United States Eventing Association

The FEI has received various inquiries about the rationale for, and the effect of, the new Unsanctioned Event rule in Articles 113 and 156 of the FEI General Regulations. For the rationale, please see the attached Appendix which was provided to National Federations along with the proposed rule change back in July 2012 (please note that the attached Appendix contains a revised definition, taking into account National Federations comments received during the consultation period and ultimately approved by the General Assembly) It explains the need and reason for the rule in detail.

With respect to the scope of the rule, the rule only applies to events and/or competitions that are not in the FEI calendar (i.e. international events not approved by the FEI) and national events that are not authorised by the National Federation. This means that the FEI will rely on the NFs to bring any national or local events that it has concerns about to the FEI’s attention. The FEI will not on its own initiative look for or police national events to determine whether or not they are authorised. Therefore, local events do not come within the scope of this rule so long as the NF does not expressly object to them.

If an Athlete, Official, or Horse does participate in a competition and/or event that is not on the FEI calendar or in a national event and/or competition that is expressly unauthorised by their NF, they or it cannot participate in any International or National Event for a period of six (6) months thereafter.

Below is the full statement by the FEI following its Bureau meeting in Istanbul last week. USEA members please pay particular note to Article 5.3.

Rationale for Unsanctioned Event Rule