FEI General Assembly Wrap-Up
RELEASE: November 26, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Malina Gueorguiev
Eighty-three National Federations gathered in Argentina for the 2009 FEI General Assembly. Some of the major matters discussed are outlined below.
JumpingA detailed report on the activities of the FEI Jumping Committee was presented. It dealt with, among other things:
Rules Revision
The revised Rules for Jumping events—23rd edition, effective January 1, 2009—were approved.
Stewarding
The system is being restructured for all FEI disciplines. The CVs for all stewards on the FEI list have been requested from NFs. All stewards in each discipline with no or very little equestrian experience will have their names removed from the FEI list.
Specific guidelines relating to the introduction of Regional Stewards Generals in each discipline, reporting system and education of stewards were approved by the FEI Bureau on the occasion of its meeting in April 2008.
Thermography
In jumping, a number of international events were selected at which testing for hypersensitization of limbs was carried out. The FEI is training independent veterinarians to carry out the procedure and will have a panel of specialists qualified to function at CSIs.
“Code of Ethics” for Horse Dealers
An initiative has been taken to establish a “Code of Ethics” for horse dealers.
Other items, such as modifications to the Rolex Rankings, to the rules for the 2009 FEI European Jumping Championship, and to the rules for the FEI Word Cup™ Jumping were also reported. Details were released in the news that followed the FEI Bureau meeting on November 17, 2008.
Eventing A detailed report on the activities of the FEI Eventing Committee was presented. The great success of every aspect of the eventing competition at the 2008 Olympic Games was acknowledged.
Eventing Safety Program
The Safety Program is based on one objective: reduction of the number of horse falls. The structure of the program includes:
· Monitoring of the sport—Data gathering: The FEI safety database has been integrated in the FEI IT structure, which will allow for a more flexible and practical approach. The introduction of a National Safety Officer for all NFs involved in eventing is being monitored; this officer will act as a liaison between the FEI and NFs in regard to falls or riders. A watch system of riders with dangerous riding and falls is being developed for 2009.
· Research: Cross-country fences safety devices/rider protection: The introduction of deformable structure/frangible technology at all events as of January 1, 2009, was approved. The situation will be reviewed at the end of 2009 and, if necessary, technology will be adjusted.
· Training and Education: The education of officials is currently being reviewed to ensure greater knowledge on safety. Education systems for riders and trainers for cross-country are being developed.
Education of Officials
The Eventing Committee is working on an integrated education system to apply to all disciplines taking into account the specificities of each one of them. The system will include an ongoing evaluation and external verification of procedures. A Course Director Program will also be developed.
Development
The FEI Eventing Committee is actively working on development schemes in Eastern Europe and South America in view of the 2011 Pan American Games.
Rules Revision
The revised Rules for Eventing—23rd edition, effective January 1, 2008 (with one adjustment further to discussions with the FEI Regional Groups in Buenos Aires in regard to qualification results of horses and riders)—were approved.
DrivingA report on the activities of the Driving Committee was presented.
The revision of the Rules for Driving Events—10th edition, effective January 1, 2009—was adopted. It was an extensive one and is the r