DressageCompetition Rule ChangesEffective 1 January 2013

General Comment

Throughout the rule book wherever the word ‘compulsory’ is used some words about elimination have been added.There have been some grey areas when it comes to elimination/penalty so a ‘cheat sheet’ has also been included in the rule book – See Section 10 - Elimination and Penalties – to help make this clearer to judges and riders.

Preamble

DefinitionsAdd as the 7th dot point the following:• Warm-up area – an area designated by the OC

as being the warm-up area for competitions.

Section 1Conditions of Entry

1.3 – Abuse of horse – Add that any reporting of abuse must be actioned within 14 days of the incident1.12 – Conditions of Entry• reference to EA FEI competitions added in preamble• the grading of the horse is taken as at closing date of

entries• should an event be cancelled/postponed - if the

event can be re-scheduled within 6 weeks of the original date then a horse may compete at the level they were as at the closing date of entries for the original event.

• However, if the event is rescheduled more than 6 weeks from the original date and the horse in the meantime has been upgraded the horse must compete at its new graded level.

1.12.2 – Horses• add Preparatory/Preliminary and Intermediate

I/Big Tour Entry and Big Tour Entry/Intermediate II.

• Amend 7th dot point - at PSG and above – may only enter and compete in 2 FEI competitions or 1 FEI competitionsand the Big Tour Entry competition per day, may include a Freestyle test• Amend 8th dot point & 2nd star to include the word ‘valid’ before

measurement certificate.1.14 Eligibility• Add Big Tour Entry Level• Change the % to 58% to compete InterII/GP.1.15 Restrictions on FEI Entries• Delete the following - horses that are, or have been, a State and/or

Australian Champion at Grand Prix level are not eligible to compete Officially at Prix St Georges level. The exception to this is when the competition is a specially restricted competition.

Hat RuleRules 2.1.1 to 2.1.3, 2.2 and 2.17 have been amended accordingly• Compulsory now for all riders of

horses/ponies under 7 years of age (age taken from the horse/pony natural birthday) to wear an approved safety helmet with a secure chin strap.

Section 2 – Saddlery etc

2.4 Gaiters/Chapettes• Amended to now include Advanced but only

when informal dress is worn. Not permissible when tails are worn.

2.5 – Spurs• rowels must be in a vertical plane• rowels in a horizontal plane are not permitted• Impuls spurs are permitted.

2.6 – Whips• carrying a whip longer than 1.2m at an event will

entail elimination• the rider is allowed to carry one whip only,

maximum 1.2m, anywhere on the ground when riding, walking, or leading a horse

• a lungeing whip is allowed when lungeing a horse• other parties are allowed to carry one whip,

maximum 1.2m, provided it is not used in connection with the training of the horse.

2.7 – Coats• Add reference to the shirt being tucked in2.10 – Bridles, Nosebands and BitsAdded the following:• padding is allowed under on bridles but any

padding used must be discreet and applied to the underside of the bridle only

• a noseband is compulsory under penalty of elimination.

• reins must be black or brown; they can be made of leather, cotton, synthetic or a mix of these materials. There must be no elastic inserts, loops or otherwise along the length of the rein

• the wearing of nosebands not approved will entail elimination

• the wearing of two nosebands at an event is not allowed under penalty of elimination

• the use of non approved bit/s or incorrect thickness of bit/s will entail elimination

• one eared bridles are not allowed under penalty of elimination

2.10.2 – Double Bridles• bridles must be black or brown• a double bridle is compulsory for Advanced and

FEI competitions under penalty of elimination• if metal bits are used, all parts of the bit coming

into the horse’s mouth must be of metal (not necessarily the same metal).

2.10.2 – Curbs• the upper cheek must not be longer than the

lower cheek• curb chain hooks may be fixed.

2.15 – Fly HoodIt will no longer be necessary to obtain permission to wear one. Rule amended as follows:Below conditions make it very clear that fly hoods may only be used for outdoor competitions and not indoors, the only exception will be IF there are actually insects indoors then the President of the Ground Jury may make an exception.Fly hoods are permitted under the following conditions:• competitions held outdoors only (not permitted to be

worn for indoor competitions)• the fly hood is purely to protect from insects.

2.15 - Fly Hood Continued• the fly hood must be discreet• the fly hood must not cover the horse’s eyes• the covering over the ears must not be insulated

against sound• no materials may be used to plug the horses ears• the OC/TD/Gear Steward will, after completion

of the test, request the removal of any fly hood to verify that no insulation has been inserted in the fly hood and that ear plugs have not been inserted

Section 3Dressage Events

3.2 Competition• where an OC wishes to use a foreign judge

who is a National judge in their own country but not an FEI accredited judge, the OC must provide details in writing and seek the approval of the ADJC.

3.7 – Entering the Arena• Amend the 1st dot point to read - for

competitions where it is not practical or safe to ride around the outside of the arena prior to entering the arena, the rider is allowed to enter the arena as soon as the previous rider has exited and before the bell has sounded. After the bell has sounded the rider starts the test from within the arena

• Add new dot point - if the entry at A is open for the first horse of a competition then it must remain open for the rest of the competition.

3.8 – Dismounting/Fall• Add new dot point - after the final halt and

salute, if a rider dismounts without a reason acceptable to the judge this will entail elimination

• after the final halt and salute if there is a fall of horse and/or rider this will not entail elimination and it may be necessary for the rider to leave the arena unmounted.

3.10 – Resistance• Add - should a horse leave the arena with all

four feet after the final halt and salute this will not entail elimination.

3.12 – riding in Arenas/Warm-up etc• Delete the 1st dot point and add the following -

access to arenas for the purpose of familiarisation is recommended. Access to competition areas is at the discretion of the Chief Judge for the competition or the OC.

• Add new dot point - to ensure a level playing field all competitors are to be given equal warm up time around the arena. Therefore, if you are not prepared to enter the arena immediately, wait away from the competition area until such time as you are ready or your start time arrives.

3.13 – Scale of Marks• Whole marks should be written 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 etc3.21 – Graphs updated to include new Big Tour Entry Test.

Section 5 – Young Horse

Several changes to the whole section were implemented from 1/8/12 to coincide with the YH qualifying period. All YH judges need to familiarise themselves with these changes.New tests for 6 year old Ponies have been introduced – no flying changes.Approved safety helmets MUST be worn for ALL YH competitions.

Section 6 - Freestyles

6.1 – Entry, Salute & timing• Not giving the signal for the music to start within

45 seconds of the bell will incur a penalty of 0.5% from each judge.

• Entering the arena after 20 seconds of music will incur a penalty of 0.5% from each judge.

• If the test is shorter or longer than stipulated on the relevant test a penalty of 0.5% from each judge will be incurred from the artistic mark.

6.3 – Guidelines for Judges• 1st dot point – delete word ‘collectives’ and

insert ‘artistic’• 4th dot point – delete the word ‘whole’• 1st star after 5th dot point amend to read ‘ for

flying changes a horse is awarded 6.0, 7.0, 7.0, 6.0 (divide the 4 marks to come to a final mark of 6.5’

• Delete the 2 dots points under this star.

6.5.2 & 6.5.3 – Novice & Elementary• Amend the wording to read:NoviceAny non-permitted movement (i.e. included in the table of Movements NOT permitted) shown DELIBERATELY shall be penalised. There will be a five (5) point deduction from each judge from the total for technical execution. The choreography mark may be no higher than 5.0. ElementaryAny non-permitted movement (i.e. included in the table of Movements NOT permitted) shown DELIBERATELY shall be penalised. There will be a five (5) point deduction from each judge from the total for technical execution. The choreography and degree of difficulty marks may be no higher than 5.0.

6.5.2 – Novice• Add 4th dot point – change of rein through the

trot – should only be 3-4 trot steps• Adjust 5th dot point - one change of direction

in the leg yield may be shown on either rein, providing that the change of direction is clearly shown on a straight line, and the angle of the leg yield is shown correctly

6.5.4 – MediumAmend the 4th dot point to read as follows:• one counter change of hand in canter is

allowed. If more than one change –there will be a four (4) point deduction from the total for technical execution for the movement listed on the Freestyle test. i.e. the deduction will not be for each occurrence, but for the non-permitted movement. The choreography and degree of difficulty marks may also be affected.

6.5.5 – AdvancedAmend the 3rd dot point to read as follows:• two counter changes of hand in trot are allowedAdd a 4th dot point to read as follows:• one counter change of hand in canter is allowed. If

more than one change –there will be a four (4) point deduction from the total for technical execution for the movement listed on the Freestyle test. i.e. the deduction will not be for each occurrence, but for the non-permitted movement. The choreography and degree of difficulty marks may also be affected.

6.7 – Movement NOT PermittedAdd to the 3 x 4 times changes and 3 x 3 times changes under Advanced the words ‘3 max’ after the tick.

6.8 – Compulsory & Permitted Movements - AdvancedCounter change of hand in trot – delete reference to 1 only and leave the tick in place.

Section 7 - Paces

7.2 – The HaltAdd the following as the 2nd & 3rd dot points:• the halt should be shown for at least three (3)

seconds• the halt should be shown throughout the

salute.

7.4.6 – Stretching on a Long ReinAdd a new heading with the following:• this exercise gives a clear impression of the ‘throughness ofed

of the horse and proves its balance, suppleness, obedience and relaxation in order to execute the exercise ‘stretching on a long rein’ correctly, the athlete must lengthen the reins as the horse stretches gradually forward and downward

• as the neck stretches forward and downwards, the mouth should reach more or less to the horizontal line corresponding with the point of the shoulder

• an elastic and consistent contact with the athlete’s hands must be maintained

• the pace must maintain its rhythm, and the horse should remain light in the shoulders with the hind legs well engaged

• during the retake of the reins the horse must accept the contact without resistance in the mouth or poll

Section 8 – Australian/State Championships

8.1 – AdministrationAdd as the 3rd dot point the following:• the tests to be used must include the highest

test in the level.8.2 – Conditions of EntryAdd as the first dot point the following:• all qualifying scores must have been obtained

in Official competitions.

8.11.1 – State ChampionshipsAdd new dot points:• the highest level test at each level is not

compulsory but highly recommended• competitions may be run in Divisions.

8.11.2 to 8.11.5 Australian & State YR & Pony ChampionshipsRefer to the rule book. These have been separated out to make the rule pertaining to each category clearer.

8.12.1 – PSG ChallengeAmend the 5th dot point to read:• horses must be 10 years or under at the closing date of

entries

Amend the 10th dot point to read:• the 12 highest ranked horses will be eligible to compete in

the Final providing the average qualifying score is at least 65%

Delete the 11th dot point:• at their discretion the Selectors, with ADC approval, may

invite, in addition to the 12 above, a maximum of two Wild Card entries to also compete in the Final

Section 9 - NOAS for Dressage Judges in Australia

9.2 – ADJCAdd to the 4th dot point ‘and National B-Level’9.8.1 – Fast TrackAdd as the 4th dot point the following:• EA NCAS Level 2 General Coaches; or9.8.2 and 9.8.3• Add as last dot point – Sit-In on at least two

occasions with a Judge Educator• Amend 5th dot point to include reference to Sit-In

9.12 – Judges SeminarAdd to the 5th dot point 1st diamond the following:• basic principles to be adhered to when judging

– including Eventing.

9.18 – Upgrading CriteriaAdd the following:• Where a judge has clearly started the

upgrading process from one level to another and there is a change of rules that affects the process the rule in place at the time when the candidate started the upgrading process will continue to apply.

Add new dot point and the following:• Riding requirement – refer to 9.26

9.19 – How to Become a Dressage JudgeAdd as the 7th dot point the following:• the H level exam and seminar must be completed before

undertaking the shadow judging.9.20.2 – Lapsed >1 to < 3 yearsAmend the 3rd dot point to read s follows and add new dot point immediately underneath:• shadow judge at their previous highest accredited level

the following minimum number of horses for assessment by a Judge Educator - Novice 20, Elementary 15, Medium 10, Advanced 10, Inter I – 6, GP – 6

• approval of the ADJC is to be sought for any deviation from the above.

9.20.3 – Lapsed for more than 3 years to 5 yearsNote: Same conditions apply for the practical exam as for upgrading in relation to the number of horses to be judges – refer to 9.27.9.20.4 Lapsed for more than 5 years• complete the Novice practical exam judging a

minimum of 15 horses• examining judge to be a Judge Educator• all pre requisites are to be completed prior to

sitting the practical exam.

9.25 – Requirements to Remain AccreditedAdd to H Level the words – ‘can also include Eventing Dressage’

Add the following to the Updating Activity table:• Complete the ASC Officiating General

Principles Course on-line http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/officials/education/onlineofficial – effective 1/4/12 = 6 points.

9.28 – No/Level of Judges• Official Competitions - Update the graph to

include the new Big Tour Entry Level to be judged by A level judges

• Associate Competitions - Update the graph to include the new Big Tour Entry Level to be judged by A & B level judges.

9.29 – Payment to JudgesAmend the 3rd dot point to read:• minimum $25 per candidate for the marking

of all levels of theory papers (excl H level)Add the following dot point:• when a rider, who is also an accredited judge,

has entered to compete at an event and subsequently is asked to judge at the same event, the usual practice shall be that the rider/judge is paid the judging honorarium only, but not the travel money

9.30 – Para Equestrian/Para Dressage JudgesAdd a new rule for Para Equestrian Judges• to become a National PE judge• must be at least a D level judge of at least two

years standing• must attend an official EA PE accreditation

seminar conducted by a National PE Judge Educator or FEI PE Judge Educator

• to progress from a National PE judge to an FEI3* PE judge refer to the FEI PE Rules.

Appendix D – Dressage Shadow JudgingAmend the 3rd dot point to read:• ask the club if they have copying facilities

available to copy the supervising judges test sheets. If they have then it is the candidate’s responsibility to provide the copy paper and do the copying – perhaps during breaks.

Section 10Rules for Judges & OCs

10.1 – Positioning Around the ArenaDelete the 2nd dot point – covered in the last dot point10.14 – ResultsAdd as a new dot point the following:• if a rider withdraws prior to a competition, is

excused, eliminated or a ‘no show’ prior to or during the performance of a test, the words ‘withdrawn’ or ‘excused’, ‘eliminated’ or ‘no show’ or abbreviations must appear after the riders name on the results sheet.

Elimination & Penalties

A list (cheat sheet) setting out the following and the relevant rule number has been developed to help judges and riders and is included in the rule book and the back of Section 10:Elimination:• ‘Will’ Entail Elimination – no discretion• ‘May’ entail Elimination – some discretion herePenalties:• ‘Will’ Entail Penalty – no discretion• ‘May’ entail Penalty – some discretion here.

Section 11Notes for Competitors

Annex 1 - Delete the existing and add Annex XIII of the FEI Stewards Manual that was updated in September 2011.

Section 12 – Notes for OCs

Add new Annex H in relation to Arena Familiarisation and Altered Circumstances at EA Events12.6.2 – Time DrawAdd as the first dot point:• it is strongly recommended that arena

familiarisation times be included in the draw and that they be clearly shown in the programme.

12.7 – JudgesCopy the table regarding level and number of judges for Official & Associate competitions at 3.21 to here12.8.2 – Scorers & ScoringAdd as a new dot point the following:• if a rider withdraws prior to a competition, is

excused, eliminated or a ‘no show’ prior to or during the performance of a test, the words ‘withdrawn’ or ‘eliminated’ or ‘no show’ or abbreviations must appear after the riders name on the results sheet.

12.8.2 – Setting up an ArenaAdd details on how to set up an arena. Used to be in the rule book but appears to have slipped through the cracks.

Section 13 – Para Dressage

This is a new section that has been added to the rule and sets out the rules for EA Para Dressage

New terminology:PE – refers to FEI Para Equestrian Dressage and FEI testsPD – refers to EA Para Dressage and EA Para Dressage tests

TestsPreparatory TestsThese have been reviewed and 4 new Prep tests (one is walk/trot/canter) will be effective from 1/1/13EA Freestyle TestsThese also have been reviewed and will become effective from 1/1/13Para Dressage TestsEffective from 1/1/13

Current EA Tests• These will stay with us until 31/12/13New tests• Based on the 2011 USEF tests will become

effective from 1/1/14• One major change from 1/1/14 will be that at

Novice level riders will have the option to sit or rise to the trot. At present it is all sitting unless specified rising.