Department updates in Main Eventing

FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023
The Board approved the allocation of a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 to Bromont (CAN) to be held from 11 to 13 August 2023.

We would like to share with you the following updates:

FRANGIBLE DEVICES

The implementation of Frangible Devices has grown rapidly in the last few years and the latest standard (Version 2.(5), March 2020) which includes the fitting of “Yellow Clips” for Table and Corner fences are now being seen regularly at events, (250 table kits rolling out in the USA at present).

Serious injury to Horses and Riders has reduced with 2022 recording the lowest rotational fall rate since recordings began.

Like all safety devices, the FEI approved frangible devices MUST be fitted correctly to the manufacturer’s instructions which have been extensively tested. This ensures that the devices break with the correct energy- not too light or hard.

To help all FEI Officials and Course Builders, MIM have developed “One Page correct fitting checks” that can easily be used pre-event when building and/or on first inspection of the course, to ensure the most important measurements in fitting MIM devices have been implemented, so they break correctly.

•        MIM ONE PAGE CORRECT FITTING CHECKS are available to print out from the FEI website (Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices). These check lists have also been added in the updated Cross Country Guide for Officials (Updated on 09.03.2023) available on the website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App as well as on the Officials Facebook page.

They are available for the following kits:

• Table kit 80320
• Corner kit 80326
• Gate and Wall kit 80324
• Old Gate and Wall kit 00324

TD’s, CD’s and GJ should use these check lists during course inspections and check that the Course Builders have fitted the Frangible devices to the correct measurements. Any frangible device not fitted according to the “MIM One page correct fitting checks” should be altered by the Course Builder / Course Designer.

•        MIM UPDATED INSTRUCTION MANUALS:

The instructions for the following kits have been updated.

One change includes the use of the eye bolt tension system for both RED and YELLOW clip construction that has been tested in the UK for some time.

In addition, as the WEIGHT of the timber used is important to ensure MIM devices activate with the correct activation energy, MIM have updated all their instructions REMOVING some of the timber dimensions and making the WEIGHT RANGES clearer. We hope this will allow Course Designers / Course Builders to use more natural timbers including for Table type fences which can be built to look like filled in Oxers.

The following instruction manuals have been updated:

•        Oxer kit – 80329

•        Post & Rail Kit – 80321

•        Post & Rail Adjustable Kit – 80325

•        Post & Rail Narrow Kit – 80322

•        Gate & Wall Kit – 80324

•        Older Gate and Wall Kit - 00324

•        Table Kit – 80320

•        Older Table Kit Update – 00320

•        Corner Kit – 80326

•        INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEIGHING MIM FENCES:

Full instructions are published on the FEI website: Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices

The Risk Management Steering Group and MIM are keen to see the use of more different types, including natural and not machined timbers, in the building of frangible fences in the future. As the frangible devices are more widely adopted, this will allow Course Designers and Course Builders to use many different material options.

The WEIGHT of the timber used is important to ensure MIM devices work correctly. MIM have therefore updated all their instructions REMOVING some of the timber dimensions and making the WEIGHT RANGES clearer. We hope this will allow Course Designers and Course Builders to use more natural timbers including for Table fence types which could be built to look like filled in Oxers.

•        WEIGHING A RAIL OR TABLE FENCE

The weighing can be done once, at the time of manufacture. A scale hanging from the front of a tractor is all that is needed.

A hanging scale can be bought (for under $100).

•        MIM WEIGHT PLATE:

MIM have developed a “Weight plate” to be fixed on all newly built fences fitted with MIM frangible devices. The plates can be ordered, free of charge, from MIM (https://mimclip.mimsafe.com/shop/)

•        All new MIM kits will have the plate included

•        Weighing the fence when it is newly built and the timber is likely to be the heaviest is acceptable whether the fence is WET or DRY

•        The plate can be fitted to the end of a rail or an upright

•        It must be filled in by the Course Designer or Course Builder with a permanent marker so all Officials can see the fence / rail fits the correct weight

•        All NEW fences must be built to the correct weight as from April 2023

•        Any existing fences weighing outside the weights indicated in the instruction manual must be changed as soon as practical and should not be used by 1 January 2025

•        QUESTIONS / ASSISTANCE:

Any questions about correct fitting of frangible devices are to be addressed to:

• RMSG members: Stuart Buntine stuart@bedeltd.co.uk, (GBR mobile n° +44 7717 412 167) Dave Vos (USA mobile n° +1 540 532 7079) davidwvos@gmail.com
• MIM founder Mats Björnetun mats@mimsafe.com (mobile n° +46 70 853 21 80)

Note: please be mindful of time zones if using their mobile numbers - They are available and happy to answer.

A list of Frangible Device Advisors is also available in the MIM FAQs document.

• If a frangible device is incorrectly fitted, it would be very helpful if you could take a photo and send it (to the above-mentioned) as it will help to identify what errors are being made and improve the instruction manuals accordingly.

All information relating to Frangible Devices is available on the FEI website under Eventing / Risk Management / Frangible Devices

 

FAQ JUDING FENCES WITH FRANGIBLE TECHNOLOGY

In addition, the “FAQ Judging fences with Frangible technology” has also been updated to provide a clarification when a combination has a refusal and breaks a frangible device. Please refer to the document published under Eventing / Rules (also available in the FEI Rule App).

 

CROSS COUNTRY GUIDE FOR OFFICIALS (Updated 09.03.2023)

Please take note of the following amendments:

Frangible Deformable Devices (pages 20-21-22-23-24-25)

•        Recommendation that all new table type fences are made frangible

•        Addition of the forces at which fences fall/break

•        Addition of the MIM One Page correct fitting checks

•        Reference to the “Instructions for weighing MIM fences”

Dimensions – Table type fences (page 29)

•      Table type fences: it is highly recommended that all new table type fences are made frangible

The Cross Country Guide for Officials is the indispensable reference document. We encourage you to regularly consult it, as it is frequently updated.

Available on the FEI website (Eventing / Rules) and in the FEI Rule App.

 

2023 EVENTING REPORTS

The following 2023 Eventing reports have been updated and are available on the FEI website (Officials / Eventing / Eventing Forms):

•        Eventing Reports - TD Report, Judge Report, Chief Steward Report, Athlete Report, Fall Report, etc.

•        Fence Description (and Instructions for filling in Fence Description Form): An additional column “fence removed” has been added to record any fence removed before or during XC test

•        Fence Analysis: when a fence is removed either before or during the XC, please indicate for “obstacles removed – not jumped” (ORNJ) to identify combinations

Should you have any questions, comments or need additional information, don’t hesitate to contact us (Nathalie.desscan@fei.org).

 

The new 2023 Eventing Officials Education System was published on 26 August 2022 for implementation on 1 January 2023. The development and review of the Education concept involved a large number of working groups and as for all major transitions, the ramifications are complex. The new Education system for Eventing Officials will be closely monitored during the first years, to understand its impact on the sport and if improvements are needed.
 The Eventing Committee and the dedicated Working Group agreed to share the considerations which lead to the development of the updated Education system for Eventing Officials, for transparency and easier comprehension.
1. Objectives

• The objective of the Four Level Education system is to provide a fair worldwide system based on competencies.
• The alignment with other sports, and FEI Officials & disciplines is a priority.
• The overall philosophy and concept are fundamental elements aiming to educate and engage new Officials from national level to progress up to the highest level.
• The FEI Officials Lists are based on a rolling process updated regularly, taking into account the transfer-up and maintenance requirements. The process integrates experience, knowledge and proven expertise in the field of play to establish objective evaluations.

2. Transition period
A Transition year has been integrated in the overall system to ensure a successful introduction until 14 December 2023: it applies specifically to the two new levels: Level 1 (L1) and Level 4 (L4) Officials.
This includes:

1. All Level 3 Officials (Judges, TDs and CDs) are allowed to officiate as L4 Officials during the transition period.
2. National officials are still allowed to officiate at CCIs, as detailed in art. 513.1 onwards
3. As of January 01, only Stewards can be confirmed L4 due to the implementation of the new Education System (FEI Eventing Officials list).
4. The level 4 lists for Judges/TD/Course Designers will be published and updated during the course of the year in the FEI Eventing Officials list once the status has been confirmed– see 3.2 below  

3. Clarifications on Officials Roles & Levels at Events:
Further to the many questions received, we wish to clarify the following points:
3.1 New Level 1:

1. Assistant Technical Delegates: National Assistant TD may be appointed as Assistant TD for all categories of events until December 2023.  

3.2 New Level 4:
The number of Games, Championships and 5* events in the discipline of Eventing requiring Level 4 Officials is limited. This level of events represent 1% of the total number of Eventing events organised per year. Only the President of Ground Jury, Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Chief Steward are required to hold a L4 status.

1. L3 Officials who met the L4 transfer requirements by 31.12.2022 will be contacted individually by the Eventing Department to confirm their interest in transferring to L4. The online examination and interview will be organised in accordance during 2023 for the transfer to L4. The in-person course at FEI HQ will be organised in 2023-2024.

 4. Requirement as of 01 January 2024:

5. National Officials will not be able to officiate at CCIs.
6. Level 3 officials allowed to officiate as detailed in art. 513.1 onwards
7. Level 4 officials must be appointed as Pdt, TD or CD at CCI5*, CHs and Games, as detailed in art. 513.3 & 513.5  

5. Additional Information
For additional information, please refer to Eventing Education webinar replay and the Q&A document.

All Officials or NF Officials Education Responsible can contact the Eventing Department eventingofficials@fei.org if any further questions or clarifications are needed.

The FEI Eventing Forum and NSO Seminar held in Haras de Jardy (FRA), 20-22 January 2023 is available to watch on replay on the dedicated FEI Eventing Risk Management webpage. You will also find all the presentations and annexes. The report highlighting the key discussions will be available as soon as possible.

As 2022 draws to a close, we are pleased to bring to your attention the latest information on preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The attached document contains detailed updates on:

GENERAL INFORMATION
- Paris 2024 Equestrian Delivery Entity: Appointment of GL Events Equestrian Sport
- Jumping Co-Course Designers for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- Eventing Course Designer Pierre Le Goupil Paris 2024
- Competition schedule for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- Eventing Horse Inspection

FEI RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

QUALIFICATION OF NATIONS
- Qualification systems for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- FEI Olympic Group Qualification Events (Jumping, Dressage, Eventing)
- Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - Para Dressage Qualification System

PARIS 2024 VENUE TESTING ACTIVITIES

Accreditation FOR HORSE OWNERS

TICKETING

We hope you find this information useful and take the opportunity to wish a very Happy and Merry Holiday Season!

Please be informed that, in order to line up the FEI Eventing Rules with the Eventing Officials Education System and the introduction of two additional Officials categories, the FEI Board has approved the following update to the FEI Eventing Rules:

511. 1  Eventing Stewards specifics
All FEI listed Judges and Technical Delegates will automatically be listed as Level 1 FEI Stewards.

512 Requirements for Maintenance of Status
Officials not fulfilling the Eventing Official Education system requirements will be transferred down or dropped from the Eventing Officials list. at the discretion of the Eventing Committee.

513 Appointment of Officials
Short Format (CCIs-S andCCIOs-S)

Long Format (CCIs-L and CCIOs-L)

513.5    Championships & Games

Given that this is an Emergency Board Resolution, National Federations have until 13 January 2023 to signify their disapproval by sending an email to Francisco P. Lima, Director Governance & Institutional Affairs.
The updated FEI Eventing Rules, which come into effect on 1 January 2023, are now available here.

The FEI Board held its monthly teleconference on 6 December. The main resolutions related to Eventing taken on this occasion are listed below.

ALLOCATION OF FEI NAMED SERIES, EVENTS AND FINALS

FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023
The Board approved the allocation of the following legs for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023:

Montelibretti (ITA) CCIO4*-S, 9-12 March 2023
Chatsworth (GBR) CCIO4*-S, 12-14 May 2023
Millstreet (IRL) CCIO4*-S, 1-4 June 2023**
Strzegom (POL) CCIO4*-S, 22-25 June 2023
Haras de Jardy (FRA) CCIO4*-S, 13-16 July 2023
Avenches (SUI) CCIO4*-S, 20-23 July 2023
Arville (BEL) CCIO4*-S, 17-20 August 2023
Boekelo (NED) CCIO4*-L, 5-8 October 2023
** Subject to receiving the signed Host Agreement.

FEI Olympic Group Qualification Event – Eventing – Groups F&G
The Board allocated the FEI Olympic Qualification Event for Groups F (Africa and Middle East) and G (South East Asia, Oceania) for Eventing to Millstreet (IRL), 1-4 June 2023.

Paris 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES

Appointment of the Jumping Course Designer
The Board approved the joint appointment of Santiago Varela (ESP) and Gregory Bodo (FRA) as Co-Course Designers for the Jumping and Eventing Jumping Competitions of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Additional details on this appointment will be published in a dedicated press release here.

Eventing Horse Inspection
In line with article 20.1 viii of the FEI Statutes, the Board agreed with the request made by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee not to open the Eventing Horse Inspection to spectators during the Olympic Games. The decision was made for cost saving reasons and in an effort to alleviate organisational complexity. Alternative solutions to make the Horse Inspections visible to the public are being considered.

The following documents have been updated. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the latest update of the rules and guidelines are used. 

FRANGIBLE DEVICES:

1. MIM CLIPS:

MIM Corner kit (80236) and Post & Rail Narrow Kit – (80322)

The instruction manuals and videos have been updated to show more clearly how to support the released rail when it drops down to a support.  

In addition, the animated instruction manuals for the Oxer, Post & Rail, Post & Rail Adjustable, Post & Rail Narrow, Wall and Table kits have also been updated.

Please refer to the FEI website, Eventing / Risk Management / Deformable & Frangible Devices to view or download the instructions.

CROSS COUNTRY GUIDE FOR OFFICIALS:

Available on the website under Eventing / Rules

Two updates have been made on the following:

2. Page 18 & 19 Anchoring or Securing of Portable Fences
3. Page 40 – A Horse perspective – what horses see

 

We are pleased to inform you that the FEI Secretary General has approved the FEI Calendar for 2023 for all disciplines. It can be consulted online in the FEI Database.

In accordance with the FEI General Regulations, Article 112 Official Calendar, National Federations (NFs) had until 1 October 2022 at the latest to send in applications and modifications to CIs taking place in 2023 to the Secretary General. The Secretary General approves the official Calendar for the following year.

Approval of the 5* Jumping Calendar for 2024 is scheduled for late November/early December 2022 but could be postponed should the FEI General Assembly in Cape Town (RSA) approve FEI’s proposal to change the deadline for receipt of applications for 5* to 1 May (the year before the Event takes place).

In addition, the Secretary General has extended the measure taken on 28 February 2022 to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus from the FEI Calendar. As a consequence, no FEI events will be accepted/entered in either country in the FEI Calendar for 2023.

The other measures approved by the FEI Executive Board in February remain in place, as follows:

• Cancellation or relocation of Officials’ course scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus (if any);
• Freezing all FEI Solidarity projects planned for/ongoing in Russia and Belarus; and
• Cancellation of any other FEI activities scheduled to take place in Russia and Belarus.

Detailed information on the decision taken by the FEI Executive Board on 28 February is available here.

The Secretary General has also confirmed that the FEI Board’s Emergency Board Resolution of 2 March 2022 prohibiting all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials from participating in FEI Events remains in place until further notice.

Should you have any questions, please send an email to calendar@fei.org.

Please kindly note that a replay of the Webinar held on 12 October on the FEI Eventing Officials Education System is now available on the Education System page, as well as a Questions and Answers document.