RCP2015#22 – To allow Junior drivers to compete in an open arena

2015 RCS #
22
Summary
To allow junior drivers to compete in an open arena
Date Received
02May14
Proponent
Katy Rhinehart
Change Date
2015
Status
Open for comments – 06May14
Recommended with Changes
Activity
Initial Posting: 06May14
Not Recommended by Event Standards

Current Wording – Article GR2.7.b and c

b) “Junior A drivers may not compete in any classes held outside a securely enclosed arena and must be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman at all times.”

c)” turnout in a securely enclosed arena need not be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman unless required by the organizer.”

Suggested Wording

b) “Junior A drivers may not compete in any classes held outside a securely enclosed arena and must be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman at all times.”

c) ” turnout in a securely enclosed arena need not be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman unless required by the organizer.”

Reason for change

Safety

1 Response(s)

  1. MichaelRidge says :

    July 6, 2014

    I oppose this rule change suggestion.

    This rule change would apply to children 13 and under. All of them (except some VSE drivers) would have the assistance of an adult in the vehicle in case of emergency. The enclosed arena reduces the random factors that would require these children to make rapid decisions. It does add to their safety while driving.

    For the sake of safety, it would be better to ask organizers to make an effort to provide an enclosed warm up area to separate spectators, trucks and trailers from the competing turnouts. It doesn’t make sense to me to abandon one safety provision because we can’t always provide a different safety provision.

    The phrase “securely enclosed arena” is subjective, but not more than the sentence, “number of obstacles to be proportionate to the dimensions of the driving area.” The rule could be changed to say — A securely enclosed area has a visual and physical barrier around the entire perimeter. I don’t think the rules can go much further without getting into specifics of size and materials for the arena, which would make it even harder for organizers to offer classes for juniors 13 and under.

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