Here's a quick update on the new BAR rules for 2004.

1. Protests: BAR scoring protests may only be lodged by the rider or the the riders licensed coach. No protest will be heard if lodged by someone other than those stated.

2. New BAR Categories:

   Previously, the Mens Masters BAR categories were as follows:

   Masters 30+	Events open to all USCF Masters age 30+.
   Masters 40+	Events open to all USCF Masters age 40+.
   Masters 50+	Events open to all USCF Masters age 50-99.
   

   This year, we have changed to five year increments. So BAR categores will be:

   Masters 30	Events open to all USCF Masters age 30-34.
   Masters 35	Events open to all USCF Masters age 35-39.
   Masters 40	Events open to all USCF Masters age 40-44.
   Masters 45	Events open to all USCF Masters age 45-49.
   Masters 50	Events open to all USCF Masters age 50-54.
   Masters 55	Events open to all USCF Masters age 55-59.
   Masters 60+	Events open to all USCF Masters age 60-99.
   

   For Women, the BAR categories have changed slightly too. Previously, they were:

   Women		Events open to all USCF Women.
   Women 35+	Events open to all USCF Women 35+.
   

   This year, they will be:

   Women 1,2,3	Events open to all USCF Cat 1/2/3 Women.
   Women 40+	Events open to all USCF Women 40+.
   

   Women 4 will remain the same.

3. BAR Points for State Champ events: State championship events will be worth 1.5 times the points. For these events, the points will be awarded according to the schedule in Table 2:

   Table 2 Base points for championship events:
   Place   Base Points 
    
   1       45
   2       39
   3       34.5
   4       30
   5       25.5
   6       22.5
   7       19.5
   8       16.5
   9       13.5
   10      10.5
   11      7.5
   12      6
   13      4.5
   14      3
   15      1.5