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“In the Interest of the Pigeon” /” Consider all the birds not just the first bird”

To uphold our commitment to the welfare of racing pigeons, we have set out the following guidelines for race liberations and participation in the 2026 season. Please take careful note of the key points below:

Race Rules

All liberations, basketing, clocking and results will take place under the SARPU General Racing Rules and the On the Day Racing (ODRA) Rules.
Rules are published on: www.olsarpu.co.za and www.odra.co.za.

Transport Membership

To take part in all the programs of the 2026 season, members must purchase an annual transport basket at a cost of R2,950 per 25-bird basket.

This includes:
• Transport of racing/training birds for 15 weeks as per the race program.
• Transport of sprint birds to 12 official sprint races.
• Entry into the Golden Drop Challenge (Races 6–15) with a 1 Oz bullion Krugerrand prize estimated value ± R 70,000 projected ahead.
• Weekly cleaned baskets with seals and fresh bedding.
• Full race secretary administration with live results via Pigeonprogram.com.
• R5,000 theft and accident insurance cover per basket.

Golden Drop Competition

• Open to all lofts, including non-SARPU transport clients.
• Entry fee: R950 per team  for non-SARPU members
• 10-Sprint Race series: 11 July 2026 – 12 September 2026.
• Conditions to qualify as a “Golden drop” and earn the Krugerrand:

Teams must achieve an LG score of ≤ 0.075 KLPHF all birds home before 20:hrs   -.

Team Sizes

• Each team may consist of 25 birds of any age.
• Members may enter as many teams as they wish, based on baskets purchased.
• If no nominations are made, the first 25 birds basketed will count for Plus 1 and LG averages first 5 birds count, and the first 15 basketed, first 4 birds count for the Goldendrop Competition
• Best Bird points will accumulate from all birds raced, across all teams.

Young Bird Inclusion

• Young birds will score points in both Open and Young Bird races.

Sprint Series

• The official 12-race Sprint Series will count seperate from race series,  each with there own Plus 1 and LG averages.
• Members may choose their participation (race, sprint, or training) by marking their baskets accordingly. markers will be provided.

Training Flights – Stilfontein

• 14 Friday training flights from Stilfontein will continue as usual.
• Birds will be liberated as early as conditions allow.

Liberation Rules

• Liberation sites listed in the program are indicative only.
• Final sites may change depending on weather forecasts at www.windfinder.com.
• Final announcements will be made by 10:00 hrs on the day before the race.

Competitors must:
• Prepare birds based on expected hours on the wing, not distance.
• Note that estimated arrival times are calculated for the furthest lofts.

Liberation Details:
• Yearlings and Old birtds in all races will be liberated simultaneously.
• Liberation times will follow the program but is confirmed by onsite observation using:
  - An Android Lux Light Meter app – 500 Lux = sunrise.
  - Clear visibility of at least 10 km.
  - Safe weather conditions (no strong winds >30 km/h, no heat >30°C, no rain/hail/snow on route).