Empire State Winter Games Rules

Each sport in the Winter Games has rules specific to the sport; listed below are rules that apply to all athletes that participate in the Winter Games:

- Photo ID will be required of all participants at ESG registration.
For sports that require NYS Residency for participation, acceptable proof of NYS Residency are: valid NYS Drivers License, valid NYS Non-Driver Photo ID, or current High school/Jr high school photo ID. A passport or college ID is not accepted for proof of NYS Residency. It is up to the participant to prove NYS residency as per Games Rules.
For sports that do not require NYS Residency for participation, a passport, college ID or a driver license/non-driver ID are all acceptable. 
Persons of any age may apply for a NYS Non-Driver Photo ID. Visit the NYS DMV website for information on how to obtain a NY State Photo ID.

- No past or present professionals will be eligible to compete in the sport in which he/she was a professional.

- Athletes may participate in any number of ESG Winter Games sports, however, it is the participant's responsibility to ensure there are no schedule conflicts. ESG will not adjust schedules to meet individual needs.

- Athletes who qualify to compete at the finals in Lake Placid must provide for their own accommodations, transportation and meals.

- Athletes may compete in only one division in the Winter Games. If an athlete enters as a Masters Division competitor in one sport, he/she must compete as a Masters in all sports.

- Participants in Masters Division sports may purchase an ESG warm-up suit while supplies last. Open and Scholastic (aka Juniors) Division participants (with the exception of the 5K Snowshoe races) will receive an ESG warm-up suit, if all ESG rules have been met.

- Participants in the 5K Snowshoe races will receive a free ESG cap at race registration the day of the races.

- Athletes who register and pickup the ESG Warm-up and cap, and subsequently do not compete, must return the ESG items or he/she may be banned from future ESG competitions. The exception to this rule is for an athlete who is injured during competition at the finals in Lake Placid and acceptable medical proof is presented.

- All who wish to march in the 'Parade of Athletes' at Opening Ceremonies must wear the 2008 ESG warm-up suit, cap and present the 2008 ESG Credential (distributed at registration).

- All participants are required to adhere to the highest levels of sportsmanship while competing in the Empire State Games.

February, 2008