Below are the rules of running an AWPA Whipcracking Championship Event. If a member is running a state championship the common AWPA rules must be followed if they wish to have the AWPA promote and support the event. See here for other rules and regulations. Download our constitution here.

To be eligible to compete at an Australian Whipcracking Championships a competitor must have competed in an AWPA state title after the previous Australian Championship but before the next Australian Championship. World Bullock Whip Title is exempt from this rule.

Dress:

Suitable ‘Australian – type costume’ including a wide brimmed hat and boots, should be worn. Neat and tidy appearance is suggested. Sneakers, baseball caps, thongs, tee-shirts, and other inappropriate clothing will result in the deduction of points in presentation.

Whips:

Whips other than Australian Stockwhips made of leather will not be allowed. All whips must be safe to use and should be presented in a well-maintained condition.

Manners:

Competitors should acknowledge the judges before and after their performance and at all times conduct themselves in a sporting way. Points may be deducted from presentation score for failing to acknowledge the judges. Competitors in each event under progression must wait in a designated area while that competition is taking place.

Conduct:

Any competitor heard swearing while competing will be disqualified immediately.

Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking/Vaping:

No competitor, official, judge or compare is to be under the influence of alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, or drugs during the competition or while representing the AWPA.

No second-person or animal may be used by a competitor during the competition in any section.

Code of Ethics should be adhered to for all approved competitions, exhibitions, and demonstrations, not just AWPA Championship events.

Presentation:

Up to 10 points can be awarded by each judge for overall appearance, appropriate dress, presentation of whips, performance, confidence and spectator appeal.

Equipment:

Entrants may only use Australian Stockwhips comprising a handle, thong, and fall joined by a keeper. The whip must be plaited from leather. If the judges deem a whip is not in safe working order, the competitor will be asked to use a replacement whip. A Bullock Whip may be used in the Pee Wee division for one crack/routine.

Accuracy Component:

A whip at least 6 feet in length, from keeper to commencement of the fall, must be presented for measurement prior to, and then be used by each competitor in the accuracy component of the competition. (Not applicable to Pee Wees or Novice sections) 

For the Australian Titles the competitor will be required to cut 10, 6mm diameter,  paper straws from the target stands. 5 with the right hand and 5 with the left. A total of 20 points can be awarded in this section.

For the State Titles, the requirement is 6 straws, 3 with the right hand and 3 with the left hand. A total of 12 points can be awarded for this section

Points will be added to the total points of the freestyle sections to decide the overall winner. Failure to comply with the following may incur a nil score on a particular target:

• A cattleman's crack only must be used to cut the target on the downstroke.
• A competitor must not cross or touch the toe line at any time once the first crack at a target has been made.
• A competitor must not touch a straw that has been cut from the stand or interfere when the judges are making their decision on points to be awarded.

Points awarded will be

1  point for a clear touch of the straw. The straw will need to show evidence of the strike ie Bend or strike mark. 

2   points for a clean cut of the straw.

Judging Competitors Designated Routines:

A minimum of 2 Judges must be used. Each competitor will be required to fill out a carbon copy judges form and Competitor Profile Sheet on the day of the competition. On the judges form the competitor will fill out his/her designated cracks/routines. Competitors are encouraged to come up with their own original routines. Each routine/crack will be read out by the MC before the competitor completes the routine/crack. The AWPA whipcracking guide can be used as a reference for judges and competitors. A routine could be awarded from 1 up to 25 points depending on the difficulty. 

Judging Freestyle:

After all the routines/cracks have been completed the "Competitor Profile Sheet" will be read out by the MC giving a short rest to the competitor before completing their 30 second or 1 minute continuous freestyle routine, (depending on which section the competitor is competing in). Up to 30 points can be awarded in this section from each judge.

Protests:

After the scores have been released at the end of the event the individual competitor has 5 minutes to lodge an official protest with the event secretary or nominated person accompanied by a fee of $50. The judge's decision will then be final.

Freestyle Sections (Not all sections may be held):

(Novice-Any age), (Pee Wee, 8years and Under), (Juvenile's 12years and Under), (Junior's 16years and Under), (Ladies), (Men's), (Over 45's), and (Bullock Whip). Ages are as of the day of competition.

Novices:

Note!! Please remember that the novice section is there for members & one-day Members. Competitors in the Novice section can become a day member for the Novice section only. Only the Novice competitor can enter on the day of the competition. The competitor must have not won at any other AWPA Whipcracking competition. This event will be run as a support competition to the major titles being held and only run if time allows. All competitors are to be judged in a 1-minute period. You cannot enter any other section if competing as a novice competitor on the day. (Novice section will not be held at an Australian Championship)

Pee Wees are required to complete up to 5 designated routines/cracks and a 30second freestyle routine. 

Juveniles are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 10 designated routines/cracks, and a 30-second freestyle routine,

Juniors, Ladies, and Men are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 10 designated routines/cracks, and a 1-minute freestyle routine.

Over 45years are required to participate in the accuracy component, complete 5 designated routines/cracks, and a 1-minute freestyle routine. Over 45 years competitors can choose to compete in either the Men's/Ladies division or the Over 45's.

Bullock Whip

Entrants will be required to complete a 1 to 2 minute (judges discretion) routine with a bullock whip and will be given a score of the judge/s discretion. The bullock whip should measure a minimum of 7 1/2 ft (228.6 cm) in the thong and 5ft (152.4 cm ) in the handle. This section is open to any age. Dress rules apply.

Judges are looking for the 3 pioneering cracks performed in both left and right hands, plus a freestyle component

Public Liability Insurance Stipulations.

All members are covered in AWPA sanctioned competitions only. 

Sponsors.

Sponsors must be given the recognition that their level of sponsorship stipulates on the sponsorship page or their agreed terms.
Below are the details of running non-AWPA common rule events.

Whipcracking Promotions:

Promoting the art of whipcracking by AWPA members, the following should apply:
All non-championship events which are not National or State titles shall be conducted at the discretion of the individual/club hosting the event.
These events could include country shows, promotion events, or non-championship competitions and are not under the common AWPA Championship rules unless the organizer chooses to. Please Note* Promotion events may not cover individuals under the current AWPA insurance policy.

Whipcracking at Country Shows:

Promoting the art of whipcracking by AWPA members at country show level the following should/may apply, but not limited to:
AWPA Code of Ethics upheld.
Age Divisions-(1 minute cracking) Male or Female, at judges discretion

All Members Performing:

All members who are demonstrating or performing are expected to uphold the values of the AWPA.

Members who are seen to be misrepresenting our association could be subject to disciplinary action.

Code of Ethics

Dress:

Suitable ‘Australian – type costume’ including a wide brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and boots should be worn.

Conduct:

Members are expected to present themselves in a professional manner with no crude or rough language.

Alcohol/Drugs:

No performer is to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.