Albufeira Challenge 2027 Competition Rules

PREAMBLE

These Regulations set out the rules governing the organisation, participation and running of the Albufeira Challenge 2027, and are binding on all participants.

The Organisers recommend that these Regulations be read in full and carefully before registering. Participation in the Albufeira Challenge 2027 implies full and unreserved acceptance of all its provisions; ignorance of these rules cannot be invoked to justify non-compliance with any regulation, as these Regulations have been duly publicised and are accessible to all interestedparties.

The Albufeira Challenge is a pigeon-fancying competition held under a communal loft system, organised by the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon-Fancying Association, whose main objective is to promote the sport of pigeon racing, sportsmanship, transparency, a level playing field for all participants and the welfare of the pigeons.

The 2027 racing season will consist of a total of 19 official races, distributed as follows:

• 5 Super-Speed races;
• 7 Speed races;
• 7 Middle-Distance races.

All races shall be held in accordance with the applicable federation regulations and the provisions set out in these Regulations, without prejudice to any changes that may prove necessary due to force majeure, technical, health or weather-related reasons, or as determined by the competent authorities.

Article 1 — Association and Participation

1. The Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association is a non-profit organisation, established to promote pigeon racing, encourage the sport and organise pigeon racing competitions, namely the Albufeira Challenge.
2. Any natural or legal person who accepts the Association’s Articles of Association, these Regulations and the decisions of the governing bodies may be admitted as a member.
3. Admission as a member is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the Association’s Articles of Association.
4. Membership confers, in particular, the following rights:
   1. To participate in the life of the Association, in accordance with the Articles of Association;
   2. To benefit from the activities organised by the Association;
   3. To take part in the Albufeira Challenge 2027, provided that the registration requirements are met and the relevant annual membership fee and other charges set out in these Regulations have been paid;
   4. Exercise the other rights set out in the Articles of Association and in the applicable legislation.
5. Participation in the Albufeira Challenge 2027 is exclusively reserved for members of the Association who are fully up to date with their membership and financial obligations.
6. Membership does not, in itself, confer an automatic right to participate in the Albufeira Challenge; such participation is subject to compliance with the registration conditions, the availability of places and the other rules set out in these Regulations.

Article 2 — Annual Membership Fee, Competition Fees and Federation Membership

1. Participation in the Albufeira Challenge 2027 is conditional upon acquiring and maintaining membership of the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, subject to the payment of an annual membership fee of €750 (seven hundred and fifty euros).
2. The annual membership fee constitutes a contribution to the Association intended exclusively to fund its sporting activities; it does not constitute payment for any individual services provided to members.
3. The annual fee of €750 entitles the member to register and enter 10 (ten) + 2 (two) pigeons in the Albufeira Challenge 2027 racing season.
4. Members may, optionally register up to 2 (two) reserve pigeons, subject to payment of an extraordinary fee of €75 (seventy-five euros) per reserve pigeon, which must be paid at the time of the respective pigeon’s activation. The activation of the reserve pigeon will only take effect following confirmation of payment of the corresponding extraordinary fee.
5. The annual membership fee is intended to cover the actual costs of the 2027 racing season, including, in particular:
   1. Payment of the costs of the racing season to the Faro District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association and other relevant bodies;
   2. Organisation, maintenance and operation of the communal loft;
   3. Feeding, basic care, health management and group training of the participating pigeons;
   4. Logistical, operational, technical and administrative costs associated with the racing season;
   5. The Association’s day-to-day operating expenses relating to the sporting activity;
   6. Any other costs directly associated with the organisation and running of the racing season.
6. The care, maintenance and management of the pigeons are carried out collectively, solely to ensure the smooth running of the racing season, and does not constitute the provision of individualised services, paid animal care or any contractual relationship for the provision of services between the Association and its members.
7. Within the framework of the federation, the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association acts as the organising and intermediary body, handling administrative management, participant registration and the settlement of fees due to the Faro District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association and other legally competent bodies.
8. Participation in sporting activities organised by the Association is conditional upon the full and timely payment of theannual membership fee; failure to settle this may result in the suspension of the member’s sporting rights until such time as the matter is resolved.
9. The annual membership fee and any extraordinary fees are non-refundable, either in full or in part, in the event of withdrawal, exclusion, suspension or inability of the member or their pigeons to participate, unless expressly decided by the Management Board in duly justified exceptional circumstances.

Article 3 — Participation in Sporting Activities

1. Participation in sporting activities organised by the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, including the Albufeira Challenge 2027, is conditional upon full membership status with membership and financial obligations duly settled.
2. Participation in sporting activities constitutes a membership right arising from membership status and does not constitute any contractual relationship for the provision of services between the Association and its members.
3. Members acknowledge that their participation takes place within the framework of the sporting activity organised by the Association, and accept the rules set out in the Articles of Association, these Regulations and the decisions of the governing bodies.
4. The Organisation may adopt any measures it deems necessary for the smooth running of the competition, the safeguarding of animal welfare, sporting integrity and equality amongst participants, provided that such measures are in accordance with the Articles of Association and these Regulations.
5. Participation in sporting activities does not confer upon members any commercial or property rights in relation to the organisation of the event; such rights are limited to those set out in the Articles of Association and these Regulations.

Article 4 — Reception of Foals and Additional Information

1. The registration of foals intended for the Albufeira Challenge 2027 will take place between 15 August and 15 September 2026; the Management may amend this period for duly justified reasons, provided that such a decision is communicated to participants in good time.
2. Upon delivery, the relevant Title Deed, issued in accordance with the federation’s regulations in force, must be presented.
3. The pedigree must contain, wherever possible:
   1. The participant’s details;
   2. Telephone number and/or email address;
   3. Full details of the foal’s parents.
4. Young pigeons that are not properly identified or that are not accompanied by the relevant Title of Ownership will not be admitted.
5. Young pigeons should preferably be between 30 and 45 days old on the date of delivery; the Management may, however, allow exceptions where duly justified and provided that this does not hinder their adaptation to the communal loft.
6. Upon receipt, the young pigeons will remain in the communal loft, under the collective management of the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, as part of the common programme for feeding, handling, training, health checks and race preparation.
7. All young pigeons must be delivered having been vaccinated against paramyxovirus; participants must present proof of vaccination whenever requested by the Organ.
8. The Organisation reserves the right to refuse admission to any young pigeon showing signs of illness, physical disability, poor health or any other condition likely to endanger the health of the other birds or the normal functioning of the communal loft.
9. Upon delivery of the young pigeons, the participant declares that they fully accept these Regulations and authorises their stay in thecommunity loft throughout the sporting season, in accordance with the terms set out herein.

Article 5 — Acclimatisation, Losses and Replacement

1. During the period of acclimatisation and introduction to the communal loft, losses of young pigeons may occur, which are inherent to the normal process of preparation for racing.
2. In order to confirm the current numbers in the communal loft, the Organisation shall, by 30 September, carry out an official count of all pigeons present, and the corresponding list will subsequently be published.
3. Participants who have suffered losses of pigeons up to that date may replace them free of charge, until 30 October, provided that the replacement corresponds to the number of losses recorded and is validated in advance by the Organisation.
4. Without prejudice to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, in the week preceding the first official race of the racing season,in the event of the loss of one or more pigeons, the participant may activate up to 2 (two) reserve pigeons, provided these have been previously registered, upon payment of an extraordinary fee of €75 (seventy-five euros) for each pigeon activated.
5. This shall take effect only after confirmation of payment of the relevant additional fee and validation by the Organisation.
6. If the participant does not have any previously registered reserve pigeons, the replacement of pigeons will be subject to exceptional authorisation by the Management, provided that this does not compromise competitive fairness or the smooth running of the sporting campaign.
7. The transport of replacement young pigeons to the communal loft shall be the sole responsibility and expense of the relevant participant.
8. All young pigeons admitted shall be identified with an electronic chip oror another official identification system adopted by the Organisation, in the week following their arrival at the communal loft.
9. The Organisation reserves the right to carry out, at any time, carry out checks, inspections, identification checks, health examinations and any other measures it deems necessary to ensure the transparency of the competition, equality amongst participants, animal welfare and the smooth running of the sporting season.

Article 6 — Schedule, Training and Transport

1. 1. The Albufeira Challenge 2027 racing season will take place in accordance with the official calendar approved by the Faro District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association and the relevant governing bodies.
2. The schedule for training sessions and races may be amended, suspended or rescheduled whenever necessary due to weather, health, logistical or technical reasons, for safety reasons, by order of the competent authorities, or due to any other force majeure event.
3. The Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association will ensure the participation of its members in the races included in the official calendar, subject to the changes provided for in the previous paragraph.
4. Prior to the start of the official races, the pigeons will undergo a preparation programme comprising the following unofficial training sessions:

   Training Session No.	Distance (km)
   1	10
   2	15
   3	30
   4	60
   5	95
   6	130
   7	160

5. The Organisation may increase, reduce, repeat, cancel or alter any training session, as well as modify the respective distances or release locations, whenever the pigeons’ state of readiness, weather conditions, or health, logistical or technical reasons so warrant.
6. The transport of young pigeons and racing pigeons shall preferably be carried out using the logistics service provided by the Faro District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association; however, where necessary, other means of transport duly authorised by the Organisation and in accordance with the applicable regulations may be used.
7. The Organising Committee reserves the right to alter the assembly points, timetables, routes and other logistical arrangements whenever necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the pigeons, sporting fairness or the smooth running of the competition.
8. No change to the schedule, training sessions or transport arrangements, where duly justified, shall entitle the participant to any indemnity, compensation or refund; the sporting campaign shall remain valid provided that the conditions for its conduct are ensured.

Article 7 — Rankings, Honours and Prizes

1. The Albufeira Challenge 2027 racing season includes individual, discipline-specific and overall classifications, as well as honours awarded based on the pigeons’ sporting performance in the races held, in accordance with these Regulations.
2. The prizes are exclusively of a sporting, honorary and promotional nature and do not, under any circumstances, constitute direct or indirect compensation for the payment of the annual membership fee, extraordinary contributions or any other amount paid by participants.
3. Prizes may be funded through the Association’s own funds, sponsorship, institutional support, donations, revenue from the Association’s activities or other legally permissible sources of funding.
4. The base amount of the total prize fund for the Albufeira Challenge 2027 is €30,000 (thirty thousand euros), based on a minimum participation of 150 (one hundred and fifty) teams that are duly registered and in good standing with the Association.
5. Should the number of registered teams be fewer than 150, the Organisers reserve the right to proportionally adjust the total prize fund, whilst always maintaining the principle of proportionality between the number of participants and the amount distributed.
6. The overall ranking for the Albufeira Challenge 2027 will be determined on the basis of 80 per cent (eighty per cent) of the pigeons initially basketed. Only the results corresponding to this number of pigeons will be considered for ranking purposes, in accordance with the scoring criteria scoring criteria defined by the Organisation.
7. For the purposes of the preceding paragraph, the 80 per cent figure shall be calculated based on the number of pigeons basketed each week.
8. The official prize table, including prize amounts, rankings, scoring criteria and method of distribution shall be published by the Organisation before the start of the racing season, and may be updated where the final number of registered teams or other duly substantiated circumstances so warrant.
9. The rankings approved by the Organisation, following the expiry of the appeal periods set out in these Regulations, shall be deemed final.
10. Any omission or exceptional circumstance relating to classifications or the awarding of prizes shall be assessed and decided by the Board of the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, in accordance with the Articles of Association, these Regulations and the principles of fair play and equality amongst participants.

Weekly ‘Race’ Rankings for the 3 Championships

Overall Standings

Super Speed

Speed

Middle-distance

Gold Ring

Silver Ring

Bronze Ring

Additional Awards

Article 8 — Long-Distance Championship

1. The Long-Distance Championship is a complementary competition forming part of the Albufeira Challenge 2027, intended exclusively for pigeons previously registered for this discipline.
2. The Long-Distance Championship is expected to consist of 10 (ten) official training sessions and 7 (seven) long-distance races, including the Valencia National Race; the calendar may be amended by the Organising Committee for meteorological, health, logistical or technical reasons, or by order of the competent authorities.
3. Participation in the Long-Distance Championship is optional and is reserved for participants in the Albufeira Challenge 2027 who wish to enter their pigeons in this specific competition.

Conditions of Participation.

For a pigeon to participate in the Long-Distance Championship, all of the following requirements must be met:

1. Activation – The pigeon must be activated upon payment of €100 (one hundred euros) per pigeon, within the deadline set by the Organisation.
2. Pedigree – The relevant pedigree must be sent to the Organisation’s email address by 31 October 2026, Only pigeons that have taken part in the Albufeira Challenge 2026 racing season and that meet all the conditions set out in these Regulations may be registered.

Prize Fund

1. The total prize fund for the Long-Distance Championship is set at €2,000 (two thousand euros).
2. The amount referred to in the previous paragraph is based on the entry of 80 (eighty) pigeons, corresponding, as a rough guide, to 20 (twenty) pigeons per team, across a total of 4 (four) teams.
3. Should the number of pigeons entered be fewer than 80 (eighty), the Organisers reserve the right to adjust the total prize fund proportionally.

Rankings and Prizes

1. The Long-Distance Championship is intended exclusively for the individual classification of pigeons (Aces); there is no team classification.
2. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

   Ranking	Prize
   Gold Ring	€1,000 + Trophy
   Silver Ring	€600 + Trophy
   Bronze Ring	€400 + Trophy

3. The rankings will be determined in accordance with the scoring criteria defined by the Organisers and set out in these Regulations.
4. In all matters not expressly provided for in this article, the remaining provisions of the Albufeira Challenge 2027 Sports Regulations shall apply, with the necessary adaptations.

Article 9 — Closing Auction of the Season

1. Conduct of the Auction
   Once the Albufeira Challenge 2027 racing season has concluded, the Organisation shall hold an auction of the participating pigeons, on a date, at a time and in a format to be announced in due course.
2. Calculation of the Net Sale Value
   For the purposes of these Regulations, the net sale value is defined as the amount obtained at auction after deduction of all charges directly related to the organisation, promotion, management, means of payment, commissions and other expenses inherent to the sale process.
3. Distribution of the Sale Proceeds
   Whenever the sale price of a pigeon is equal to or greater than €100 (one hundred euros), the respective owner shall be entitled to 30 per cent (thirty per cent) of that net amount, with the remaining 70 per cent (seventy per cent) to the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association to fund the association’s activities and future sporting campaigns.
4. Right of Redemption (Exclusion from Auction for Long-Distance Pigeons Only)
   The owner may exercise the right to prevent the inclusion of their pigeon from the auction by paying a fixed sum of €150 (one hundred and fifty euros) per pigeon.
5. Conditions for Exercising the Right of Redemption
   The right of redemption provided for in the previous paragraph may only be exercised in respect of pigeons that have been duly registered and entered to participate in the Long-Distance Championship for the following year’s racing season; it does not apply to the other participants.
6. Effects of Redemption
   Exercising the right of redemption results in the pigeon’s permanent withdrawal from the auction, with the respective owner retaining all rights over the bird.
7. Deadline for Redemption
   The right of redemption may only be exercised during the final week of the racing season, prior to the final race; requests submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
8. Submission of Pedigrees
   The pigeons’ pedigrees must be sent to the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 30 April 2027.
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance
   Failure to submit pedigrees, or submission after the deadline, will result in:
   1. in the event of the respective pigeon being sold at auction, the pigeon fancier/owner shall not be entitled to receive any percentage or amount resulting from the sale, with the entire sale proceeds reverting to the Organisation.
10. Terms of Payment to Owners
    Payment of the percentages due to owners shall only be made after:
    1. The conclusion of all official auctions organised by the Organisation;
    2. Full collection of the amounts due from buyers;
    3. The deduction of the charges provided for in paragraph 2 of this article.
11. The Organisation shall not be held liable for any delays in payment resulting from non-compliance, late payment or non-payment on the part of buyers; it undertakes, however, to take all necessary steps to collect the respective amounts.
12. All decisions relating to the auction, the validation of sales, the exercise of the right of redemption and the settlement of amounts due are the exclusive responsibility of the Board of the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, without prejudice to the right to lodge a complaint in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

Article 10 — Matters Not Covered and Competence

1. All cases not covered herein, questions of interpretation or exceptional circumstances shall be considered and decided by the Board of the Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, based on: a) the Association’s Articles of Association; b) these Regulations; c) The Regulations of the Portuguese Pigeon Fanciers’ Federation and the Faro District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association, where applicable; d) The principles of fair play, equality amongst participants and good faith.
2. Decisions taken by the Board under this article shall be final, without prejudice to the rights of appeal provided for by law and in the Association’s Articles of Association.

Article 11 — Tax Obligations

1. All amounts set out in these Regulations include the applicable taxes, unless expressly stated otherwise.
2. Cash prizes, proceeds from auctions or any other sums paid by the Association may be subject to the tax obligations provided for in Portuguese legislation.
3. Where required by law, the Association shall make deductions at source or fulfil any other legally required tax obligations.
4. Participants who are not tax residents in Portugal must submit the necessary tax documentation for the application of the relevant tax regime.

Article 12 — Protection of Personal Data

1. The Albufeira Challenge Pigeon Racing Association processes only the personal data strictly necessary for the organisation and management of the sporting event, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) and other applicable legislation.
2. The following data, in particular, may be collected and processed:
   1. Name of the participant or team;
   2. Address, town/city and country;
   3. Telephone numbers and email address;
   4. Membership number, where applicable;
   5. Pigeon identification, ring number, pedigree and other sporting details.
3. The data may be disclosed for the purposes of classification, results, auctions, promotion of the race and historical records, namely via:
   1. a) The official Albufeira Challenge website;
   2. b) The Organisation’s social media channels;
   3. c) Official pigeon-fancying platforms;
   4. d) The media.
4. Data subjects may exercise their rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, objection and data portability, in accordance with the legislation in force.
5. For any queries regarding the processing of personal data, participants may contact the Organisation via the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Article 13 — Terms of Payment

1. The annual membership fee shall be paid as follows:
   1. a) 50 per cent of the amount by 1 August 2026;
   2. b) The remaining 50 per cent upon delivery of the young pigeons.
2. Failure to pay any instalment within the established deadlines may result in the suspension of membership or the exclusion of the pigeons from the racing season, unless the Management decides otherwise.
3. All payments must be made by bank transfer to the Association’s account: IBAN: PT50 0010 0000 6472 4530 0014 2
4. The date of payment shall be deemed to be the date on which the respective amount is successfully credited to the Association’s bank account.
5. The Organisers may make other payment methods available, which will be communicated to participants in due course.