E.A.C.D.G. LTD. RULES & REGULATIONS.

EACDG CLUB Rules are essentially those of the BHDTA which in turn are essentially those of the FEI. Some Club variations do however exist. The rules are intended to ensure fair competition with Health & Safety as an essential basis. In sending your entry you are deemed to have accepted these rules and agreed to abide by them. These rules are drawn up to ensure the safety of all competitors and supporters. It is not the responsibility of the committee to enforce these rules but it is incumbent on you to follow them. As a competitor you are responsible for the safety, behaviour and insurance of your groom/s and supporter/s as well as yourself. Club rules may vary from National Rules:-

1. Members must have up-to-date third party insurance and will be asked to show evidence - photo copy should be sent with entry.
2. Fire Extinguishers must be carried suitable for each outfit (2kgs and certified maintenance in date).
3. Lamps are not required for Dressage or Cones at Club Events (but are encouraged).
4. Animals will not be eligible to compete below the age of four years. Animals should be vaccinated and certificates may be spot checked at any event. The event organiser has authority to demand the immediate removal of any animal which gives cause for believing it has any infectious condition or for which an up to date vaccination certificate can not be produced upon request.
5. Competitors should present themselves at the start of A on the marathon at least 10 minutes before their start time.
6. Mobile phones may be carried on the marathon in case of emergency. They must NOT, however, be used for obtaining information on any aspects of the competition or try to gain advantage over other competitors.
7. Deliberate deviation from the marked course, whether controlled by flagged gates or not, is not in the spirit of the sport and will result in elimination.
8. Ignoring an instruction to stop given by an authorised official will result in elimination.
9. The same carriage must be used for competitions 'A' and 'C'.
10. The welfare of horses/ponies is paramount and excessive use of whips, pressing of tired animals, or any other acts that are perceived to be not in the interests of equine welfare or lead the sport into disrepute will not be tolerated. Public perception is also very important, and behaviour or actions that appear to be inappropriate are similarly to be avoided and will result in disqualification.
11. Grooms for dressage, cone driving and marathon must be 12 years old and over.
12. Junior whips from the beginning of the year they reach the age of 10 to the end of the year in which they are 25 may compete in singles classes. Junior whips under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is competent to take control in an emergency.
13. All persons under the age of 18 years travelling on a competing vehicle on which neither parent or guardian is present must have the signed, written authority of a parent or guardian. (Place on the entry form for their signature).
14. It is the Whip's responsibility to ensure their groom is of sufficient physical stature and experience so that they are able to provide real assistance, rapidly, in the event of an emergency.
15. Drivers and grooms, and anyone riding at events, must wear properly secured protective headgear (hard hats) which conform to current BHS standards. (Other than in the dressage or warming up for dressage in appropriate dress)
16. No driver may take part in competition 'B' more then once. Should a driver have been round the course previously, they may only do so driving hors concours. Grooms may go round the course more than once, as long as they are in different classes - i.e. Single/Multiple, (providing this does not inconvenience the event organiser.)
17. Dogs must be controlled at all times and any mess immediately removed from obstacle areas, cones or dressage arenas, or the stable area.
18. Competitors, including those driving hors concours (hc), must inform the check points when they retire on a marathon course and report to control, or to the TD or event organiser.
19. A Novice competitor is defined as a whip who has not competed in any Open Class or National Event. A Pre-Novice competitor is defined as a whip who has not competed in ANY Driving Trials Event. All Pre-Novice/Novices will be upgraded at the Committee's discretion and/or BHDTA class Structure.
20. Any competitor who has reason to dispute or query any judgement, time or result, should refer the matter to the TD at the earliest opportunity, and not later than 30 minutes after declaration of the results of the event.
21. Classes may be merged or subdivided at the organiser's discretion - according to the number of entries. Late entries may be accepted at a 50% surcharge at the Event Organiser's discretion. Refund of entry fees will only be given if withdrawal is SEVEN days before the event.

Not every circumstance can be envisaged and the Committee's decision is binding in all cases.