HRNSW - Whip Rules

HARNESS Racing New South Wales Stewards would like to remind all industry stakeholders that the updated Whip Rules will take effect on Saturday September 1, 2018.

To assist drivers understand how the new Australian Whip Rules will be regulated in NSW, HRNSW Stewards have produced a guide of the interpretation.

In addition, HRNSW Stewards have provided the following video link, displaying a number of drivers that are applying the whip in a manner that is considered compliant under the new Rules: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBifU4PRnac

NEW RULES  

AHRR 156(2)

A driver shall only apply the whip in a flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder.

Stewards Guide – AHRR 156(2):

• When applying the whip, a driver must have a rein in each hand;

• If the driver’s whip hand is not pointed in a forward position, the action will be considered in breach of AHRR 156(2);

• At no stage can a driver’s shoulder can be engaged whilst applying the whip. No force can be generated from the shoulder;

• The whip must only be used in a flicking motion. HRNSW Stewards will use their discretion regarding a flicking motion against what would be considered a hitting motion.

AHRR 156(3)

A driver shall not use a whip in an unapproved manner.

AHRR 156 (4) 

For the purposes of sub-rule (3) a driver shall be deemed to have used the whip in an unapproved manner in the following circumstances which are not exclusive:

1. If the whip is applied excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.

Stewards Guide – AHRR 156(4)(a):

• Term excessively, continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond will take their common meaning;

• Although no limit is set within NSW, HRNSW Stewards will use discretion when determining this Rule;

• It is considered that rapid use of the whip for a short or long period would be considered unapproved;

• A clear break when applying the whip must be displayed.

(b)  If the whip is applied when the horse:

      (i)  is not visibly responding;

      (ii)  is not in contention;

      (ii)  cannot maintain or improve its position;

      (iv)   is clearly winning;

      (v)  has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.

(c)  If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time.

Stewards Guide – AHRR 156(4)(c)

• Loose reining is considered to occur, but not exclusive, when the reins act in a whipping motion, or the reins appear loose, slack or floppy;

• This is regardless if the whip is being used at the same time.

(5)  A driver shall not use the whip in a manner which causes injury to a horse.

(6)  A whip shall not be used so as to obstruct, strike or endanger another driver or horse.

(7)  A driver shall not allow a whip to project outside the sulky.

Stewards Guide – AHRR 156(7)

• This refers to the positioning of the whip regardless if it is being used or not;

• The whip should be positioned within the confines of the sulky and not in a position to obstruct or danger another horse or driver;

• The use of the whip to strike the wheel disk or in a side action would be considered outside the sulky.

(8)  A person who fails to comply with any provision of this Rule is guilty of an offence.

156A.  The approved whip is a flexible whip of black or dark tan colour with a core of fibreglass with a handle base and shaft and either a leather keeper to a maximum of 60 millimetres in length and 20 millimetres in width or a non-rigid tip amounting to a maximum overall length of 1600 millimetres.

156B. (1)  A person shall not instruct or offer an inducement to a driver to use a whip in a manner contrary to the provisions of Rule 156.

(2)  A person who fails to comply with sub-rule (1) is guilty of an offence

The use of the whip irrespective of whether the whip is striking the dust/splash sheet or sulky shaft, does not provide justification and action under the Rules will still occur.

PENALTY GUIDELINES

For the purpose of penalty only, all drivers as from September 1, 2018, will have their offence record for the purpose of whip use only, reset to determine the starting point for an offence under these Rules.

The current penalty structure as outlined in the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines will remain.

It is also determined that the reset period of 60 drives or a period of 60 days, whichever occurs first, will also remain.

To afford drivers appropriate time to adjust their action and comply with the new Whip Rules, a first offence in the month of September will result in a Reprimand being imposed.

Any further offences during the month of September will activate the HRNSW Penalty Guidelines as displayed below.

Notwithstanding the above, any breach of the Whip Rules which is considered deliberate, egregious or displays a win at all cost attitude would result in higher penalties being imposed.

An Offence as mentioned in the above table shall include all offences occurring in breach of Rules 156(2) and (3) in total.

In instances where a driver is found to have breached the Whip Rules on more than eight occasions in any 12 month period, HRNSW may require the driver to show cause as to why they remain licensed by the Controlling Body.

In the event a driver is required to show cause, the Controlling Body may direct that the driver not be permitted to drive pending the said driver responding to such notice.

Until September 1, 2018, HRNSW Stewards will monitor the use of the whip and provide feedback to participants who may be in breach of the new Whip Rules. 

All drivers are encouraged to contact the HRNSW Integrity Department and seek further clarification if unsure on any aspects of the new whip Rules or policing within NSW.

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State.  HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.

To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:

MICHAEL PRENTICE | INTEGRITY MANAGER

(02) 9722 6600 •  mprentice@hrnsw.com.au

GRANT ADAMS | CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS

(02) 9722 6600 •  gadams@hrnsw.com.au