National Online Racing Association, Sim Racing since Nov 2002.: NORA Rules

Genera l Information
Race Setup

Driver Screen Names
Scheduling
Points Championship
Provisionals and Missed Races
Race/Server Settings

Racing Guidelines and Etiquette / Filing Protests

Flaming
Filing Protests
Illegal Game Modifications
Intentional Wrecking / Unsporting Behavior / Incident Penalties
Courtesy Statement

In-Race Rules and Guidelines

Restarting a Race
Warping and Disconnections Procedure
Multiple Accidents in One Event
Caution Flag Procedures (racing back, etc)
Start and Restart (getting the green flag)
Off-pace and Damaged Cars
Chatting

Incident Reviews and Penalties/Incident Points

Filing Protests
Review Process
Mandatory Penalties

Car Designs and Paint Schemes

Sponsorships
Paint Scheme Guidelines
Uploading and Download Car Files

Joining the League
Board of Directors

1 General Information

1.1 The following rules are written in such a manner as to promote fair, fast, and FUN racing. Most of these rules are common-sense (we hope), however, ALL drivers of the National Online Racing Association are expected to read and abide by these rules and conduct guidelines at all times. Failure to do so will result in penalties ranging from a warning to suspensions. Just keep these in mind as you're out there on the track, and remember, we're all here to have FUN!!

1.2 NORA will use Nascar Racing 2003 Season by Papyrus

1.3 NORA Server

1.3.1 All NORA sanctioned events (Points Events) will be hosted on the NORARACING.COM sever. Powered by:

1.3.2 Passwords will be emailed and/or provided to registered drivers.

1.3.3 24/7 Access will be available through RaceLM Arena for all NORA drivers during the week on the NORA Dedicated Server. The password/bossword for the server for 24/7 access on non-race nights will be sent out in an email to drivers upon request. Back to Top

2 Race Setup

2.1 Driver Screen Name
2.1.1 All drivers must use AT MINIMUM their first initial and last name when logging into the race server. Drivers may use their full name if they so choose, but first initial and last name is required.

2.1.2 Due to Seirra closing, IP racing now requires all drivers to use there name in the last name section of your player information in the game.

2.1.3 Drivers absolutely MUST use the same screen name every single week or risk not being scored by the points calculator! League Officials will NOT be responsible for correcting this!

2.2 Schedule

2.2.1 The N.O.R.A. Schedule will consist of 10-12 race championship seasons. Points will be reset back to 0 at the start of each new season

2.2.2 There may be a week off scheduled somewhere near the midpoint of each season.

2.2.3 Tracks scheduled will vary slightly from season-to-season. Some tracks will be run in the same order, EVERY season (ie Nascar always starts at Daytona, always races the CocaCola 600 at Charlotte, etc), we will do the same in our effort to create a sense of "history" and "tradition" within the National Online Racing Association.
"Tradition Tracks" : Texas , Bristol , Daytona, Indianapolis

2.2.4 Race Event Schedule (unless otherwise announced):
8:30pm Eastern - Practice
9:30pm - Qualifying
9:35pm - 10 minute warm up
9:45pm - Race

2.3 Points Championships

2.3.1 Points, bonus points, and bonus earnings will be determined based on the real NASCAR approved Points Scale.

2.3.2 NORA Approved Points Scales:

2.3.2.1 DRIVER POINTS - Finishing Position Points. 1st-6th 5 point spread; 7th-11th 4 point spread; 12th-43rd 3 point spread.

2.3.2.1.1 Bonus Points: Leading a lap (5pts); Leading the most laps (5pts)

2.3.3 The driver with the most points accumulated at the end of the season will be named National Online Racing Association Champions.

2.4 Provisional Starts / Missed Races

2.4.1 Any driver who misses an event will receive points that equal 15 th place points (118 points) for any race missed during the season for which prior notice is given. Provisionals may not be used for more than 3 of the events scheduled in a season. If no notice given, 43rd place (31 points) will be awarded regardless of the number of entries.

2.4.2 Any driver who misses 3 consecutive events without notifying the league will be placed on the inactive driver roster.

2.5 Race Settings

2.5.1 All NORA sanctioned events will be run in Simulation Mode.
2.5.2 AI Opponents – Off
2.5.3 Yellow Flags – On (Yellows may be turned off on road courses)
2.5.4 Damage – Realistic
2.5.5 Weather – Realistic/Random

2.5.6 Setups – Open (base setups will be available for download for each track run)

2.5.7 Double File Restarts will be used in all NORA events on tracks that permit its use (some short tracks and road courses don't use DFR's)

2.5.8 Force Smoke – On

2.5.9 Race Length - Actual distances will be listed on the league schedule page.

2.5.9.1 All NORA Racing Series Events will be 35% of their real race length.

2.5.10 Fuel Consumption - 2x

2.5.11 Hardcore Mode/Driving Aids Disabled/Open Views.
Back to Top

3 Racing Guidelines and Etiquette

3.1 This league is here to provide a place for drivers to have FUN in some competitive, close, exciting racing. As such we strongly encourage that you take the following into consideration:
3.2 Flaming

3.2.1 Flaming, swearing at, or verbally abusing another driver or official will not be tolerated. You will get one warning, then probation, then suspension. If it's a continual problem you will be asked to leave the league.

3.2.2 All complaints should wait until after the event is fully complete and the track is clear. See Rule 5.1 below for more details about filing a protest.

3.4 Illegal Modifications to the Game

3.4.1 N.O.R.A. will not tolerate the use of any performance enhancing exploits of the game. Guilt will result in suspension or expulsion and removal of all points gained in the offending race. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

3.5 Intentional Wrecking / Unsporting Behavior

3.5.1 Any person found to have intentionally wrecked another driver or guilty of unsporting behavior is subject to DQ for that event, as well as possible suspension or expulsion. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

3.5.2 Any driver who causes an accident before fully completing 2 laps after the taking of a green flag start or restart will be issued a 10 point penalty, and placed on a 1-Race Probation. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

3.6 Be Courteous

3.6.1 We're all here to have fun and do some great racing. USE YOUR HEAD AND DON'T BE A MORON when you're on the track. Use the old adage “give a little, get a little”. Our races are long (35-55%), it does you no good to risk wrecking the field on the first turn of a 125 lap event at Talladega , all that counts is where you are after those 125 laps. If you help someone early in a race when they are fast...they may help you at the end when you are fast and need that little draft help to pass the leader...think about it. Back to Top

4 In-Race Rules and Guidelines

4.1 Restarting a Race

4.1.1 Restarts may be allowed for VERY serious accidents in the first lap of an event.

4.1.2 A race will not be restarted if a driver does not get in before the race begins. They will need to make up any lost laps during the event, which the races are plenty long to do that if they are patient and don't wreck first

4.1.3 Restarts will be by decision of the highest ranking league official present at the event. ABSOLUTELY NO ARGUING AT THE TIME OF THE DECISION! Doing so will fall under the Flaming Policy and you risk being ejected immediately. This applies for either direction the decision goes.

4.1.4 A race will not be restarted unless more than 50% of the cars running in the event are disconnected in one big lump, AND the race has not reached the halfway point.

4.1.4.1 Mass Disconnect, Standings Saved - The race will be called official and points will be scored based on the last saved race standings export. If the server crashes and drops everyone, the remaining drivers should make sure to save the standings before they leave.

4.1.4.2 Mass Disconnect, Standings NOT Saved - In the event the race is past halfway, and standings exports are NOT available, the race will be rescheduled at a later date, if possible.

4.1.4.2 Mass Disconnect, Race Not Yet Halfway - In the event the server crashes and half of the scheduled distance is not completed, the race will be rescheduled (preferable), or restarted on that night (if enough drivers that began the night are present).

4.1.5 WARPING LAPS DOWN (and up) AND DISCONNECTING DURING A RACE

4.1.5.1 In the event that a driver warps out (flashes) as they cross the line, or warps out (disconnects) from the server, the driver will have to continue on with the race as normal, and attempt to get their laps back whenever they can. Loss of laps will be treated as though you had a bad alternator or something and had to go to the garage to repair it.

4.1.5.5 In the event a driver warps a lap UP on the field, he/she will have the option of slowing (out of traffic) to let others pass until the laps are correctly made up, OR to notify the race officials who can manually remove the laps. This is a VERY rare occurrence, but just in case. 4.2 Multiple Accidents In One Event

4.2.1 Any driver who causes two cautions by self spins, and does not retire at their own will, will be issued a DQ when it is found in the post-race review.

4.2.2 Any driver who causes two cautions by any combination of means will be placed on a 1-race probation and be assessed any other penalties the board deems necessary to correct the problem. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.3 Caution Flags

4.3.1 Slowing for a Caution

4.3.1.1 When you get the yellow, DON'T step on the brakes and slow down! Coast through at least turns 1 and 2 (onto the back straight!) before you slow down. Braking right after crossing the line only causes major bottlenecks and wrecks behind you. You CAN pass the pace car while slowing down; you have until the next time past the s/f line to get back behind.

4.3.2 LUCKY DOG RULE will be in effect for season 28. The first driver one lap must notify the Race Official. This driver must make a pit stop at the first legal opportunity. The lucky dog driver must pit each and every lap possible under the yellow, making sure to SPEED on pit road. This will give the lucky dog an “End of the Longest Line” penalty. After the green flag comes back out, the race Officials will give a lap back to the lucky dog.

4.3.2.1 Racing back to the Yellow Flag IS permitted in NORA inside 10 laps to go in the race. Once there are 10 laps to go, there will be no lucky dog rule in effect. If the caution flag comes out with more than 10 to go, the lucky dog will be in effect even if the race goes back to green with less than 10 to go.

4.3.2.2 If you cause a wreck racing back to the line, expect a penalty of some sort. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.3.3 Pacing Under Caution

4.3.3.1 During the caution period, maintain a 0.3 to 0.5 second interval ahead and stagger your car (odd positions on the low-left side, even positions on the high-right side).

4.3.3.2 When given the 1-to-go sign line up single file and tighten up for the restart

4.3.3.3 Drivers MUST be within .5 seconds of the driver in front of them on the restart. Anything more than that that results in a position gain will be penalized as jumping the restart.

4.3.3.4 Any Driver who causes a wreck under the yellow will receive a penalty. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.4 Start / Restart

4.4.1 No jumping the restart. ALL drivers are expected to maintain a constant speed after the pace car leaves the track until the green flag flies.

4.4.1.1 There is NO "no passing" rule on restarts...when the green flag flies passing is open.

4.4.2 Lapped cars on the inside line should give way to the leaders if corners are tight, don't run into a corner so hard trying to race the leaders that you end up wrecking someone.

4.4.3 Inside of 10 laps to go, ALL cars a lap or more down MUST pit on the 2nd lap under caution and line up at the end of the lead-lap cars. Lap cars need to pit every time by until the green flag flies to ensure they are behind the lead lap cars. It is not necessary to stop in your pit stall, you may just drive through the pits.

4.4.4 If you are damaged or otherwise impaired from doing a normal restart (ie. A broken gear, or severe damage), and you would be serving no purpose but to hold up those behind you, please just drive through the pits and restart at the back of the field. Too many accidents happen when faster cars get bottlenecked behind someone going half the speed of everyone else on the restart. If you're damaged but still able to run fine, then you are encouraged to go ahead and restart double file until rule 5.4.3 applies.

4.4.5 Any driver who causes an accident before fully completing 2 laps after the taking of a green flag start or restart will be issued a 10 point penalty, and placed on a 1-Race Probation. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.5 Damaged/Warping Cars

4.5.3 If for any reason you are found to be a hazard to others (warp, damage, etc), you may be asked to drive through the pits and restart at the rear of the field, OR to park your car. Drivers who fail to obey these directions will be warned, then ejected from the server and DQ'd from the event. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.6 Chatting

4.6.1 Chatting is openly allowed and encouraged during Practice and Warm-Up Sessions. There is to be NO chatting during Qualifying as it can distract drivers during their laps. Chat should be kept to a minimum (not much more than Auto-Chats) during green flag periods.

4.6.2 DURING THE RACE, IF YOU ARE ASKED TO BE QUIET BY AN OFFICIAL...DO IT! You will receive one warning. On the 2nd time you are asked you will receive a 5 point penalty. The 3rd time you will be ejected from the server...no questions asked. ( See Mandatory Penalty Section )

4.6.3 All drivers MUST have the following Auto-Chats enabled during NORA Events: 4.6.3.1 Entering Pits

4.6.3.2 Exiting Pits
4.6.3.3 Going HIGH
4.6.3.4 Going LOW
4.6.3.5 Slowing for Caution
4.6.3.6 All other auto-chats are up to driver choice.
Back to Top

5 Incident Reviews and Penalties

5.1 Filing a Protest
5.1.1 All protests of on or off track incidents need to be done after the event by filling out the "File Protest" . Any protests NOT received via this official form will be rejected and the protesting driver is subject to punishment under Rule 3.2 regarding Flaming.

5.1.1.2 Protests must be filed within 48 hours of the completion of the event.

5.1.2 Only one incident may be protested PER protest form submitted. If you have more than 1 incident to protest, you much submit separate forms for each incident.

5.1.2.1 Any protest form not filled out in full will be rejected. Period.

5.1.2.2 Any protest filed may be withdrawn by the protester until Wednesday night at Midnight Eastern Time.

5.1.3 Results of protests (and incident investigations by the Board of Directors) will be sent to the drivers concerned, and posted on the Penalties page on the NORA web site. 5.2 Review Process

5.2.1 The race replay will be reviewed in full each week. However, only incidents that fall under the following categories will be reviewed and penalized by the Board:

5.2.1.1 Any formal protest received (see protest review penalties options below)

5.2.1.2 Any violation of a "Mandatory Penalty" (See below for the list)

5.2.1.3 Any direct violation of a rule specifically spelled out within this rule book

5.2.1 All decisions of the Reviewing body are final. Absolutely NO dissent will be tolerated about any decision made by the review body. The review body will be fair and honest in ALL reviews and look at each incident on a case-by-case basis. If you don't deserve a penalty, you won't get one, if you do, you will, deal with it and get ready for the next race.

5.4 Mandatory Penalties

5.4.1 If during the review process a driver is found guilty of violating any of the following rules, he/she will receive the following penalty: Definitions:

Warning - Driver is given a verbal warning by officials during event or via post race communication to not do whatever act again.
Probation - Driver will be closely watched for the period of the probation. Any violation of a Mandatory Penalty during this period will result in a 1-Race Suspension and further N$ fines.
Suspension - Driver is barred from participation in any league event during the period of his/her suspension. May be the result of a serious rule violation, or a violation of a probation period.
Disqualification (DQ) - Driver will receive 0 (zero) points for the event in question.
Expulsion - Driver is ejected from the league.

5.4.1.1 Flaming - During the Event -
-- Warning, 5 Points Deducted, Ejection from Server and 1 Race Suspension
On the Forums or other public area -
-- 1 Race Suspension. Treat others as you want to be treated!

5.4.1.2 Causing an incident within 2 laps of a green flag start or restart - -- Mandatory 1-Race Probation.
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.1.3 Causing a Wreck while racing TO the caution (from time yellow comes out to time cars cross the start finish line) -
-- Mandatory 1-Race Probation
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.1.4 Causing a Wreck while UNDER the caution (from the time the cars cross the s/f line until they take the green flag)-
-- Mandatory 1-Race Probation
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.1.5 Intentionally Wrecking Another Car -
-- Mandatory 2-Race Suspension (minimum, depending on severity), followed by 2-Race Probation. Any person found to have intentionally wrecked another driver or guilty of unsporting behavior is subject to DQ for that event, as well as possible suspension or expulsion.
-- 15 Points Deducted

5.4.1.6 Illegal Game Modification (file modifications or other cheat) -
-- Mandatory 6 Race Suspension, followed by 6 Race Probation, possible expulsion.

5.4.1.7 Failure to Obey Officials Orders during an event -
-- Warning, then ejection from the server and DQ from event.
-- 5 Points Deducted

5.4.1.8 Driver guilty of causing 2 cautions by Self Spinning who does not retire on his or her own accord -
-- DQ from event, 1-Race Probation.
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.1.9 Driver guilty of causing 2 cautions for ANY reason -
-- 1-Race Probation
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.1.10 Intentionally causing a yellow to gain lucky dog advantage
-- 1 lap penalty for the event
-- 15 Points Deducted

5.4.2 Protest Review Penalties - Each protest received will be reviewed by the Review Committee. Each incident will then be assigned a decision as follows: 5.4.2.1 No Fault (Racing Deal)
-- No Penalty

5.4.2.2 Fault of one driver, but racing deal
-- No Penalty

5.4.2.3 Excessive / Reckless Driving by one driver
-- 1-Race Probation
-- 10 Points Deducted

5.4.2.4 Any of the above "Mandatory Penalties" assessed as per rule violated

5.4.3 Violation of Probations

5.4.3.1 A driver who is on probation and violates that probation by committing the same offense during the probation period will be assessed the following:
-- Extended 3-Race Probation
-- 25 Driver Point Penalty
Back to Top

6 Car Designs and Paint Schemes

6.1 Sponsorship
6.1.1 All N.O.R.A. drivers are required to submit a request for approval of a sponsorship that he/she wishes to use for an entire season. There's really no "approval" that has to happen, this' just so that we have a record of all drivers' sponsors, and to ensure that no two drivers have the same sponsor which is unrealistic. Drivers MUST keep the same corporate sponsor for the length of the season.

6.2 Paint Schemes

6.2.1 ALL DRIVERS MUST SUBMIT A CUSTOM PAINT OR EVEN A DEFAULT SCHEME IN THEIR REGISTERED NUMBER

6.2.2 Drivers are allowed to paint their cars in whatever manner that they wish. Though the corporate sponsor must remain constant during a season, a driver IS allowed to change the base paint scheme (color/design) of the car at any time.

6.2.3 (Car Numbers) - #3 CAR IS RETIRED IN OUR COMMUNITY. All drivers MUST properly display their registered car number on the doors of the car, as well as on the roof of the car. Drivers are strongly urged to keep the same number-style during a season as it creates an "image" for that driver on the track they can be recognized by. (i.e. Jeff Gordon always runs the same #24 font style even if he runs a different paint scheme like Pepsi, Looney Tunes, etc)

6.2.3.1 Drivers may change their car number or sponsor without permission directly from the league President.

6.3 Car Files Uploading and Downloading

6.3.1 All NORA Car Files will be hosted using the NORA RACELM Car File storage system.
Back to Top

7 New Members / Joining the League / Resigning from NORA

7.1 Membership is open to all drivers who have read and can agree to abide by the rules and regulations above.
7.1.1 All members must be over age 13 to be in accordance with the Federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. See our "Privacy Policy" for more details.

7.2.1 If interested in joining our ranks, please visit our “Sign-Up” page through the link on the LEFT-SIDE of the homepage, and simply fill out the entire online form, and submit it.

7.3 Any registered driver who wishes to resign from NORA for whatever reason, Notify us in a note per email or Personal Message to PitBoss. We will not question your wish to resign, but simply ask that you fill out the very brief form so that we know you won't be back and can remove you from the mailing lists and such.
Back to Top

8 Board of Directors and Designated Powers

8.1 The board of directors will make all decision regarding important issues in the league via a vote. In order for a change to "pass", greater than 50% of voting members must approve the measure.

8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

8.2.1 President Powers - The league president shall have the power to make any short-term, immediate decision necessary to deal with and solve any unforeseen issues that may arise. Decisions by the President shall stand as official until the board of directors can convene to discuss and resolve the issue permanently by vote. IF CURRENTLY THERE IS NO BOARD IN AFFECT THE LEAGUE PRESIDENT HAS POWER TO MAKE IMMEDIATE AND OR LONG TERM DECISIONS NECESSARY TO DEAL WITH AND SOLVE ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE.

8.2.2 Board of Directors - The board of directors will MEET on a chat forum, Teamspeak or via email correspondence when in affect.

8.2.2.1 The agenda for the Board of Directors and any necessary votes will be presented by a designated member of the board who will organize the necessary discussion topics into one agenda.

8.2.2.2 The board of directors will make all final decisions regarding rule changes, schedule changes, and other major league decisions.

8.2.2.3 In order for an issue to "pass" the Board of Directors vote, it must receive a "yes" vote from the majority of the voting members of said board.

8.2.2.4 The Board shall have the final decision-making power to decide on a punishment if one becomes necessary for violating a rule spelled out in the N.O.R.A. Rule Book.

8.2.2.4.1 Any board member, who is involved in a dispute, will be ineligible to vote on a resolution regarding that dispute. This is done to avoid "conflicts of interest."

8.2.2.5 All decisions made by the Board are final, though decisions may be reversed or debated at a future meeting. Absolutely NO appeals of penalty decisions are allowed. Back to Top