Rules And Regulations

While GSH is an adventure of a lifetime, it is also a competition.  And, as such, must have rules.  As you embark on this extraordinary journey around the world, here are the rules designed to ensure a fair, fun, and thrilling experience for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Rule 1: Team Togetherness
    1.    To complete a scavenge, both teammates must be physically present.
    2.    Proof requirement: Snap a team photo at each scavenge. No drive-by photos.
    3.    Each team receives one official scavenger hunt booklet—no copying.
    4.    Stick together for ticket purchases and other tasks.
    5.    Penalty for non-compliance: Loss of 50% of that leg’s points.
    6.    If you lose your booklet, you must print a new copy after the race directors guide you to a printing option.

Rule 2: Team Event
    1.    GSH is a team strategy competition, not a group effort.
    2.    No teaming up with other teams without prior approval.
    3.    If you do collaborate, inform the race directors which scavenges were completed together.
    4.    Casual help (pointing someone in the right direction, answering a simple question) is allowed.
    5.    Penalty for unauthorized teaming up: Both teams lose 50% of their points for that leg.

Rule 3: Public Transportation Only
    1.    Unless otherwise instructed, use public transportation for travel.
    2.    “Public” means it’s open to other passengers (e.g., buses, trains, ferries).
    3.    Taxis or ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are permitted for single rides—but do not hire a driver to stay with you across multiple scavenges.
    4.    No hotel cars, private car hires, or rentals.
    5.    Document all travel with timelines, photos, and receipts.
    6.    Severe violations may result in the loss of all leg points.

Rule 4: Keep Those Tickets
    1.    Save all train, bus, ferry, and other public travel tickets.
    2.    Note dates and times on the back (or keep them in a travel journal).
    3.    If digital, screenshots are fine.
    4.    The race directors will review these as proof of compliance.

Rule 5: Documenting Issues
    1.    We have done our best to ensure tasks are open and available.
    2.    Points are only awarded for fully completed tasks.
    3.    If a task is closed or unavailable, no points can be awarded—effort alone does not earn points.
    4.    All tasks require proof of completion.

Rule 6: Participation Over Sightseeing
    1.    You must locate, visit, and spend quality time at each place.
    2.    No drive-by photos from vehicles.
    3.    Save entrance tickets and sales receipts as proof.
    4.    If a task has a time requirement (e.g., one hour at a museum) or an implied duration (e.g., watch a play, enjoy a full meal), good-faith compliance is expected.
    5.    Cutting time short to “check the box” is considered cheating and may lead to point deductions.

Rule 7: Proof Availability
    1.    Keep all receipts, photos, journals (digital or physical) until the next leg begins.
    2.    No proof, no points.
    3.    Digital equivalents (photos, scans) are acceptable.

Rule 8: Score Sheet Integrity
    1.    Score cards are digital; the app collects timestamps and location data.
    2.    Do not tamper with or try to cheat the system.
    3.    If cheating is detected, penalties will apply at the race directors’ discretion.

Rule 9: No Guides or Hotel Help
    1.    No professional or amateur guides (other than taxi drivers).
    2.    No help from hotel employees (concierge, front desk) to plan or carry out scavenges.
    3.    No prior research with paid guides or concierge services.
    4.    Penalty: Loss of points; may escalate to losing all leg points for severe violations.

Rule 10: No Friends and Family Help
    1.    Friends and family in destination cities may attend official events but cannot aid your team in scavenges or planning.
    2.    Keep the competition fair and unbiased.

Rule 11: Tech-Free Legs
    1.    During tech-free legs, you may not use personal electronic devices or hotel business centers for research.
    2.    Public phones (pay phones, etc.) are allowed if needed.
    3.    Penalty for using prohibited devices: Loss of 50% of that leg’s points.

Rule 12: Race Directors’ Role
    1.    Race directors are there for safety and rule enforcement.
    2.    They will not provide strategic or guiding tips.
    3.    Direct questions about safety or rules only—do not seek personal advantage.

Rule 13: Reporting Violations
    1.    Immediately and privately report any rule violations or spirit breaches by other teams.
    2.    Provide documentation if possible.
    3.    Do not confront or police other teams—notify the race directors.

Rule 14: Rule Modifications
    1.    Race directors may modify rules as needed.
    2.    Any changes will be announced publicly to all teams at official meetings or through official messages.

Rule 15: Accommodation Rules
    1.    Accommodations are provided for designated evenings only.
    2.    Teams are responsible for any additional nights needed.

Rule 16: Downtime Conduct
    1.    During downtime, refrain from activities that confer a competitive advantage (e.g., scouting tasks, getting special help).
    2.    Use downtime to rest and take care of personal needs.
    3.    Penalty for violation: Possible sequestering or other penalties before the next leg.

Rule 17: Handling Infractions
    1.    Race directors will address infractions immediately.
    2.    Point deductions will be publicly announced.
    3.    Repeated violations may result in disqualification.
    4.    The race directors’ decisions are final.

Rule 18: Respect Local Customs
    1.    Show respect for local people, customs, and laws.
    2.    Dress and behave appropriately at sacred or culturally significant sites.
    3.    We are guests—act accordingly.

Rule 19: No Sabotage
    1.    Do not sabotage other teams (e.g., hide resources, tamper with their possessions).
    2.    Penalty: Loss of points or disqualification.
    3.    Avoid gossip or calculating other teams’ scores—focus on your own performance.

Rule 20: Obey Local Laws
    1.    Comply with all local laws.
    2.    Ignorance is no excuse.
    3.    Avoid any illegal activities.

Rule 21: Scoring
    1.    Scores are tallied and posted after each leg.
    2.    Teams are ranked based on points earned; points carry over from each leg.
    3.    The team with the highest total points at the end of the final leg wins.
    4.    If there is a tie, it will be resolved by a coin flip (or an additional challenge, at the race directors’ discretion).

    Note: This corrects the original statement about “lowest aggregate score” to reflect a more typical points-based competition.

Rule 22: Point Adjustments
    1.    Race directors may adjust points for partial scavenges or minor rule violations.
    2.    All disputes must be raised before the next leg starts.
    3.    No instant replay—the directors’ decisions are final.

Rule 23: Check-In Deadlines
    1.    Teams must meet check-in deadlines with completed score sheets.
    2.    Late submissions may result in point deductions or other penalties.

Rule 24: Mandatory Scavenges
    1.    Some scavenges may be mandatory. If a teammate cannot complete a mandatory scavenge for moral, ethical, political, or religious reasons, inform the race directors promptly.
    2.    Optional scavenges remain strictly optional.

Rule 25: Safety and Well-Being
    1.    Your health and safety come first.
    2.    If you encounter a medical emergency, seek professional assistance and notify the race directors as soon as possible.
    3.    In hazardous or extreme conditions, use common sense and prioritize safety over completing tasks.

Rule 26: Good Sportsmanship
    1.    Compete with honor and integrity—no deceitful tactics or circumventing the rules.
    2.    Offer basic courtesies to other teams, local residents, and race staff.
    3.    Celebrate the spirit of adventure, cultural exchange, and friendly competition.

Enjoy your journey, embrace the adventure, and remember to keep it fair and fun!