Race Scoring
USA National Championships and USRA-sanctioned events follow the United Rafting Federation (URF) Sport Rules and point system. The URF was formed in 2026 as the unified world governing body for raft racing, and the USRA is a founding member representing the United States.
The URF sanctions two competition formats — the Classic Format (Sprint, RX, Slalom) and the Adventure Format (H2H, Slalom, Downriver). The discipline mix at any given event depends on the format being run.
Per URF Sport Rules, Art. 11, the maximum score assignable per discipline is 100 points. Final ranking positions at Class A, B, C, and D events all generate points for the URF World Ranking.
Maximum total score achievable per event: 300 points.
Within each discipline, points are awarded as a percentage of the 100-point maximum, based on finishing position:
| Finishing Position | Share of Maximum |
|---|---|
| 1st | 100% |
| 2nd | 90% |
| 3rd | 80% |
| 4th | 75% |
| 5th | 70% |
| 6th | 68% |
| 7th | 66% |
| 8th onward | −2% per position |
The score obtained at an event is multiplied by an event value factor, determined by the event class. Higher-tier events (World Championships, World Cups) carry more weight in the World Ranking than lower-tier events. See URF Annex B for the current event value factors.
Points earned in each discipline are added together to determine the Event Overall Ranking. Cumulative points across qualifying events contribute to the URF World Ranking.
Some events may run a subset of disciplines, or a modified format. For example, the 2026 USA National Championships will run Sprint, Slalom, and RX. In those cases, the per-discipline point allocations remain at 100 points each per URF Art. 11; the event maximum reflects the disciplines actually contested.
Para-Rafting events are scored under the same point system, with classification and discipline adaptations set out in URF Annex A.
The URF system flattens point allocations to a 100-point maximum per discipline, replacing the legacy IRF system. Under URF, all disciplines carry equal weight.
Weighted Disciplines
- Slalom and Downriver weighted at 350 points each
- Unequal discipline weighting
- Event total of 1,000 points
Equal Weighting
- 100-point maximum per discipline
- All disciplines carry equal weight
- Event total of 300 points
URF Sport Rules — v. 08/02/2026
The authoritative scoring rules are set out in Art. 11 (World Ranking and Event Overall Ranking) and Annex B (Point System).
Questions?
For questions about USRA scoring or how international rankings affect USA team selection, reach out.
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