Unlike other volkssport events limited to one or two days with a set start/finish time, a Year-Round event may be open daily, January through December. A seasonal event is like a Year-Round event, but is open less than a full calendar year. (Be sure to check dates on seasonal events).

Starting Point: the AVA guide to over 1800+ self-guided walks throughout the USA. Order this publication for full Year Round Event listings, directions to start points, trail descriptions and ratings, and local contact numbers.

IVV/AVA Sanctions: All events advertised in this publication are open to the general public. Anyone who wishes to take part in any of the sanctioned events may do so, and many events are free; as long as they are willing to follow the guidelines governing the event that are set by the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV), the American Volkssport Association (AVA), the sponsoring club, and the civil laws of the city, township, county, and state in which the event takes place.

IVV Awards/Record Books: IVV issues awards for participants who complete milestones of 10, 30, 50, etc. events and/or 500, 1000, 1500 km, etc. increments of distance which are recorded in event and distance books. The awards consist of a lapel pin, patch and certificate acknowledging completion of each level of accomplishment. The event and distance books may be purchased at events for $5.00 each. Registration for the IVV/AVA event stamp is $3.00 or under for each event and gives the participant credit in both books. The stamp for each year-round event may be entered in the event book once each half year (once from January 1 - June 30 and once from July 1 - December 31) and in the distance book as many times as actually completed. If a Seasonal Event spans the year from June into July the stamp may be entered in the event book once each half year (e.g., once from April 1 - June 30 and once from July 1 - September 30) and in the distance book as many times as actually completed.

Event Awards: Those paying the appropriate registration fee (check preferred) and completing the course will receive an award as described in the event flyer. Those wishing the award and/or IVV credit should remit the amount stated in the event ad.

Credit Only: The CREDIT ONLY heading generally means that the sponsoring club has chosen not to design an award specifically for this event but will offer in its place a selection of one or more awards from previous events. These are known as "B" awards. Anyone may walk a "CREDIT ONLY' event for credit, free or a "B" award (when available). All of the sanctioned events are open to anyone who is physically able to participate in all or part of the event. Please pay close attention to the exact registration location, as year-round/seasonal events may not have an attendant to assist with registration. Please be patient with the start location personnel.

Procedures: At the event start, EACH participant must register in the log book, sign the waiver, and obtain a start card which must be filled out completely. This card must be carried during the event and personally presented at the checkpoint(s) along the route. Participants missing a checkpoint(s) may be refused an award or IVV credit. (All cards remain the property of the sponsoring club and must be turned in at the completion of the event).

Hatpins: Some clubs will provide an optional commemorative pin. Hatpins are not part of IVV/AVA sanctioning and may be purchased without taking part in the event. See each event ad for availability and prices.

Disclaimer: The sponsors are not liable for accidents, thefts, and/or material damage. Every effort will be made to make this a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event. PARTICIPANTS MUST SlGN A DISCLAIMER Form. A RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST SIGN FOR A MINOR, THIS INCLUDES INFANTS. Stipulations: With registration for these events, the participant accepts the guidelines of the AVA and agrees to observe the principles of good sportsmanship and safety. Every participant must adhere to the directions of the control personnel. Children 12 & under must be accompanied at all times on the trail by an adult. Littering is not permitted. Check with each event ad to determine whether or not the route is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Call the contact person for further information regarding specific needs/concerns that may not be addressed in the event ad.

Refreshments: Water/restrooms might be available at the start/finish. Other refreshments may be available along the way at restaurants or stores.

Pets: When pets are allowed at an event, owners are responsible for leash and clean up laws. Pets CANNOT be in buildings, especially hospitals and restaurants!!

Information: For information concerning a particular event, see the event notice in this issue and contact the event information numbers listed in the ad.

NOTE: Many year-round/seasonal events require a writing instrument and exact change for fees. Paying with a check is preferred.

TRAIL RATINGS

The following trail rating system is used to indicate the degree of difficulty of a trail for the AVA sanctioned walk.

(1) An easy walk on pavement or on a well maintained trail with no significant hills. Probably suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

(2) A moderately easy walk on some pavement or some woodland or open field trails. Or entirely woodland and field trails that may not be well maintained. No significant difficulty with hills. May not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

(3) A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills/or steps. Strollers and wheelchairs questionable.

(4) A more difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper or hilly inclines. Highly unlikely to be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Participants with certain health problems should take caution.

(5) A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough, uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines. Not suitable for any person who is not in good physical health.

Precautions: (Please be aware that weather conditions will cause a variance in the trail rating. Inclement weather or an unexpected hot or cold day can increase the degree of difficulty of a trail as much as one or two full points, so each participant should adjust their pace accordingly). It is advisable to carry water to all walking events. It is possible to become dehydrated in cold weather as well as in hot weather. It is always the goal in the AVA to provide the participant with a safe and enjoyable event. You alone know your own limits.

Can I find information on line?

Yes, the Event Calendar Page has links to compilations of YRE info for various areas of the USA and Canada. These may be very brief, listing only the city and a contact number, or may be the entire full-info brochure provided by the club. We recommend you order Starting Point: the AVA guide to over 1800+ self-guided walks throughout the USA for a complete guide.

American Volkssport Association
1001 Pat Booker Road, Suite 101
Universal City, TX 78148