The Canadian Materials Handling & Distribution Society presents

May 19, 2012

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Competitor Orientation

If you have never competed in a Forklift Competition before you probably have some questions. Here’s a walk through of what to expect. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here please feel free to contact us at 604-999-2979 or through our CONTACT PAGE.

Sign In

When you arrive at the Rally location make your way to the registration table. This is where you will check in and we can confirm your name, what division you’re in and have you sign a participant waiver. The waiver is required by the insurance company and has lots of fun legal wording.

Course Orientation

Approximately 30 minutes before the competition begins we will gather the crowd, welcome everyone to the event, and give a general overview of the day. Then competitors will break into groups and go on a course orientation with the judges for their specific course.

The judges will walk the group through the obstacle course step by step, task by task and answer any questions you may have. Once the orientation is complete the group will leave the obstacle course area and the competition will begin.

Scoring

Scoring is made up of three criteria:

  1. the number of obstacle course demerits
  2. your course time and
  3. the number of incorrect answers on the written test.

In all cases you are trying to get the lowest score possible (just like in golf) – lowest number of obstacle course demerit points, lowest course time and fewest incorrect answers on the written test.

  • Obstacle Course Scoring – (Your Goal: Lowest number of demerit points) – the judges will give you demerit points for every infraction during your run. This could be hitting a cone, not looking backwards before backing up etc. The judges will then total your demerit points at the end of the run. The judges will not return the scoring sheet to you at the end of your run or do a debrief. Once you have completed your run you leave the obstacle course area so the course can be reset and the next competitor can begin their run.
  • Obstacle Course Timing- (Your Goal: Lowest Course Time) – during your obstacle course run you will be timed. It is important to note that you are trying to be EFFICIENT as opposed to FAST. If you go too fast and  lose your load or one of your wheels comes off the ground you can be disqualified.
  • Written Test Scoring- you will complete a multiple choice test based on WorkSafeBC regulations. Unanswered questions are marked as incorrect. In order to place in the top three in your division you will need to attain a passing grade (70% or better). You can write the test anytime after the competition begins (seating space in the test area permitting). The test must be completed and handed in before the end of competitor’s obstacle course runs for the day. You are responsible for making sure that you complete the test.

Judging Criteria

Many potential competitors wonder if they have to have special skills in order to compete. The obstacle course is based on basic forklift skills but just under closer tolerances (for example instead of a 10′ aisle you will navigate a course that has pylons only slightly wider than the forklift).

Here are some examples of the judging criteria:

  • Operates at a safe speed
  • Maintains a clear view of the travel path and looks in direction of travel
  • Checks to the rear before reversing
  • Avoids obstacles (cones, barrels etc)
  • Load is fully engaged on the forks
  • Load is properly placed on floor or racking.

What About The Forklift Bowling, Basketball & Soccer?

While we know those are far from “basic forklift skills” these activities are included for fun. While they do need to be performed in a safe manner and there is a score, it is counted separately from the regular course score and only affects your placement in the competition if you are tied with someone else. It is only then that we use the basketball, bowling & soccer scores as a tie breaker (which to date has never happened).

Competitor Summary

Before the Rally

  • Study for the written test
  • Practice, Practice, Practice

On The Day Of The Rally

  • Sign In – Check In at Registration Table / Sign Participant Waiver
  • Course Orientation – Judges walk competitors through the obstacle course
  • Obstacle Course Run – Do the run as safely (lowest demerit points) and efficiently (lowest time) that you can.
  • Written Test – Multiple choice test taken before the completion of the divisions obstacle course runs.
  • Award Ceremony – After all competitors have completed the obstacle course runs.

After The Rally

  • Getting Your Scoring Sheets – Written Test & Scoring Sheets will be mailed to competitors after the Rally.