APBA Inboard Racing

Rule Change Proposal for 2027 are due! December 1st, 2026.
Email to Jim Sechler [email protected]

Follow the criteria listed below
RULE 12 - CRITERIA FOR RULE CHANGE
In order for a proposed rule change to be acted upon by the Inboard Racing Commission, said proposal must be submitted using the following format:
12.1 Non-Technical Rule Changes
12.1.1 All rule changes or proposals must be received at the Inboard Office on or before December 1 of each year. If a rule change is received after December 1st, the rule change or proposal must be submitted and supported by a member of the IRC to be added to the
meeting agenda. Each proposal received will be put on the agenda for the next IRC meeting during the APBA Annual Meeting. If a
racing rule change proposal is received, but could not be presented or completed during the Annual Meeting, the IRC could act and
finalize said proposal after the Annual Meeting but no later than May 1. The Inboard Chairman, Chief Inspector and Class Representative shall receive copies of submitted proposals
12.1.2 If said rule change affects an existing rule, the existing rule including rule number, section, paragraph and page number should
be copied as it now reads from the most recently available rule book. Following the existing rule, state the proposed rule with all
changes incorporated into the text of the rule. If the new rule does not change an existing rule, state the location in the rule book
(i.e.: new rule number, paragraph or section and page number) where the new rule would best be placed into text of the rules. Briefly
summarize the reason for the rule change or new rule proposal. Explain why the proposed rule change should be incorporated into
the rules.
12.1.3 If said rule is a technical rule specific to a single class, only active owners in the said class are eligible to submit the proposal. See
rule 12.1.4 to define active owner.
12.1.4 Should the Inboard Chairman deem a class survey necessary, the following shall apply:
• All surveys will be conducted through the Inboard Office with the results available prior to the National Convention.
• The surveys will be sent to active owners affected pertaining to the proposed rule change. In this instance, the term “active
owner” shall be construed to mean anyone who has participated in the current or prior race year.
• Class racing rules should be submitted through class representatives.
12.1.5 All rule changes must be published in Propeller and/or on the APBA Web site. All changes so published become effective at that time.
A “Rule Change Notice” mailed to all affected members becomes effective thirty (30) days from date mailed.
12.2 TECHNICAL RULE CHANGES
12.2.1 Proposed technical rule changes may be submitted at any time to the Technical Committee or may be submitted as per Rule 12.1

Drivers!! All SNELL2015 Helmets will be out of date starting November 1st, 2026! Get your new helmets!!

Beginning in 2023 Ratings must be no greater than 12 years from rated date code (i.e., SNELL2015 rating good through the beginning of the 2027 season)

Rookie of the Year 2026!! Please email Sean Bowsher [email protected] with you nominations!!

37.4 Inboard Rookie of the Year
Nominations must be submitted on this Rookie of the Year Nomination form. The form must be submitted no later than November 15.
All new drivers are eligible for nomination.
• If a racer is active for four heats or less during the race year, he or she is eligible the following year.
• Previously qualified drivers returning to inboard racing are not considered rookies.
• Drivers who have been previously qualified in another APBA category are eligible; however, preference will be given to those new to the sport.
The nominee’s will be judged and winners selected based on the following criteria:
1. The nominee’s accomplishments on the race course.
2. The nominee’s contributions to the sport off of the race course.
3. The nominee’s sportsmanship throughout the race season.
4. Recommendations from the nominee’s references of racers/competitors, referees and Regional IRC member.
The Inboard Chairman will appoint the Rookie of the Year Committee Chairman, annually. The Committee will consist of up to 7 people (2 West, 2
Midwest, 2 East) and Rookie of the Year Chairman.
The nominations will be distributed to all Rookie of the Year Committee members for review and reference checks from racers/competitors,
Referees and Regional IRC Member.
• The reference checks shall be done via phone along with written confirmation.
• The committee reserves the right to contact any references beyond the three provided.
• Each committee member will place a score on each nomination, after which the committee will deliberate and select winners based on the highest
average score.
• Ties will be broken through deliberation of the committee and Inboard Chairman and Rookie of the Year Committee Chairman.
The Rookie of the Year Committee will submit their recommendations to the IRC for approval.
Winners will be announced by December 15th. The awards will be presented at the APBA Inboard Banquet held at the APBA National Meeting.
Awards: All Inboard Rookies will receive a Certificate. The Rookies of the Year will receive a custom embroidered jacket and will have their names
etched on the Rookie of the Year trophies. (The Eastern Division trophy is display