- 2015 RCP #
- 46
- Summary
- Adds language defining competition participants
- Date Received
- 20May14
- Proponent
- Jeff Morse
- Change Date
- 2015
- Status
- Open for comments – 25May14
Recommended for Approval 14Oct14 - Activity
- Initial Posting: 25May14
Current Wording – GRArticle2
2 .7 Junior and adult drivers are defined as follows:
a . The “competition age” of an individual will be the age reached during the current calendar year .
b . “Junior A” – competition age: 10 and below . 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 . “Junior B” – competition age 11, 12, 13 . Junior B drivers must be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman at all times .
EXCEPTION: Junior “B” drivers competing with a single Very Small Equine (VSE defined by Articles 29.3 or 914.2) turnout in a securely enclosed arena need not be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman unless required by the organizer .
d . “Junior C” – competition age 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 . Junior C drivers competing with a single horse/pony turnout at their discretion need not carry a groom/passenger unless required by the competition .
e . “Adult” – Competition age 19 and over
12. “Entry” is a turnout participating in an event or show..
Suggested Wording
2 .7 Junior and adult drivers competition participants, e.g. anyone who rides on a vehicle at any time at an event, are defined as follows:
a . The “competition age” of an individual will be the age reached during the current calendar year .
b . “Junior A” – competition age: 10 and below . 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 . “Junior B” – competition age 11, 12, 13 . Junior B drivers must be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman at all times .
EXCEPTION: Junior “B” drivers competing with a single Very Small Equine (VSE)defined by Articles 29 .3 or 914.2) turnout in a securely enclosed arena need not be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult horseman unless required by the organizer .
d . “Junior C” – competition age 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 . Junior C drivers competing with a single horse/pony turnout at their discretion need not carry a groom/passenger unless required by the competition.
e . “Adult” – Competition age 19 and over
f. “Junior” – Unless otherwise defined: Competition age under 19
12. “Entry” is a turnout participating in an event or show, usually defined by the Organizer as the combination of the horse, vehicle and driver.
Reason for change
A number of rules refer only to junior drivers and should technically refer to any junior riding on a carriage at any time at an event, e.g. Article 5.11 All Juniors in all competitions must wear properly fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds current ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carry the SEI tag. It must be properly fitted with harness secured. Failure to comply will result in elimination.
The suggested language would define all “Juniors” and “Adults” not just Junior and Adult Drivers, regardless of whether they are schooling, competing or riding as passengers, navigators or grooms.
Add correct references for VSE size; “Entry” is more clearly defined. VSE rule reference is redundant and unnecessary
MichaelRidge says :
July 6, 2014I oppose this rule change proposal. It places an enormous burden on organizers who try to follow the rule. It is probably unenforceable because organizers have no way of knowing who of the passengers or grooms is covered by the various junior rules.
Most organizers depend on parents and guardians to let their charges participate in accordance with the rules. Organizers may not really know the ages of all the juniors; we were never asked for proofs of age for our junior drivers or grooms. Our junior groom wore a helmet rather than a top hat because we knew her age and followed the rule.
This rule change proposal is trying to control situations that can’t be controlled.
MikeRider says :
July 7, 2014I agree with this RCP – I do agree with Mr. Ridge that is very difficult to enforce; however, the spirit of the original ruling was, I believe, that all underage persons riding on carriage wear protective headgear. As a show organizer, I’ve had to answer this question more than once each year, “Does my groom (who is 13-18 years of age) have to wear a helmet?” My answer, after consult with various ADS officials has been “yes” and now the Villa Louis prize list states that all juniors have to wear helmets when riding on any horse-drawn vehicle in any capacity.