B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
We must protect the safety of all of our racing participants
Who does the issue affect?
All racing participants.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
Rules Governing Racing document
343 g Approved helmet and footwear
(1) Every person mounted or driving a *horse on the *race track must wear
(a) a protective helmet, and
(b) footwear approved by the *judges/stewards board.
(2) Every *jockey and exercise person exercising a horse on the race track must
wear a flak
jacket of a type approved by the *stewards board
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
It will protect all of our participants riding or driving horses on the
racetrack grounds.
Solution
Produce a rule that states:
343 g Approved safety gear
(1) Every person mounted or driving a *horse on the premises of a racetrack
must wear
(a) a protective helmet securely fastened under the chin,
(b) footwear approved by the *judges/stewards board, and
(c) a securely fastened protective safety vest approved by the judges/stewards
board
How will the solution fix the problem?
Participants not wearing them will receive a penalty.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
Only in a positive way. We will be showing the public and government we care
about our racing participants and want to protect them the best we can.
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Our racing participants will be protected to the best of our ability.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
Some participants will have to purchase vests.
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion,
please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they
have expressed.
Century Mile and Century Downs express support.
Evergreen Park enforces this rule on their track
HBPA of AB support this rule.
Alberta Community Tracks Association supports this rule.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been
consulted on this proposal?
Alberta Standardbred Horse Association has not responded.
Rocky Mountain Turf Club does not support this rule.
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be PDF format and under 2048k for the system to accept the upload. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
343 g Approved safety gear
(1) Every person mounted or driving a *horse on the premises of a racetrack
must wear
(a) a protective helmet securely fastened under the chin,
(b) footwear approved by the *judges/stewards board, and
(c) a securely fastened protective safety vest approved by the judges/steward’s
board.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
AGCO:
6.29.01 A safety vest, meeting the standards for protective safety vest, must
be worn at all times on the premises of an Association when:
a. Racing; or
b. Parading or warming up a horse prior to racing; or
c. Jogging, training or exercising a horse at any time. A violation of this
rule will result in a suspension and/ or monetary penalty.
6.39 A protective helmet, meeting the Snell Foundation standards for protective
harness racing headwear, securely fastened under the chin, must be worn at all
times on the premises of an Association when:
a. Racing, parading or warming up a horse prior to racing; or
b. Jogging, training or exercising a horse at any time. A violation of this
rule will result in a suspension or monetary penalty and the participant may be
referred to the Registrar
HISA
(b) Vests.
(1) Any person mounted on a Horse or stable pony on the racetrack grounds must
wear a properly secured safety vest at all times.
(a) Helmets.
(1) Any person mounted on a Horse or stable pony anywhere on racetrack grounds
shall always wear a properly secured safety helmet.
PEI, Ohio, California all require safety vests and helmets of riders and
drivers.
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