San Jacinto District Pushmobile

A pushmobile is a youth-powered go-cart. Cub Scout dens make their own pushmobile. Six Cub Scouts work together as a team to push their pushmobile through the course to the finish line at this annual district event.

Check-in

Please designate one adult to register/check-in at the registration table for the entire den, and one adult to take the car through inspection. The rest of the team should meet in the pit area for each rank. One adult from pre-registered teams must still check-in to pick up patches.

What to Bring

• ​Cub Scouts are encouraged to wear their field uniform (Cub Scout uniform) or activity uniform (Scout t-shirt)
• Closed-toed tennis shoes appropriate for running
• Hat
• Appropriate clothing for any weather (e.g., rain gear, jacket)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Pushmobile (one per den)
• Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for any Scouting event) for every person attending (kept by the unit leader)
• Optional: snacks, 5-gallon bucket for Cub Scouts to sit on, camera, chairs for adults

Photographs    

Notice!  Please be advised that promotional videotaping/photography may be in progress at any time at an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography/photography for promotion (e.g., publications, internet, newspaper).

Event Rules

Please read all the rules carefully and ensure that all racers are fully informed of the rules.

Race Course:

Each course will consist of two (2) lanes marked in three (3) segments. The width of each lane will be one or two parking spaces wide depending on the available space at the college. Each segment is approximately 20-30 yards in length. 
Two Cub Scouts will be stationed at the start of each segment - one Cub Scout will be the driver and the other will be the pusher for that one (1) segment. At the halfway point, the car will be turned around by the Cub Scouts and the Cub Scouts will reverse their roles as driver and pusher. Winners of each race will be announced and the winners will continue until there is a final winner for each rank using the double-elimination system.

Race Day Rules:

• If the team has Cub Scouts from multiple ranks, the highest-ranking Cub Scout will determine the rank for the team.
• Each car will be checked for length, width, front end and steering compliance specifications as outlined above.
• Cars shall remain in the pit unless instructed to move to the race line by a race official.
• The six Cub Scouts who start a heat must finish it - no substitutions are allowed during a single race.
• All six Cub Scouts must be pusher AND rider with the riders becoming the pushers on each segment of the return trip after the car is turned at the end of the course.
• Every team must have its own car (cars cannot be shared among teams).
• Teams should designate an adult to assist with the staging. One adult is allowed at the start line, one at each of the handoff points and one at the turnaround (end of the track).The adult at the starting line is solely responsible for telling the judge that the team is ready. The other adults (handoff and turnaround points) can instruct the racers but may not physically help. The team will be disqualified if an adult touches the car or Cub Scouts during the race.
• There will be no spectators at the start/finish line or alongside of the track. This is for the safety of the team and the spectator.  Adults may not run in the lanes, sidelines, or touch the cars.
• Both axels of the car must completely cross the end line before the car is turned around. 
• Cars must stop with wheels within five feet of the exchange lines.  The judges will disqualify teams who exchange too far away from the line.
• Cars should not cross over the sidelines. Minor crossovers on the sidelines will not be subject to disqualification. However, judges will use their discretion to determine the disqualification of teams who are steering out of control or in an unsafe manner.
• Races will be run double elimination.
• If a team misses its race, the race will not be rerun.
• Keep in mind that it is possible for a car to lose its first two races and be eliminated at that point.In order to avoid having a disappointed Cub Scout, if a team has more than six Cub Scouts, the rotation needs to be set up so that all Cub Scouts get to participate by the second race.
• Any disputes about what lane a car is to run in will be resolved with a coin toss.

Double Elimination:

First Heat	All cars should line up in two lines in their ranks pit area in any order. After each race, winners go to the back of the line on the right side, and the losers go to the left side.
Second Heat	At this point, each car will have either (1) win or (1) loss. Two winners from first heat race (right side line) race against each other followed by two losers from first heat (left sideline) until all cars have raced through this second time. Cars with two wins to the back of the right line.  Cars with one win/ one loss go to the back of the left line. Cars with two losses are eliminated.
Third Heat	Alternate cars in the right line with two wins racing against each other followed by cars in left line with one win/ one loss until all cars have raced through this third heat.
Subsequent Heats	Cars will have a number of wins (depending on how many races they have run) and either no losses or one loss. Adults need to help the starter by pairing up with another team at the end of the line with the same win/loss ratio. Teams that have run fewer total races should race first to ensure they are running the same number of races as everyone else in their rank. Do not stand back to try to keep from running fewer races.  Your team will have to run an extra race to be on the same playing field as everyone else. A Scout is trustworthy.

Car Specifications:

• The pushmobile is to be made by Cub Scouts, parents, and leaders.
• If a car does not meet requirements, it will not be permitted to race. No exceptions. If you choose to use an old car, please make sure that it is made to the current specifications. Consideration will NOT be given for “but it passed last year.”
• Length (axle to axle): 60" maximum, 42" minimum
• Axle width (outside tire to outside tire): 48" max, 24" minimum
• The front axle must be secured to frame with nuts and bolts so not to work loose. A steering block must be installed on the frame (1/8" inch is highly suggested) on the front axle to limit steering (for safety purposes, so racer does not run over anyone)
• Steering will be done with both hands and feet using a rope fastened to the front axle and feet resting on the front axle. No other steering method will be permitted.
• Wheels: wheel/tire combination shall not exceed 16" outside diameter
• Wheels must be secured with cotter pins, double nuts, or lock nuts.
• Construction: cars need to be made of wood, assembled with screws or nuts and bolts. No nails will be permitted on any part of the car and no cars made of pipe of any kind.
• Brakes are NOT allowed.
• Seat: must have a sturdy seat with a backrest (seat belts not required or recommended).
• Push bar: must be installed at the back of the pushmobile high enough for the Cub Scouts to push comfortably and far enough back so the Cub Scouts will not trip over rear axle while pushing. If the push bar is made of pipe or tubing then the ends must have safety covers.
• Check the internet or the Cub Scout How toBook for ideas. 

Scouting Safely

​Scouting America's Commitment to Safety is ongoing, and the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. Scouting America puts the utmost importance on safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The Sam Houston Area Council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth as well as the adult volunteer leadership that interacts with them. 

Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow youth protection guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:

• Two-deep leadership on all outings is required.  
• One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited. 
• The buddy system should be used at all times. 
• Discipline must be constructive.

Health and safety must be integrated into everything we do, to the point that no injuries are acceptable beyond those that are readily treatable by Scout-rendered first aid. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activities, the National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the National Council has developed the SAFE Checklist of safety procedures for physical activity. These points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities. 

*About Medical Record: Scouting America requires all participants to bring an Annual Health and Medical Record to every Scouting event. The Scouting adventures, camping trips, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in ensuring you have a great Scouting experience. Completing a health history promotes health awareness, collects necessary data, and provides medical professionals with critical information needed to treat a patient in the event of an illness or injury. It also provides emergency contact information. Please download the form and have it with you at all Scouting events for every member of your family.  

^Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended for all Scouting events. Many of our outdoor venues have snakes and sticks that can injure toes. Many of our activities include active games, so shoes that Scouts can run in (e.g., tennis shoes) are recommended.

Youth Protection Guidelines     Guide to Safe Scouting      SAFE Checklist      Enterprise Risk Management

Late-Breaking Information

For late-breaking news and announcements will be emailed to those registered, post on our district Facebook page and sent to the district email newsletter list.  Join our district Facebook page and sign up for our district e-mail list. 

Contacts

For registration questions, contact the San Jacinto District registrar. For questions about the event, contact the Pushmobile chair or district activities chair.