Following the members meeting that took place at the National Convention at Hartpury on Saturday 26 November 2011, British Dressage posted a summary of the topics that were discussed:
IT
New back office database in place and running and delivered to budget. It is currently undergoing final testing and will begin to run parallel with the old database early in the new year, before it is fully integrated. There will be little difference noticeable to members, other than improved efficiency in the office.
Next phase to develop a new web site which would allow many of the requested "bells and whistles" to be implemented. Intention to introduce searchable schedules for both location and level/type of class. Listing of all results - which would be linked to direct input of results by organisers, so speeding this up. Further on-line entry options.
Request for an "Idiots guide to the BD web site" once up and running. Some did not realise that there were on line schedules and there was a basic venue/county search facility already in place.
Schedules
Request for more information as to future of schedules following the latest survey. Majority at meeting favoured returning to schedules listed in date order. Explanation given as to need to balance number of schedules pages with other material in the magazine.
Changes are being actively discussed with magazine publisher now and likely to be implemented from Issue 2 next year. Discussion re provision of separate "pull out and keep" Venue Directory with greater detail about venue than can be put in schedules. Most felt should not be printed as a booklet - concern it would be out of date too quickly, but would like an on line version that could be down loaded and printed off. Directions to venues still needed in schedules as post codes not always very accurate.
Judges
Request from judges to organisers to keep them informed as to whether they are needed or not on a timely basis. Cancellations the day before a show are very frustrating. Also understanding that individuals will vary as to how far ahead they can commit to judge. Effectively - much more communication between all parties.
List 2a and 3a judges requested that they could judge non qualifier tests one level higher than their upper limit if they were formally accepted onto the upgrade list. Felt this would help organisers put on these tests, especially GP non Qs and also help the judges expand their experience.
Could all PLs be asked to permit formal Practice Judging/sitting in at Premier Leagues as these shows were a major opportunity for upgrading judges to gain experience?
Discussion around the Judge Complaints system. Formal process existed, initiated by writing to Amanda Bond with as much evidence as possible.
Potential for monitoring judge performance once the new database was recording all results and so able to look at how individual judges compared against a "norm".
Organisers/Venues
Query about required time for return of results - 48 hours after show felt to be realistic.
Should there be penalties for (those few) organisers who were repeatedly very late submitting results? Whilst this would have an effect on being selected for specialist shows such as AFs, should there be other sanctions imposed?
Process for dealing with venues where facilities/standards had deteriorated. This needs to be reported via RDO or direct to BD office (Annette Grant/Paul Graham). If the problem isn't known, nothing can be done about it. Solutions could be simply pointing out the issue to a more radical approach according to the nature of the issue.
Shows/Tests
Request for Test Committee to consider the visibility available to judges who are sitting very close to C when designing tests with movements that take place at C. Whilst the recommendation for venues to have at least 2m from C to the judges box is being introduced, it is recognised that many venues are unable to accommodate this so the problem will continue for some time.
Prelim - why were qualifications not passed down? Reason - very complex to administer. Only done for Music Freestyle as smaller number of classes and manageable. However, move to bring Prelim in line with other classes by applying some kind of points system is being discussed for introduction in 2013.
Question as to why no standard PSG championship at the Winters. Reason - mainly time in the schedule to put on such a class. Though a 5 day show there is a huge workload on the officials as it is effectively two shows in one - Winter Championships indoors and Area Festival Championships outdoors.
Further request to consider making more competitions available for PSG+, especially over the winter months. The addition of the Autumn High Profile show was welcomed as a good initiative.
Riders requested more high level non qualifier classes for new combinations to gain experience, especially at Int II/GP.
Was it feasible to have AF classes up to GP? Concern that there wouldn't be sufficient numbers above PSG to warrant this but would investigate as part of the upcoming review of Area Festivals in general.
Why are formal Qualifier tests needed now the points system is in place? This is so that combinations have to have achieved a good score a certain number of the more difficult tests to prepare them to ride the most difficult test at each level at the Regionals.
Any feedback on the above should be directed to our Sport Operations manager Paul Graham
Related Links
British Pony, Junior, Young Riders Squads for 2012 Announced
British Stars Come Out for 2011 Vale View Autumn Dressage Competition