These helmets are approved but not if fitted with a peak not conforming to Rule T 3-1-4.

(f)

Helmets manufactured with standards other than those above can only be used in competition after approval by Speedway New Zealand. This approval will be given upon receipt of a certificate from the Standards Association of New Zealand or a competent authority stating that such standard meets one of the above standards.

(g)

It is NOT S N Z's duty to provide helmet approval from other competent authorities. This up to the competitor or distributor.

(h)

Helmets not providing temple protection will not be permitted for competition use, even if carrying the mark of approval of overseas controlling bodies. In particular, helmets to B.S. 2001 or to B.S. 1869 prior to B.S. 1869/62 even if approved in overseas countries WILL NOT BE APPROVED FOR COMPETITION USE IN NEW ZEALAND.

(i)

Despite the foregoing the Steward has the right to reject any helmet he considers unsafe through age and condition.

T 3-1-4. Helmet Peaks.

(a)

Helmet peaks if worn must be of a flexable material, ie. something that will bend or deform, then return to the original shape.

(b)

Peaks constructed of metal or perspex will not be permitted.

(c)

Any type of peak not permanently attached to the helmet, must be held on with a strap, attached by press studs or original Manufacturers fastening system. Under no circumstances will the attaching of peaks by selftapping screws or by nuts and bolts be permitted.

T3-1-5. Care of Helmets:

(a)

Make sure your helmet is not subject to solvents or fuel in storage or transport to and from and during meetings.

(b)

Solvents of any kind must not be used to clean your helmet - use soap and water.

(c)

Any sticker should only be placed on a helmet by using the adhesive provided on the sticker

(d)

Do not place your helmet where it can be subject to sunlight, e.g. car wlndows, etc.

(e)

SNZ strongly recommends on advice from manufacturers that you do not use a helmet more than three years.

(f)

Make sure your helmet is not dropped, or subjected to abuse in any way. If this happens have it re-examined by a qualified person or replace it.

T3-1-6. Goggles and Face Shields:

(a)

Goggles or face shields must be worn by all competitors.

(b)

The lenses of goggles must be made of non-splinterable material such as safety glass or flexible plastic.

(c)

Face shields must be of a flexible material, and the use of metal or rigid plastic (perspex) face shields is not permitted.

T3-1-7. Dentures:

All Drivers are advised to remove dentures before racing in an event.

T3-2. Clothing

(a)

All vehicle owners, drivers and pit crew must wear suitable attire in the pits and on the track to the satisfaction of the Clerk of the Course.

(b)

Nylon Banned:

The wearing of nylon jackets or overalls by any competitor, pusher or pit crew is not permitted. The competitor must also ensure he does not wear nylon underwear, shoes or socks.

(c)

Shoes or boots must be worn. Barefeet, sandals, jandals or such like will not be permitted. This also applies to pit crew.

(d)

All pit crew must wear full length long sleeve overalls or suitable team uniform.

T3-2-1. Solo/Sidecar:

(a)

All competitors, including sidecar passengers must wear leather jackets, leather trousers, leather knee boots, and leather gloves or other suitable protective clothing, i.e. Vinyl type suits, and an approved back brace.

(b)

Skid shoes or metal slippers to be in good order, and binding to be leather strap at least 19mm wide and 2.4mm thick, with buckles in good order (Scrutineers to inspect regularly)

(c)

Two-piece leathers must be attached together, that is pants and jacket by zips or domes.

T3-2-2.

Three Quarter Midget, Midget, Sprintcar, Modified Sprints, Minisprint and Modified:

(a)

All drivers must wear full length long sleeve Proban, Nomex blend (or material possessing the same protection rating) protective clothing with close fitting fronts, cuffs and ankles.

(b)

The wearing of flame retardent gloves while driving in competition and practices is compulsory.

(c)

The use of neckbraces, padded neck collars gloves manufactured of flame resistant material, arm, restraints are compulsory, balaclavas optional.

T3-2-3.

Saloons, Stockcars, Standard Stocks and Streetstocks:

(a)

All drivers to wear full length, long sleeve Proban, Nomex blend (or material possessing the same protection rating), clothing with close fitting front, cuffs and ankles and gloves