WEALD OF KENT PLOUGHING MATCH RULES

  • 1. PLOUGHS
  • a. Tractor ploughs to be fitted with skimmers.
  • b. Tailpieces are allowed – the maximum size to be 26cm long and 22cm wide. The end of tailpiece to be no more than 32cm from the end of the mouldboard.
  • c. Plough bodies must be in a ‘ploughing’ position at all times.
  • d. All plough bodies must be used when finishing.

  • e. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.

  • 2. TIME ALLOWED
  • a. All competitors to be ready to start at 8.30am.
  • b. Ploughing to start at 9.00am and all ground must be finished in 2 1/2 hours.
  • c. Failure to complete in allotted time will not receive any points for closing up and finishing.
  • d. 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.

  • e. At the finishing signal a competitor can complete the run without stopping.

  • PENALTY FOR FAILING TO FINISH - DISQUALIFICATION.

  • 3. OPENING
  • a. Conventional ploughing – double opening – no land shall be left unturned.

  • b. Reversible ploughing – single furrow opening with right-hand bodies.

  • 4. START
  • a. Conventional ploughing – start to consist of 11 or 12 furrows.
  • b. Reversible ploughing – start consists of 8 or 9 furrows.
  • c. Horse ploughing – start consists of 8 furrows.

  • d. Competitors to cast towards the next highest number plot.

  • 5. FINISH
  • a. Conventional ploughing – Finish to consist of last 8 furrows.
  • b. Reversible ploughing – finish to consist of last 15 or 16 furrows (ie 3 furrow ploughs – 15 furrows, 2 or 4 furrow ploughs – 16 furrows).
  • c. Horse ploughing – finish to consist of last 8 furrows.

  • d. Last furrow to be ploughed towards competitor’s own start.

  • 6. DEPTH
  • Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
  • a. Tractor ploughing – minimum depth 8 inches.

  • b. Vintage tractor ploughing – minimum depth 7 inches.

  • 7. ONE-WAY PLOUGHING – REVERSIBLE PLOUGHS
  • a. The competitor should make a scratch for his last 15 or 16 furrows whilst openings are being judged (Class 6 only).
  • After the opening split has been judged, the competitor proceeds to:
  • b. Plough 8 or 9 furrows towards the lower numbered plot (Class 6 only).
  • c. Start at the next highest number and complete his ‘butts’ (Class 6 only).
  • d. Complete the last 15 or 16 furrows (15 furrows – 3 furrow ploughs; 16 furrows – 2 or 4 furrow plough.).
  • e. Alternate bodies to be used at all times. Each run to be completed before the plough is tumed over.

  • f. The use of sighting poles at the start of the butts is not allowed.

  • 8. VINTAGE PLOUGHING
  • a. Plough bodies must be made for the plough at the time of manufacture.
  • b. Skimmers and tailpieces optional.

  • c. Tailpieces should not be adapted to manipulate the furrows or scratches.

  • 9. HORSE PLOUGHING
  • a. Competitors can use one or two horses at the finish.
  • b. Leading of horses by one assistant is permitted.
  • c. Horses must not be left unattended on the headland.

  • d. In general purpose ploughing, all competitors must make a double opening split.

  • 10. GENERAL
  • a. Rolling not allowed – penalty 20 points deduction.
  • b. Twin tractor wheels not allowed.
  • c. Three sighting poles only – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance allowed.
  • d. Handling, treading or shaping of scratches or furrows is not allowed (for exception see rule 8b).
  • e. Only one wheelmark allowed at the finish in tractor ploughing.

  • f. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official of the Society of Ploughmen is not acceptable and will be penalised.

  • 11. FINAL DECISION
  • Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.