If we want to safeguard the future of our beloved pigeon racing sport, it's essential to play fair and uphold the established rules. The NPO has set clear maximum limits for each race: 150 old pigeons, 250 young pigeons, and 250 pigeons for the Natour. These limits are not intended to restrict the passion of fanciers, but rather to ensure fairness and a level playing field.
Fair play can save the sport
While fanciers are free to basket more pigeons than the maximum allowed, any extra birds above the limit will be classified as non-competitive “trainer” pigeons. Unfortunately, some fanciers attempt to circumvent these rules. This behavior is not only unsportsmanlike, but it also violates the decisions made by the NPO members’ council and the NPO code of conduct.
By bending the rules, such individuals frustrate those who abide by them and weaken the future of pigeon racing. It’s in the interest of the entire community to ensure the maximum participation limits are enforced, because only then will our sport remain healthy and competitive.
Rule Enforcement
The NPO board takes it seriously when multiple fanciers or combinations fly from the same location. In such cases, the limits apply to the entire group, regardless of whether they operate under multiple names or combinations. This group can consist of one or adjacent premises, unless the area has the characteristics of a communal garden or pigeon park. The board will not only consider loft coordinates and pigeon registration but also how the fanciers present themselves and their pigeons.
Penalties for Violations
If a group exceeds the maximum participation limits, the NPO board will enforce the rules as follows:
– The involved fanciers will receive a written warning.
– They will have 14 days to transfer pigeons to another name to ensure all birds can continue to participate.
– If the group exceeds the limits again within one year, all pigeons in the group will be disqualified from any race where the limits are exceeded.
Real-World Examples
Fanciers like G & S Verkerk can now only basket a maximum of 150 old pigeons from one loft, even if he flies under two names. If he baskets 160 old pigeons, for example, 10 birds will have to be marked as non-competitive trainers. Similarly, at Eyerkamp in Brummen, where three names fly from one location, they will need to coordinate their entries to ensure they stay within the limits.
While racing with a large team of pigeons is a beautiful part of the sport, reducing the maximum participation limits is even more important for the future of pigeon racing. The average number of pigeons per fancier is now around 25, yet the current limit of 150 old pigeons per fancier is still far too high. Lowering the limits will create a fairer and more balanced playing field, securing the future of the sport.
Together, let’s strengthen the sport by adhering to these important rules.
Best regards,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
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