Seletar Hash House Harriers

Also goes by as "The Drinking Club with a Running Problem"

How do I join?

The Seletar HHH runs every Tuesday no matter if it rains, shines, snows, or if there is an earthquake, a strike, a revolution, a drought, or any other man-made or $imaginarybeing-sanctioned catastrophe. All wankers (notice the male gender) are most welcome to a Seletar run.

Want to be a Seletar Hashman? Download the application form.

Who are the Hash House Harriers?

Stolen shamelessly from the rec.running FAQ.

The Hash House Harriers is a running/drinking/social club which was started by bored expatriates in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1938. ("Hash House" is the nickname of the restaurant/bar to which they retired for food and beer after a run). Hashing is based on the English schoolboy game of "Hare and Hounds"; a Hash is a non-competitive cross-country run set by one or more runners called hares. The hares run out in advance of the other runners (the pack of hounds), and set a course marked by white flour, toilet paper, and/or chalk marks.

Don't be shy about hashing - if you've half a mind to join the hash, that's all you'll need!

Hash Rules

1. A HASHMARK is a splash of flour used to mark the trail. The pack should call out "On-On" when they see a hashmark. Blasts on horns, whistles, and other noise makers are encouraged. Hounds asking "RU?" (are you on trail?) of the FRB's (Front-Running Bastards) should be answered "On-On", which means they are on trail, or "Looking", which means they`ve lost the trail.
2. ARROWs, or several closely spaced hashmarks, are used to indicate change of trail direction. Hound should use arrows different from those used by the hares as necessary to assist hounds further back in the pack.
3. A CHECKMARK is a large circled X, or a circle with a dot at its center (fondly known as a "Titty Check"). Checkmarks indicate that the trail goes "SFP"; that is, the pack must search for true trail. Hounds should call out "Checking" when they see a checkmark. (Checking IS NOT Looking!)
   1. A Backtrack is three lines chalked or drawn in flour across the trail, indicating a false trail. The pack, upon encountering a backtrack, calls out "On-Back" or "Backtrack", and goes back to the last checkmark to find true trail. Sometimes a hound will draw an arrow with a backtrack sign at the checkmark to identify the false trail for the rest of the pack.
   2. A CHECKBACK is a devious variation of the checkmark/backtrack. A checkback is a CB followed by a number. For example, a "CB 5" means to backtrack five hashmarks, then look for true trail as one would at a check. Also known as a COUNTBACK.
   3. A WHICHWAY is two arrows, only one of which points toward true trail; no hashmarks will be found in the other direction.
4. Tradition requires a DOWN-DOWN (chug-a-lug) of a beer after a hasher's virgin hash, naming hash, and other significant occasions, e.g., 25th hash, 50th hash, etc. A Down-Down is also in order for hares, visitors, and for any other reason that can be thought up. While frowned upon as "alcohol abuse", it is permissible for non-drinkers to pour the beer over their head; a soda Down-Down may also be elected. The primary consideration of the Down-Down is that once the mug leaves the drinker's lips, it is turned upside-down over the head.
5. THERE ARE NO RULES.

Hashing, the big picture

All you wanted to know about Hashing, but did not know existed.

• What is Hashing?
• The Rules, as it were.
  • The Run.
  • The use of Whistles.
  • The Down-Down ceremony.
• Hash History
• Hash Terminology, a glossary

Purpose

The hash run is designed for a group of individuals (normally referred to as the "Pack" or "Hash") to follow a trail (true or false) of two or three other individuals (normally referred to as the "Hares") from a start point to a finish point.

The distance varies from 7-10 km and the finishing point is usually the starting point, though not always so.

Some runs are called "Bus runs". In this case, all runners will either start off the run and continue until some far off end point. There, there will be the welcome sight of a bus and beer to bring the pack back to the starting point (Bus Back Run). Alternatively, the runners will be bussed to a far away starting point run back to the meeting point which then becomes the end point.

Most times the run is set in the a few hours before the run. If it is an evening run the hares will set it sometime in the early afternoon.

Another form of laying the run is called the "Live Hare Run". In this variation, the hares run out in advance of the pack and set a course.

In either case, the course is marked by hash marks: splashes of white flour, paper strips (normally made from shredded paper), toilet paper, and chalk marks.

In the Live Hare Run, the hares get a 15 minute head start and the pack will follow their trail and try to catch the hares. If one or more of the hares are caught, they are penalized by having to perform a "down-down."

The Rules

The Run

For the Live Hare Run, the hares are given a head start of twelve (12) minutes prior to the pack starting.

The Hash will walk three (3) minutes and start running at fifteen (15) minutes.

On the non Live Hare Run, the run will commence promptly at the designated time without delay usually with a committee member calling out "On On". When conducting the hash the pack can work together to make the run an easy fun run for all involved.

Each person in the pack may carry chalk to mark the trail (see " Pack Arrow").

When a mark made by the hare(s) is spotted (distance between marks should be no more than 50-100 meters) the individual can either say "on-on" or give two short blasts on their whistles. This alerts the pack that there is a trail.

When a "check or decision point" (or intersection ) is discovered the runner(s) mark their direction from the "check/decision point."

If there is a "BT" (Back Check/Track, or Bad Trail) spotted the individual will give one long blast on his whistle and wave his or her hands in an X pattern over his or her head in and shout "BT" or "Bad Trail" or "Back Check" alerting the pack to return to the last check/decision point and mark the BT/Back Check.

This procedure is followed until a true trail is found.

Hashmen should mark a "?" at a decision point if they searched a direction but gave up on it without proof of it being a good or bad/back trail.

Beware of marks; they can be on the road, sidewalk, telephone poles, curbs, trees, signs, building, fences, under vehicles, walls and other structures.

On occasion a hare may draw a map or write a message to indicate the trail (normally to change directions or cross open areas or roads). For example, "Go to the third building and go left."

Remember that members of the pack can mark the trail with an arrow for the slower runners if there is doubt of the trail direction.

No one except the hares can mark true trail arrows.

Short-cutting is leaving the trail and trying to find the trail by a shorter distance -- taking a short cut. Such individuals are called SCBs - Short Cutting Bastards.

These individuals usually get lost or return to the start because they were outsmarted by the hares.

However, if a hare is spotted still marking trail he or she may be tagged and the spot marked by a sign indicating

caught the hare: Time: _____ by: ____.

The hare will be totally embarrassed, degraded, verbally abused and lose his or her hare license.

However, the hare must be released and given a five minute head start to finish the trail.

When the finish is found by the pack they can expect to see the proud hares waiting and with refreshments for the ceremony.

Setting Runs in the National Parks

Guidelines when setting a run in Singapore’s Nature Reserves and Parks.

• Hares must give at least 3 weeks notice to the GM’s if intending to set a run in a Nature Reserve.
• The GM’s are responsible for notifying National Parks of an intended run in their Reserves at least 2 weeks in advance, Individual members are not to have contact with National Parks.
• Only toilet paper is allowed at the Nature Reserves. Flour and chalk are not to be used under any circumstances.
• Paper should be laid conservatively and inconspicuously to the general public
• Hares are responsible to clear up the paper by the next day or the sweeper is to clear up the trail. (this is to be done irrespective of where the run is laid)
• Stick to the existing tracks (i.e. those clearly marked by the Npark) if you are laying runs in the Nature Reserves.
• Strictly NO CHOPPING of plants in the Nature Reserves
• No Creating or cutting a new path in the Nature Reserves
• No arrows to be drawn on the roads or anywhere else in the nature Reserves.
• Hares are accountable for their runs and if in the event a fine is imposed the hares will have to bear the cost. These fines are significant. (up to $500) Repeat offences will lead to even heavier fines and result in that Hash Chapter being banned from running in Nature Reserves for 6 months.
• Outside the Nature Reserves, use flour only on the ground and not on tree trunks..
• Labrador park, Sungei Buloh, Kent Ridge Park and Mount Faber are also managed by the Nparks, so be mindful when setting runs there. Maps of the Central Catchment area are appended below.
• Nparks now have a contact for each Hash Chapter in Singapore (in most cases the GM) and will call up any chapter that breaches any of these rules and will ban the Chapter till the matter is resolved. A warning will also be issued to the chapter. A fine will be imposed if a second breach is committed. The hares will have to bear the cost of the fine.
• Hares will need to think even more carefully about their run sites and trails.
• Hares will need to plan their run well in advance.
• Sweepers will become increasingly important – for making sure all runners return safely and for picking up the paper.
• Late comers to a run may find that there is no trail left to follow as the sweeper will have picked it up.
• There is a need to consider alternative markings for the runs that can be easily removed eg ice cream sticks, or plastic markers. This is currently being looked at.
• As a measure of goodwill and community service, we will hold a cleaning campaign in one of the Reserves or Parks at some stage during the year.
• These guidelines have been agreed on by all Hash Chapters in Singapore in consultation with National Parks. We will keep you updated on any changes. Thanks for your understanding!
• Here's a printable document with maps.

Use of Whistles and Horns and Noisemakers

Every Harrier, after his or her first run, is required to have a whistle at all hashes (except hares). Also everyone is encouraged to use their whistle.

• Hashmen will give two short blasts on their whistle as they spot a mark on the trail.
• Hashmen will give two long blasts on their whistle when they see a "decision point/check." Additionally, the word "decision point" or "check" is shouted after the whistle blast.
• Hashmen will give one long blast when they find a back check/track.
• While the continuation of the trail is being searched for, Hashmen should shout out "Checking" to inform all that they are still scanning.
• Hashmen are required to blast their whistle when a whistle check is conducted after the "Down-Down Ceremony or the Circle."
• Hashmen will use their whistles to assist fellow Hashmen.

Down-Down Ceremony or the Circle

After the last runner has come in, not to include those who are Dead on Trail (D.O.T.), one of the hares (or in the case of shyness, a Hash Grand Master) will signal the beginning of the Down-Down Ceremony or the Circle.

A down-down is the chug-a-lugging of a twelve ounce beer, soda, or water from the Hash Mug.

Once the signal is given to begin, the Hasher may drink until the mug leaves the lips or the beer, soda or water is depleted.

Either way, the mug immediately goes over the head to demonstrate to the Pack which is the case.

Down-Down's are normally given in the following order for the following reasons:

• First run.
• Sixth run (for the Hash name)
• Repeating digit run (11, 22, 33,etc.)
• Last run.
• Hares who get caught
• No whistle (for second run or thereafter)
• New shoes, colour-coordinated clothes
• Any run divisible by 10.
• Any assorted hash violations at the whim of the pack or the Hash Whip.

Hash History

The origins of the Hash House Harriers can be traced back to those far more relaxed days of 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr. Gispert, a POM apparently, has been described as a splendid fellow who was certainly not an athlete, but rather a sportsman who placed as much emphasis on the subsequent refreshments and entertainment as on the running itself.

He belonged to Kuala Lumpur's famous Selangor Sports Club. These days, it is better known as the Mother Hash.

One Monday, following a particularly social weekend, Gispert decided to sweat out some of his excesses by jogging around the fortress.

Soon after, this became a regular Monday evening activity and others joined him.

Running within the confines of the fortress became boring.

The fellowship, using flour and paper, began laying trails through the countryside, adding false leads and loopbacks just for the hell of it.

As so often happens, good intention can lead to an evil end.

Close by the fortress was a Chinese eating establishment known as "The Hash House."

It soon became a custom for the Chinese manager to greet Gispert and his friends with quantities if ice cold beer at the end of each run.

What began as a run, developed into a regular Monday evening social event.

The Chinese manager, realizing the group had strayed from the fortress and rather than lose this lucrative business, adapted to their running habits by following the trail and pack of runners outside the fortress.

He would load his truck with cold beer and was waiting for the Harriers as they completed their running exercise.

From such simple beginnings has mushroomed a form of Monday evening physical and social activity that is followed in many parts of the free world with almost identical "tradition."

The "Hash" does have variations, from the "male only" Harriers, which are copies of the original (generally dominated by British and Australians) in places like Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Seoul to mixed or family hashes in Singapore, Okinawa and Honolulu (where women may sometimes be in the majority).

Gispert died on the 11th of February 1942 and is buried at the Kranji War Memorial in Kranji, Singapore, but what he started carries on on!

For more versions of this history, see the Internet Hash House Harriers Home Page.

Hash Terminology

Back Check/Back Track/Bad Trail

A back track is used to indicate a bad trail or false trail.

Beer Near

"Beer Near" must be written just before the finish notifying the pack the end is near.

Caught Hare

A hare is caught when a member of the pack touches him or her and says "caught hare." The hare must be marking the trail and must have either chalk or flour in his or her possession before being considered caught. A caught hare must be released immediately. Caught hare(s) are awarded a "down-down." One hare caught implies all hares are caught.

Check or Decision point

Sometimes known as Checkmarks/Intersections. "Decision points or checks" are chalked or printed at any location where there are two or more possible trails or paths. The decision point can have the following meanings:

• any direction at all.
• turn left or right only.
• turn left, right, or go straight.
• go straight or turn right.
• go straight or turn left.
• etc....

Hares may put a check or decision point at all locations where there is more than one possible direction from a single trail.

Down-Down

Tradition requires down-downs be conducted after each hash run a down-down of one can/bottle/mug of a 12 ounce drink. A down-down is performed for any indiscretion of the harriers of the rules of hashing. See the section on Down-Downs for more information.

Down-Down Act

The Hasher will follow the directions of the Hash Master or whoever is conducting the Ceremony. Once the drink leaves the Hasher's lips it is to be turned upside down and the remainder contents poured over the Hasher's head. Other Hashmen may assist the drinker to keep cool by pouring water over the Hasher's head - do not waste hash money by using beer or soft drinks. NOTE: Junior Hashmen will not assault their seniors.

Hash Cash

The Harrier that keeps the Hash Funds in the sock.

Hash Mark

A hash mark is a splash of flour, paper strips, or other marks which will not litter the area, used in marking the trail.

Hash Name

A Hash Name is a name every Harrier is to be addressed while on the Hash. If a Harrier uses any other name to call another Hashman, the offending Hashman will be given a down-down. This is enforced strictly during the circle.

Hash Note

The note that is sung by one of the Hashmen to get everyone off key for the Hash Song. Usually, "Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh".

Hash Shit

A Hash Shit is the judgement that is passed by the Hash after each and every run. The rules are as follows:

1. If the run was shorter than 45 minutes, it is an automatic hash shit.
2. If the run exceeded 1hr 30 minutes, another automatic hash shit.
3. Hash shits are never awarded for celebration runs.
4. Not withstanding the preceding, if the Hashmen present decide that the run is badly done, it can be declared a hash shit.

Once a run is declared a Hash Shit, the Hares will be adorned with toilet seats that shall be worn by them around their necks for all forthcoming runs until another hash run is declared a Hash Shit. At that point, they shall hand over the toilet seats to the newly crowned Hash Shit holders.

Hash Song

To be sung by the Hashmen loud and clear, or Down-Downs will be performed, during the Down-Down Ceremony. The song is as follows:

Ahhhh... (hold for about 10 seconds)
Here's to hash name he's so blue
He's a Bastard through and through
He's a Piss-pot so they say
He tried to go to heaven,
But he went the other way.

Drinking down, down, down ... (on and on)

After the song is sung, the Down-Down Harrier(s) must prove that the drink is finished by pouring the contents over the Harrier's head. If the Harrier is taking too long to finish the drink, the following is sung:

Why are we waiting,
Why are we waiting.

Until the Down-Down Harrier has cooperated or has been drenched by senior Hashmen.

Hash Whip

The Hash Whip is the custodian of good behaviour and discipline among the Hashmen. He is always on the look-out for any ill-behaviour (or even good behaviour) and will call upon the Harrier to come to the middle of the circle to get his just rewards (a Down Down almost always). The whip has only two rules for Hashmen to remember:

1. The Whip Is Always Right.
2. When In Doubt Refer to Rule Number 1.

Ice

The Ice is the throne upon which a Harrier is made to sit during the down-down or circle".

ON-ON's

On-On's are conducted after the hash run at a local restaurant/bar or whatever. The purpose is comradeship and a general BS session of the Hashmen. All Hashmen are welcome to ON-ON's.

Other Hash Terminology

Words indicating direction or encouragement are chalked along the rail to remind harriers that the hares are of sadistic minds and believe they will not get caught (otherwise they wouldn't waste time chalking graffiti on public thoroughfares.) Common terms: "on-on", "on-up", "on-in", "on-home", "scenic viewpoint", "Ha!Ha!" and "Beer Near."

Pack Arrow

A pack arrow is used by the members of the pack to indicate the direction the pack went. A pack arrow is not always true trail.

True Trail Arrows

True trail arrows are drawn (usually with white chalk) indicating the proper direction of the trail. They are drawn by the hares only!

Whistle Check

Whistle check is conducted to ensure all Hashmen have their whistles. All Hashmen are required to have whistles except first-time runners and hares.