Welcome at OCRA BENELUX
sports association for the obstacle sport
Obstacle Course Racing Association Benelux
OCRA Benelux is a sports association with the purpose to promote and regulate (the exercise of) the obstacle sport within the Benelux. This is three neighbouring states in central-western Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg- An association with members
- Not for profit
- Independent
Organisation
- 5 board members
- Coordinators: Members with specific knowledge and experience
- Members
- Benefactors
Vision and mission:
We want to ensure the obstacle sport is a fun and safe sport.
- Promote and support the obstacle sport within the Benelux;
- Promote safety by facilitating minimum standards and ground rules.
- The care and organization, or supervising the organisation, of race series, training programs, and activities.
- Managing/directing championships, competitions, and providing guidance for participant preparation.
- Attracting benefactors.
- Recognition of the obstacle sport at the NOC*NSF (Netherlands), the BOIC (Belgium) and the COSL (Luxembourg).
Values
- Openness
- Honesty
- Cooperation.
Members benefits:
- Accident and liability insurance
- Discounts
- More attention to safety at events
- Attention to event guidance
Additional benefits for race athlete members:
- Educated OCR officials
- Plain ground rules
- Training programs
- Centralised management and direction of championships and competition
- Professional support in preparation for events
Benefits for race organizations:
- Advice on safety
- Advice on competition elements
- Provide volunteer training
- Availability of experienced OCR officials
- A platform to contribute ideas for the development of the obstacle sport
- Communication about championships and competition
- Accident and liability insurance
- Discounts
- More attention to safety at events
- Attention to event guidance
Additional benefits for race athlete members:
- Educated OCR officials
- Plain ground rules
- Training programs
- Centralised management and direction of championships and competition
- Professional support in preparation for events
Benefits for race organizations:
- Advice on safety
- Advice on competition elements
- Provide volunteer training
- Availability of experienced OCR officials
- A platform to contribute ideas for the development of the obstacle sport
- Communication about championships and competition
Alliance of European OCR Associations
The Alliance of European OCR associations is a union of European governing bodies for obstacle course racing (OCR).The alliance originally was set up for the purpose of administering the European championships for obstacle racing.
The alliance is commited to promote and regulate (the exercise of) Obstacle Course Racing and to achieve uniform rules and standards for our sport.
Membership
The membership fee is 24 euros per year.
As a member of OCRA Benelux you are insured during obstacle runs both domestically and abroad and during training for obstacle runs. Membership is more than just insurance and discounts at more than 2,500 partners. As the national governing body we represent individual obstacle runners in the field of safety, regulations and their interests at race organisations. This includes umbrella sport organisations and governmental authorities. The association is committed to the promotion and professionalization of our sport, leading negotiate with (local) authorities to create more OCR specific training locations. We hope that everyone who loves the sport will support us, as an independent and overarching sports association, by becoming a member.
Click here for the registration form
Safety
OCRA Benelux is dedicated to promoting safety and setting minimum standards within Obstacle Course Racing.
Before local authorities issue permits for obstacle course events, often a technical inspection of the various obstacles is needed to ensure safety.
As an independent Association for obstacle course racing we have the expertise for such safety inspections.
Our experts have been working in the field of outdoor and leisure events for many years and have a wealth of experience in both obstacle running and survival running.
They are familiar with all applicable NEN standards and the guidelines of SBN, VEBON and RECRON.
They will also apply the Nibra developed "Safety guidance for public events", tensile and break strength of wood and rope materials, The L3G 06.05.C.07 - Scaffold Building Regulations, the timber data sheet of the control section softwood and hardwood of the Royal VVNH and Delft University of Technology.
They will make recommendations on barrier taping, perceived temperature and traffic safety.
The results of inspections and related recommendations will be discussed directly on the day.
After the inspection, our experts will draw up a clear and transparent inspection report in which recommendations for any repair, replacement or modification will be given.
No soil, water samples or measurements will be taken.
Obstacles and course inspections will be carried out according to rules and regulations, but do not replace the obligations concerning licenses and insurance etc. Neither will an inspection take away all the risks (on an inspected course accidents can still happen), Inspections will only lead to recommendations.
Dutch 8 o'clock news - about: OCRA Benelux Course Safety checks - april 23, 2016.
The insurances of the OCRA BENELUX
Quite often insurance companies refuse to pay after a sport injury. The argument usually states: "extreme sport" If the insurance does not pay after a sports accident, the consequences could be disastrous. Physical disabilities as a result of a sports accident can cause huge financial uncertainties.
Some insurance companies make practical distinctions between absolute and relative sport risks. Sports as motocross, Downhill Mountain biking, skateboarding at a competitive level or boxing are classified as absolute recklessness. However the companies concerned, emphasize that such lists are only examples. These are not exclusive lists.
The OCRA Benelux has taken out a collective accident and liability insurance for its members through the sports cooperation NKS.
The insurance coverage is through Meeùs The Hague.
Both insurances offer secondary coverage. This means that if there is another insurance that you can make a claim to (e.g. a private insurance of the causer of the damage), you must report it there first. Only if this policy does not provide cover, or if there are costs that are not reimbursed by this insurance, and if our insured is legally liable for the (injury) damage, only then the damage is eligible for reimbursement by the insurance of the OCRA BENELUX.
The accident insurance of OCRA BENELUX compensates damage in the event of permanent disability or decease. The regulatory own risk is not eligible for reimbursement.
Some insurance companies make practical distinctions between absolute and relative sport risks. Sports as motocross, Downhill Mountain biking, skateboarding at a competitive level or boxing are classified as absolute recklessness. However the companies concerned, emphasize that such lists are only examples. These are not exclusive lists.
The OCRA Benelux has taken out a collective accident and liability insurance for its members through the sports cooperation NKS.
The insurance coverage is through Meeùs The Hague.
Both insurances offer secondary coverage. This means that if there is another insurance that you can make a claim to (e.g. a private insurance of the causer of the damage), you must report it there first. Only if this policy does not provide cover, or if there are costs that are not reimbursed by this insurance, and if our insured is legally liable for the (injury) damage, only then the damage is eligible for reimbursement by the insurance of the OCRA BENELUX.
The accident insurance of OCRA BENELUX compensates damage in the event of permanent disability or decease. The regulatory own risk is not eligible for reimbursement.
The liability insurance of the OCRA BENELUX covers with liability. Sports and games have a special position within the liability law. Some matters are considered unduly outside of sports but are often not within sports. Unfortunately, the probability that an athlete incurs an injury during an event or training, is always present. Damages incurred during sports therefore usually do not lead to liability of a fellow athlete. On this the court has made several rulings, which concluded that in sports a harmful act is considered often less unlawful. These rulings now provide guidance for the assessment of liability.
The insurance covers permanent disability or decease while participating in events / competitions within the field of OCRA Benelux. (Obstacle Course Racing). There is also cover if a participant is preparing/training for an event/competition. For this coverage there must be a causal link between the activity/game and preparing/training for obstacle course racing.
The insured under the policy are among others the organization (OCRA Benelux) and the individual members of the organization. There is cover on the policy if such persons are responsible for damage to third parties.
Collective accident insurance:
The insurance covers permanent disability or decease while participating in events / competitions within the field of OCRA Benelux. (Obstacle Course Racing). There is also cover if a participant is preparing/training for an event/competition. For this coverage there must be a causal link between the activity/game and preparing/training for obstacle course racing.
Liability insurance.
The insured under the policy are among others the organization (OCRA Benelux) and the individual members of the organization. There is cover on the policy if such persons are responsible for damage to third parties.
What is OCR
OCR is currently the fastest growing sport in the world!
OCR stands for "Obstacle Course Racing" and is better known to the general public as "obstacle running"
"Obstacle Course Racing is a running event where the participants encounter various obstacles along the way.
Often, the route goes through nature and on their way participants meet mud and water.
Examples of obstacles are wooden walls, crawling under barbed wire, swimming through ditches, jumping over fire, climbing on rope nets and sometimes even get shocked by electricity.
The goal is to encourage participants to find and push their physical and psychological limits.
History
Who invented this slightly sadistic sport and why on earth di they do it!
The first real Obstacle Course Race took place in England in 1987, where the British soldier Billy Wilson (using the pseudonym "Mr Mouse") conceived a 10-mile-long obstacle course with mud pools, ditches and military exercises for his event Tough Guy.
Harvard student Will Dean trained at that time for triathlon and marathon, but as he found this training boring. Tough Guy was an ideal solution!
Dean saw the international opportunities for this type of event and wrote a research paper on Tough Guy at Harvard.
Once back in the U.S.A. Dean organized Tough Mudder, an Obstacle Course Race of about 20km with 4,500 participants. Today Tough Mudder is one of the largest Obstacle Course Races of the world.
Board
Helen van der Corput
Treasurer & legal affairs
Shared acting chairman
helen @ ocra-benelux.org
Michel de Jong
Board member & media affairs
Shared acting chairman
michel @ ocra-benelux.org
Sebastiaan Munter
Board member & sports development
sebastiaan @ ocra-benelux.org
Drewes Tebbes
Board member International affairs
ad interim
drewes @ ocra-benelux.org
Vacancy
Board member
xxxx @ ocra-benelux.org
Managers
Nancy Keller
Account manager Wallonia & Luxembourg
nancy @ ocra-benelux.org
Vacancy
Account manager Flanders
xxxx @ ocra-benelux.org
Mark van Truien
Account manager North west Netherlands & Utrecht
mark @ ocra-benelux.org
Rene Laenen
Account manager South west Netherlands
rene @ ocra-benelux.org
Toby Gijzen
Account manager South east Netherlands
toby @ ocra-benelux.org
Patrick van Almelo
Account manager North east Netherlands
patrick @ ocra-benelux.org
Coordinators
Benjamin Meeuse
Health & safety coordinator
benjamin @ ocra-benelux.org
Pieter Themmen
Health & safety coordinator
pieter @ ocra-benelux.org
Maarten Swart
Training coordinator
maarten @ ocra-benelux.org
Susanne Ulrich
Member administration coordinator
susanne @ ocra-benelux.org
Egbert de Rouville
OCR league coordinator
egbert @ ocra-benelux.org
Arbitration
John van Wilgen
Officials & arbitration coordinator
Operational supervisor
John @ ocra-benelux.org
Petra van Wilgen
Assistant Officials & arbitration coordinator
Petra @ ocra-benelux.org
Toby Gijzen
Chief official Netherlands
Bart Cauwenbergh
Chief official Belgium
Partner associations
Obstacle Course Racing Association UK
Obstacle Course Racing Association Czech Republic
Asociacion de las pruebas de obstaculos España
Danish Obstacle Course Racing Association
Association Francaise de courses a obstacles
Obstacle Course Racing Association for Germany, Austria and switzerland
Obstacle Course Racing Association Ireland
Federazione Italiana Obstacle Course Race
Obstacle Course Racing Association for Australia and New Zealand
Malaysia Obstacle Racing Sports Association
Commercial Partners
Partner organisations
Via membership of NKS we are affiliated to NOC*NSF
(associated member)
Independent global championship for the burgeoning sport of Obstacle Course Racing
Concerning Obstacle Course racing with disabilities, OCRA Benelux has partnered with Team No Limits.
THE news website for the Benelux
for obstacle running and OCR
Member support partners
Training course with permanent obstacles
33% discount for OCRA Benelux members
Training course with permanent obstacles
€ 10,00 discount on a OVF multi-session ticket or 6 months subscription
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount, internet discount code available at: reduction@ocra-benelux.org
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount on training sessions and use of the indoor court
Training course with permanent obstacles
15% discount on on clinics
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount on training sessions
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount on training sessions
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount at Monkey Business Outdoor sports
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount on use of survival course and obstacles
Training course with permanent obstacles
15% discount upon presentation of member card
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount, internet discount code available at: reduction@ocra-benelux.org
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount on training sessions
Training course with permanent obstacles
10% discount for OCRA Benelux members.
Training course with permanent obstacles
20% discount for OCRA Benelux members.
CrossXvest Academy with Multi-Combo Rig
10% discount on vests and training sessions, internet discount code available at: reduction@ocra-benelux.org
Training course with permanent obstacles
up to 20% discount for OCRA Benelux members.
Training programs focused on obstacle course racing
10% discount on multi-session tickets
Training programs focused on obstacle course racing
When purchasing a 10 session ticket, one additional lesson for free
Training programs focused on obstacle course racing
10% discount on training sessions
Bootcamp & obstacle training 10% discount on training sessions
10% discount on training sessions and nutrition counseling.
Specifically for OCRA Benelux members; Discount on massages at myFITcompany
Benefit at more than 2,500 partners through the member card / Groupon login
By OCRA Benelux recognized OCR training programs
10% discount for members
OCR with a disability
Buddy free system
Concerning Obstacle Course racing with disabilities, OCRA Benelux has partnered with Team No Limits.
Stay tuned for more news about the buddy free system.
Competition wave under the supervision of the association and its officials
Besides recreational obstacle running more and more organizations also start a competition wave under the supervision of the association and its officials.Organizing competition waves contributes to and stimulates the development of our sport.
The results of these competitive races under the supervision of the OCRA Benelux are also included in the Benelux league.
Finally, with your results from some of the official OCRA competiton races you can earn a qualification for the European championship.
| Event | start wave | OCREC Qualifier |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Viking | OCR Series | Yes |
| Battle of Maestricht | competitie wave | Yes |
| Mud and Water Challenge | Wave A - Competitie wave | Yes |
| Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun | Competitor wave | Yes |
| Muscle run | competitie wave | Yes |
| Hang-on Run | Obstacle run wedstrijd groep | No |
| Breakout run | Wedstrijdvak | Yes |
Officials & Rulebook
OCR Official
At races which are recognized by the association, OCRA officials will be deployed. these races results will then be included in the League ranking and are possible qualifying races for national and international championships.An OCR Official is one of the referees/adjudicators at a race, he/she checks if competition runners complete the course and all obstacles in accordance with the regulations of the OCRA Benelux.
The OCR Official is expected to have sufficient knowledge of all applicable rules and regulations.
They lead, show initiative and behave as skilled professionals who direct and control. They are therefore aware of all the relevant information to give an informed judgment and evidence/reason to uphold their decision.
Components of the training include:
• Competition rules
• Basic knowledge referee
• What is right and what is wrong
• Dealing with resistance/aggression
• Quick & objective decisions
• Practice through role play
The OCRA Benelux believes it is important that you gain experience through real application. The practical assignment for the training is therefore a practice day at an Obstacle run in the Benelux.
Conditions for participation;
At admittance at the OCR Official training candidates should:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have affinity with Obstacle Course Racing
• Be or become a member of OCRA Benelux
• Available as official at least twice per half year
Costs
For the training charges are applicable, which the association must pay to "Survival Academy".
You do not have to pay these, but we then expect to deploy you as an OCR official at least 3 times in the 12 months following training.
For this, we will ask you to fill out an agreement.
Compensation
We strive to ensure that if you are deployed as an official, you will receive a free starting ticket to run after the last wave or on another day.
Arrangements about this are made per event, so information on this will follow.
Questions & Contact
If you want to participate or receive more information you can always contact the OCRA Benelux, Coordinator of training & Education by e-mailing training@ocra-benelux.org
The Obstacle Course Association Benelux has set and published a rulebook to benefit the sport and to provide guidelines for competitions and championships.
It is allowed for organizations of Obstacle Course Racing events within the Benelux to refer to these rules as the rules for their event (however copying these rules is not allowed).
Keep in mind as a participant in an OCR event that the event organizers may impose additional and different rules, so always be aware of the rules of the event (via the organization's website).
For the training charges are applicable, which the association must pay to "Survival Academy".
You do not have to pay these, but we then expect to deploy you as an OCR official at least 3 times in the 12 months following training.
For this, we will ask you to fill out an agreement.
Compensation
We strive to ensure that if you are deployed as an official, you will receive a free starting ticket to run after the last wave or on another day.
Arrangements about this are made per event, so information on this will follow.
Questions & Contact
If you want to participate or receive more information you can always contact the OCRA Benelux, Coordinator of training & Education by e-mailing training@ocra-benelux.org
Rulebook
The Obstacle Course Association Benelux has set and published a rulebook to benefit the sport and to provide guidelines for competitions and championships.
It is allowed for organizations of Obstacle Course Racing events within the Benelux to refer to these rules as the rules for their event (however copying these rules is not allowed).
Keep in mind as a participant in an OCR event that the event organizers may impose additional and different rules, so always be aware of the rules of the event (via the organization's website).
Click on the image to download the rulebook.
For the english version you can use the European championships rulebook, which is in general the same for race athletes. - Rulebook European Championships 2016
OCR League
Briefly, the OCR Benelux League is a competition between the fastest obstacle runners within the Benelux, but not only the fastest runners.
All members will earn points if they participate in the per run mentioned startwave.
So, you don't have to be a top runner to earn points for the OCR League ranking, It can become one of your personal goals to improve your position at the eague ranking.
Each year is divided in two seasons:
- pre-summer season (first 6 months of the year)
- after-summer season (last 6 months of the year)
Here you will find the details and ranking:
Any member can earn points, if you participate in the correct start wave. The bigger and tougher a run, the more bonus points you can earn.
How are the points calculated?
Your percentage in the results determines how many points you earn. Are you top 5% then you get 95 points, you're top 10% then you get 90 points, you're top 50% then you get 50 points and so on. Your best three results count.Bonus points
If you're a top 10 finisher you will earn extra points1st place: 50 points
2nd place: 45 points
3rd place: 40 points
4th till 10th place: each position 5 points less.
The rules
Answers to frequently asked questions;Do the events check if you skip an obstacle?
Yes, we will only take in events which work with OCRA Benelux officials.Do the events work with timing chips?
All participating runs in the OCR League Benelux will have time registration.If the winner does not participate in the league and I'm second, Wiil I get points for the first place?
No, that would not be fair. You will get the points for second place because you're second.Will I automatically participate?
Yes, from the moment you're a member, you automatically earn points in the league.Do I gain points when I finish without the bracelet?
Yes, All finishers without bracelet will be in the ranking behind the finishers with bracelet and wil be awarded the points for this ranking position.I do not see my points in the ranking?
We work with the names as mentioned in the race results. (Cannot find your results? mail us at league@ocra-benelux.org)Contact
Contact Obstacle Course Racing Association Benelux
Note:
Please fill out the form below
as complete as possible.
Mail & VAT no.:
info @ ocra-benelux.org
VAT no.: NL855018719B01
Reg. - NL : 62928546
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