FEI Bureau just concluded in Bahrain

FEI Bureau Meeting
Summary

The FEI Bureau held its statutory Autumn meeting on 6 and 7 December in Bahrain (BRN) on the kind invitation of the Royal Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation.

The following items were discussed, approved and/or will be presented for approval to the 2006 General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur (MAS):


MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL MATTERS
Christophe Troendle, Commercial director, presented a comprehensive progress report on the rights situation, sponsorship, television and marketing.

Rolex has joined the FEI sponsors family as the title sponsor of the FEI Equestrian World, a monthly TV magazine distributed worldwide. In relation with the FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Kuala Lumpur, Tourism Malaysia became a FEI Partner. Generali is now an Official Supplier, providing insurance to riders in conjunction with the FEI Riders Registration that will be launched in January 2006.

Negotiations of the extension of the existing contract wit the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), is underway and should be completed in the first quarter of 2006.

Two new brands were unveiled. To clarify the ownership of the FEI World Equestrian Games and to establish an impacting long term brand structure, a new identity has been unveiled: the “FEI Games”. This new brand will be understood by all and improve the marketability of the most prestigious property of the FEI portfolio.

Major changes within the FEI agencies network and some of the key FEI properties were explained. In line with the FEI objective of rights centralisation, the FEI will market for the first time the title and category sponsorship rights in collaboration with Kentucky for the FEI Games 2010.

In order to increase the notion of Series that was key to attract potential title sponsor’s interest, a new identity for the FEI World Cup was created to be implemented with the FEI World Cup organisers as of January 2006.

For high resolution logo of the FEI Games and/or FEI World Cup, please contact FEI Brand Manager Marcus Brugger at m.brugger@horsesport.org

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) reported on the work of the Committee.

The first conclusions of the Working group created to move forward the FEI restructuring process were presented.
The Working group proposed to focus on the principles as followed:
- Clearly defined decision making process
- Clear line of responsibility
- Definition of interface between volunteers and FEI staff

Those directions and the proposed framework for the FEI restructuring were adopted and the Bureau gave the mandate to the SPC Working group to continue the initiated process.

The key areas of interest that will be studied further by the SPC Working group include the creation and definition of a Nomination committee and the roles of the Executive Board, Bureau, FEI staff, Group and Committee Chairmen.

The SPC Working group will meet again in January 2006 and a consultation process will follow in February and March. The SPC Working Group will report on progress at the FEI General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. 2006 is expected to be a transition period for implementation and cultural change. The new Statutes reflecting the new FEI structure shall be presented for approval in 2007.

LEGAL & ANTIDOPING
The Bureau approved the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication control rules. These rules were drafted earlier this year in conjunction with the revision of the FEI Veterinary Regulations and evaluated by the Task Force on Doping and Medication Policy in September before the consultation period.

This new, comprehensive set of rules includes, among other aspects, clear distinctions as to what constitutes doping and what constitutes medication, with reference to specific substances (an Equine Prohibited List) and the relevant legal standards that apply in each case.

The Bureau decided that the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication control rules will become effective as of 1 June 2006 in order to take into account and review in more detail comments recently received by the National Federations. The Equine Anti-Doping and Medication control rules will be presented “as a package” with the FEI Veterinary Regulations.

The spirit of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules is to preserve the “spirit of sport”, which is characterised by the following values:
- Ethics, fair play and honesty
- Health
- Excellence in performance
- Character and education
- Fun and joy
- Teamwork
- Dedication and commitment
- Respect for rules and laws
- Respect for self and other participants
- Courage
- Community and solidarity.

The FEI General Counsel presented a proposed conflict of interest policy which will be further examined by the Strategic Planning Committee’s working group on the FEI structure before approval in 2007.

2006 will be a consolidation year for the FEI legal department: priority is to establish consistency and predictability notably in the application of New Equine Anti-Doping and med control rules. Education of all stakeholders with regard to legal issues and processes will be one of the key goals of the FEI in 2006.

VETERINARY
With regard to Medication Control, significant changes were made to the Veterinary Regulations to bring them in line with the new Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control rules.

The Workshop organised jointly by the Dressage and Veterinary Committees on the issue of overbending (Rollkur) will include presentations from experts. Reports on any possible side-effects of this training technique and review of the need for applied research will be part of the workshop.

The work of the Medication Advisory Group was acknowledged, in particular the establishment of the Medicine Box, harmonisation of laboratories, a system for elective testing and the current work on detection times. The Bureau decided to allocate funding to establish detection time for three Medicine Box substances. In addition the FEI is pleased to have access to research data carried out by the Racing Authorities in this respect.

As from 1 January 2006, sanctions will apply to horses not meeting the FEI requirements for influenza vaccination (bi-annual flu vaccination).

DEVELOPMENT
The 2005 Development report was presented by the 1st Vice President and the new Head of the Development department Jacqueline Braissant. Development activities were numerous and very successful, with 12 FEI courses for coaches organised which saw the participation of 25 nations. Six of those courses were financed by Olympic Solidarity.

The Bureau noted with satisfaction the increase of NFs involved in the FEI Jumping and Dressage Challenge. The Africa Cup is proving a success and a tremendous incentive for the development equestrian sport in Group IX.

Information on FEI Development programmes and Olympic Solidarity are available on the FEI website Development section. A complete report on FEI Development activities will be published shortly.

CODE OF CONDUCT TOWARDS ENVIRONMENT
The new FEI Code of Conduct towards Environment and Sustainable Development was approved.

FINANCE
The Bureau discussed in detail the revised 2006 budget and the 2007 budget that will be presented to the FEI General Assembly in April 2006.

2008 OLYMPIC GAMES
The report of the visit of the Veterinary Delegate Prof Jeffcott to Hong Kong was discussed. During the visit, a proposed seven-day pre-export quarantine and a 10-day post-arrival isolation was discussed. Final decision by the Hong Kong Government has not being made yet.

Until the import requirements are finalised neither the Masterplan or the timetable of competition can be finalized.

The Equestrian Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong has been set up and the liaison person with the FEI is Mr Thomas Tso.

The qualification procedures were discussed in detail and are being finalised with the IOC. Some changes are still under review for Dressage. The quota of 75 riders and 75 horses for Jumping, 50 riders and 50 horses for Dressage, 75 riders and 75 horses for Eventing remains the same as for the Athens Olympic Games.

ASIAN GAMES
The Asian Games to be organised in Doha in December 2006 will include competitions in Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Endurance.

PAN AMERICAN GAMES
The 2007 Pan Am Games to be organised in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) will include all three Olympic disciplines. The quota is currently being discussed with Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO)

CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Bureau allocated the following Championships:

2006 New Championships:
World Para Equestrian Championship - Driving: Hedlerse Voerluu (NED), 13-17 September
South American Para Equestrian Championship - Dressage: Sao Paolo (BRA), 25-30 November
FEI Open for Future Masters Jumping (Young Riders 18-24 years old): Lanaken (BEL) 7-10 September
European Open Vaulting Championship for Juniors (up to 16 years old): München-Riem (GER) 20-23 July
European Jumping Championship for Children: Istanbul (TUR), date tbc
World Breeding Endurance Championship for Young Horses: Compiègne (FRA), 26 August

2006 Championships
North American Junior and Young Riders Championships in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing to Lexington (USA), 1-6 August
South America Young Riders and Americas Juniors, Pre-Juniors and Children Championship: Buenos Aires (ARG), 23-26 October
World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Eventing: Le Lion d’Angers (FRA) 19-22 October
The change of location of the FEI World Reining Master Final from Las Vegas to Denver, COL (USA) was approved, 17-24 October

2007 Championships
The concept of a North American Dressage Championship was referred to the Dressage Committee for review.
World Driving Pairs Championship: Warka (POL), date tbc
World Pony Driving Championship: Dorthealyst (DEN), 18-22 July
World Young Riders Endurance Championship: Eizeiza/Buenos Aires (ARG), 17 March
European Open Endurance Championship: Barroca d’Alva (POR), 7 September
European Jumping Championship for Young Riders and Juniors: Auvers (FRA), 25-30 July
European Dressage Championship for Young Riders and Juniors: Nussloch (GER), 10-15 July
European Eventing Championship for Young Riders: Blair Castle (GBR), 22-31 August
European Ponies Championship in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing: Freundenberg (GER), 19-22 July
North American Junior and Young Riders Championships in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing to Lexington (USA), 31 July to 5 August
South American Young Riders & Americas Juniors, Pre-Juniors and Children Championship: Caracas (VEN), date tbc
Pan American Endurance Championship: Woods Park, Manitoba (CAN), 7 July
World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Eventing: Le Lion D’Angers (FRA) 18-21 October

2008
Allocation of the World Driving Four-in-Hand Championship was postponed to next FEI Bureau Meeting in April 2006.
World Driving Singles: Jarantow (POL), date tbc
World Endurance Championship to Malaysia at a venue and date to be confirmed
World Vaulting Championship was postponed to next FEI Bureau Meeting in April 2006
World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Eventing: Le Lion D’Angers (FRA) 16-19 October

The 2007 European Senior Championship in Reining and Vaulting are open for candidature.
The 2008 World Reining Championship is open for candidature.

GEOGRAPHICAL GROUP REPORTS
The Chairmen of FEI Geographical Groups presented their respective region’s activities during 2005.

JUMPING
The revision of the Jumping Rules to come into effect on 1 January 2006 was approved.

The Bureau accepted specifications for the approval of timing equipment which will come into effect for championships and Finals from 2007 and for all other events in 2008.

In addition to the requirements already approved for CSI events at the 2005 General Assembly, the Bureau approved further regulations relating to entry fees, stabling fee and maximum number of riders in Grand Prix competitions. Details will be published in the Bulletin 6/05. These will come into effect for all CSI events in Europe from the 1 January 2006.

A few clarifications and modifications to the Samsung Super League with FEI were approved. The point system for the Nations Cup Series was modified for the 2006 season, in order to allow a greater distribution of points to teams lower placed in the standings.

EVENTING
The Bureau agreed to a new set of organising requirements for 4 Star events.
The revision of the Rules for Eventing to come into effect on 1 January 2006 was approved.
The Bureau acknowledged the report on the FEI Eventing World Cup 2005 and approved the calendar for 2006.
A strategic plan for Eventing for the next 10 years is being discussed by the Committee to be presented at the next meeting.

DRESSAGE
The revision of the Dressage Rules to come into effect on 1 January 2006 was approved.

The Bureau approved the implementation of fees for all FEI World Cup Dressage event (CDI-W) as from 1 Jan 2007

The FEI World Dressage Riders Ranking List is has been revised by the Committee and the new ranking rules will come into effect as from 1 January 2006.

DRIVING & ENDURANCE
Minor changes to the rules were accepted in DRIVING AND ENDURANCE

VAULTING
The Bureau agreed to the modifications to the Vaulting Rules to become effective on 1 January 2006.

PONY RIDERS
The Bureau agreed to the modifications to the Pony Riders Rules to become effective on 1 January 2006.

REINING
A FEI Reining World Ranking List based on the results of rider/horse combinations will be introduced as from 2006. There should also be Continental ranking lists for Reining (Europe/USA).

The Bureau agreed to the modifications to the Reining Rules to become effective on 1 January 2006

CHILDREN
The Bureau approved the introduction of a ‘Category C’ in 2006 with the arena reduced in size for this category to a minimum of 65m x 45m, speed 300 m/min, height 90cm - 1.00cm.

PARA EQUESTRIAN
A temporary subcommittee was established to provide technical assistance during the period of selection of the permanent members onto the FEI Para Equestrian Technical Committee, to be appointed at the Bureau Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in April 2006.

National Federations can send applications for candidates to the Para Equestrian Committee until 28 February 2006.

CALENDAR
The 2006 calendar of FEI International Events was approved

AFFILIATION
The Bureau approved the re-affiliation of Iraq (IRQ) as full Member (Geographical Group VII).
The affiliation of Madagascar (MAD) as full member was approved (Geographical Group IX)
The request of the National Federation of Bulgaria (BUL) to change from Group EEA to Group I was accepted.



The FEI President HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón and the FEI Bureau would like to express their sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King of Bahrain, the President of the Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation, Sheik Fawaz Bin Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and his team for their hospitality and support in the preparation of the meetings. The Bureau and FEI staff wish great success to the forthcoming FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders which will take place next week in Bahrain.