Season 4.5 Rulebook

Effective January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024

Age / Gender Categories

Age Category is determined by the Athlete’s age as of January 1, 2024. Ex. if you are 10 years old on January 1st, you would compete in the 9-10 age category.

  1. The following CNL Age/Gender Categories are:

    • 6-8 Girls / 6-8 Boys

    • 9-10 Girls / 9-10 Boys

    • 11-12 Girls / 11-12 Boys

    • 13-14 Girls / 13-14 Boys

    • 15-17 Girls / 15-17 Boys

    • Amateur Women / Amateur Men

    • Masters (40+) Women / Masters (40+) Men

    • Pro Women / Pro Men

  2. An athlete may compete in a higher category

    • Once an athlete competes in a CNL Competition in a higher category, regardless if they qualify in that category or not, then that athlete must stay in that category for the rest of the season.

      Exception 1: Masters 40+ Category is not considered a “high category”

      Exception 2: A Youth Athlete can compete in ONE Adult Category (i.e. Amateur or PRO) and ONE Youth category (i.e. Age Category) within the same season.

      • You will need a different NinjaWorks ID for each category (ONE NinjaWorks ID for the Adult and ONE for the Youth). You must contact CNL at info@canadianninjaleague.org to connect your CNL Membership to both NinjaWork ID’s. You do not need to purchase a second membership.

      • A Youth Athlete can only compete and register in one age category per competition (ex. they can’t compete in both youth and amateur / pro on the same competition weekend). Make sure to use the correct NinjaWork’s ID when registering with the gym.

    • If an athlete has already qualified in the lower category, then that athlete forfeits their qualifying spot and leaderboard points in that category and must earn a new qualifying spot in the higher category.

      Exception: if a Youth Athlete qualifies in their age category, they can still compete in ONE Adult category (ie Amateur or Pro) for the rest of the season, without forfeiting their spot in the Youth category. The athlete must choose one age category to compete in for their East / West Finals.

Pro Category

Any athlete may compete in the Pro Category.

  • There is no age requirement to compete in the Pro Category and there will be no adjustments made for younger athletes

  1. An adult athlete (Ages 18-39) is encouraged to compete in the Pro Category if they meet any of the following requirements in the last three years:

    • Placed Top 3 at a Ninja League Finals (National or International Level) in an adult / pro category

      • This does not include the “Masters” age category

      • “Pro Category” refers to the highest skilled category possible for an athlete to compete in as an adult

    • Competed at the Finals of a “Ninja Warrior” TV Show of any country

  2. Examples of Ninja Leagues include but are not limited to:

    • CNL - Canadian Ninja League

    • WNL - World Ninja League

    • UNAA - Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association

    • NSC - Ninja Sport Network

  3. We understand that the sport of ninja is still very young in Canada. If you don’t feel you’re ready to compete in the Pro Category, please email info@canadianninjaleague.org with your request and reason for opting out.

Hosting CNL Events

A CNL Associated Gym must confirm their event date to info@canadianninjaleague.org prior to hosting any CNL Event

  • The date will be reviewed by a CNL Representative

  • Once approved, the event is added to the CNL Schedule

  1. Facilities are not required to host all divisions and may choose which divisions they wish to host

Stage 1 Qualifiers

Top 5 or 50% to advance to Stage 2

All CNL Associated Gyms are required to host a minimum of one Stage 1 within a CNL Season

  • All CNL Associated Gyms must have the event confirmed with the CNL prior to hosting a Stage 1 Event

  • Stage 1 Qualifiers can be a Single or Multi Course Competition

  1. Any athlete (regardless of membership) can participate in a Stage 1 Qualifier.

  2. Only a CNL Athlete will be awarded a qualifying spot to a Stage 2 Qualifier

    • An athlete must have purchased a CNL Athlete Membership no later than 24 hours prior to the start of the Stage 1 Qualifier to be deemed a CNL Athlete and eligible for a Stage 2 Qualifying Spot.

  3. A CNL Athlete who has already earned a Qualifying Spot will not take a Qualifying Spot away from another Member who has not yet qualified.

  4. Top 5 Athletes or 50% (whichever is the highest number) of the total number of Stage 1 athletes in each specified Age/Gender Category earn a Stage 2 Qualifying Spot

    • Participating athletes include CNL Athletes and Non-CNL Athletes

    • International athletes can qualify for Stage 2 and will not take the spot of a Canadian CNL athlete.

    • If there is an uneven number, the top 50% is rounded up

    Example 1:

    23 participating athletes in the Age 6-8 Boys Stage 1 Qualifier (20 CNL Athletes + 3 Non-CNL athletes)

    = 12 Potential Qualifying Spots available (50% of 23 total athletes = 12, rounded up)

     

    Based on the Stage 1 results for 6-8 boys:

    · Top 3 athletes will be awarded Podium Awards

    · CNL Athletes in the Top 12 will be awarded a Qualifying Spot to Stage 2

    · If any of those top 12 athletes have previously qualified, it is then awarded to the next-up CNL Athlete

    · International Athletes: If there is 1 international athlete in the top 12, then the next up CNL athlete will also qualify and 13 spots will qualify into Stage 2.

    Example 2:
    6 participating athletes in the Age 9-10 Boys Stage 1 Qualifier (4 CNL Athletes + 2 Non-CNL athletes)

    5 Qualifying Spots available ( As Top 5 is larger than 50% of 6 total athletes = 3)

     

    Based on the Stage 1 results for 9-10 Boys:

    · Top 3 athletes will be awarded Podium Awards

    · CNL Athletes in the Top 5 will be awarded a Qualifying Spot to Stage 2

    · If any of those top 5 athletes have previously qualified, it is then awarded to the next-up CNL Athlete

Stage 2 Qualifiers

Gyms that will host a Stage 2 Qualifier will be chosen by CNL

  • All CNL Associated Gyms must have the event confirmed prior to hosting any CNL Event

  • All Stage 2 Qualifiers can be a Single or Multi-Course Competition

  • Final results for a Multi-Course competition will be a combined score using the Percent Based Scoring System

  1. Any athlete can participate in a Stage 2 Qualifier

    • Only a CNL Athlete who earned a Stage 2 Qualifying Spot at a Stage 1 Qualifier will be deemed eligible for a CNL Eastern or Western Final Qualifying Spot and be awarded points towards the Leaderboard.

    • A CNL Athlete who has already earned a Qualifying Spot to the Eastern / Western Finals will not take a Qualifying Spot away from another CNL Athlete who has not yet qualified.

    • International athletes can qualify to CNL Eastern / Western Finals and will not take the spot of a Canadian CNL athlete.

  2. Top 3 CNL athletes from each Stage 2’s can qualify for the Eastern / Western Finals for each age / gender category.

    Example:

    CNL Athlete A finished 1st

    Not Qualified CNL Athlete B finished 2nd *

    Non-CNL Athlete C finished 3rd

    CNL Athlete D finished 4th

    CNL Athlete E finished 5th

    * Athlete B is a non-qualifying athlete (i.e entered the Stage 2 Qualifier, but never earned a Stage 2 Qualifying spot from a Stage 1 Qualifier)

    CNL Athletes A, D, & E would be awarded a CNL Eastern / Western Final Qualifying Spot

  3. Eligible CNL Athletes in the Top 3 of all participating athletes will earn points toward the Ninja Leaderboard.

  4. For Season 4.5 Only, the Top 5 from BC and QC Stage 2’s will earn qualifying spots to the Eastern / Western Finals.

Eastern / Western Finals

Season 4.5 Only

The gym to host the CNL Eastern and Western Finals will be chosen by CNL

  1. Only Qualified CNL Athletes will be eligible to compete at the CNL Eastern / Western Finals.

    • CNL Athletes must have qualified from a CNL Stage 2 Qualifier

  2. The Eastern / Western Finals will be a Multi-Course Competition. Final results will be a combined score using the Percent Based Scoring System

  3. The Top 5 CNL Athletes in each Age/Gender Category will qualify for the Canadian Championship

    • International athletes can qualify to CNL Canadian Championships and will not take the spot of a Canadian CNL athlete.

  4. The Top 5 Canadian athletes in each age/gender category at the CNL Eastern / Western Finals will earn a qualifying spot to the WNL 2024 World Championships.

Canadian Championships

Season 4.5 Only

The gym to host the CNL Canadian Championship will be chosen by CNL

  1. Only Qualified CNL Athletes will be eligible to compete at the CNL Canadian Championship.

    • CNL Athletes must have qualified from the CNL Eastern or Western Finals

  2. The Canadian Championship will be a Multi-Course Competition. Final results will be a combined score using the Percent Based Scoring System

  3. The Top 3 in each Age/Gender Category will be awarded prizes and recognized on podium.

Leaderboard

The Top 5 CNL Athletes at the end of a Stage 1 or Stage 2 Qualifier will earn points towards the Ninja Leaderboard

  • 1st = 50 Points

  • 2nd = 40 Points

  • 3rd = 30 Points

  • 4th = 20 Points

  • 5th = 10 Points

  1. CNL Athletes in the Top 5 of all participating athletes will earn points towards the Ninja Leaderboard

    Example:

    CNL Athlete A finished 1st
    Not Qualified CNL Athlete B finished 2nd *
    Non-CNL Athlete C finished 3rd
    CNL Athlete D finished 4th
    CNL Athlete E finished 5th
    CNL Athlete F finished 6th

    CNL Athletes A, D & E would be awarded points towards the Ninja Leaderboard

  2. Leaderboard points are cumulative for the entire CNL Season

    • Points that an athlete earns towards the leaderboard will not accumulate from multiple categories

Scoring + Timing

The Hosting Gym must establish a Course Time Limit and/or a Resting Time Limit

  • Course Time Limit: The maximum allowable time to complete the course

  • Resting Time Limit: The maximum allowable time to rest after finishing an obstacle before starting the next obstacle

  1. A point system is used to determine an athlete’s official score during a course run

    • Each obstacle is worth 1 point

    • If an athlete does not use their Retry and completes all obstacles, they are awarded 1 additional point

    • An athlete is given points for every obstacle they complete within the Course Time Limit

    • Points are not awarded for a failed obstacle

      • If an athlete decides to use their Retry (refer to the “Retry Rule”) and completes the obstacle, they will be awarded the point

      • If an athlete decides to use their Retry and fails an obstacle, they will continue their run without earning the point

    • A judge will penalize an athlete (-1 POINT PENALTY) if they do not make a true attempt or show notable effort to complete an obstacle

      • The judge will inform the athlete of this penalty before they move onto the next obstacle

  2. The official course run end time for the athlete is determined as soon as one of the following conditions is met:

    • An Athlete completes the final obstacle within the Course Time Limit

    • An Athlete fails the final obstacle within the Course Time Limit

      • If the athlete has their Retry they may choose to use it or not

    • An Athlete is injured while running the course and is unable to continue

    • The Course Time Limit runs out regardless of what obstacle the athlete is on

    • IMPORTANT: When the Course Time Limit runs out, the athletes Final Time is NOT the Course Time Limit. Their final time will be their time as of completing or failing their last obstacle

    • The Resting Time Limit runs out and the athlete did not begin the next obstacle

      • When the Resting Time Limit runs outs, that is the athletes final time

  3. When the Course Time Limit runs out, the athlete’s Final Time is the time the athlete completed or failed their last obstacle

  4. Athlete ranking for each age/gender category is determined by:

    • Single Course Competiton

      • Highest Score – most completed obstacles

        • If the score is tied, then the athlete with the fastest time is ranked higher

        • If both the score and time are the same, then the athlete who completed more difficult obstacles will be ranked higher

          • The difficulty level of each obstacle will be determined by the Head Judge

          • A tie of this sort should be exceptionally rare

    • Multi-Course Competition

      • Highest Average Score of Both Courses – most completed obstacles

        • If the score is tied, then the athlete with the fastest average time in both courses is ranked higher

        • If both the score and time are the same, then the athlete who completed more difficult obstacles will be ranked higher

          • The difficulty level of each obstacle will be determined by the Head Judge

          • A tie of this sort should be exceptionally rare

Example 1: There are a total of 10 obstacles and a time limit of 5:00 minutes

Athlete A: Completed All 10 Obstacles with a time of 4:30 and did not use their Retry
This is a perfect run and would be with 11 Points and a Time of 4:30

Athlete B: Completed All 10 Obstacles with a time of 4:30 and used their Retry
This athlete would have 10 Points (as the Retry Point is only for a Perfect Run) and a Time of 4:30

Athlete C: Completed 8 Obstacles, timed out while on obstacle #9, Completed the last obstacle at 4:50 and did not use their Retry
This athlete would have 8 Points (as the Retry Point is only for a Perfect Run) and a Time of 4:50 (even if they Timed Out)

Athlete D: Completed 8 Obstacles, timed out while on obstacle #10, failed the last obstacle at 4:45 and used their Retry
This athlete would have 8 Points (as the Retry is only for a Perfect Run) and a Time of 4:45 (even if they Timed Out)

Multi-Course Competitions Scoring System Explanation:
https://canadianninjaleague.org/videos

Retry Rule

An athlete is allowed to Retry 1 obstacle throughout the course

  • If an athlete uses their Retry and completes the obstacle, they will be awarded the point

  • If an athlete uses their Retry and fails the obstacle, they will continue their run without earning the point

  1. Athletes may use their Retry at any point on the course but must use it right after failing an obstacle

    • Athletes do not have to use the Retry on their first failed obstacle

    • Athletes are not allowed to use their Retry on previous obstacles in the course

  2. The athlete must tell the judge when they wish to use their Retry

    • The obstacle will be reset as quickly as possible

      • The course time will not pause during the reset of the obstacle

    • Judges may ask athletes if they want to use an available Retry upon failure of an obstacle

  3. If an athlete does not use their Retry and completes all obstacles, they will be awarded 1 additional point.

Course Design

  1. All obstacles must have a clear Start and Finish

    • All checkpoints must be clearly defined during the course walkthrough

    • When the obstacle is considered to be started, finished and the conditions of failing that obstacle must be clearly defined during the course walkthrough

  2. Each obstacle must have adequate safety padding/mats to prevent injury

  3. Athletes must be given a clear and reasonable area to warm up

  4. Any Age Category may run the same course as long as the difficulty is reasonable for that category

  5. Courses adjustments must be made for other Age Categories based on height and skill level

Course Adjustments

Course adjustments can be made at the Designated Head Judge’s discretion only

  • A course adjustment must be done before the first athlete of the age/gender category has begun

    Example: Box is added to accommodate for shorter athletes

    Exception 1: Safety Pad/Matting can be added/adjusted for an obstacle if it is determined it will help to prevent any injury

    Exception 2: An obstacle needs to be modified or swapped out as it presents an immediate safety concern due to breaking or malfunctioning

  1. In the event an obstacle needs to be drastically changed, altered, replaced, or removed to the point where the dynamic and intent of the obstacle is completely different, any athlete who had already run the course (in that age category) and failed on that obstacle must be awarded a retry on that new obstacle

    • If the athlete succeeds on the new obstacle, they will be awarded the point

      • The athletes final time will not be affected

Course Walkthroughs

The designated Head Judge will perform a walkthrough of the course prior to the start of each age/gender category to explain the course rules and provide athletes with an opportunity to ask any questions

  • A video walkthrough may be released prior to the event, but athletes must be given time to examine the course and ask questions before the competition begins

  1. If obstacles are demonstrated to the athletes, they must be demonstrated “as intended”

    • Do not demonstrate additional strategies or techniques

      Example 1: Demonstrating a row of rings by using every ring without skipping
      Example 2: Demonstrating a lache without reaching to demonstrate distance
      Example 3: Kicking an obstacle to reduce distance instead of reaching or lacheing

    • Obstacles MUST be demonstrated to the athletes if there is a legitimate safety concern

  2. The following items must be included in a walkthrough:

    • Reminders to Athletes/Coaches that any attempt to practice or test the equipment prior to their run will result in the athlete being disqualified from the competition

    • Brief introduction of who will be judging, timing and scoring the run

    • A brief explanation of the scoring and timing rules in effect

    • What method the judges will use to clearly identify when an obstacle has been cleared or when an athlete has failed an obstacle (Whistle, verbal communication, etc…)

    • A brief explanation of the “Retry Rule”

    • Provide athletes with a clear and concise explanation of each obstacle:

      • Show the start points, the finishes and any checkpoints

      • Indicate if athletes must show control on a finish point or any obstacle

      • When obstacles can be linked together and when they cannot

      • Identify any restrictions within an obstacle (hands only, feet only, no hands, etc...)

      • Identify any parts of the obstacle which are considered out of bounds

      • What the athlete can use or manipulate before starting the obstacle, getting to the obstacle and after the obstacle has been attempted or completed

      • What will be considered incidental contact

    • Respectfully answer all Athletes/Coaches questions

  3. The Judge is NOT to explain what strategies are to be used to complete the obstacles, the judge is to present the athletes the tools they can use to overcome that obstacle and under what parameters

  4. All athletes are allowed a representative with them during walkthrough (coach, parent, etc…)

    • It is up to the discretion of the hosting gym if any additional people are allowed on the course during the walkthrough

Course Judges, Testers & Facility Staff

Any judges, course designers/testers, or individuals heavily involved in running the competition must ensure they:

  • Do not give course advice to any athletes

    • A judge (when asked by an athlete/coach), may clarify rules or course direction

  • Remain neutral and unbiased with every decision

  • Refrain from cheering on one athlete more than another

  • Monitor all athletes to make sure they are not attempting to practice or test any of the obstacles/equipment on a course

  1. The Designated Head Judge must know the CNL rules and have a base understanding of the skills required to perform the various obstacles, as they will be required to:

    • Perform the course walkthrough

    • Determine if any course adjustments are required

    • Make decisions on when an athlete has successfully cleared an obstacle or failed an obstacle

    • Apply penalties to athletes who do not make a true attempt or show notable effort to complete an obstacle

  2. Event officials (course designers, judges and testers) directly involved in the course can compete and can qualify to the next stage under the following rules:

    • Event officials still need to place Top (x) within their category to be awarded a qualifying spot.

    • Event officials cannot take away a qualifying spot from another athlete.

    • Event officials must run first on their course (in the event that multiple divisions run the exact same course, event officials will go first regardless of which division is on deck).

    • Event officials cannot take a podium spot.

    • Event officials must not coach or give beta to anyone.

    • Event officials cannot compete in the Canadian Championship or National Finals (unless running for fun)

Course Incident Handling

Athlete is injured:

  • If an athlete is injured while running the course and is unable to continue, their run is over

  • Their time and score will be determined at the point of injury

  • If an athlete is injured and can continue but wishes to handle that injury, the time will not be stopped

    • Examples are bleeding or taping a hand after a rip

  • If an athlete is injured and could continue the course but the situation must be resolved immediately, the athlete will be allowed a rerun later

    • The decision is up to the discretion of the Head Judge

  1. Obstacle Breaks or Course Malfunctions:

    • If an obstacle breaks or malfunctions, the athlete will continue their run on the course and will be allowed to retry that obstacle at the end of their run

      • If the athlete succeeds on the new obstacle, they will be awarded the point with no additional time added to their score

    • Examples of Malfunctions:

      • Obstacle is unable to be reset in a reasonable amount of time

      • Obstacle breaking or not functioning as intended

    • The athlete can retry that obstacle once they have taken a reasonable amount of time to rest

      • The Final decision is made by the Head Judge

    • In the event an obstacle needs to be drastically changed, altered, replaced or removed to the point where the dynamic and intent of the obstacle is completely different, any athlete who had already run the course (in that age category) and failed on that obstacle must be awarded a retry on that new obstacle

      • If the athlete succeeds on the new obstacle, they will be awarded the point with no additional time added to their score

  2. False Starts:

    • If an athlete starts the course prior to when counted in, the athlete will be stopped immediately and the athlete will return to the start line and be counted in again

      • If the athlete false starts on their second attempt, that obstacle will be considered a failed obstacle

  3. All athletes are allowed one representative with them on the course (coach, parent, chalk person, video, etc…)

    • It is up to the discretion of the hosting gym if any additional people are allowed on the course

Judging Decision Changes And Disputes

  • It is the athletes’ responsibility to clarify before they attempt an obstacle if any strategically planned moves will be considered legal (during walkthrough or before they attempt the move)

  • During an athlete’s attempt to complete an obstacle, the Judge could:

    • Deem any unclarified moves as legal and allow the athlete to finish the obstacle

    • Deem any unclarified move as illegal and immediately fail the athlete on that obstacle

    • Deem any unclarified move as illegal after the athlete’s entire run is over

    • All decisions must remain consistent throughout the competition

  1. Disputing a Judge’s Decision

    • An athlete or coach may dispute a Judge’s decision or call after their run has ended

      • There must be sufficient evidence presented if a decision or call is to be disputed

      • The final decision sits with the Head Judge

Example 1: All athletes must completely cross an established mark to get the point

Athlete A: Does not cross established mark, but is given the point
The judge may take away this point if there is evidence that the original call was incorrect

Athlete B: Crosses the established mark, but is not given the point
The judge may award this point if there is evidence that the original call was incorrect

Athlete C: Does not cross established mark, is not given the point
No changes, Judge made the correct call

Example 2: Athletes are not allowed to use their feet on the obstacle, but incidental contact is allowed

Athlete A: Uses legs on the obstacle, Judge calls it a failed obstacle and the athlete immediately moves on
No changes, Judge made the correct call

Athlete B: Brushes legs on the obstacle, Judge calls it a failed obstacle and the athlete immediately moves on
The athlete may dispute this call and can be awarded a retry on this obstacle (if there is evidence that the original call was incorrect)

Athlete C: Brushes legs on the obstacle, Athlete completes the obstacle, Judge calls it a failed obstacle
The athlete may dispute or the judge may reverse this call and this point may be awarded

Results Tracking + Prizes

Results from a CNL Competition will be tracked using NinjaWorks

  • Competition results will be accessible to all athletes live on the CNL website

  1. During a competition, the host CNL Associated Gym must be able to provide an athlete with their total points and run time within a reasonable amount of time

  1. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 athletes at Stage 1, Stage 2, Eastern / Western Finals and Canadian Championship.

  2. A CNL Associated Gym can choose to award additional prizes to more athletes at their discretion

    • The Athletes in each age/gender category will receive the prizes by the completion of their event

    • Prizes can include, but are not limited to:

      • Trophies, Medals, Certificates, Merchandise, Cash

  1. Athletes can use generic chalk, liquid chalk products or products such as athletic tape to cover any injuries

  2. Athletes are not allowed to use any gloves or “Grip Enhancement Items”

    • The Head Judge can ban the use of a product if it is believed to give an unfair advantage.

Grip Assisting Items

Waivers

CNL Associated Gyms are responsible for ensuring any athletes who participate in a CNL event at their facility have signed the waiver form for their facility prior to the start of the event