GENERAL REGULATIONS

The waiver and release form must be signed by each participant before the start or is accepted by using the online registration. A valid G26.3 (for German startes) with completed respiratory protection training is only required for participation in the individual competition. Each starter must be able to prove his respiratory protection fitness with an official document on the day of the competition.

To be included in the official ranking categories, each participant must be a member of a professional, industrial, or volunteer fire department, the THW (Technical Relief Agency), or the state/federal police (see special regulations for both groups under Equipment). FireFit Europe reserves the right to grant exceptions or introduce additional ranking categories.

Starting Order and Procedures: The starting order is generally determined by the competitors’ personal best times, which are requested during registration. If no best time is provided, the starting order will be assigned randomly. This ensures that competitors face opponents with similar times to keep races exciting. Event staff and volunteers will be integrated into the start field in a logistically efficient manner. Preliminary start lists are published for general guidance only and are not binding. Participants do not have a right to the start position listed and should be available at the beginning of the competition day. Start blocks of 10 competitors will be announced regularly. These athletes should remain near the start tent. As soon as the previous competitor begins their run, the next competitor must be in full protective gear inside the start tent. Each run, including reset time, typically takes three to eight minutes. The current start numbers are displayed at the HAIX Tower. If a competitor fails to appear “ready-to-race” at the start tent after multiple calls, they forfeit their right to compete without a refund of the entry fee.

To ensure that the competition remains as close as possible to real-life firefighting scenarios, all participants must wear appropriate gear, regardless of weather conditions:

Participants must wear properly fitted protective clothing that complies with the current DIN standard or a national standard applicable to the competitor. The clothing must always be available for inspection and must be fully functional (i.e., no holes, tears, missing inner lining, frayed seams, etc.) and approved for interior firefighting. Before taking the starting position, all fastenings (Velcro, zippers, hooks, etc.) on the jacket must be fully closed (except for the Velcro strap at the neck), and the pants must cover the boot shaft when standing.

• • Helmet (Approved for interior firefighting at the time of certification [independent of national standards]; neck protection and visor are optional; custom paint is allowed)
  • Jacket & Pants (DIN EN 469, Level 2)
  • Gloves (Interior firefighting gloves according to DIN EN 659)
  • Boots (DIN EN 15090, Type 2 or Type 3)

National standards may include HuPF, NFPA 1971.2013Ed., OSHA 29 CFR, or NIT 306 2005. All equipment must have appropriate labeling to allow for inspection.

THW personnel compete in their official operational clothing and are ranked separately. State and federal police personnel compete in their official protective gear (SK4 vest and ballistic helmet or KSA) and are ranked separately.

All gear worn at the start, including non-mandatory items (such as action cams, sunglasses, attachments, carabiners, etc.), must be carried by the competitor until the finish line. Lost equipment must be retrieved immediately by the active competitor (in tandem/team events, the competitor must still be active in their task). The competitor must pause their run, properly reattach the lost item, and only then continue the course (if required). Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

Dräger SCBA and masks will be provided and must be worn by all participants. The use of personal masks or regulators is strictly prohibited. Any modifications or attachments to the provided breathing apparatus are also forbidden, including tying knots in the straps. To ensure a secure fit, Velcro straps for chest-level attachment will be available at the start as an optional aid. The regulator will be connected by a referee before the start. If the regulator disconnects without an apparent reason, the competitor will be granted a restart after sufficient recovery time. If the competitor causes the disconnection, it will result in disqualification.

In the individual class, the competition will take place with the breathing apparatus attached. For tandem and relay starts, the respirator will be shouldered but not connected. A flame protection hood is not required.

Each participant is assigned an official referee for the duration of their run. The referee observes the competitor throughout the entire course to ensure compliance with the rules. A referee’s decision is binding and final. Referees are identifiable by their black-and-white shirts.

The Course Marshall oversees all referees and holds ultimate responsibility for the competition. In any rule-related disputes, the Course Marshall’s decision is final. He can be recognized by his black-and-red shirt. If a participant can prove a referee’s incorrect decision through video footage, they may present the video to the Course Marshall. This must be done within the next two subsequent runs and with a maximum of one accompanying person. If the Course Marshall determines an undeniable mistake, they may correct the result. The Course Marshall’s decision is final.

Team Ranking: The team score is calculated by adding the fastest three individual times of each team. Important: Team names must be written identically for times to be counted together!

FireFit Europe firmly opposes drug use and maintains a strict doping-free competition policy. The use of banned substances or alcohol consumption before competing is strictly prohibited. If a competitor is found violating this policy, they will be disqualified and banned from the competition. FireFit Europe reserves the right to conduct random drug tests.

Competitors must complete the course within the allocated time limit: Men: 6 minutes, Women: 7 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the run will be terminated immediately, regardless of the participant’s position on the course. Additionally, the Course Marshall may stop a competitor’s run at any time if they believe the participant poses a health risk to themselves or others. Every participant should know their limits! Just like in a real fire emergency, competitors should manage their energy wisely to complete the course safely and without harm.