1. ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible to compete in any event run under the jurisdiction of the AVCC - VVCC, the competitor must be a financial member of a State/Territory body affiliated to the AVCC and must be covered by racing insurance.

2. AGE QUALIFICATION. Membership is accepted on the 1st. of January of the year in which a male reaches 35 years of age or a female 30 years of age.

3. MISCONDUCT. A competitor who is guilty of misconduct, disobeying an official, using undesirable language, striking or attempting to strike another member during the progress of an event, or at a place where the event is being conducted, shall be suspended or fined or both.

4. JUDGING. The finish of a race shall be judged by the first part of a bike that reaches an imaginary line approximately 343 mm above the finish line.

5. FLAGS. A black and white checkered flag shall denote a race finish. A red flag denotes danger and cyclists must stop if directed by the official displaying the flag. If a red flag is displayed from an official vehicle in a controlled race, no cyclist may pass until the flag has been withdrawn.

6. EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING. Race numbers must be prominently displayed at all times. Numbers must not be folded or damaged in any way and must be returned immediately after the finish. An approved and securely fastened helmet must be worn at all times whilst riding. Competitors should be neatly attired at the start of a race and at race presentations. Racing jerseys must be designed so as to cover the upper arms and shoulders. Only dropped road racing handlebars shall be permitted in group racing while bars such as "spinachi" bars and "tri" bars shall only be permitted for use in time trials. Handlebar ends must be plugged. It is an offence to compete on any bicycle that is not mechanically sound and maintained to the highest safety standards. "Singles" if used must be securely glued to the rim and road bicycles must be equipped with two efficient, independent brakes.

7. MECHANICAL MISHAPS. If a mechanical mishap occurs (such as a puncture, machine damage or a fall) approaching the finish of a race, the competitor may finish on foot with the bicycle in hand to qualify for a finishing prize. In a criterium race, if a mechanical mishap occurs, time shall be allowed for the competitor to re-enter the race. The time allowed shall be determined by the referee and the competitors informed before the race. A competitor allowed such time shall not gain an advantage in terms of their placing in the field when re-entering the race.

8. GENERAL RACING RULES. All competitors are expected to obey the state/territory traffic laws which includes keeping to the left of the carriageway on open roads and not crossing double white lines. Competitors should avoid obstructing other traffic. Dangerous riding will not be tolerated and the referee shall discipline any rider deemed to be guilty of any act that endangers other riders or road users. At any time during a race that a sprint occurs the sprint rules shall apply whereby sprinting riders shall keep to a straight line. Anyone suddenly veering, pushing, pulling or in any other way causing danger or obstruction to other riders shall be penalised at the discretion of the referee. Competitors who receive outside assistance during a road race, such as holding on to or receiving pace from a moving vehicle or from non or retired competitors or who receive refreshments or bike assistance (unless specifically sanctioned before the race) shall be disqualified. A competitor who is caught or lapped by another grade in a scratch race must not interfere with nor assist any other competitor nor participate in any sprints. The lapped rider/riders must give way to the passing rider or group. It is a serious offence to sit in a bunch or share pace once lapped. Competitors must present themselves to the start 2 minutes before their starting time or may be held for those two minutes.

9. PENALTIES. Any rider breaching the above racing rules shall be liable for a fine, disqualification or suspension or any combination of the three at the discretion of the referee. Any competitor fined by his club or state/territory body shall not be permitted to compete in any race under any body affiliated with the AVCC until such time as the penalty or suspension has been finalised. Penalties shall be set by the relevant state/territory body. In AVCC championships the penalties of the promoting state/territory shall apply.

10. APPEALS. Appeals against a referee's decision must be made in writing within 30 minutes of the competitor being informed of the decision. A deposit of $50 shall be paid and may be forfeited if the appeal is considered frivolous. The appeal board shall consist of three persons including and appointed by the most senior VVCC councilor present provided that none are in any way involved with the dispute.

11. PRIZES AND PLACINGS. Competitors who believe they have qualified for a prize shall claim their placing with the claim steward immediately after the finish. Prize winners shall attend prize giving ceremonies unless they have been granted dispensation by the race organizer.

SPECIAL NOTE. Under an agreement with Cyclesport Victoria, a rider suspended from competition by either Cyclesport Victoria or the VVCC shall automatically be suspended for the same period from competition with both bodies.