2009 FEI Rules for Eventing Officials

 Background information:

The FEI Eventing Committee has reviewed the Qualification of the FEI Eventing Judges and will propose the following changes for the Revision of the 2009 FEI Rules for Eventing. It is the intention of the Committee that these principles be applied for the 2009 Revision of Officials at the end of 2008.

The review of the requirements has been motivated by the following reasons:

·          Level of riding: the Dressage level of the riders has improved and is more professional.  

·          Dressage standard: the Judges must be able to meet the same level of Dressage as for the Dressage discipline, rightly expected from the riders, to ensure that the quality and experience of judging Dressage is on the correct standard.

·          Level of difficulties: the Dressage Tests have become more demanding and the qualifications of the Judges need to be increased to reflect the difficulties of the new Dressage Tests that will be implemented in 2009.

·          Prerequisite: Candidate Judges would need an extensive Dressage background in term of knowledge, education and experience (as described in the new requirements) before becoming an FEI Eventing Judge, as education and experience only from the FEI Educational System for Eventing Officials is insufficient.

 Change of Rules: New Requirements for the Qualification of Judges:

The information highlighted in bold (and italic) and added to the current Rules will be proposed for the Revision of the 2009 FEI Rules:

Article 551 JUDGES – FEI EVENTING RULES

2. Qualifications of Judges

2.1 Candidate Judge

·          The qualifications of a Candidate Judge are as follows:

·          To have regular practice as a National Judge over a period of at least three years, including acting as the president or a member of the Ground Jury at a minimum of two Three Day Events (CCNs) conducted under FEI Rules or two International Events (CCI 1*/CIC) of which at least one must be a CCI.

·          To have successfully completed an FEI approved course for Candidate Judges, including demonstration of sufficient knowledge of the rules and conduct of Eventing and a satisfactory ability to judge dressage and jumping.

·          To understand one of the two official languages.

·          To be listed as a National Approved Dressage Judge in own country.

·          To have gained experiences in judging on Medium level Dressage Tests including collection in walk, trot and canter; single changes; half-passes and shoulder-in.

·          To be familiar with and to fully understand the “Training Scale”.

All requirements must be clearly documented by the NF responsible and be submitted to the FEI with the application to become a Candidate Judge.

2.2 International Judge

·          The qualifications of an International Judge are as follows:

·          To have judged regularly at both national and international competitions with a minimum of four International Events (CCI/CIC) of which at least two must be a CCI during the current or preceding two years.

·          To have completed successfully an FEI approved course for International Judges within the past three years and to be recommended for promotion and/or continuation on the list by the Course Director.

·          To understand and speak one of the two official languages.

·          To be not more than 70 years of age.

·          To have officiated as a Shadow Judge, at least 3 times, at National/International 3 Star Eventing events or at Dressage National/International competitions of at least FEI Prix St.-George Level.

·          Or alternatively, to have currently judged, at least 3 times, at National/International 3 Star level Eventing events or at Dressage competitions of at least FEI Prix St.-George level (National/International).

All requirements must be clearly documented by the NF responsible and be submitted to the FEI with the application to become an International Judge.

Implementation of these new requirements:

The new requirements for the Qualification of Judges will be submitted to the NFs and implemented after approval in November 2008. These requirements will serve, as from 1st January 2008 until approval, as guidelines in the following documents: 

·          2008 Assessment Form for Eventing Judges:

http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Eventing/Officials/Documents/2008%20Assessment%20Form%20for%20Eventing%20Judges.pdf

·          2008 Dressage Shadow Judging Form for Eventing FEI Candidate Judges:

http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Eventing/Officials/Documents/2008%20Shadow%20Judging%20Form.pdf