Calls for blanket bans
Organisations are working together on ‘cross-society’ disciplinary procedures
across showing societies
A CALL for uniform disciplinary procedures in showing could lead to “blanket bans” for anyone found guilty by a single society.
Currently, anyone banned or disciplined by one society, such as for a judging misdemeanour or a positive dope test, can carry on competing or officiating at other societies’ shows.
The issue was highlighted by the National Pony Society’s (NPS) recent decision to ban two producers and an owner/ breeder for positive dope tests on two horses at the NPS summer championships (news, 5 October).
In theory, although all three people involved have been temporarily banned from all NPS
classes and shows, they could still compete in classes — and shows — run by societies such as British Show Horse Association (BSHA), Sport Horse Breeding (GB) (SHB (GB)), British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS).
Umbrella organisation The Showing Council is among those to have considered the issue and discussions have taken place, with ideas such as an independent disciplinary panel of people from different societies.
“Not every society has a full disciplinary process and we would like to provide a platform for people to work together to try and get to what they feel is a better place,” said Showing Council chairman David Ingle.
“But it’s important not to rush into anything — all the member societies [currently 15] would have to agree. At least we are at the stage where societies are talking to each other about it.
“We need a process everyone can agree on and a panel to implement it. Once we’ve got a draft, we will share it with the other bodies and get their input.”
The BSPS has also been looking at the issue.
“We are working closely with other societies to adopt banning across societies for serious offences,” said BSPS chief executive Karen Toynton-Ward. SHB (GB) is also keen.
“This is something SHB (GB) would wish to pursue and as members of the Showing Council we will follow their guidance,” said SHB (GB) chairman David Dixon.
“We are in favour of a blanket disciplinary procedure and have already been involved in discussions with BSHA, BSPS, NPS and SHB (GB),” said CHAPS chair Caroline Hamilton.
“It is hoped these societies’ policies can be tweaked to represent broadly the same view, with perhaps an aim to have a ruling for 2019.
“It is important to send a strong message that anyone found guilty of wrong-doing cannot continue to simply swap societies and carry on showing.”