Equestrian Consultation – Update 20th September 2016
During the first two weeks of September 2016 BUCS’ hosted 5 regionally based consultation meetings, these
meetings were attended by over 90 representatives from 33 BUCS Member Institutions. Representatives included
both Equestrian Club members and University AU/SU staff.
Here is a breakdown of those which attended:
Liverpool 5th
September
Manchester
Liverpool
Bradford
Bangor
Registered Chester
Universities UCLAN
LJMU
MMU
Durham
Salford
Total:
10
Cambridge 5th
September
Meeting
Did not register
Aberystwyth
Askham Bryan
Birmingham
Bournemouth
Brunel
Coventry
De Montfort
Dundee
East Anglia
Nottingham Trent
Cambridge
Nottingham
Loughborough
Writtle
Easton & Otley
Essex
Glasgow Caledonian
Gloucestershire
Harper Adams
Imperial
Keele
Lancaster
Leeds
Bath 7th
September
Bath
Southampton Solent
Swansea
Exeter
Bristol
Cardiff Met
RAU
Cardiff
Plymouth
Edinburgh 8th
September
Strathclyde
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Hull
Heriot - Watt
St Andrews
Brighton 14th
September
Brighton
Surrey
King's College London
Oxford
Reading
Newcastle
(Did not attend)
5
Leicester
Lincoln
LSE
Northumbria
Oxford Brookes
Portsmouth
Queen Mary
Robert Gordon
Royal Holloway
9
Royal Veterinary
Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam
Solent
Staffordshire
Stirling
Sunderland
Teesside
UCL
6
UWE
Warwick
Westminster
Wolverhampton
Worcester
6
Apologies sent
Glasgow
Canterbury
York
Kent
Bishop Burton
During the 2015-16 season, BUCS received an extensive amount of constructive feedback from a number of
member institutions. There was also a number of concerns raised around the communication and administration
processes for the entire programme in general. Hence, the consultation was originally offered for three main
reasons:
1) To gather further feedback on the current BUCS Equestrian Competition
2) To discuss administration and communication processes for the 2016-17 season
3) To discuss potential competition developments for the 2017-18 season and beyond
Three of the meetings were led by Jenny Morris, BUCS Sports Manager, and two were led by Emma Trunks, BUCS
Sport Programmes Administrator. The meetings had minimalist agendas listing the three discussion points above,
allowing for more flexibility within the facilitated conversations. Interestingly, a number of similar themes and
points were raised, and these have been grouped into four main categories below. These have been presented in
a table format to allow an opportunity for individuals to comment or feedback after reading through this
document. BUCS is requesting that all comments and feedback be submitted via email to
[email protected] by Monday 24th October 2016. Please note that there are a number of
proposals/requests below, and we would like to know each Institutions viewpoint for each, even if it is a simple
support or objection comment, however further detail would always be preferential.
Discussion Themes:
-
Communication
-
Rules and Regulations
-
Judging Standards
-
Competition Structure
Communication
Discussion Points
Points for Action/Proposals
Weight/height limits on horses
This point was raised in reference to the limits and restrictions
sometimes unnecessarily applied to horses. It was further
discussed that clubs are often at the mercy of the yards’ horse
availability, and hence limits could sometimes not be avoided.
It was proposed that clubs should share the heights and weights of
their riders with other teams to allow for a greater level of
preparation. The proposal is that the sharing of this information
should become mandatory, and hence a part of the Rules &
Regulations. If there are no objections to this proposal then this rule
will be effective from 24th October 2016, and clubs will be expected
to share their relevant details with all other mini-league teams prior
to the 1st hosting round.
Published results table
It was highlighted that without a regularly updated results
table published on the BUCS website, it was often quite hard
to keep track of positioning during the mini-league
competition.
BUCS to publish an up to date results table at the end of each hosting
window. However this will be dependent on receiving all scoresheets
from clubs within a timely manner. Once these are received BUCS
can publish the information.
Communication of key dates and deadlines
It was noted that BUCS had previously fallen short in ensuring
that the communication of key dates and deadlines was done
so in a timely manner. It was also noted that often the
turnaround/response in communication was slow and created
a feeling of frustration within Clubs/AUs. Clubs also highlighted
that incorrect information was often displayed on the BUCS
Equestrian website, which added confusion.
BUCS has already circulated an administration processes document
for the 2016-17 season to improve the clarity around this point. This
document can be located on the BUCS website here. This document
was originally circulated on the 2nd August 2016, and it was
emphasised at the consultation meetings that the deadlines within
were to be strictly adhere to as sanctions would be applied if not.
BUCS is committing to improving the communication specifically
regarding Equestrian, and hence would like to ensure that requests
for information and deadlines are adhered to, to allow BUCS to stick
to deadlines for the circulation of important information as the
competition progresses. BUCS has also committed to ensuring that
any information will not only be sent out via Essentials, but will also
be published on the BUCS website for ease of access.
Communication between Clubs, AUs and BUCS
It was highlighted by club representatives in particular that the
communication between all parties involved in the BUCS
Equestrian programme was often lacking during the 2015-16
season. It was further discussed that one issue in particular
seemed to be restrictions in the flow of information created by
the by-passing of AUs by clubs and BUCS in the past. BUCS
expressed that its desire will always be to communicate with
clubs via AUs to ensure a consistency in information
dissemination, but acknowledged that it had itself not
enforced this on every occasion and hence had added
confusion to the whole situation.
As mentioned above, the administration processes document clearly
outlines the expectations around channels of communication for the
2016-17 season. BUCS has clearly outlined that in order to develop
the understanding of the sport and the BUCS competition
programme all communication from BUCS and from Clubs must
always go via the AUs or at least with AUs copied in for notification.
Feedback/Additional
Comments
Rules and Regulations
Discussion Points
Points for Action/Proposals
Safety concerns regarding specific Rules and Regulations
This discussion point was in reference to a specific BUCS
Equestrian Regulation. Currently it is stated that only the host
can change or adjust the girth and stirrups on a rider’s horse.
However it was raised that as this has a large impact potentially
on the safety of riders, and requested that permission should
be granted for riders to adjust their own equipment as
necessary.
General compilation of the Rules and Regulations (Rs&Rs)
It is appreciated that the current regulation may be necessary in
reassuring hosts that equipment and/or the horses are not affected
by individuals making adjustments that they are not perhaps
experienced enough to do. The action here is for BUCS to discuss this
regulation in more depth internally and consult with other external
bodies to look at the requirements for this regulation. BUCS will
feedback on this specific query prior to the 1st hosting window.
It was highlighted that the current compilation of the BUCS
Equestrian Rules and Regulations was deemed to be rather
confusing and unnecessarily wordy. There were a number of
comments that flagged the Rs&Rs as almost unreadable, and
hence often made disputes or concerns far more complicated
than necessary.
The action here is for BUCS to firstly tidy up the Rs&Rs and remove
any unnecessary or repetitive points. It was agreed that some of the
specific adjustments being requested like the one above would be
considered for this coming year, however a thorough review of all
Regs will not be possible for this season, but would be actioned as a
priority for next season. BUCS will ensure the tidying of the Rs&Rs
will be completed prior to the 1st hosting window.
Horse Draw and Riding Order Draw
It was flagged by a large number of clubs that issues
surrounding the Horse Draw need addressing. It was felt that
the current process was often open to manipulation, but at the
very least was certainly a cause for tension between clubs. It
has to be noted though that a small number of clubs did
express a converse opinion, and suggested that although the
Horse Draw was not pleasant they could not see an alternative
process and would wish to keep the current system.
With regards to the Riding Draw there were similar issues as
mentioned above for the Horse Draw. Although it was noted
that this current process can be time consuming for the hosting
team and there may be a simpler process available.
At this point there are three possible options with regards to the
Horse Draw:
1)
2)
-
3)
-
Home Team Select
Home team are permitted to select their horses, then a
random draw is conducted for all other visiting riders.
Judges Select
The current random selection draw system is retained,
however it is conducted by the judges and not by the
riders.
Stay with current system
No alteration or amendment.
Also There was one suggestion made for an alternative option to
the Riding Draw:
1)
-
2)
-
Use a Riding Draw template
This will be created by BUCS and will identify how teams
will ride in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th position across the Mini
League competition, instead of the current random
draw on the day.
Stay with current system
No alteration or amendment.
We obviously require further feedback around both these
discussion points. Could we please request that Clubs/AUs state a
preference in the right hand Feedback column and return to BUCS
asap.
Playing Under Protest
Clubs expressed they would like some more specific guidance
from BUCS regarding how the General BUCS’ PUP process
applies to the unique structure of BUCS Equestrian.
The action here is for BUCS is to create these guidelines and circulate
to AUs and publish on the BUCS website. BUCS will ensure this action
will be completed prior to the 1st hosting window.
Scoresheets
It was highlighted that the scoresheet was a little confusing,
and perhaps was not an effective record tool for teams/clubs.
BUCS has already created an updated version of the scoresheet. This
is published on the BUCS website and can be found here.
Feedback/Additional
Comments
Judging Standards
Discussion Points
Points for Action/Proposals
Feedback/Additional
Comments
General guidelines for Judges - Rider Test not Horse Test
It was highlighted by the vast majority of clubs that there is a
consistent issue regarding the judging of the BUCS Equestrian
Competition. The unique nature of our Equestrian events often
means that judges are unfamiliar with the overall guidelines
that they should be following when judging riders. Particularly
in reference to the riders highlighting that judges were often
scoring/marking the horses during tests, when in fact it is the
riders who should be being marked/graded.
The action here is for BUCS to produce and disseminate to all
appointed judges clear guidance notes on how BUCS Equestrian
events should be judged and scored. The belief here is that a simple
development in the communication between BUCS and judges
would significantly alleviate any discrepancies in judging processes
and standards.
Competition Structure
Discussion Points
Points for Action/Proposals
There was a significant level of feedback from the discussions
concerning the Test themselves within the competition. It was
stated that teams felt the level/standard of tests at the
different levels of competition was inconsistent at best, and
inappropriate at worst. For example, it was felt that the level
of Tests were relatively OK within the Mini Leagues, but then
too easy at Regionals, and then elevated disproportionately in
difficulty at the National Finals.
The action here is for BUCS to specifically discuss the Tests with our
current SAG Chair on the 3rd October. BUCS has also actioned to
discuss Tests with BEF to look at whether BHS Staging Tests may be
a more appropriate application across the programme. Especially in
reference to the judging criteria that would sit alongside each of
these.
Tests
Guidelines for how competitions should be scheduled
BUCS currently do not advise on a running order for the day, it
was requested by a few institutions that’s BUCS pull together
a competition day schedule to help assist the hosting
institutions with the organisation on the day.
This action will include timings of Horse/Riding Draws, schedule of
competition and a captains meeting to finalise scores at the end. We
would appreciate any feedback or recommendations that you have
on this. This will be a guidance document and no sanctions will occur
if you do not follow the timings.
Venues
There was a high level of discontent and frustration
communicated regarding the sharing of facilities, and resultant
removal of home advantage. There was also disappointment
voiced around the choice of Regional venues which were often
similar venues to those used during the Mini League season.
BUCS engaged in this discussion and it was agreed by all that the
nature of the sport and the limited facility availability in a number of
regions, enforcing of individual home venues could potentially
barrier a large number of members from competing. However BUCS
has expressed its commitment to working closer with Clubs and AUs
with regards to venues, and being more flexible it altering/changing
Regional/National venues to maximise the opportunity for riders to
compete in neutral venues at these stages of the competition.
Unfortunately it is agreed that there is no quick fix for this issue,
however we will continue to look at possible developments as they
present themselves.
Stagnant nature of the whole competition
This was relatively the most important point raised throughout
the consultation process. It can clearly be demonstrated that
the current structure of the BUCS Equestrian Programme does
not provide an opportunity for teams and clubs to compete at
an appropriate level, because there is no movement between
the leagues and levels of competition. Specifically, it is felt that
the Mini-Leagues have almost become redundant as they are
highly predictable in terms of outcome, with the same teams
often finishing 3rd and 4th respectively as they have no way of
competing against the stronger squads within the same
league. This ultimately is hindering individual rider and team
development.
The action here was to discuss possible alternatives/developments
for the Mini-League element of BUCS Equestrian. As this discussion
point was so extensive it is covered further in much more detail
below under the heading, Proposal for Change.
Feedback/Additional
Comments
Proposal for Change
Following the feedback, a proposal for change across the BUCS Equestrian Competition was discussed at length.
The theme for the discussion centred on the feedback pertaining to a lack of an appropriate competitive
opportunity within the current structure, and the stagnant nature of the programme. Ultimately it was agreed
that promotion/relegation was essential to evolving the mini-leagues framework, however there was no
requirement to adjust the format of Regional and National Finals that follows the Mini-League element of the
competition. I have drafted an example below to outline what is being proposed.
These are the leagues as confirmed for 2016-17 season:
The proposal for developing the BUCS Equestrian Competition structure would involve two linked elements.
Firstly, adding a third Shield Tier, and secondly, reducing the number of leagues within both the Championship
and Trophy Tiers. Below is an example of how this might look at the start of the 2017-18 season. Please note this is
just an example, part of the proposal is to use the points and standings at the end of the 2016-17 to populate the leagues for
the 2017-18.
Further to the above example, below there is an example of how qualification for Regionals/Nationals, Promotion
and Relegation might look once the Mini-Leagues are completed. Once again this is just a theoretical example.
Qualification to Regionals
- The four 1st and 2nd place teams from the Championship will qualify to the Regional Rounds
- The three 1st place teams, and the 2nd team with the highest points total in the Trophy will qualify for the
Regional Rounds
- The three 1st place teams, and the 2nd team with the highest points total in the Shield will qualify for the
Regional Rounds
Relegation
- The two 4th place from the Championship would be relegated to the Trophy
- The three 4th place teams in the Trophy would be relegated to the Shield
Promotion
- The 1st and 2nd placed teams at the Trophy Regional Rounds will gain promotion to the Championship
- The three 1st placed teams at the Shield Regional Rounds will gain promotion to the Championship
Please note that if a 2nd team in the Trophy wins promotion to the Championship, they will not be permitted to
join the league if the 1st team has kept its place in the league. However if the 1st team has been relegated then a
2nd team may be promoted in their place, hence securing a Championship spot for the University in question.
There will be no restrictions on promotion/relegation between Trophy and Shield Tiers.
Key Points to note:
- Altering the structure of the Mini-Leagues will not impact on the entry cost, it will not rise further than the
annual 3% increase for the 2017-18 season.
- An additional allocation of BUCS Points for the Mini-Leagues is not being proposed, BUCS Points will continue
to be awarded at the National Finals only.
- It is being proposed that the third Tier of competition, Shield, would carry the standard allocation of BUCS
Points across the Shield Tier of Competition.
- BUCS Equestrian will be cementing itself as a Team sport by adopting this promotion/relegation format, and as
a result the Individuals element of the programme would not be offered from 2017-18 onwards within this
structure. Further consultation is required to see whether there is further demand for the Individuals element
of BUCS Equestrian.