POLICY NO. RLP015
All licensees are required to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and orderly manner. Misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in immediate disciplinary action prior to a formal hearing.
PURPOSE
This policy establishes the authority and procedures for immediate disciplinary action against HRA licensees who engage in misconduct that threatens the safety, integrity, or orderly conduct of racing activities under the jurisdiction of Horse Racing Alberta.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all HRA licensees while on the grounds of any HRA licensed racetrack or participating in any racing-related activity regulated by Horse Racing Alberta.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Any licensee found engaging in disruptive, unprofessional, or abusive behavior, including but not limited to the following, is subject to disciplinary measures:
- Verbal abuse, physical or sexual misconduct, or discrimination
- Behavior that disturbs the peace or endangers safety
- Use of profane, obscene, or threatening language
- Harassment, intimidation, or abusive behavior
- Interference with the duties of racing officials or security investigators
- Conduct detrimental to the integrity, reputation, or orderly conduct of racing
AUTHORITY FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
Upon reasonable grounds, the following officials may take immediate action:
- Director of Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing
- Deputy Director of Racing and Supervisor of Security
- Judges or Stewards
- Authorized Security Investigators with approval of any of above
Authorized officials may take one or more of the following actions without prior hearing when warranted by the circumstances:
- Issue a temporary intermediary suspension of licensee privileges
- Removal of the licensee from racetrack premises for a minimum of 24 hours
- Restriction of access to racing-related activities pending a formal hearing
- Imposition of conditions on the license.
CONDITIONS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
Immediate disciplinary measures may be taken prior to a formal hearing if the conduct poses a risk to:
- Safety of individuals or welfare of horses
- Integrity of racing
- Orderly operation of the racing environment
- Undermines public confidence in horse racing
FORMAL HEARING
A formal hearing with the judges/stewards shall be scheduled within five (5) business days to determine further sanctions or reinstatement of privileges.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
All disciplinary actions must be fully documented and reported to:
- Judges/Stewards Board
- Horse Racing Alberta Deputy Director and Supervisor of Security.
EVALUATION
Immediate Disciplinary Authority for Misconduct Policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to reflect industry standards, regulations, and improvements on best practices.
Approved May 22nd, 2026 | Board Motion Number BDM060
Kent Verlik, CEO | Diana McQueen, Chair
