Clock Rules

Download a copy of the Approved Clocks here plus full 2024 Clock Rule Book Here

NWHU _ Clock Rules

Rule 96; All members must time in their birds by means of a timing clock. No clock other than those recognised by the NWHU shall be used in any race. All clocks must carry a seal in transit and seal number must be recorded by the issuing society. Certificate issued for ETS clocks. All members must submit the clocks they intend using in the seasons races at least 14 days prior to the first race in which their society is to compete for three way testing. That within the three way test the locking bar on toulet clocks should only drop once. All mechanical clocks submitted for use in races shall be tested for a period of not less than 22 hours by clubs in each of the three positions, viz: upright in box, flat face down, flat face up and that a record be kept of the running of the clock which shall be signed by at least two persons conducting such a test. To be acceptable for use clocks must, when tested, have satisfied all the following requirements; (i) The maximum permitted rate of gain shall not exceed 5 seconds per hour. (ii) The maximum permitted rate of loss shall not exceed 5 seconds per hour. (iii) The difference between the variables in any two positions shall not exceed 5 seconds per hour. (iv) A certificate must be issued for a clock meeting and the test requirement.

Rule 97; Electro- Mechanical Electronic Clocks. Testing: clocks in this category submitted for use in races shall be tested by clubs for a period of not less than 22 hours during which any gain or loss must not exceed 5 seconds in the normal operating position and a record shall be kept of the running of the clock. When carrying out tests on t2, t3 t3s junior quartz clocks the following tests should be carried out with the clock closed. Ensure the thimble drum is in the start position (red showing) Push the plunger down until you hear the second “click”. The plunger will now be two thirds down position. If you release the plunger at this point it should not return to the start position. The action can now be completed by pushing down completely and then allowing it to return to the top position. If the plunger is pushed down to the second “click” and it returns to the start position the clock will have recorded a time, but the aperture may not have moved. It is essential to record the aperture number before and after use. Any clock found to have more prints than corresponding apertures is faulty. This test should be carried out at least twice. If a clock is found to be faulty then it cannot be used for competition. Checking: – on checking, a data print out must be obtained and on which must be written the competitors name(s), race point / date, name of organisation and clock setters signatures. The print information should be cross-checked against the digital display information in the clock itself. This must be done prior to the opening of the clock. In the event of a power cut or breakdown of the print-out the information contained on the digital display can be manually recorded. Stopped clocks.

Rule 98; Should any competitors clock stop or be rendered useless, they may have same reset by a member of the clock committee or time into the nearest competitors clock. The time allowance for reaching such a clock shall be at the rate of five minutes to the mile on foot, three minutes to the mile on cycle. No allowance shall be made for motor driven vehicles.

Rule 99; Should a clock have varied more than at the rate of 5 seconds per hour, a fast clock shall be regarded as correct; a slow clock shall have double the lost time added. A stopped clock shall be treated as a slow clock. The maximum penalty for a slow or stopped clock shall be the time recorded by the master timer when the clock is checked. Should a members clock stop through not being properly set or wound up the competitor shall have their entry fees and pool moneys returned in full. In the races where entries are double race rung, the above will apply in cases where one rubber ring from an entry is clocked. When a competitor in such races times the second ring into another clock (own or otherwise) and the clock into which the first rubber ring was clocked, stops or is rendered useless, then a velocity will be awarded on the times derived from the clock containing the second rubber ring. Running times to be allowed should this clock be at another competitor’s loft (nearest) then both clocks must be returned to headquarters for checking. Clock setting and checking

Rule 100; All clocks must be set by the official clock committee, who must sign names on back of dials and rolls used on clocks they set. Together with the name of race point and date. The clock record sheet or envelope must bear clock number, the time of setting, race and date. All printing clocks to show control strike at setting. Clock record sheets or envelopes and entry forms shall be placed in sealed boxes at headquarters at conclusion of clock setting. After the race the official appointed must fill in master, clock times and variations. One thimble only shall be taken at a time from the clock and checked. All clocks must be set and checked by master time taken from Greenwich over the radio by the last pip of the time signal or from the gpo speaking clock “tim’ obtainable over the telephone, and all organisations make their own arrangements as to the getting and distribution of greenwich time. ETS Radio clocks can be used as master timer for non ets clocks provided the radio clock has been synchronised. That when a master timer has paper dials it must be struck along with each members clock, both at setting and checking. That the number of the receptacle showing on a competitors clock, when set to receive the first bird, must be booked on the club clock sheet and checked at clock opening.

Rule 101; When a competitor has more than one clock set for a race they must nominate which is their number 1 clock. The only time they can use a second or subsequent clock is when the number 1 clock is rendered useless or in the event of certain races such as channel races when the number 1 clock has been taken to the societies headquarters for checking.

Rule 102; No member shall assist in any way in the setting and checking of their own clock. Return of clocks

Rule 103; All clocks set for a race must be returned to the club headquarters on the day that the bird is timed in if a velocity is to be awarded. If a bird is not timed in, the clock must be returned under seal. Clock recordings

Rule 104; All dials and rolls used in races must leave a complete and permanent record of punctures and imprints.

Rule 105; Anything arising not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the society’s committee, whose decision shall be final and binding, subject to appeal to the NWHU within 21 days.

Rule 106; Belgica and La Ledoise clocks must be struck twice within five seconds of timing in each bird. Thimble must be in the first hole of the double puncture.

Rule 107; That all members using clocks with open ended thimbles must insert thimbles in clocks open end down. Failure to do this entails disqualification.

Rule 108;clocks -2 dial toulet. That all clocks must be fitted with square spindle.

Rule 109; all toulet clocks must be three studded.

Rule 110; approved clocks. Only clocks new or second-hand which have been approved by the nwhu can be acceptable for races under the nwhu rules. (see list of approved clocks)

Rule 111; the union recognises modifications to clocks recommended by clock manufacturers and that the owners of such clocks must make the necessary changes without undue delay Sealing of clocks.

Rule 112; All clocks that require sealing shall be sealed with a recognised seal. It is the responsibility of the owner or the owner’s representative to ensure that the clock has been sealed. If the seal used at the time of sealing the members clock shall carry a serial number and/or letter, the same serial number and/or letter should be recorded and checked at unlocking.

Master timers;

Rule 113; that all clubs, federations, amalgamations and combines must use a master timer that leaves a permanent puncture or printed record. Thimble-less clocks That STB, benzing; and junior clocks can be used without the use of thimbles, without having to have a drum conversion. However, in the case of junior clocks, if these are used without the drum conversion, then a member must accept the responsibility for any damages caused to the clock – in other words these are used at members own risk. Click & clock inserts (instead of having a drum conversion) are to be allowed for junior clocks.

Appendix 1: Approved Clocks of the North West Homing Union Reference: Approved Clocks NWHU Web Site Downloads Appendix 2 Electronic Timing System, (ETS) Rules Ets systems approved for use by the union are: Benzing; bricon; mega; victory; tauris; tipes, unikon Ipigeon Note: all to be unives 1.7 protocol.