Tasmanian New Whip Rule Penalty Guidelines

HARNESS INDUSTRY NOTICE

NEW WHIP RULE PENALTY GUIDELINES

Following discussion with the Harness Advisory Group it has been determined that the Penalty Guidelines for whip offences will remain unchanged with the introduction of the new whip rules effective 1 May 2016.

The new rules are as follows:

156.      (1)        (a)        A driver shall only use a whip of a design and specification approved by the Controlling Body.

                        (b)        A whip, once approved –

1. Shall not be modified in any manner;
2. Shall be maintained in a satisfactory condition;

(c)        A whip that does not comply with sub-paragraph (b) may be confiscated by the Stewards.

            (2)        A driver shall hold a rein in each hand at all times unless he or she is adjusting approved gear.

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

            (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 tip of the whip is drawn back further than the driver’s shoulder.
2. If the whip hand is drawn back further than or above the driver’s shoulder.
3. If the whip action involves more than a wrist and elbow action.
4. If the reins are lengthened so as to result in loose reining regardless of whether the whip is being used at the same time.
5. If the whip is used other than in a flicking motion.
6. If the whip is applied continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond.
7. If the whip is applied when the horse:-
   1. Is not visibly responding;
   2. Is not in contention;
   3. Cannot maintain or improve its position;
   4. Is clearly winning;
   5. Has passed the winning post at the finish of a race.

(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.

(8)        A whip shall not be used in a prodding or jabbing motion.

(9)        A driver shall not be in possession of a whip that has not been approved by the Controlling Body.

(10)      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 amount 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.

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

PENALTY GUIDELINES are as follows:

• First Offence                        Reprimand

• Second Offence                  $200 fine

• Third Offence                      $400 fine

• Fourth or more offence    Suspension of licence to drive in races.

The reset time is three (3) months, so no offences within three (3) months means penalty reverts to a first offence.

Notwithstanding the above, severe or blatant breaches of the rule will be dealt with on their merits.

Adrian Crowther

CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS – HARNESS

15 April 2016