The off-season is here, and that means it’s time to make the rule book better. ERCU is inviting all members to submit proposed rule changes for the Competition Committee to consider ahead of the 2027 season.
Any ERCU member can propose a change to an existing rule, an entirely new rule, or the deletion of a rule that no longer serves the club. Proposals can cover any of the club’s rule books: the Racing Rules, General Rules or the Technical Manual. They can apply to the 1/10 scale division, the 1/7 scale division, or both.
Competition Directives introduced in the 2026 season (for collisions and for 1/10 scale motor rules – see https://ercu-hydros.com/rules/) are already automatically submitted for proposed permanent rule changes.
The deadline to submit is Sunday, November 15.
Why the early deadline?
Getting proposals in by mid-November gives the Competition Committee time to review each one carefully, discuss it, and prepare recommendations. The goal is to wrap up the committee’s review by mid-December so that any proposed changes can go out to the membership for a vote before the end of the year. That way, everyone will know the rules well before the first race of 2027, and builders will have the whole winter to prepare.
How to submit a proposal
Proposals are submitted online using the Rule Change Proposal form at ercu-hydros.com/rule-change-proposal. Here’s how to put together a strong one:
- Start with the current rules. Open the 2026 rule books and find the exact rule number and page your proposal affects. If you’re proposing a new rule, note where in the rule book it would fit.
- Quote the current rule exactly. Paste the existing rule word for word into the “Current rule” box. (Leave it blank if you’re proposing something brand new.)
- Write the new rule exactly as you want it to read. Don’t just describe the idea. Write the actual wording you’d like to see in the rule book. If you’re proposing a deletion, simply write “Delete.”
- Note any other rules affected. Changing one rule sometimes means others need adjusting too. Listing them helps the committee see the full picture.
- Explain why. A short, clear explanation of the reason and intent behind your proposal is required, and it makes a big difference. It helps the committee understand what you’re trying to fix, and it helps fellow members when the proposal comes up for a vote.
The form also asks for your name, email, division, which rule book is affected and the type of proposal. All changes adopted this winter will take effect for the 2027 season.
Questions?
If you’re not sure how to word a proposal or which rule it affects, reach out through the Contact page or talk to any member of the Board of Directors. The best rules come from the people on the water, so if something in the rule book has been bugging you, now’s the time to speak up.
Submit your proposal by November 15: ercu-hydros.com/rule-change-proposal