Reporting & Investigating Conduct Violations

RE902 Reporting & Investigating Conduct Violations

1. All violations of these rules other than drug and medication violations shall be considered Conduct Violations. A participant or show official may lodge a complaint alleging a Conduct Violation against an exhibitor, trainer, rider, handler, show official, or groom.

2. Conduct Violations shall be determined by the Show Commission.

3. If a complaint alleging a Conduct Violation is lodged during the show, the Show Commission shall, when practicable, investigate the complaint and make a determination prior to the show’s conclusion.

4. If the complaint cannot be fully investigated and determined prior to the show’s conclusion, then the Show Commission shall complete its investigation and determination thereafter and shall notify the accused of the determination no later than 15 days following the conclusion of the show. Notification shall be made in writing and sent via electronic mail and regular mail.

5. Any complaint that is not lodged during the horse show shall be made within fifteen (15) days of the show’s conclusion and shall be sent via electronic mail and regular mail to Equine Sports Council. ESC shall thereafter convene an investigation by the Show Commission, and a determination shall be made no later than thirty (30) days following receipt of the complaint. Notification shall be made in writing and sent via electronic mail and regular mail to the accused and to Show Management.

6. In the event that the accused is found to have committed a Conduct Violation, they shall be offered in writing an Acceptance of Penalty in accordance with the Table of Penalties set forth herein. The accused may accept or reject the Acceptance of Penalty.

7. If the accused refuses the Acceptance of Penalty, such refusal must be made in writing and provided to ESC via electronic mail and regular mail within five (5) days of the offer of Acceptance of Penalty. The Penalty shall then be implemented unless the accused proceeds with an Administrative Hearing under RE 1105.