USA Equestrian Issues Advisory to Recognized Competitions

Sept 12, 2001 - The repercussions of yesterday’s horrific events are already impacting all of our lives to varying degrees. We realize that those of you who are trying to hold competitions over the upcoming weeks are encountering problems with travel arrangements for Judges and Stewards and you may be considering canceling your competition. We would like to bring to your attention some of the rules which may be relevant to your situation and we would also like to extend our offer of assistance with any changes which may be necessary as a result.

“It is obvious that however complete rules may be, they never can cover all possible situations which may arise. …The solution to be adopted by those responsible should lie in a principle which follows as nearly as possible the spirit of the rules.” This statement appears in our Rule Book prior to Rule I, and is particularly relevant at this time.

If you wish to cancel your competition and are concerned about comparable dates for 2002, please be advised that any legitimate cancellations necessary as a result of the repercussions of yesterday’s events will be considered as Acts of God - a legal term - as outlined under Article 216.3.

If you need to substitute officials, refer to Article 1213.3.2 which states: “If a competition finds it necessary to substitute a judge for one who is officially designated in the prize list and/or catalogue and who is unable to serve due to circumstances beyond his control, the restrictions of Arts. 804.2-804.12 shall be non-effective.”

If you need to obtain a guest or special card for any of your officials, refer to Articles 1008, 1009, 1107. The deadlines for receipt of applications for cards is normally 21 days prior to the competition. This deadline will be waived for the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, the deadlines for receipt of items such as prize lists, insurance and results will be relaxed for the upcoming weeks.

If the above-noted rules do not facilitate the changes you need to implement in order to proceed with your competition, please note that Article IV, Sec. 2 of the Constitution governs the granting of Presidential Modifications to the Rules and states: “The President (or the Vice-President if the President is unavailable, or the Secretary if they both are unavailable, or the Treasurer if all three are unavailable) shall make modification in the application of the Rules under special circumstances and shall report any such modification granted to the Executive Committee at its next meeting.”

Please feel free to contact me directly at (859) 225-6959 with any questions or if you require additional information.

Katriona McElligott, Assistant Executive Director, Regulation