The FEI Bureau held its statutory meeting on 17 November in Dubai (UAE).
The following items were discussed, approved and/or will be presented for approval to the 2006 General Assembly in Estoril (POR):
COMMERCIAL
The importance of the Rolex sponsorship of the FEI World Cup™ Finals in both Jumping and Dressage in Las Vegas 2007 and, as a separate contract, the title sponsorship of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping, Western European League and the Final was emphasized. The partnership on the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and the Western European League will begin with the 2007/2008 season and continue for an initial term of three seasons.
The FEI Equestrian World TV magazine supported by Rolex has been very successful and the number of broadcasters is growing.
The American company Heritage Gloves became the first exclusive FEI Official Licensee. This new licensing approach is a step forward in FEI’s long-term commercial strategy, which underlines the value of our brand.
LEGAL
LEGAL
Figures 2006 (as of 1 November)
The number of positive doping/medication cases processed and finalised in 2006 was 57, as opposed to 95 at the end of 2005. The details were as follows:
- 29 cases were processed administratively (“Fast Track”) (vs. 32 at end 2005)
- 28 “standard” track (vs. 47 at end 2005)
- 9 hearings (of which 4 teleconferences)
- 2 fast hearings held (decision in 48 hrs.)
- 13 cases are currently open (vs. 30 cases open at end 2005 and 58 at end 2004) of which 4 on hold.
- Appeals to CAS: 5 (vs. 4 in 2005)
Trends 2006-2007
The backlog of cases before the Judicial Committee has been halved on an annual basis for two years running. Sanctions were getting progressively tougher, which is expected to continue under the 2006 Equine Anti Doping and Medication Control Rules (EADMC). The number of appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had been slightly higher in 2006 compared to the previous year; this was expected to continue in 2007 as the limits and loopholes in the new rules were tested.
The average time to decision continues to decrease. Efforts towards greater transparency – publication of the status of cases and decisions on the FEI website and regular press releases – had been well received resulting in fewer media queries and positive press coverage.
Achievements on 2006 Goals
2006 had been a consolidation year. The goals had been to establish consistency and predictability in rule interpretation and decision making processes; educate stakeholders, both internal and external with respect to legal issues; improve processes for in-house drafting/reviewing/approval of contracts; solidify integrity of evidentiary processes; actively manage rights licensing and trademark portfolio to support commercial and branding efforts; and draft the necessary modifications to statutes for the implementation of structural changes. All of these goals had been met, laying strong foundations for the coming year. Certain efforts were ongoing in nature and would continue, such as education.
2007 Goals
The focus for 2007 would be on achieving consistency and on the refinement of processes. This would be achieved through the establishment of Internal Regulations of the FEI Tribunal (the proposed new name of the Judicial Committee); the development and implementation of electronic case processing for faster results and better tracking; consistent communication on policy and new rules; the development of a possible shorter process for analysis of samples and decision-making at the Olympic Games and FEI World Equestrian Games; fine tuning of EADMC Rules on certain points; and collaboration with WADA on the World Anti-Doping Code revision process to recognise the specificity of horsesport.
Modification to the Equine Prohibited List
The Bureau approved the proposal to take caffeine and its metabolites off the Probibited Substance list and place them in a Monitoring Programme which would allow further data to be gathered on incidence of use, levels and the like.
Note: A separate communication presenting background information and the detailed reasons for change of the FEI policy will be released next week. The FEI wishes to emphasise that it will remain vigilant, pragmatic and scientific in its approach and will actively monitor the future incidence of use of these substances, which may affect future policy.
DEVELOPMENT
A survey entitled Situation Analysis in Developing NFs was presented as part of a global Situation Analysis and Strategy for the Worlwide Development of Horsesport project. This audit had been conducted in 108 NFs, 89 of which had returned a completed questionnaire, covering the following areas: organisation of the sport, of education and of NF management. The objective of the analysis was to identify the situation in each country, outlining actives and passives. On the basis of the data gathered, comprehensive quantitative analysis was carried out. A qualitative approach will follow.
FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2006
A report on the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games was presented. With impressive numbers in all areas The Games were clearly a remarkable public and sporting success and some impressive numbers were cited:
576,000 spectators
12,572 accredited persons, of whom:
804 riders
852 horses
130 judges
100 veterinarians
76 stewards
965 grooms
1200 journalists
300 photographers
420 TV crews
ca. 8,000 articles published in the international press, 6,000 of which in Germany with an estimated value of EUR 13 million
321h 51min 43sec of TV broadcasting time
Recommendations for future FEI World Equestrian Games organisers were presented, especially regarding review of the competition formats, schedule of competitions, improvement of FEI visibility and media and press management.
ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2010
Preparations were well under way. The excellent spirit of cooperation between the Kentucky Organising Committee and the FEI was highlighted.
2006 ASIAN GAMES
The 2006 Asian Games would take place from 1 to 14 December 2006 in Doha (QAT). Four equestrian disciplines were on the programme: Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and, for the first time in the history of these Games, Endurance; 23 NFs were expected to take part in the competitions. Despite the efforts of the FEI, both Headquarters and Bureau, and the Asian Equestrian Federation (AEF), it was felt that contacts with the Organising Committee (DAGOC) had been difficult and horsesport had not been given the place and attention it deserved in a championship on this scale.
2008 OLYMPIC GAMES
An update on preparations was presented, the highlights being quarantine arrangements, Olympic equestrian competition schedule and the organisation of a test event in August 2007. These are being finalised and detailed information would be released in the near future.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Bureau allocated the following Championships:
2007
CH-EU-S-Ch, Istanbul (TUR), dates TBC
CH-D Balkan, Athens (GRE), 28-30 April
Children’s International Jumping Competition Final, Jalapa (MEX), 3-8 Dec
CH-M-D-PE Seniors, Hartpury (GBR), 16-22 July
CH-M-D Young Horses, Verden (GER), 2-5 August
2008
CH-EU-S-YR-J, Poderbrady (CZE), 25-30 July
CH-EU-D-YR-J, Azeitao (POR), dates TBC
CH-EU-C-J, Thirlestane Castle (GBR), 21-24 August
CH-EU-SDC-P, Avenches (SUI), 24-27 July
CH-EU-V-J Open, Brno (CZE), 31 July – 3 August
CH-M-D Young Horses, Verden (GER), 31 July-3 August
GEOGRAPHICAL GROUPS
Numerous activities had taken place in the nine Geographical Groups. The Chairmen expressed their appreciation of their cooperation with the FEI Development Department; the fact that key FEI staff members attended Group meetings and took an active part in the discussion was also acknowledged.
A separate release will be issued to report in detail on the Group activities.
JUMPING
The following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval further to the meetings of the FEI Jumping Committee:
Long Term Calendar
The fact that the FEI calendar had become overloaded with events was recognised. Solutions to improve the situation and avoid clashes within and outside to the sport were discussed.
Procedure for the allocation of FEI World CupTM Jumping Finals
The procedure of calling for bids and allocation of the FEI World CupTM Jumping Finals was not covered adequately in the FEI General Regulations. A procedure regulating the problem was presented.
Promotion to Official International status
Criteria for promotion to Official International status did not exist. Detailed criteria for future candidates (Judges and Course Designers) were approved.
Course Director General
Rogier van Iersel (NED) was appointed to replace François Michielsens (BEL) as Course Director General for a term of four years from 2006.
CSI Requirements
Ammendments to the CSI requirement were approved.
FEI World CupTM Jumping
Composition of the FEI World CupTM Jumping Working Group
The following composition of the Working Group was approved:
Chairman: Mr Sven Holmberg (SWE)
Members:
Mr Tom Gordin (FIN)
Mr Cayetano Martinez de Irujo (ESP)
Rolex representative
Mr Michael Stone, FEI Secretary General
Capt. John P. Roche, FEI World CupTM Jumping Director
FEI Central European World Cup League
Some alterations to the FEI World CupTM Jumping, Central European League, were approved.
Samsung Super League with FEI and FEI Nations Cup
The following are items, arising from the meeting of the FEI Super League Committee meeting in September 2006, were approved:
FEI Super League Committee Chairman
Michael Stone, FEI Secretary General, stepped down as the Chairman of the
FEI Super League Committee. Mr Jan Willem Koerner (NED) was accepted as his
replacement.
FEI Super League Rules
The following alteration to the Rules for the FEI Super League becoming effective for the 2007 season were accepted:
Article 5. Point System for each Super League competition
“In case teams are placed ex-aequo during any of the Super League competitions, the Super League points foreseen for the places in question are added and divided equally among the teams concerned.
Add: The second decimal place is rounded up from.005 and rounded down from.004.”
Entry fees at FEI Super League and FEI Nations Cup events
With the exception of North American CSIO events, a maximum global entry fee of EUR 500 Euro per horse for all CSIO events (Super League and Nations Cup series events) may be charged. The maximum global entry fee per young horse at these events could not exceed EUR 250.
The corrections and additions to the FEI Rules for Jumping Events (22nd edition) were approved; they would come into effect on 1 January 2007.
DRESSAGE
The FEI Dressage Committee held its meetings in Aachen (GER) on 21-23 May and In Turin (ITA) on 25-26 September. The following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
FEI World Cup™ Dressage
The Committee had made some modifications to the Rules of the series and some amendments to the formula for the 2008 Final; it had also approved the merger of the CAN and USA Leagues to a North American League for the 2007/2008 season. The Committee had further agreed on a new application procedure for NFs for Western and Central European qualifiers for 2007/2008 as from 1 November.
Officials
The Committee had introduced a special Codex for Judges to ensure neutral, independent, correct and fair judging. A Foreign Rider report would be made for all CDI/O events in addition to the Foreign Judge report as from 1 January 2007.
Promotion of Judges
The Bureau approved the appointment to the status of Official International Judge of Wim Ernes (NED), Minako Furuoka (JAP), Mrs Ann Gribbons (USA), Gary Rockwell (USA).
New Dressage Tests 2007
The new Dressage Test for Young Rider Grand Prix 20-25 was approved.
The corrections and additions to the FEI Rules for Dressage Events (22nd edition) were approved; they would come into effect on 1 January 2007.
EVENTING
The FEI Eventing Committee held its meeting in Paris (FRA) on 25- 26 September 2006. The following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
10-year Strategic Plan
The Committee had worked on a 10-year Strategic Plan for the discipline. It would be integrated in the overall FEI Strategic Plan.
Development
Development, including creation of sport opportunities, twinning plan (NF, OC, officials and riders) and coaching, was the most important topic of the Eventing Strategic Plan. A funding programme to help create additional competitions and increase officials professionalism in all regions was being created.
The Committee was working on an educational project the goal of which would be to financially assist talented people to travel and gain experience.
2008 Olympic Games
Taking into account the very special conditions of Hong Kong it was decided to introduce:
- 5-minute 4* Dressage Test – a shorter format of the current one (difficulties to be maintained);
- Cross Country intervals of 2 & 3 minutes would be further discussed with the OC and the TV broadcasters before any decision was made;
- Jumping test: no long break between Team and Individual competitions (only a break to allowed for change of course and inspection by the riders).
Officials and Courses
The list of the 2007 Eventing Official Courses was approved; eight courses would take place in 2007.
The position of Technical Delegates in regard to work load and job description was being reviewed.
Safety Programme
The Safety statistics were under constant review and the data available needed to be consolidated into a reader-friendly report. It was the intention of the Cross Country Working The use of yellow cards on a larger scale was to be promoted.
FEI World CupTM Eventing
The series was viable and successful and World Cup status had enabled many qualifiers to obtain government sponsorship. The Final, to take place every year, needed to be enhanced. The calendar for 2007 was approved with a Final in the spring 2008.
The clarifications and additions to the FEI Rules for Eventing (22nd edition) were approved; they would come into effect on 1 January 2007.
DRIVING
The FEI Driving Committee held its meeting in Dusseldorf (GER) on 4 September 2006. The following items are brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
2007 Courses and Seminars/Course Directors
An agreed list of approved Course Directors (for Judges and Technical Delegates to ensure that courses which receive FEI support are conducted by correctly qualified and experienced officials was approved.
Officials
Franz-Josef Vetter (GER) and Klaus Peppersack (GER) were to promoted to O status.
FEI World CupTM Driving
The qualifying season held outdoors had seen some exciting competitions. A total of 80 Four-in-Hand drivers had taken part in 13 competitions in 7 countries in Europe and in the USA. Ten drivers would now compete throughout the winter at 7 events and a final to be held in Gothenburg. The increase in qualification competitions and the addition of another indoor organiser, Amsterdam were noted with satisfaction.
The corrections and additions to the FEI Rules for Driving Events (9th edition) and the FEI World CupTM Driving were approved.
ENDURANCE
The FEI Endurance Committee held its meeting in Dusseldorf (GER), on 23 August 2006. The following items are brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
2008 World Endurance Championships - Malaysia
In view of the 2008 World Endurance Championship, a trial event would take on 24 November 2008 at Terengganu (MAS). The Officials to act on that occasion were approved. Each official would produce a detailed report on the viability of the event taking into account climatic factors. The OC had agreed to provide detailed weather reports over a period of months to provide information for both this event and in view of the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Minimum requirements to consider the trial run a success was the achievement of a 40% completion rate within a maximum ride time of 16 hours.
Course Directors/Courses
Derek Liebenberg (RSA) was appointed as the approved Endurance Course Director for Southern Africa. A number of FEI-funded courses would take place in Eastern Europe in 2007. This region, which has seen a growth in the discipline in the last 24 months, should be supported in terms of education rather than funding.
World Endurance Seminar
A seminar to discuss the future of the discipline would take place in 2007, venue and exact dates TBC. It has emphasised that it would not have any decision-making role .
The corrections and additions to the FEI Rules for Endurance (6th edition) were approved.
VAULTING AND YOUTH
The FEI Vaulting Committee held its meeting in Lausanne (SUI) on 16-17 July 2006. The following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
International Vaulting Competition and Vaulting Ranking List
A proposal for a series of International Vaulting Competitions to run in the same way as the FEI World CupTM was approved. It would begin on 1 April 2008. The exact title had yet to be defined.
The additions to the FEI Rules for Vaulting Events (6th edition) were approved.
PONY RIDERS
A proposal to measure all ponies at the FEI European Pony Riders Championships was approved. The exact details and procedures are under discussion and will be published shortly.
REINING
The FEI Reining Committee held its meetings in Tioga (USA) on 30-31 May and Denver (USA) on 22 October 2006. The following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
Breed-specific CRIs
Breed-specific CRIs (CRI Br), e.g. AQHA Arabian or Morgan Reining competitions, were approved.
Leading Reiner of the Year Award
A special prize would be awarded to the best three riders on the Reining Riders Ranking list 2006. The relevant NFs would also be acknowledged at the 2007 General Assembly in an appropriate manner.
Qualification system for the 2007 Reining Masters
Changes were made to the FEI Reining Masters Rules 2007.
Strategic plan.
In order to further develop Reining and to fully integrate Reining within the FEI, the Committee would: send out a survey to all NFs in order to establish the status of Reining within each country; develop a comprehensive plan to provide horses and course directors in developing countries; train addition Reining Officials; develop FEI Rules for Young Riders, Juniors and Children; establish a clearly defined plan for Regional, Continental and World Championships; have Reining presenting sponsors providing funding for championships and development and establish a worldwide marketing and television platform for Reining.
The corrections and additions to the FEI Rules for Reining (2nd edition) were approved.
PARA-EQUESTRIAN
The FEI Para Equestrian Committee held its meeting in Brussels (BEL) on 27 September 2006. The following items are brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval:
Rule Modifications/Classification Rules
The FEI Rules for Para-Equestrian Dressage, which were first introduced at the 2006 General Assembly, had been fully reviewed as working difficulties, lack of clarification and some errors had surfaced.
The modifications were approved by the Bureau.
In conjunction with the ongoing work with the IPC, the Classification consultant Dr Chris Meaden (GBR) had completed the full classification manual providing the basis upon which individual athletes were classified and given a Grade under which they compete within FEI Competitions.
The completed Classification Rules for PE Dressage were approved by the Bureau in advance of the 2007 General Assembly.
Hand in Hand Trophy
Moorsele in Belgium hosted the first ever ‘Combined’ FEI Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage competition under the FEI at the beginning of October 2006.
National Federations entered their chosen CDI and Para- Equestrian Riders (one of each) as a team who separately performed a free style test to music.
The combined marks were then used to produce a winning team who were presented with the unique ‘Hand in Hand Trophy’ kindly arranged by the FEI President HRH Princess Haya. The Netherlands took first place with Belgium a close second.
Promotions
The following Officials were promoted to the status of Official International Judge:
Driving: Reiner Korfsmeyer GER), Herman Rutterkamp (NED), Els Kerstens (NED), Gun Hagring (SWE)
Dressage: Geary Jan (AUS), Longden Mary (AUS), Leyman Freddy (BEL), Joergensen Evan-Bach (DEN), Amos-Jacobs Kathy (FRA), Prain Anne (FRA), Hofinga Gudrun (GER), Holdt-Mencke Inga (GER), Bryant Inger (GBR), Rodger Sarah (GBR), Solt Jonquil (GBR), Mastin Alison (IRL), Myhre Kjell (NOR), Lopes Carlos (POR), Lundgren Clary (SWE), Wilken Ulf (SWE) and Owen Anita (USA)
VETERINARY MATTERS
The FEI Veterinary Committee Chairman presented a detailed update on FEI veterinary activities pending, amongst others, on veterinary research, major event veterinary preparations, welfare sub committee issues, hypersensitisation, hyperflexion, competition intensity, cloning and medication issues.
Medication Control Programme Update
As per 8 October 2006, 1650 horses had been tested, which is a significant increase as compared to previous years. From these 1650 horses, 45 (2.7%) positive test results were reported to the FEI. For the record, 1250 horses had been tested in the Medication Control Programme as per October 2004 and 69 positive medication cases had been reported (4.6%). As in previous years, most positive test results relate to medication used for problems in the locomotion system of the horse.
Medication Advisory Group (MAG) Update
The ‘Medicine Box’ concept had been well accepted. There were 16 substances in the ‘Box’ and the intention was to provide reliable detection times for each of these agents. Work on a number of other substances was ongoing. It was hoped to publish Detection Times on eight further substances before the end of 2006.However, that depended on the goodwill and commitment of laboratories and others bodies outside the control of the FEI so the targets could not be guaranteed. Detection times on a sedative and a local anaesthetic were to be added before the end of November.
Work continued on developing agreed laboratory standards. As for testing in Latin America, applications for the status of Reference Laboratory had been received from three laboratories. The bids were being considered and a follow-up would be made shortly.
CALENDAR
The 2007 calendar of FEI International Events was approved.
AFFILIATIONS
Albanian Federation of Equestrian Sports was approved as full member (Group I)..
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The current General Assembly format is being reviewed in order to take full advantage of the General Assembly week and keep it interesting and dynamic. Innovations will be introduced in view of 2007. Detailed information will be sent to the National Federations at the end of the year.
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