Conditions of entry

Overview of Race

The birds will be maintained at "Classic" loft, under the same conditions, trained and treated equally with no preference given to any bird housed and for the sole purpose of competing in the "Classic". The loft is located at Koorainghat near Taree N.S.W. on the property of Mark Johnston, the Event Manager.

All birds to be delivered to the loft between the 1st October and the 1st March (birds will be accepted outside these dates as long as arrangements have been made with the Event Manager) and must comply with the following criteria:

1. Approximately 30 days old and weaned (younger / older birds sent at owner's own risk)
2. To be free from disease and parasites
3. Bear a current life ring (to qualify as a young bird)
4. In the event of birds arriving ill, the Event Manager reserves the right to refuse any entry, if in his opinion the bird does not satisfy any of the above, or becomes ill at any stage while at the loft and does not respond to treatment within seven days, the bird will be destroyed to protect all other entrants. The owner will be permitted to enter another bird (replace the bird) up until the closing date of 1st March. If the bird falls ill after 1st March and is destroyed, it is deemed LOST.

No refund of entry fees will be made if a bird does not meet the above criteria.

Entry Nomination Fee

• The entry fee shall be $50 per bird nominated. However for every FIVE (5) fully paid birds you receive one free entry in the event. (This means pay $250 and you can send SIX (6) birds deemed all fully paid.)
• The final date for nominations will be the 1st March each year or upon receipt of the last bird to fill the required loft nomination.
• Only nominations with full payment received will be the accepted for the race and able to compete for the prize money
• The Event Manager reserves the right to refuse entry into the race to any bird/s delivered to the loft for the said competition.
• The Official entry form is to accompany all birds upon delivery to the loft.
• If a bird is delivered to the loft without arrangements made with the Event Manager and is deemed not to be fully paid, it will be forfeited to the Event and the bird can be placed into the loft as a 'loft spare' with the owner / breeder receiving no rights to prize or pool monies won by the bird. No REFUNDS of any prepayments will be made.

Lost Birds and Loft Spares

• NO REFUNDS of any prepayments will be made under any circumstances
• Under NO circumstances will refunds be made for lost birds. This includes; breaking in, training tosses, accidents, non return from race, illness, theft, injury, birds of prey or third party fault. (This list is not restrictive.)
• If your bird is lost before the race, then the bird may be replaced by a 'loft spare' allocated by ballot. The ballot will be carried out the week before the race. Any excess of 'loft spares' will be offered for entry for a fee of $60 per bird and be on a "first in" basis and only these paid 'loft spares' are eligible for prizes . ALL 'loft spares' remain the property of the LOFT and ownership is NOT purchased, only entry to the race.

Pool Section

For the race various pools denominations shall be open at approx. 10.00 am on the morning of the race. Entrants in the race have until this time to nominate for the various pools, after this time 10.00am pools will be considered open to all interested parties. The various pools are optional and only participants in these sections of the event are eligible for the prizes allocated from the entry fees collected.

No race prizes will be paid in cash; this includes pools, for accounting purposes.

Additional Conditions

• The Event Manager and committee reserves the rights to amend any conditions of the Taree Invitation 5000 Classic which will enhance the development, and participation of the entrants.
• The Event Manager and committee controls the race and decisions in all matters dealing with the Classic, including declaration of the results shall be final and binding on all the entrants
• In the event that more than one pigeon is declared the winner of a prize, the prize will be divided evenly amongst the respective entrants.
• All funds shall be held in a financial institution nominated by the Event Management in the name of Taree Invitation 5000 and this account will retain and receive any interest on money invested. This account will be maintained for the purpose of holding prize money and day to day costs of running the event. Only legitimate expenses will be deducted, all other money goes into the prize pool.
• Prizes will be declared at a rate of three prizes for the first 100 birds and then at a rate of 1 additional prize per every 25 entries after that. (E.g. 200 entries=7 prizes.)
• The loft is available for inspection by prior arrangement with the Event Manager.
• Under NO circumstances will the entrant or any other person be able to catch / handle any birds for closer inspection without authorisation of the Event Manager
• If no bird homes in race time, the total prize pool will jackpot to the next year's race.
• The entrants may have the opportunity to basket his/her bird/s if time permits. Basketing will usually take place on the evening two days before the race (Basket Friday night for Sunday Lib)
• Entrants and interested parties will have a BBQ and refreshments available while awaiting the arrival of the birds.
• All cheques in regard to entry fees are to be made out to Taree Invitation 5000. Pool monies should be cash
• The race will close at sunset on the second day.
• Non pigeon flyers are encouraged to participate in the event, to help promote the sport. Syndicates are also welcomed.
• All prize money, including pools, will be paid by cheque within 30 days of the conclusion of the event and mailed to the winners.
• An electronic timing system will be used to verify the winners and positions and to monitor pre-race training.
• Watches donated as prizes supplied by Maxum.
• All prizes donated by sponsors are not redeemable for cash or transferable and the onus is on the prize winner to arrange delivery / collection of their prize.

Old Birds

Old birds can be flown from the loft, but they will not compete for prizes in the Classic race. They may only compete in the optional charity event (if held).