The American Driving Society

2013 Rule Changes Presented by

Merridy HanceCDE Committee Chair

& Jeff Morse

Pleasure Driving Committee Chair

2013 Rules in ShortADS rules live and breathe with us. With

members’ involvement, the Rulebook continues to be as timely, useful, and accurate as humanly possible. On January 1st of each year, any changes or updates to the rules become effective. Here, in short, is what’s new in the 2013 Rulebook. This is just a quick glimpse! For more complete information, and to read, download, or purchase a hard copy of the ADS 2013 Rulebook, go to www.americandrivingsociety.org/ADS_Rulebook.asp

Why Change the Rules?Combined Driving rules stem from those of the international

governing body, the FEI, and from our national federation, the USEF. The ADS makes adjustments to those rules of sport to accommodate newer and developing horses and drivers, different sizes of horses, and less-specialized vehicles. These changes follow the evolution of the national and international sport as closely as is practicable.

ADS Pleasure Driving Rules govern virtually all formally recognized pleasure driving shows in the USA. Although not always 100% in synch due to differing rule approval schedules, USEF basically adopts the ADS Pleasure Driving Rules.

Please note that the following is not a comprehensive list, and you should read your 2013 ADS Rulebook for the full text of the rules. Knowledge of the rules is your best preparation for competition.

Pleasure Driving ARTICLE 22A JUDGES’ DECISIONS JUDGES AND TECHNICAL DELEGATESAt least one Pleasure Driving Judge and one Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate arerequired for Pleasure Shows. In addition to the duties and responsibilities specified in the General Rules and the Rules for Pleasure Driving, Pleasure Driving Judges and Technical Delegates are bound by the ADS Rules for Competition Officials - CHAPTER 25 REGULATIONS AND DUTIES. Judges’ decisions representing their individual preferences are not protestable. Inquiries concerning irregularities or incidents during the Event/Show and the outcome of Pleasure classes for technical reasons may be made at any time during the competition. Objections must be made to the Technical Delegate no more than one hour after the posting of class results.

This rule change was added simply because nowhere in the rules was it stated what officials were required for a Pleasure Driving Show.

Pleasure Driving Article 315. Wins in ADS and/or USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving classes and high-point championship awards of fewer than three entries are not to affect Driver or Horse status.

This rule change was added to clarify the effect of high point championship wins on the limit and novice status of horses and drivers. It is possible to win a High Point Championship without ever winning a blue ribbon.

Pleasure Driving Article 491. The course may consist of Start and Finish markers, decorative materials and driveable obstacles consisting of number markers and individual ( paired cones) or other type markers materials such as (rails, fence panels, barrels, etc.). Cone pairs may be numbered with red and white markers placed on the cones themselves.

This rule change was added to allow the use of number sleeves on cones.

Pleasure Driving Article 535. Course time must be recorded manually or electronically to the hundredths of a second.

This rule change was added to ensure consistency of timing from show to show and to clarify that timing should be to 100 th’s of a second

Pleasure Driving Article 55 2. For a Start or Finish line or an obstacle to be completed, the entire turnout (all horses and all wheels of the vehicle) must pass through the obstacle or the start/finish markers. If the entire turnout passes outside of the markers, the competitor will be judged off course.

This rule change was added because circling in obstacle courses is now allowed. So, you can pass obstacle markers while circling and not be judged ‘off course’. Circling carries the inherent penalty of adding time penalties to your score.

Pleasure Driving Article 561. Ties may remain or be decided at the discretion of the judge by a coin-flip or a drive-off. Unless otherwise specified in individual class rules:Low total time basis - For classes determined on a low total time basis, the competitor with the lowest course fault total will be placed ahead of competitor with higher course fault totals.Low fault basis - For classes determined on a low fault basis, the competitor with the fastest time will be placed ahead of the competitor with a slower time. In either case, if ties still remain, ties may remain or be resolved by the flip of a coin or a drive-off at the discretion of the judge in consultation with the organizer.

Article 583. Course faults are assessed as penalty seconds and are added to the driver’s elapsed time. Placings are determined on a low total time basis. Ties for first will be decided by a drive-off (unless otherwise stated in the Prize List).

Article 594. Time will decide ties. If a tie remains with equal points and time, the winner may be decided by a coin-flip.These rule changes were added to clarify how ties

are to be resolved. It is not always necessary to break a tie.

Pleasure Driving Article 58AC Double Jeopardy 2. After passing through the Start markers, the first driver shall proceed through each obstacle and through the designated Finish markers for the first course and come to a halt. The time is stopped until the second driver then takes the reins and whip. Only after there is complete control of the reins and whip may the second driver proceed,. bBeginning with the designated Start markers, the time is continued for the reverse course, continuing through the obstacles in reverse order and in the reverse direction and through the designated Finish markers for the reverse course. It is recommended that a different colored set of numbers be placed to indicate the required "reverse" course.

This rule change was added to improve safety in a Double Jeopardy Class while drivers exchange reins.

Pleasure Driving Article 58AF. Your Route My Route4. My route: After completing the #10 obstacle, and beginning with any obstacle ( the competitor will continue, without passing through the Start/Finish markers), the driver shall, beginning with any obstacle, by driveing all obstacles again, a second time in any order sequence and in either direction. Upon completion of My Route, the driver must pass through the finish markers from either direction, where t Time will be taken when passing through the Finish markers in eitherdirection.

{without strikeouts}My route: After completing the #10 obstacle, the competitor will continue, without passing through the Start/Finish markers, by driving all obstacles a second time in any sequence and in either direction. Time will be taken when passing through the Finish markers in eitherdirection.

This rule change was added to clarify the routine of the Your Route/My Route Obstacle Class.

Pleasure DrivingArticle 59A6. For the purposes of scoring, Aa disobedience (refer to Article 28A: refusal, runout, circle or a break to a canter) is considered a dislodgement of the attempted

{without strikeouts}For the purposes of scoring, a disobedience (refer to Article 28A) is considered a dislodgement of the attempted obstacle.

This rule change was added to clarify the penalty of a disobedience. It is no longer a disobedience to circle in an obstacle class.

Pleasure DrivingArticle 60A. Cross Country Obstacles2. The suggested length of course is approximately 1 kilometer or .6 miles. Should the course design not allow judges to be able to see the entire course while judging, organizers may position spotters to observe and record course violations to be submitted to an event official for final scoring and spotters will also serve as observers for safety during this class. Spotters should be able to communicate with an event official during the class.

This rule change was added primarily to add an element of safety.

Pleasure Driving New Appendix CP-1: Table of officials required for Pleasure events Pleasure Driving Officials Requirements Pleasure Driving Judge Technical Delegate Pleasure Show "r" or "R" PDJ is required. "R" PDJ who is also licensed as "R" PD TD may serve in both capacities at the same show if that show offers no more than 15 classes with no more than 2 obstacle courses. "r" or "R" PD TD is required. "R" PDJ who is also licensed as "R" PD TD may serve in both capacities at the same show if that show offers no more than 15 classes with no more than 2 obstacle courses. All Classes "r" and "R" PDJ may officiate alone "r" and "R" PD TD may officiate alone Sleigh Rally Judge recommended, not required TD recommended, not required Continuous Drive PDJ or CDJ is required PD TD or CD TD is required for 30+ entries Obstacles PDJ or CDJ; PD TD or CD TD who is NOT the event TD may judge obstacles; Technically qualified horseman may judge obstacle for events with fewer than 30 entries.

New StuffAthlete.” Throughout the world of equine competition now, the

rider/vaulter/driver is referred to as the “athlete.” Many of us consider the horse to be the true athlete, and it’s hard for us to think of ourselves that way. Here at the ADS, we’ve decided that for now we prefer to stay “drivers,” or “competitors,” so we’ve annotated the Combined Driving section of the Rulebook that way.

Drivers May Compete TwiceDrivers and grooms may participate more than once in a competition unless it has been stipulated otherwise in an event’s Omnibus or prize list. It is not required that a second “go” be hors concours. (HC)

New Dressage Scoring

Half Marks may be given inDressage

Groom Down

When a groom goes down inside a Marathon obstacle, he may rejoin the turnout just outside the obstacle. (The “groom-down” penalty still applies.)

ADS AdvancedFor full CDEs there is a new

division in town. We now have “ADS Advanced.” It’s a hybrid that consists of FEI-Advanced Dressage and Obstacle / Cones (FEI rules, Dressage tests, vehicle requirements, speeds) and ADS Intermediate Marathon (ADS rules, Marathon speeds and obstacles with five gates.) Note that VSEs are included in ADS Advanced., and speeds and clearances have been established for them.

Walk Section (D)

Around the world, Combined Driving has a new format at upper levels. This is for the full CDEs. At the national and international level, the “walk section (D)” on Marathon has been changed to “Transfer,” and required speeds and penalties removed. At this time, the ADS has decided not to adopt those changes, and we’ll proceed with the three-section Marathon with which you are familiar.

Clarifications The new ADS-Advanced notwithstanding, traditional Driving Trials and

Arena Trials may still run all divisions including Advanced with six gates in Marathon obstacles as always.

At an event that hosts USEF and ADS competitions together at the same event, ADS rules govern ADS divisions. As a sidelight, you might want to know that we send out a handy list of ADS rule differences as an aid to the officials of those events.

Grooms are still optional for ADS single turnouts while on competition grounds EXCEPT: large ponies and horses on Marathon (See preceding note about ADS and USEF competitions held at the same event.. Also please note that this does not change groom requirements for juniors. ADS-Advanced requires grooms per FEI requirements.)

In Combined Driving Dressage, at least two judges are required for Prelim and Intermediate divisions; Training may have one or more.

VSEs and Small Ponies may compete in all pony classes. If they go in combined classes for placings, the VSEs and ponies still go at speeds stipulated by their sizes.

General Regulations8.2 b - References clarified

12.1 and .2 - Further clarifies groom requirements for single turnouts

New Appendix GR-2: Table of officials required for different events

CompetitionCompetition GuidelinesParts I and II: Clarifications and updates Competition Officials 132 - 135 – Clarifications and updates138.2 and .7 - Further clarifies that any

complaint against an official must be sent to the ADS office where it is kept on file.

Combined DrivingGlobal change: In Combined Driving section only: the FEI term

“athlete” equates with ADS term “driver” or “competitor.”Preamble, Articles 901.12 and 904.3.4 - Several articles moved to

other areas in the section for clarity; references updated900 - Address change for FEI901 - Penalties for contravening any rules for harness and carriage:

second offenses at same event may entail elimination or disqualification.

904.5 - Clarification of term “Combined Test”904.5.1- Does away with five-section marathons905.15 - Introduces new division: ADS Advanced 906.1 - Clarification: Minimum of two judges are required for each

Dressage arena, except Training, which may have just one906.3.1 - Clarification: ADS rules apply to ADS events, USEF rules

apply to USEF events

Combined Driving (Cont)914.2.2 - Clarification: VSEs and Small Ponies may compete in all

pony classes. They go at speeds stipulated by size regardless of combining of classes.

917.2.7 – Competitors and grooms may participate more than once unless otherwise stated in the Omnibus/prize list. See Art 940.1.

917.2.9 - Clarification: Grooms are optional for all single turnouts except for horses and large ponies while competing in Marathon. Note specific rules for juniors. ADS-Advanced turnouts require grooms per FEI rules.

918 - Tables added to clarify paces and speeds on Marathon, including new ADS-Advanced division

918 - Tables added to clarify vehicle weights, dimensions, groom requirements in each CDE competition

918.2 - Clarification: Lamps are not required in Dressage and Cones in Training, Prelim, or Intermediate. ADS-Advanced follows FEI rules.

Combined Driving (Cont)919 - references to moved articles.924.2 - First Inspection vet check: no change for ADS931.1 – Clarification of Dressage tests:

ADS-Advanced uses FEI Dressage tests in CDEs Training, Prelim, Intermediate use ADS tests. Arena Driving Trials use ADS ADT tests for T, P, I; and ADS-Advanced may use ADS ADT Advanced tests.

936.1 – Half-marks may be awarded in dressage scoring.940.1.1 - Drivers and grooms may compete with more than

one entry unless stated otherwise in the Omnibus/Prize List.941.1 - New tables to clarify distances, paces, and speeds on

marathon. Advanced division now has “Transfer Section,” whereas ADS events have retained “Section D.” Actual distance and time allowed to be confirmed by TD. Times and penalties

Combined Driving (Cont)942.5.2 – The number of dislodgeable elements in an ADS

marathon obstacle is not limited to 24, as it is with FEI.945.2.2 - Clarification of proper course using Compulsory

Turning Flags on Marathon. Return to pick up a missed CTF only allowed if next course element has not been driven.

945.4 – Incorrect pace penalties clarified. At ADS events, an intentional break of pace is still penalized by elimination, even on Section D.

946.3.2 - Clarification that a groom down in a marathon obstacle can rejoin the carriage outside the obstacle.

952.1.6, 956.8.5 and Appendix F - Clarification of speeds and clearances for VSEs at ADS-Advanced

952.5.1 - In Obstacle-Cones – clarification that the entire turnout must pass between the markers

953 - Removes redundant table

Combined Driving (Cont)956.7.6 and .8.6 - In Obstacle-Cones – clarification

of penalties For multiple obstacles: If part of an obstacle is knocked

down, the driver may continue unless the bell rings for a rebuild. (I assume the time stops when the whistle is blown.) The driver waits until the element is rebuilt and begins the obstacle again from Gate A. Time starts when the nose of the first horse passes Gate A.

In a drive-off, the penalty for exceeding time allowed: total time multiplied by 0.5, figured to 1/100th of a second

958.1.2 and .3 - In a drive-off, Cones clearance is reduced by maximum of 10 cm., driven in same order as initial round.

Combined Driving (Cont)Appendices A and B: In Arena Trials and

Driving Trials (ADS events), there may be up to six obstacle gates in Marathon obstacles

Revised Appendix E – Quick Reference Guide for CDEs – Adds ADS-Advanced and clarifies references

Several FEI Annexes removed, those remaining are renumbered

In Conclusion As our sport continues to evolve worldwide, so do the rules. We do our best to

minimize rule changes so that we don’t drive ourselves nuts, but we do keep pace with the growth of the sport. It is our sport, and we love it.