PUMPER CONTEST RULES
6-Man Pumper Drill
The President shall appoint the chairman and co-chairman, judges, timekeepers, and starter. There
shall be three judges, three timekeepers, and a starter. The chairman shall have charge of the drawing for
places, getting equipment, and spotting of truck at the hydrant. The chairman of the contest shall not keep
time, but must accept the time given him by the timekeepers. All judges and timekeepers shall be entitled
to a vote on any questions that may arise. The chairman shall not vote except in case of tie.
The racing chairman shall be empowered to replace any committeeman incompetent to perform his
duties.
The judges shall be three in number: one at the rear of the pumper and one on each side of the
pumper. The three timekeepers shall position themselves as near as possible to the 100-foot line painted
on the street.
Any team trying to win by fraud, deception, or foul play, or in any dishonorable or ungentlemanly
way, or shall disobey, infringe upon or evade any of the requirements of these rules and regulations
before or during the contest, shall be barred from competing in that race, the judges to decide on the
matter.
The chairman shall take up all complaints of the contest with the judges, and their findings shall be
final. All complaints must be made immediately following a team’s run. At the state convention the
racing team chairman shall be in charge.
Any team captain or member of his team who violates these rules, automatically disqualifies the team
for that particular meet.
Sufficient room for the competing teams to operate in during their race shall be maintained by the
judge during the race.
At the end of the races the data shall be assembled by the secretary, and after the results have been
announced, the official copy shall be filed as part of the regular minutes of the meeting.
Firemen’s Pumper Drill
The working order of the drill shall be as follows: pumper to be set at hydrant, motor silent, hydrant
wrench in the seat on the floorboard, wrench will be allowed to extend out of the cab as each team sees fit
as it will not fall off (in cab forward design trucks, judges may designate wrench in a more appropriate
position), doors open, hard suction in its regular position if at all possible, unlocked with swivel at either
end as team captain desires.
After drill has started, position of pumper cannot be changed.
After truck is set, a white line six (6) inches wide and ten (10) feet long shall be painted on the street
100 feet from the tailboard of the truck.
The same nozzle and non-adjustable hydrant wrench shall be used by all teams and these shall be
furnished by the host city or the State Association.
Enough 2½ inch hose shall be provided so that no sections shall have to be used more than five (5)
times during the race. It shall be the duty of the judges to check all couplings to see that they shall be the
same for all teams. The judges shall see that all hoses have water run through immediately prior to the
start of the race.
All connections shall be checked by the judges to see that all are the same for all teams before each
team runs, and all caps shall be on the plug, the hard suction intake, and the discharge, and shall be set by
the judges prior to each run.
No team member of any competing teams shall make any connection at any position before their team
runs. If any doubt arises regarding any coupling or threads, the judges shall try that coupling to the team’s
satisfaction and that it will operate efficiently.
All team members of competing teams must be active or retired members of the fire department they
represent and can participate on only one team at any convention.
The number of men in the drill team shall not exceed six (6), or more than one at any position on the
truck. Position of men at starting signal shall be as follows: two men on seat of pumper, sitting in natural
position, facing forward, one man on each side of truck on running board forward of the hard suction
intake, facing truck, and two men on rear platform, body erect, toes forward and, if possible, feet entirely
on the running boards. Both men on the side running boards and men on the rear platform may have their
heels hanging off the running board in case of the running board being too narrow for the feet to be
accommodated, provided the toes shall touch the body of the truck. Men must remain in this position,
hands extended overhead, until starting signal is given. After signal is given, the men may work as they
choose to accomplish the following: connect hard suction hose to hydrant and to pump. Pull continuously
100 feet of 2½ inch hose from the hose bed and in an approximate straight line to a point where the
coupling at end of said 100-foot hose clears the hose bed (not the rear platform), take play pipe nozzle
from rear platform of truck and connect to end of hose. Connect other end of hose to pumper, open valve
on hydrant and truck and allow water to flow until a stream emerges from the nozzle. Hose may be
extended to its full length as long as the nozzle is behind the 100-foot marker on the street when the water
comes through it.
Hose may be loaded as the team desires, but must come out of the hose bed in approximately a
straight line. No skid, twist or other loads on the third section of the hose that will permit hose to come
out in any other manner than a straight line shall be allowed.
After all the hose has been loaded into the hose bed, the judge shall ask the team captain of the team
on the truck if his hose is loaded and ready for inspection. The judge shall set the coupling to be broken in
the race after the competing team completes its loading, immediately before the team runs. This coupling
shall be set the same for each team.
Nobody, except those pulling the hose, shall grab the hose until the coupling at the 100-foot section
clears the hose bed (not rear platform). Teams do not have to touch the 100-foot mark on the street, but
must pull off 100 feet of the hose.
The first pullman off the rear platform shall be the only man to reach into the hose bed.
The time of the contest shall be judged from the time the starting signal is given until a continuous
flow (not a surge or spurt) of water passes from the nozzle over the line 100 feet from the rear of the
truck. Timekeepers shall clock the time when a continuous stream of water passes over the 100-foot mark.
Any team that has a blow-off at any connection or of the nozzle before time is clocked at the 100-foot
line shall be given a “no-time” by the judge. All connections must be screwed on in such a manner that it
will remain in place without being held on until time is clocked by the timekeepers. Only the team
member at the nozzle may be touching the hose with his hands, and person at hydrant may still be turning
the hydrant on.
Any team deliberately aiming, or tossing hard suction in the eyes of the judge shall be disqualified.
After a team has established a valid time (or received a valid no-time) it shall not be permitted to
rerun in the event if the equipment shall become inoperative, replaced or relocated. All teams with valid
time or valid no-time shall retain their established times and shall be eligible for all prizes. No team shall
be given a second chance to run unless a defect in equipment occurs while said team is running. In such
an event, this team shall be allowed to rerun.
Any conditions that may arise that are not covered by these rules shall be governed by the racing
committee and one representative of each competing team before races start. After races start any
conditions that arise shall be governed by a ruling of the judges only.
The chairman of the subcommittee may be authorized to employ four men to assist in handling hose
and equipment during races.
The host city shall not be allowed to enter the contest for prize money. Host team at the state
convention will be allowed to compete for trophy. Also, the host city shall run first.
Only one team from each city can enter the contest at the state convention. Each district may enter
one team at the state convention. No more than two members can be from the same town and they cannot
run on another team. Each member must be registered.
No racing team or city shall use the host city’s pumper to practice or drill on within a period of three
(3) months prior to the convention date.
If pumper races are held at night all positions shall be well-lit (both sides of truck, plug, rear of truck,
and hose running area).
The same starting cadence shall be used for every contest - timekeepers ready, judges ready, team
ready, hands in air, get set, go (or shoot gun).
A set of racing rules shall be given each judge prior to races and shall remain in his possession until
after completion of the races. He shall study and fully familiarize himself with these rules before the races
start. After the races, he shall return the rules to the pumper races chairman.
All participants must be members in good standing of the State Association and all racing team
members who run must be registered.
The cost of all convention badges, trophies given, or prizes, including pumper races awards shall be
deducted from the total convention entertainment fee derived from convention registration fees paid by
delegates and visitors and shall never be paid out of funds collected for annual dues.
3-Man Pumper Drill
The president shall appoint the chairman and cochairman, judges, timekeepers and starter. There shall
be three judges, three timekeepers, and a starter. The chairman shall have charge of the drawing for
places, getting of equipment, and spotting of truck at hydrant. The chairman of the contest shall not keep
time, but must accept the time given by the timekeepers. All judges and timekeepers shall be entitled to a
vote on any questions that may arise. The chairman shall not vote except in case of a tie.
The racing chairman shall be empowered to replace any committeeman incompetent to perform his
duties.
The judges shall be three in number, one at the discharge of the pumper, one at the center coupling
set, and one at the nozzle. Three timekeepers shall position themselves as near as possible to the 100-foot
line painted on the street.
Any team trying to win by fraud, deception, foul play or in any dishonorable or ungentlemanly way or
shall disobey, infringe upon, or evade any of the requirements of these rules and regulations before or
during the contest, shall be barred from competing in that race; the judges to decide on the matter.
The chairman shall take up all complaints of the contest with the judges, and their
findings shall be final. All complaints must be made immediately following a team’s run, by a racing
team captain.
Any team captain or member of his team who violates these rules automatically disqualifies the team
for that particular meet.
Sufficient room for the competing teams to operate in shall be maintained by the judge during the
race.
At the end of the races, the data shall be assembled by the chairman, and after the results have been
announced, the official copy shall be filed as part of the regular minutes of the meeting.
Working Order of the 3-Man Pumper Drill
A fire truck will be selected by the chairman. The fire truck will be fitted with a ¼ turn 2½ inch gated
valve (if necessary). The fire hydrant will be turned to the “full on” position allowing full water flow to be
controlled by the 2½ inch valve. The 2½ inch valve will include a 2½ inch cap.
One hundred feet of 2½ inch hose will be laid on the ground in a straight line from the discharge side
of the fire truck with all couplings unattached.
A straight bore 2½ inch nozzle shall be provided and the same nozzle used throughout the contest by
all teams. The location in which the nozzle will be placed is at least one nozzle length from either side of
the end of the hose.
The number of persons in the drill team shall not exceed three. The team members shall stand
perpendicular to the hose, with hands extended overhead and knees locked. Starting positions will be at
the truck connection, center connection or nozzle connection. Team members will remain in their starting
positions until the starting signal is given. After the starting signal is given each person must run no less
than 50 feet to accomplish the following:
-connect 2½ inch hose to 2½ inch valve on the fire truck
-connect center coupling set
-attach nozzle to end of hose
-charge hose line with water using the 2½ inch valve on the fire truck, producing a full water stream
from the nozzle
It shall be the duty of the judges to check all couplings, the nozzle, and the 2½ inch valve connections
to assure that all threads are compatible and will make up easily. The judges shall see that water has been
run through the entire hose immediately prior to the start of the race. The hose will be drained of water
following the run of each team. The threads at each female connection can be set by team members. This
shall be done in a timely manner. No connection shall be made by the team members before run of race. If
any doubt arises regarding any coupling or threads, the judges shall try that coupling to the team’s
satisfaction that it will operate satisfactorily.
The judges shall see that the cap placed on the fire truck is set to the proper position prior to start of
each run and also see that all hose couplings are disconnected and that the ends of the hose are folded
back not more than five (5) feet. It will be the duty of the judge to set all connections with
sufficient slack to make each connection without having to drag the hose from its original position. Team
members may approve the amount of slack at each connection. Participants will be allowed to
utilize their feet to kick couplings in position if they so desire, and if by the judgment of the judges this
does no damage any hose couplings or subject anyone to bodily injury.
The same starting cadence shall be used for each contest:timekeepers ready, judges ready, team ready,
hands in the air, get set, go (or shoot gun).
The time of the contest shall be judged from the time the starting signal is given until a continuous
flow (not a surge or spurt) of water passes from the nozzle over the line 100 feet from the rear of the
truck. Timekeepers shall clock the time when a continuous stream of water passes over the 100-foot
mark.
Any team that has a blow-off at any connection or nozzle before time is clocked shall be given a
“no-time” by the judge. All connections must be screwed on in such a manner that they will remain in
place without being held until time is clocked by the timekeepers. Only the team member making the
nozzle connection may be touching the hose with his hands.
After a team has established a valid time (or received a valid no-time) it shall not be permitted to
rerun if the equipment shall become inoperative, replaced or relocated. All teams with valid time or valid
no-time shall retain their established times an shall be eligible for all prizes. No team shall be given a
second chance to run unless a defect in the equipment occurs while said team is running. In such event,
this team shall be allowed a rerun.
The host city shall not be allowed to enter contests for money. Host team at the state convention will
be allowed to compete for trophy. Also, the host city shall run first.
Only one team from each city can enter the contest at the state convention.
No racing team or city shall use the host city’s pumper to practice or drill on within a period of three
(3) months prior to the convention date.
If races are held at night, all positions shall be well-lit.
A set of racing rules shall be given each judge prior to races and shall remain in his/her possession
until after completion of the races. He/she shall study and fully familiarize him/herself with these rules
before the races start. After the races, he/she shall return the rules to the pumper race chairman.
To be eligible, each racing team member who runs must be registered at the state convention, and be
a member of an organized fire department who has paid their state dues and is in good standing with the
State Association.
Any conditions that may arise that are not covered by these rules shall be governed by the racing
committee and one representative of each competing team before races start. After races start any
conditions that arise shall be governed by a ruling of the judges.
Texas Firemen’s Auxiliary
6-Lady Racing Rules
First Vice President shall be the Racing Chairman and she shall appoint a Racing Committee. The
Associations’ General Chairman shall appoint judges, timekeeper and starters, and be in charge of getting
the necessary equipment and spotting of truck at hydrant. The Auxiliary Racing Committee shall have
charge of drawing of places and verifying eligibility of each team entering. The General Chairman and
Auxiliary Racing Committee shall not keep time, but must accept the time given them by the timekeepers.
All judges and timekeepers shall be entitled to a vote on any question that may arise. The General
Chairman shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
Members of the racing team shall not be a member of any organized fire department. However, they
must be an immediate relative (wife, widow, mother, daughter, sister or a ward of a legal guardian) of
an active or retired member of a regularly organized fire department who pay dues to the Sate Firemen’s
and Fire Marshals’ Association.
Only teams whose fire departments have paid state dues and are in good standing with the State
Association shall be eligible and all racing team members who ran must be registered at the convention.
Teams representing districts must meet these same requirements in addition to their district paying state
dues.
Only teams who have paid the State Auxiliary dues shall be eligible.
Each team must have at least one racing team member or female representative present at the business
meeting and draw for places at the end of the business meeting. (Drawing for places may be held prior to
business meeting when races are held prior to business meeting. (See Section 2, Article II, of TFA
Bylaws).
Only one team from each city can enter the contest at the state convention. Each district may have
only one district team enter the contest at the state convention.
Members of a district racing team must be from the same district and not participate on any local
auxiliary or city team at the state convention.
No racing team shall use the host city’s pumper to practice or drill on within a period of three (3)
months prior to the convention date.
Any team trying to win by fraud, deception, foul play or in any dishonorable or unlady like manner,
or shall disobey, infringe upon or evade any of the requirements of these rules and regulations before or
during the contest, shall be barred from competing in that race, the judges to decide on the matter.
The Chairman shall take up all complaints of the contest with the judges, and their findings shall be
final. All complaints must be made immediately following a team’s run. At the state
convention, the racing team captains shall be in charge.
Any team captain or member of her team who violates these rules automatically disqualifies that team
for that particular meet.
The judges shall be there in number, one at the rear of the pumper, one on each side of the pumper.
The timekeepers shall position themselves as near as possible to the 100 foot line painted on the street.
Sufficient room for the competing teams to operate in during their race shall be maintained by the
judges during the race.
If pumper races are held at night all positions shall be well lit (both sides of truck, plug, rear of truck
and hose running area).
The host city shall not be allowed to enter contest for prize money. Host team at the state convention
will not be allowed to compete for trophy. The host city shall run first.
At the end of the races the data shall be assembled by the secretary and after the results have been
announced, the official copy shall be fled as part of the regular minutes of the meeting.
Auxiliary 6-Lady Pumper Drill:
The working order of the drill shall be as follows: Pumper to be set at hydrant, motor silent, hydrant
wrench in front of seat on the floorboard, wrench will be allowed to extend out of the cab as each team
sees ft as long as it will not fall off, (in cab forward designated trucks, judges may designate wrench area
in more appropriate position), doors open, suction hose will be laid from truck to plug with ends folded
back about six inches or one foot. The suction hose will be two and one half inch soft cushion.
After drill has started, position of pumper cannot be changed.
After truck is set, a white line six (6) inches wide and ten (10) foot long shall be painted on the street
100 feet from the tailboard of truck.
The same nozzle and non-adjustable hydrant wrench shall be used by all teams, the nozzle being
furnished by the Auxiliary and the wrench furnished by the host city.
Enough one and one half inch or one and three quarter inch hose shall be provided so that no section
shall have to be used more than five (5) times during the race. It shall be the duty of the judges to check
all couplings to see that they shall be the same for all teams. The judges shall see that all hose must have
water run through it immediately prior to the start of the race.
All connections shall be checked by the judges to see that all are the same for all teams before each
team runs, and all caps shall be on the plug, the suction intake, and the discharge and shall be set by the
judges prior to the run.
No team member of any of the competing teams shall make any connection at any position before
their team runs. If any doubt arises regarding any coupling or threads, the judges shall try that coupling to
the teams’ satisfaction that it will operate efficiently.
The number of ladies in the drill team shall not be less than four and shall not exceed six, or more
than one at any position on the truck. Position of ladies at starting signal shall be as follows: two ladies on
seat of pumper, sitting in natural position, facing forward, one lady on each side of truck on running board
forward of the suction intake, facing truck and two ladies on the rear platform, body erect, toes forward
and if possible feet entirely on running boards. Both ladies on the side running board and ladies on the
rear platform may have their heels hanging off the running boards in case of the running boards being too
narrow for the feet to be accommodated provided the toes shall touch the body of the truck.
Ladies must remain in this position, hands extended over the head, until starting signal is given. NOTE:
Should there be less than six (four or five only) members running on the team, position of ladies at
starting signal shall be as stated above with the option to drop any two positions.
After signal is given, the ladies may work as they choose to accomplish the following:
connect suction hose to hydrant and to pump. Pull continuously 100 feet of 1½ inch or 1¾ inch hose from
hose bed and in an approximate straight line to a point where the coupling at end of said 100 foot hose
clears the hose bed (not the rear platform) take nozzle from roar platform of truck and connect to the end
of the hose. Connect other end of hose to pumper, open valve on hydrant and truck, and allow water to
flow until a stream emerges from the nozzle. Hose may be extended to its full length as long as nozzle is
behind the 100 foot mark on the street when the water comes through it.
Hose may be loaded as the team desires, but must come out of the hose bed in approximately a
straight line. No skid, twist or other loads on the third section of hose that will permit hose to come out in
any other manner than a straight line shall be allowed.
After all the hose has been loaded into the hose bed, the judges shall ask the team captain of the team
on the truck if her hose is loaded and ready for inspection. The judge shall set the coupling to be broken in
the race after the competing team completes its loading, immediately before the team runs. This coupling
shall be set the same for each team (1 full turn back) 3/21/00.
Nobody, except those pulling the hose, shall grab the hose until the coupling at the 100 foot section
clears the hose bed (not rear platform). Teams do not have to touch the 100 foot mark on the street, but
must pull off 100 feet of hose.
The first Pullman off the rear platform shall be the only lady to reach into the hose bed.
The time of the contest shall be judged from the time the starting signal is given until a continuous
flow (not a surge or spurt) of water passes from the nozzle over the line 100 feet from the rear of the
truck. Timekeepers shall clock the time when a continuous stream of water passes over the 100 foot mark.
Any team that has a blow-off at any connection or of the nozzle before time is clocked at the 100 foot
line shall be given a “no time’ by the judges. All connections must be screwed on in such a manner that it
will remain in place without being held on until time is docked by the timekeepers.
After a team has established a valid time (or received a valid no time), it shall not be permitted to
rerun in the event the equipment shall become inoperative, replaced or relocated. All teams with valid
times or valid no-times shall retain their established times and shall be eligible for all prizes. No team
shall be given a second chance to run unless a defect in equipment occurs while said team is running, in
such event this team shall be allowed a rerun.
Any conditions that may arise that are not covered by these rules shall be governed by the racing
committee and one representative of each competing team before races start. After races start any
conditions that arise shall be governed by a ruling of the judges only.
The same starting cadence shall be used for every contest-timekeepers ready, judges ready, team
ready, hands in the air, get set, go (or shoot gun).
A set of racing rules shall be given each judge prior to races and shall remain in his or her possession
until after completion of the races. He shall study and fully familiarize himself with these rules before the
races start. After the races, he shall return the rules to the pumper races chairman.
3-Lady Racing Rules
First Vice President shall be the Racing Chairman and she shall appoint a Racing Committee. The
Associations’ General Chairman shall appoint judges, timekeeper and starters, and be in charge of getting
the necessary equipment and spotting of truck at hydrant. The Auxiliary Racing Committee shall have
charge of drawing of places and verifying eligibility of each team entering. The General Chairman and
Auxiliary Racing Committee shall not keep time, but must accept the time given them by the timekeepers.
All judges and timekeepers shall be entitled to a vote on any question that may arise. The General
Chairman shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
Members of the racing team shall not be a member of any organized fire department. However, they
must be an immediate relative (wife, widow, mother, daughter, sister or a ward of a legal guardian) of an
active or retired member of a regularly organized fire department who pay dues to the Sate Firemen’s and
Fire Marshals’ Association.
Only teams whose fire departments have paid state dues and are in good standing with the State
Association shall be eligible and all racing team members who run must be registered at the convention.
Only teams who have paid the State Auxiliary dues shall be eligible.
Each team must have a least one Auxiliary member present at the business meeting of the Texas
Firemen’s Auxiliary business meeting.
Any team trying to win by fraud, deception, foul play or in any dishonorable or un-lady like manner,
or shall disobey, infringe upon or evade any of the requirements of these roles and regulations before or
during the contest, shall be barred from competing in that race, the judges to decide on the matter.
The Chairman shall take up all complaints of the contest with the judges, and their findings shall be
final. All complaints must be made immediately following a team’s run. At the state convention, the
racing team captains shall be in charge.
Working order of drill shall be as follows: a line at hydrant, runner must be behind and parallel of
hose or runner may run from nozzle; two runners in center facing each other, two sections of one and one
half or one and throe quarter inch hose and 1½" play-pipe nozzle and one adjustable hydrant wrench.
Each runner must run 50 feet before doing anything. Each end of the hose will be folded back 18".
The same nozzle and adjustable hydrant wrench shall be used by all teams and these shall be
furnished by the host city.
Enough 1½ or 1¾ inch hose shall be provided so that no section shall have to be used more than five
(5) times during the race. It shall be the duty of the judges to check all couplings to see that they are the
same for all teams. The judges shall see that all hose must have enough water run through it immediately
prior to the start of the race.
All connections shall be checked by the judges to see that all are the same for all teams before each
team runs, and all caps shall be on the plug. The fire plug’s 2½" discharge shall be reduced by from a 2½"
to a 1½" gated valve. The plug will be opened and gated valve blocked and capped.
No team member of any competing team shall make any connection at any position before their run.
The judges can start the coupling, then team member may undo coupling in front of judge.
All team members can participate on only one 3-lady team at any convention.
The time of the contest shall be judged from the time the starting signal is given until a continuous
flow of water passes from the nozzle.
Any team that has a blow-off at any connection, or of the nozzle before time is clocked, shall be given
a “no time” by the judge. All connections must be screwed on in such a manner that it will remain in
place without being held on until time is docked by the timekeepers.
After a team has established a valid time or received a “no time”, it shall not be permitted to rerun in
the event the equipment shall become inoperable, replaced or relocated. All teams with valid times or
valid “no times’ shall retain their established times and shall be eligible for all prizes. No team shall be
given a second chance to run unless a defect in equipment occurs while said team is running; in such
event, this team shall be allowed a rerun.
Any conditions that may arise that are not covered by these riles shall be governed by the racing
committee and one representative of each competing team before races start. After races start any
conditions that arise shall be governed by a ruling of the judges only.
No racing team or city shall use the Host City’s equipment or hydrant used in races within a period of
three (3) months prior to convention date.
The same starting cadence shall be used for every contest -timekeepers ready, judges ready, team
ready, hands in the air, get set, go (or shoot gun).
A set of racing rules shall be given each judge prior to races and shall remain in his or her possession
until after completion of the races. He shall study and fully familiarize himself with these rules before the
races start. After the races, he shall return the rules to the pumper races chairman.