USACI INTERMEDIATE GENERAL RULES

Intermediate Pro:

• He or she works for a car audio dealer or distributor
• Receives compensation for using a specific manufacturer’s equipment
• A competitor’s immediate family member meets one or both of the previous conditions
• He or she has been reclassified to “Pro” by USACI
• A competitor who does not meet any of the previous conditions may compete as a Pro by choice.  

 Once a competitor places first at two USACI world finals events, that competitor must move to the advanced division.

Any competitor who has previously competed in USACI advanced or expert division may not compete intermediate

Intermediate Consumer:

 If a competitor chooses to compete in the Intermediate Beginner division, the competitor must be free of all of the above conditions (including Intermediate Pro by choice) for a complete competition season.  Logical exceptions for a competitor to compete in the Intermediate Beginner division while an immediate family member is in the car audio business will be considered by the USACI Board.   Requests for such an exemption must be presented in writing by the competitor and answered in writing by the USACI Board. Such an exemption might be approved in this scenario: The competitor’s brother has a store in Boise City, Idaho, yet the competitor can show proof of retail purchase of equipment near his or her own home in Atlanta, Georgia.

 A USACI member may not change from Intermediate Beginner division to the Intermediate Pro or vice versa without prior approval from the USACI office. Additionally, a competitor may not compete in a USACI Advanced competition and then choose to compete in the USACI Intermediate Division at any time during the competition year.  Once a competitor moves to the USACI Advanced division, he or she must remain in that division unless that competitor petitions the USACI Rules and Ethics board and receives permission to compete in USACI Intermediate.  Such a request must be requested in writing and accompanied by a fifteen dollar processing fee. If the change is approved, it will be reflected by issuing the member new membership identification.

• finishes “first place“ two times at the USACI World Finals
• Reclassified by a head judge or USACI Rules and Ethics Board
• Moves by choice

 Any competitor who has previously competed in USACI advanced or expert division may not compete intermediate

Note: USACI reserves the right not to recognize any car audio-sanctioning body.

2.  Divisions:

Consumer - open

Pro - open

3. Event Judging Order

 At USACI sanctioned events a USACI Intermediate Beginner and USACI Intermediate Pro competitor’s vehicle shall be judged using four judging stations in the following order:

1. Verification
2. Installation
3. Sound Quality
4. Sound Pressure Level Testing (SPL)

 For detailed descriptions of each judging station, please refer to the sections following General Rules.  The head judge reserves the right to omit any judging stations before the event due to extenuating circumstances.

II. VERIFICATION JUDGING CRITERIA (5 points max)

 A USACI competitor’s vehicle shall be inspected by the Verification judge to ensure that the vehicle and audio system meets the USACI Intermediate Requirements as outlined under USACI Intermediate General Rules. If, in the judge’s opinion, the vehicle or system does not meet all of these Intermediate Requirements, the judge may bring it to the Head Judge’s attention, and by the Head Judge’s decision, the competitor may be disqualified from the event or moved to the USACI Advanced Division. The competitor’s entry fee may be refunded if it is not a Regional or Final event.    

 The Verification Judge will verify the power ratings of each amplifier installed in the competitor’s vehicle to ensure that the competitor has been entered in the appropriate power class.  The competitor may be required to show proof of the manufacturer’s rated RMS power.   It is the competitor’s responsibility to prove the manufacturer’s rated power of the amplifier if requested.  One example of proof may be providing the original amplifier documentation with power ratings included.  Documents that are altered or not publicly available will not be accepted.  If two documents are produced with different power ratings, the highest published stereo RMS rating at 4 Ohms and 12.6 volts will be used.

A. Security System (5 points max)

A security system is considered to be essential to every competition vehicle. The Verification judge will evaluate the existence of Intermediate alarm components and their functional status.  Each feature must be able to be demonstrated to receive a point.  All remotes should be held by the Verification Judge while testing the alarm system to ensure entries are properly protected.  

Remote control - The alarm system must be able to be armed and disarmed using a wireless remote while outside of the vehicle.

All entry points must be protected - Every normal entrance to the enclosed portion of the vehicle must be protected in such a way that the alarm will sound when that entrance is violated.  This includes any door, hood, trunk or hatch lid, and etc.  Secondary entry points (i.e. sunroofs and wing windows) may be protected by the use of additional sensors.   

Starter disable - The alarm system must not allow the engine to be started if the vehicle’s security is violated.   

Additional sensors - The alarm system must have at least one additional sensor capable of protecting the vehicle other than the normal entrance sensors.  Such sensors include glass breakage sensors, shock or impact sensors, motion detectors, microwave perimeter sensors, and etc.   

Dedicated battery backup - The alarm system must have a battery, such as a small gel cell battery, which is dedicated to the alarm system only and is capable of powering the alarm system in the event that the vehicle’s primary battery system fails.

III. INSTALLATION JUDGING CRITERIA (60 POINTS MAX)

A USACI competitor’s audio system installation will be judged according to the rules and guidelines in this section.  Minimum points may be awarded in a category if the system completely fails to meet the judging criteria for that category.  Partial credit may be given if the system is nearly consistent with the judging criteria for that category.  Maximum points shall only be awarded if the system completely meets or exceeds the criteria for that category.   

The mobile audio system installation will be judged for safety both to the driver and the vehicle.  The system should be well designed for performance and durability and should exhibit a well-developed theme.

A competitor must provide photographs (or other media) of any installation application that is not readily visible if he or she wishes to be scored on that application.  Otherwise the vehicle may be scored as if the application is nonexistent or inconsistent with the judging guidelines.  Failure to detail all portions in the installation may result in minimum points awarded for a particular scored area in the installation.

It shall be the Installation Judge’s responsibility to score the competitor’s audio system according to the following rules and guidelines to the best of this judge’s ability.  It is the competitor’s responsibility to accept that the scores awarded by the judge are given in the competitor’s best interest as an honest evaluation.

B. POWER SOURCE DESIGN (15 POINTS MAX)

Battery(ies) Properly Vented (1 or 3)  - Every battery in the vehicle should be properly vented to outside air.  The buildup of poisonous and explosive gases given off while a lead acid battery is charging can be very dangerous.  This may be avoided if the battery is mounted in an open engine compartment or by a forced air ventilation system with the output completely capable of moving the gases to the outside of the vehicle.  Totally enclosing batteries in a open engine compartment defeats the purpose for ventilation therefore not allowing maximum points to be awarded to the competitor. “Bat Cap” and other slow discharge type devices will be considered batteries and must be vented like a battery.

Power Wires Properly Fused Near Battery (1 or 3) - Each power wire, which is connected to the positive terminal of a battery, must be fused within 18 wire inches (including all connectors, wire and protection devices) of the battery and before the wire passes through any metal.  This measurement will be taken from the center of the positive battery post and terminate at the output of the fuse or a manual reset circuit breaker.  Being properly fused consists of using a manual reset circuit breaker or a fuse of the proper rating. Either should have a current rating less than that of the components, including connecting wire, to which it is supplying power, to include at the positive post of multiple batteries connected together. Automatic reset circuit breakers are not acceptable.  Also each fuse must maintain moderate accessibility.  These rules normally apply to any circuit that supplies power to the audio system, but may also apply to a stock power lead which is deemed to be unsafe.   Note: The gauge of wire being protected will decide proper fuse rating. System values will not be used to determine proper fusing values on batteries.  

Proper Gauge Power Wire(s) (1 or 3) - The proper gauge power wire is essential in providing the audio system with it’s required voltage and current during normal operation.  A power wire that is too small to handle the current load placed upon it is a hazard to the competitor and his or her vehicle.  Please use the wiring chart at the end of this book for reference in determining the proper gauge power wire.  

Power Wires Properly Terminated (1 - 3) - Good wire termination techniques should be used, especially to connect the power source components.  Each termination should be very solid and free of any fraying strands or corrosion.  A termination should have some form of protection, such as heat shrink tubing, to protect it from corrosion.  Also, each termination along the twelve-volt positive lead must have adequate protection to prevent accidental shorting to ground.

Power Wires Run Neatly, Safely, and Securely (1 - 3) - All wires which connect the power source components to one another and the audio system must be routed in an orderly fashion away from all potentially damaging parts of the vehicle.  Any separately moving portion of the vehicle should be avoided as well as excessive heat sources (such as the engine’s exhaust system) All wiring should be secured at regular intervals as necessary to prevent it from irregular movement.  Other engine compartment wiring which is especially dangerous or unappealing may also be included in this category.  

C. Head Unit and Other Processors (10 Points Max.)

Equipment Properly Mounted (1 - 4) - The head unit and any additional processors, such as equalizers, crossovers, and enhancement devices, must be firmly mounted to the vehicle. The component’s mounting should not allow irregular movement of the component in any plane of motion.  If a component is mounted to a normally moving portion of the vehicle, then that particular portion of the vehicle will be inspected for irregular movement. Additionally, any head unit or processors mounted using a drywall type screw will be considered improperly mounted and will be awarded minimum points in this category.

Components Properly Fused (1 - 3) - Each component’s voltage supply wiring must be properly fused to maintain the safety of the competitor and his or her vehicle.  This will include all constant 12 volt, accessory 12 volt and illumination fusing (if originally supplied by the manufacturer) Failure to properly fuse each component or by defeating the factory supplied fuses will result in minimum points being awarded in this category.

Wires Properly Terminated (1 - 3) - Good wire termination techniques should be used.  Each termination should be very solid and free of any fraying strands or corrosion.  A termination should have some form of protection, such as heat shrink tubing, to protect it from corrosion.  Also, each termination must have adequate protection to prevent accidental shorting to ground.

D. Speakers (10 Points max)

Speakers Properly Mounted (1 - 4) - All speakers in the vehicle should be securely mounted so that no irregular movement is allowed.  This will include the actual driver and/or panel that the driver is mounted to.  Additionally, any speaker enclosure or mounting location that inhibits the use of any OEM safety device may be cause for a low score in this category.  Any speaker mounted with a drywall type screw will be considered improperly mounted and will be awarded minimum points in this category.

Speakers Properly Protected (1 - 3) - All speakers in the vehicle must be properly protected from damage during the normal use of the vehicle.  Such protection may include, but is not limited to, an expanded mesh grill, waffle grills and so on.  All speakers in the vehicle should be protected in some way to receive maximum points in this category.

Wires Properly Terminated (1 - 3) - Good wire termination techniques should be used.  Each termination should be very solid and free of any fraying strands or corrosion.  A termination should have some form of protection, such as heat shrink tubing, to protect it from corrosion.  Also, each termination must have adequate protection to prevent accidental shorting to ground.

E. Amplifiers (10 Points max)

Note:  If an audio system does not use any external amplifiers, but instead uses only a signal source or processor with a built-in amplifier, then the signal source or processor shall be considered an amplifier and will be evaluated accordingly.  

Amplifier(s) Properly Mounted (1 - 4) - All amplifiers in the vehicle must be firmly mounted to the vehicle.  The amplifier’s mounting should not allow irregular movement in any plane of motion (up, down or side to side).  If an amplifier is mounted to a normally moving portion of the vehicle or installation (fold down seats, motorized amplifier racks, and etc.), then that particular portion shall be inspected for irregular movement.  Additionally, any amplification device mounted using a “drywall” type screw will be considered improperly mounted and will receive minimum points in this category.   

Amplifier(s) Properly Fused (1 - 3) - Each amplifier’s voltage supply wiring must be properly fused to maintain the safety of the competitor and his or her vehicle. Failure to properly fuse each amplifier or by defeating the factory supplied fuses will result in minimum points being awarded in this category.

Wires Properly Terminated (1 - 3) - Good wire termination techniques should be used.  Each termination should be very solid and free of any fraying strands or corrosion.  A termination should have some form of protection, such as heat shrink tubing, to protect it from corrosion.  Also, each termination must have adequate protection to prevent accidental shorting to ground.

F. Overall System (10 POINTS MAX)

Overall cleanliness of vehicle (1 - 3) - A clean vehicle shows both respect for the judges and the competitor’s pride in the vehicle.  Only a very clean vehicle will receive maximum points.  Some allowances may be made for lack of cleanliness if the event is held during bad weather or with less than appropriate judging area conditions.   

Overall wiring integrity (1 - 4) - The competitor’s vehicle should not allow for unintentionally exposed or unsightly wiring.  All dash and speaker wiring should be hidden from view in the normal seated position.  Wiring that is exposed by design in the amplifier or processor rack should maintain a neat and orderly appearance.

Ease of system maintenance (1 - 3) - A well-designed audio system should take into account the inevitable fact that each component will require repair or replacement, sooner or later.  Each audio system component must be reasonably accessible for this reason.  It should not require extended periods of time, in the judge’s opinion, to simply remove a component or reinstall it.

G. Presentation (5 points max)

The competitor will have 7 minutes to completely present the vehicle to the installation judge.  The competitor will have 2 points deducted from the presentation score after 7 minutes has expired.  1 point will be deducted for each additional minute up to 10 minutes.  When 10 minutes has expired, the competitor will be “cut off” and judging will begin.  During this 7-minute period the judge(s) will not be scoring the system, but will be very attentive to the competitor.  The competitor should explain all parts of the audio system while showing their existence and function, if necessary.  Photographs (or other form of media) of components or installation techniques which are not readily apparent, an audio system layout, and other diagrams (etc.) may help the competitor to more effectively present the audio system.   Creativity points will NOT be awarded for these presentation techniques.  The competitor is being judged on how well he or she knows and understands the system.  Additional materials pertaining to the audio system may be available to the judges after the presentation period has expired.    

The average score in this category shall be three points. Points may be deducted if, in the judge’s opinion, the competitor lacks a general knowledge or understanding of the audio system.  While the competitor is allowed an assistant when making the presentation, the competitor only will be judged on knowledge and understanding of the system. If a competitor is unable to present the vehicle due to handicap or other extenuating circumstances, that competitor may appeal to the USACI Rules and Ethics board for a presentation exemption.  If an exemption is awarded, the competitor who owns the vehicle MUST be with the vehicle while it is being judged.  The competitor will be required to show the head judge and/or the event director the official exemption at every event.

IV. SOUND QUALITY JUDGING CRITERIA (125 points max)

A USACI competitor’s audio system’s sound quality will be judged according to the rules and guidelines in this section.  Few points shall be awarded in a category if the system fails to meet the judging criteria for that category. Partial credit may be given if the system is nearly consistent with the judging criteria for that category.  Maximum points shall only be awarded if the system completely meets or exceeds the criteria for that category.   

Sound Quality judging is designed to evaluate how well the audio system duplicates or recreates the original music performance.  All musical information, including direct and reflected sound, must be recreated with accurate tonal balance.  The musical information should also seem to come from the same direction and distance from the listener as in the original performance. When evaluating a very accurate audio system, the listener should be able to close his or her eyes and feel that they are actually experiencing a live performance.  

A competitor will be allowed 3 minutes to adjust the audio system for Sound Quality judging.  A Sound Quality judge will only adjust the system’s volume and use such signal source playback functions such as fast forward and rewind or tracking.  All other settings will be left untouched and should be preset.

Sound Quality software will be provided by USACI and should not be substituted during the event. It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that the software is returned to the judging staff after Sound Quality judging is completed.  If the software is not returned, the competitor will be considered disruptive to the event and appropriate action will be taken.  

It shall be the Sound Quality judge’s responsibility to score the competitor’s audio system according to the following rules and guidelines to the best of this judge’s ability.  It is the competitor’s responsibility to accept that the scores awarded by the judge are given in the competitor’s best interest as an honest evaluation of the audio system.

The competitor must present the sound quality judge a seating position that closely approximates the normal seated position while operating the vehicle.  The sound quality judge must judge the vehicle seated in the seat placement presented by the competitor.  If the judge feels that this position will not allow him or her to accurately score the vehicle or is unrealistic, the head judge will determine if the seating position is unrealistic.  The sound quality judge may NOT adjust the seat or seating position to personal tastes.

Covering any portion of the vehicle so that it blocks or restricts the OEM view out of the vehicle for any judge judging the car is prohibited.

H. Stage Position - Depth (10 points max)

In this section, the judge will evaluate the direction of the sound stage relative to the listener.  A properly designed audio system can make the lead vocals and other instruments appear in front of you such as on the hood of the car or further.  The system should be able to remove the “physical boundaries” of the vehicle and make the listener feel that they are part of the original performance.

Proper ambiance is also critical in creating this “live” performance.  Your mind uses the reflections off of the walls, ceiling and floor to properly place the performers on the stage as well as place the physical boundaries of the room.  Reflections can be artificially added through the use of processors or the natural acoustics of the vehicle can be used.  A properly designed system will sound natural and not overly processed.  An example of overly processed would be to use the stadium setting on a DSP unit to play a track recorded in a small nightclub.  

A good rule of thumb for recreating proper depth in a car audio system is to imagine yourself sitting in the forth row on the aisle at a performance in a small hall.  This will give you a good idea of the correct depth and placement of the performers on the stage.

When evaluating a sound field that has good depth recreation, it should be apparent that some of the performers are also closer to the listener than other performers. If the audio system lacks depth, then the performers will appear as though they are standing shoulder to shoulder, with no one performer being farther away than any other performer.  The judge should select one category which best describes the audio system and score the system appropriately.  

I. Stage Position - Width (10 points max)

In this section, the judge will evaluate the width of the sound stage relative to the listener.  A properly designed audio system can make the performers located on the far left and right of the stage appear outside the physical boundaries of the vehicle.  The stage should also contain all of the performers located in their proper place in between the far left and right performers.  Generally, if the competitor can clearly define the left, center and right placement correctly, all of the performers on the stage will be in their correct positions.

A well-balanced sound stage should have distinct left, right, and center images that are evenly spaced apart.  No image should be noticeably stronger or weaker than its adjacent image.  While image separation is important, the sound stage should maintain seamless (smooth) transitions from one image to the next.  The sound stage should have no apparent gaps or missing musical information.  The judge should select one category which best describes the audio system and score the system appropriately.

J. Stage Position - Height (10 points max)

In this section, the judge will evaluate how well the system reproduces the apparent height of the performers on the stage in relation to his or her seating position.  If you continue to use the “forth row aisle” analogy, the performers should all be at or just above eye level to the listener.  The audio system should recreate this placement in the vehicle.  If the vehicle exhibits correct stage height, the performers should all sound like they are floating approximately an equal distance between the top and bottom of the windshield.

Maximum points will only be awarded if all portions of the stage remain stable and one or more portions of the stage do not appear to be higher or lower than the rest of the performers on the stage. If this is the case, an average of the best and worst stage height will be awarded.  Example: Judging from the driver’s seat, the center and right placement appear to maintain the same relative vertical position but the left placement is considerably lower than the other portions of the stage.  The center/right score (10) will be averaged with the left score (2) to arrive at the final score (6).

K. Definition and Clarity (40 points max)

In this section, the judge will evaluate how well the audio system recreates the sounds of the individual instruments.  The system should be able to recreate the instruments so they sound natural such as a guitar “sounds” like a guitar.  A system that exhibits poor definition and clarity can make a clarinet sound like a trumpet or worse.  Some examples of instruments and their general frequency ranges are detailed below.  

Highs   - Drummer’s high hat, cymbal, upper flute, etc.

Midrange- Upper vocals, piano, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, etc.

Midbass - Lower vocals, snare drum, bass guitar, trombone, etc.

Subbass - Bass drum, bass synthesizer, pipe organs, etc.

Instruments or vocalists from each frequency range should appear distinct and natural.  There should be no additional resonance or harmonic overtones that may develop from the vehicle or audio system components.  All musical and vocal tones should sound natural without an “overly processed” sound. Overly processed tones tend to lose warmth and realism.  The best systems will reproduce tones that feel very “live”, but studio quality, almost one-on-one.  These systems can also show the detail of certain musical passages and vocal personality that is sometimes processed out.  

L. Sound Linearity (20 points max)

A properly designed audio system should have an equal balance of all audible frequency ranges, both at low volume and at high volume.  No one set of speakers should overpower any of the other speakers in this system.  An example of a non-linear system would be when the subs overpower the rest of the speakers in the system.  Also, all of the frequencies should blend naturally without any noticeable gaps.  This means that the subs, mids and tweets should all work together to present the judge with the “total package” that represent all tones and frequencies being played.

The audio system should first be evaluated at low volume, approximately 70 dB, and then at high volume, approximately 100 dB using the same program material.  At both levels, all frequency ranges should blend naturally, or with no range or speaker being noticeably louder or quieter than any other range or speaker.  Also, speakers should not “break up” or exhibit any unnatural sounds or characteristics during this portion of the judging.  Only audio systems that exhibit natural and balanced reproduction of the entire audio spectrum will score highly in this test.

M. Engine Noise (15 points max)

An audio system should be free of any noises that may be introduced by the vehicle’s engine or ignition system.  The vehicle’s engine must be running and a current load must be placed on the charging system (i.e. headlights on and set to high beam, air conditioner operating, brake lights operated, etc).   The audio system should be free of alternator whine and ignition pops or ticks, both at low volume and at full volume. The judge(s) will evaluate this category from the normal seated position.   The judge may not lean forward from the normal seated position to evaluate an otherwise quiet system.  Vehicles with an exceptionally loud engine or exhaust system will not be eligible for maximum points due to their distracting qualities.  The judge should be careful to distinguish between actual alternator whine produced through the audio system and other similar noises that already exist while the engine is running.  Such similar noises may produced by turbo chargers, the bearings in high output alternators, and etc.  By listening with the entire audio system turned on at one point and with it turned off at one point, a proper evaluation of the noise source can be made.    

If an audio system is determined to be free of all engine noise, then the vehicle’s charging system will be inspected using a voltmeter.  When the charging system is working properly, the entire battery system and connecting components should maintain a voltage higher than 13.5 volts, or at least the voltage should rise and fall substantially (.5 volt) while revving the engine.  The voltage reading will be taken at the 12-volt DC input of the amplifiers or the closest point to the amplifiers.  If the charging system is determined to be faulty, then no points shall be awarded in this category.  If the Head Judge determines that the charging system was intentionally disabled, then the competitor shall be disqualified from the event with no refund.  The judge should select the category which best describes the audio system and score the system accordingly.     

N. Overall Sound Quality (20 points max)

In this section the judge will evaluate how good the overall system sounds.  A good analogy is “can I jam on this system for the drive home and not get tired of listening to it”.  Keep in mind that not everyone listens to the same kind of music (rap, country, rock and so on) so an audio system that will score highly will play all of these different types of music equally as well. 

V. SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL - SPL 

 If a competitor chooses to use an SPL “podium”, he or she will be required to use the same brand equipment in the podium as is installed in the vehicle with the same output voltages.  This will include all processors, head units and so on.  Some examples would be:  

 Competitor A has 2 EQT’s, a PLD1 Line driver and Pioneer M900 in the vehicle.  This competitor uses a Pioneer M-900 and PLD1 Line driver in the Podium.  This would be allowable.

 Competitor B has an EPX2, PA1 and Alpine 7919 in the vehicle.  This competitor has a Alpine 7909, PLD1 and an EQX in the podium.  This would not be allowed.

(All models and brand affiliations are used to clarify this rule)

 The SPL meter should be set to display only Max SPL and adjusted to the correct SPL range before initiating the testing.  All gain or loss filters should be bypassed or set to their neutral position.

 Windows, doors, and etc. can be either open or closed during this test. Doors may not be slammed or fanned during testing  

 The competitor will have a maximum of five minutes to make any adjustments to the audio system for this test.  If the competitor is not ready for the test within the five-minute period, a minimum of ten points will be deducted. After the SPL meter has been placed and the competitor has loaded the software and readied the system, the competitor should signal the judge that he or she is ready for the test.  The judge should then reset the SPL meter and ensure that all entrances are closed.

 After the judge signals the competitor to begin the test, the competitor will play 30 (thirty) seconds of an official USACI SPL music track (no sine sweeps) in order to obtain a reading on the SPL meter.  The music may not be restarted after judging begins. If the audio playback does not remain audible to the judge or if it is restarted (or repeated in any way) then ten points may be deducted from the competitor’s SPL score.   The competitor may choose to stop the SPL testing at any time before the 30-second time limit has expired but the SPL judge must be able to audibly verify that the correct disk is being used during testing.  The use of tone generators, doublers or any other device that externally (outside of the closed signal chain) generates or alters the frequencies that the system is playing during SPL testing is expressly prohibited and will result in disqualification with no refund.  Any competitor generating sound pressure with anything other than the provided musical software or externally influencing the SPL measuring equipment will be immediately disqualified and the incident forwarded to the USACI Rules and Ethics committee for review. Competitors found to be intentionally attempting to violate the above rules may be banned from competition for a period not less than 1 year and not more than 100 years. The decision of the Rule & Ethics committee will be final.

 If the competitor feels that he or she had a system malfunction during the SPL testing, he or she may elect to retest.  If the competitor elects to retest, he or she will be given 2 minutes to correct any problem(s) and retest.  The result of the second retest will be the competitor’s final score.  The competitor cannot elect to take the “better of the two” for any reason.

 While personal safety is ultimately the competitor’s responsibility, hearing protection is required to be used by the competitor if he or she is inside of the vehicle during SPL testing.  The competitor will be required to furnish their own hearing protection.

 There is a 120 decibel maximum score (cap) for this test.  The competitor’s score will be based on the SPL meter’s reading after the test track has been played.  The competitor will receive his actual 30 second SPL score -100.  

 Note: Any ruling by the head judge is reversible only by a ruling of the rules and ethics board and only having been submitted by the petitioner in writing.

 Vehicle Qualification

 Please refer to the “Modified SPL” rules for specific microphone placement and vehicle interior modifications permitted.

 VI. Showmanship and Bonus Points (20 Points Max.)

The competitor is encouraged to display his or her vehicle for the spectators at all sanctioned USACI events.  If the competitor chooses to display the vehicle, he or she will be required to have the vehicle on display for a period that will generally start at 1:00pm and conclude at 4:00pm to receive points in this category.  The vehicle must be on display during this period unless it is in the judging lane.  The head judge or event sponsor reserves the right to modify or omit this category due to inclement weather, space constraints or other reasons.  Only the head judge, or another person designated by the head judge, will be judging this category.  Please keep in mind that there may be space constraints that will not allow elaborate display areas to be set up.  You will be informed by the head judge at the competitor’s meeting of the approximate amount of space allotted for each vehicle and display.  If the competitor chooses not to display the vehicle, a score of zero will be awarded in this section.  At any show other than a Regional or the World Finals, scoring in this category will 0 or 10.  The location and length of time required satisfying this category would be determined by the event director and covered at the competitor’s meeting.

Display (0 or 10) - A competitor will earn ten points in this section by simply opening the vehicle up for the spectators to look at.  Typically, presenting the vehicle with all locations that have audio or other, upgrades will be required.  This will include, but is not limited to, the hood, passenger compartment, trunk and/or bed.  Points will not be awarded, if in the judge’s opinion, the vehicle is not easily viewable by the spectators. The competitor will typically be required to have the vehicle open after they exit the last judging station for on half-hour or so.  This ill be covered in the competitors meeting before the show.

USACI Decal Bonus (0 or 5) - A competitor will be awarded 5 bonus points for prominently displaying an official USACI sticker on his or her vehicle.  

USACI Membership Bonus (0 or 5) - A competitor will be awarded 5 bonus points for being a current USACI member.  Each membership is good for 1 year from the time you join.