標題: Sweeping Changes To Whip Rules [打印本頁] 作者:
pakkilo 時間: 21/3/2009 12:04 PM 標題: Sweeping Changes To Whip Rules
The Australian Racing Board has today announced sweeping changes to the rules governing use of the whip.
The effect of these changes will be to change forever the role of the whip in Australian racing. This follows lengthy consultation both within the industry and with the public. These changes fall into 6 categories:-
(i) The type of whip used in Australia. From the 1st August 2009 only padded whips are to be used in races and official trials.
(ii) New regulations that tightly limit the circumstances in which a whip may be used.
(iii) New regulations that tightly limit the way in which a whip may be used.
(iv) A comprehensive campaign to educate riders on compliance with the new rules.
(v) A national code of penalties for breaches of the whip rules
(vi) The use of stock whips on thoroughbreds, while currently banned in a number of jurisdictions, will now have the force of a national ban under the Australian Rules of Racing.
1. : "We have considered all the arguments for and against padded whips. The best scientific advice available to us says that padded whips do not inflict pain or injury, and that is the outcome we want. A number of other countries are watching very closely what we do here and I think will follow our lead in the near future."
2. New regulations that tightly limit the circumstances in which a whip may be used: "Using an action that raises the arm above shoulder height will now be prohibited as will the use of the whip where there are no prospects of improving the horse's placing."
3. New regulations that tightly limit the way in which a whip may be used: "What happens from the turn into the straight is where major problems have existed, and the new rules will focus on this. The whip is not to be used more than 5 times before the 200-metre mark, and after that point not in consecutive strides."
4. Education campaign: "While for many jockeys their riding styles don't greatly rely on the whip, for some there will be real adjustment required. We are determined to provide meaningful help to them in making this adjustment. One of the practical measures agreed on is the development of a DVD that will demonstrate what is and what is not permissible."
5. National code of penalties: "Education is the first priority: we want to do everything possible to ensure that no rider is penalised for not understanding the new requirements. Nevertheless, once a proper period of education has been completed, compliance with the new requirements must be supported by a suitable set of deterrents. In this respect the April 2009 meeting of the National Chairman of Stewards has been instructed to examine:
• The development of a national template of penalties for breaches of controls on use of the whip.
• The development of a policy of forfeiture of prizemoney percentages in the case of egregious breaches of the new controls, in addition to other penalties."
6. National ban on use of stock whips: "The use of stock whips is currently banned by the racing industry in a number of States and Territories. It has been decided to give this the force of a national ban under the Australian Rules of Racing."
