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What happens when you come off your horse – Rules
related to falls
Over the last
several years, there have been many changes to the rules
relating to falls.
This article
summarizes the rules relating to falls and what steps
must be taken if you have a fall. OHTA members are
urged to read the 2011 Rules of Equine Canada (the “Rule
Book”) (reading this article is no substitute) and to
discuss these rules and their consequences with their
coaches. If you have any questions about the
rules, please contact anyone on the OHTA Rules
Committee. If we don’t know the answer, we will seek
guidance from the National Rules Committee. This article
has been reviewed by the Chair of the National Rules
Committee.
Generally
speaking, a fall during any part of the three tests –
dressage, jumping and cross-country – results in
elimination. A fall elsewhere on the grounds of an
event, including in a warm-up area, does not necessarily
result in elimination. Regardless, after any fall
“during training, warm up or competition”, the
competitor must receive medical clearance by the medical
officer before they take part in another test,
competition or leave the event site. There are
additional rules relating to the possibility of an
eliminated competitor continuing “hors concours” (“HC”)
after a fall.
Here are the
specific rules:
Fall during
dressage test – Article D306, section 3
This rule is new
this year. A fall in the dressage test results in
elimination, and the competitor may not continue the
test.
Fall during
jumping test – Article 317, section 1
This rule has
been around for a while. A fall in the jumping test
results in elimination, and the competitor must retire
from the ring.
Fall during
cross-country – Article 311, section 1.2
This rule has
changed since 2009. Under the current rules, a fall
anywhere on the cross-country course results in
elimination, and the competitor must retire from the
course. Previously, only a fall at an obstacle resulted
in elimination.
Definition of
a fall – Article D312, section 4.1 & Article D320,
section 8
The rules
relating to the cross-country and jumping tests include
a definition of a fall – see Article D312, section 4.1
and Article D320, section 8. It is a common-sense
definition, and presumably the same definition would
apply to the dressage test. “Fall of Competitor. A
competitor is considered to have fallen when he is
separated from the horse in such a way as to necessitate
remounting or vaulting into the saddle”.
Other falls
A fall during
warm-up or elsewhere on the grounds of an event does not
necessarily result in elimination. However, “If there is
any doubt with regard to fitness to compete the Ground
Jury may eliminate the rider at its discretion”. See
Article D111, section 3.
Unconsciousness and/or suspected concussion – Article
D111, section 4
In the case of
unconsciousness and/or suspected concussion as a result
of any accident, the competitor must be disqualified
from the competition. Disqualification here means that
the competitor may not take part in another test or
competition at that event, including on any other horses
on which the competitor may be entered. See Article
D111, section 4.
What to do
after a fall – Article D111, section 3
There is a lot
that is new in Article D111 – “Horse and Rider Welfare –
Dangerous Riding”. You are urged to review it carefully.
After a fall
“during training, warm up or competition”, the
competitor “must receive medical clearance by the
medical officer before they take part in another test,
competition or leave the event site”. The competitor is
responsible to make sure the examination takes place.
Eliminated
Competitors – Conditions for continuing HC – Article
D302, section 4
There may be
circumstances in which a competitor who has been
eliminated for a fall in a test may continue to
participate in subsequent tests HC, provided that
certain conditions are met before the competitor is
scheduled to start the next test: (1) exam and medical
clearance, (2) permission of Ground Jury, Technical
Delegate and Organizer; (3) competitor and coach/trainer
sign a waiver of understanding. If there is insufficient
time to meet these conditions before the eliminated
competitor’s start time, the competitor may not
continue, unless the Organizer permits an alternate
start time.
The form of the
waiver of understanding to be signed by the eliminated
competitor and the coach/trainer can be found on the
Equine Canada website .
Please be
aware of the following paragraphs contained in Section
A: General Regulations of the Equine Canada Rule Book:
Knowledge of the rules of any sport is required of each
participant, and the exhibitor at a sanctioned
competition must accept this responsibility. Both a
complete knowledge of and compliance with the rules are
essential, and all participants must be fully cognizant
of all rules as well as class specifications in the
discipline/breed sport in which they compete.
It is not possible to provide for every conceivable
eventuality in these rules. If there is no rule to deal
specifically with a particular circumstance, or if the
nearest interpretation of the pertinent rule would
result in an obvious injustice, it is the duty of those
responsible to make a decision based on common sense and
fair play, thus reflecting as closely as possible the
intention of the rules and regulations of Equine Canada.
The
OHTA Rule Committee
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