LSHA 2008 Rule Book
INTERPRETATION
1. The
Lake States Horseman’s Association (LSHA) reserves the final and absolute
right to interpret all rules and regulations, arbitrarily settle and determine
all matters, questions and differences in regard to or arising out of or
connected with this Show, and the right to amend or to add to these rules as it
determines is necessary. An exhibitor who violates any of the rules will forfeit
all privileges and premiums and will be subject to such penalty as the Show
Committee may order.
LIABILITY
2. All exhibitors will be
under the control and direction of the Show Committee, but LSHA or its officers,
directors, agents, or employees or the City of Adrian or its officers,
directors, agents or employees will in no case be responsible for any loss,
injury or damage that may occur. Each exhibitor will be solely responsible for
any loss, injury or damage that may occur to him or his officers, agents,
employees, or animals during the event. The exhibitor shall indemnify the Show
against any and all legal proceedings in regard to the above and against damage
or injury to any other person or property, caused by the exhibitor, his
officers, agents, employees, or animals.
GENERAL
RULES
3. Junior
horse is a horse 5 years and younger, senior horse is a horse that is 6 years
and older.
4. Bits
and other equipment will be checked at the judge’s discretion.
5.
LSHA rules take precedent, then Michigan 4-H rules, and finally NSBA rules.
6.
No refunds given for any reason.
7.
LSHA reserves the right to ask for proof of age on any exhibitor or horse.
8.
Decisions of Judges and Show Committee are final. When fraud, misrepresentation,
error or collusion is discovered, the Show Committee or appointed referee may
change final placement.
9.
The show committee reserves the right to cancel, split, or combine any classes.
10.
Stallions: Are allowed, but must be handled at ALL times by an adult over the
age of 20 and never by a youth or Novice.
11.
The primary responsibility for the safety of all exhibitors rests with the
exhibitor and his\her parent or appointed guardian.
12.
All other children in attendance should be supervised by parent or appointed
guardian at all times.
13.
Unruly animals will be asked to be taken off the premises for the safety of
others.
14.
LSHA Show Bill and Rules are subject to change without notice.
FACILITY
RULES
15.
Exhibitors must comply with all rules, regulations and policies of the Lenawee
County Fair Board as published. Anyone not abiding by the camping or
facility rules will be asked to leave.
16. All
dogs must be kept on a leash with an adult handler at all times or kept in a
stall, kennel, or your trailer. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $50.
17.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the Lenawee County Fairgrounds.
ENTRIES
18.
Competition is open, except in Divisions where otherwise stated.
19.
Entries must be made on the current LSHA entry forms. (Photocopied forms are
accepted) See specific Show information for entry deadlines.
20.
Checks for entry fees are to be made payable to Lake States Horseman’s
Association or LSHA.
21.
The management is not responsible for errors made on entry forms.
22.
Exhibitors must ascertain when their entries will be shown. Exhibitors and
horses must be in the ring promptly after being called. Exhibitors failing to
comply with this rule may have their entry excluded from competition. No
exhibitor will be allowed in the ring once the gate is closed.
23. If an
exhibitor chooses not to show in a class, he/she must complete a drop slip to
notify the Entry Booth three classes prior or you will be charged for the class.
24.
Entries will be closed three classes prior. Classes 1 & 2 close 10 minutes
prior to the start of the show. Any exhibitor showing in a class he or she is
not signed up for via original entry or add slip will be charged twice the class
fee (i.e. $12 for regular classes & $20 for sweepstakes classes). Failure to
pay this fee will result in the loss of all points & premiums for the
current weekend.
25.
A tack change must be requested three classes prior and a maximum of three
minutes will be given.
26. Rider’s age is determined as of January 1, 2008.
27.
Leadline riders are not eligible for any other classes. A 2008 membership is required to
accumulate year end points.
28.
Walk/Trot Riders are not eligible to show in any 3-gaited classes. If rider
chooses to exhibit in a 3-gaited class in any competition, past or present, that
rider is no longer eligible to ride in LSHA Walk/Trot classes and earned points
will be forfeited. This rule does not pertain to class #15 & 36 Open Walk Trot
Sweepstakes.
29.
Novice Rider Classes are open to anyone in their first THREE years of
competing in any 3-gaited event. If competing in Novice classes as well as
another division, you are eligible to earn points toward the Novice division
ONLY. Novice riders are prohibited from handling or exhibiting stallions at any
time. Novice riders may show in Halter. Novice riders may not show in
Sweepstakes, Junior Horse, Bareback, or Walk Trot classes. If it is found to be
true that a novice exhibitor is not within their first three years of competing
in a 3-gaited event, they shall no longer be eligible to compete in the Novice
division and earned points will be forfeited.
30.
Trail: Each Rider\Horse combination may only enter the Trail class once for the
Judge's scoring. Any exhibitor or horse on the trail course before the judge's
scoring will be considered schooling and horse/rider shall forfeit any/all
placings for Trail for that day. Coaching of trail exhibitors is prohibited and
will result in disqualification.
CHECKS
AND SERVICE FEES
31.
Returned checks must be replaced with cash or certified funds and include all
fees incurred by LSHA and a $25 service fee.
32.
A late fee of 1% per month will be charged on all accounts not paid within 30
days.
33. Any
exhibitor with an outstanding balance will not be permitted to show at a LSHA
event until their account is paid in full via cash or a certified check. All
points earned will be forfeited until account is paid in full.
34. LSHA
will not accept personal checks from any party who has had multiple returned
checks.
CONDUCT
35. An
exhibitor who attempts to interfere with or influence judges in any way or
publicly expresses disapproval of judges’ decisions in the arena or on the
grounds, will be guilty of conduct unbecoming an exhibitor. The exhibitor may
forfeit all premiums and points and be excluded from further competition. Please
see Sportsmanship and Code of Conduct portion of Rule Book.
COMPLAINTS
36. All
complaints must be expressed to the current President of LSHA.
PHOTOGRAPHS
37. LSHA
reserves the right to use any and all photographs and films taken during the
event for publicity purposes.
STALLS
AND BEDDING
38.
Stalls are available on a first come first served basis, to be reserved using a
stall reservation form. Stall fees are $25 per stall for one day or $40 for the
weekend.
39.
Charges for tack stalls will NOT be split between different exhibitors.
40.
A grounds fee of $5 per horse is required for horses not using a stall.
41.
If you reserve a stall you will pay for the stall, unless your reservation is
cancelled by 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the show weekend.
42.
Shavings will be available for purchase on the grounds from Friday through
Sunday.
43.
A $10 yearly stall reservation fee will hold your stall location for the 2008
season. Weekend rental fees still apply.
44. All
exhibitors must report to the show booth to check in upon arrival. There you
will receive a stall assignment and/or camping permit. Camping permits must be
on display at all times.
45. Motor home and trailer
parking is available on the grounds. Arrangements must be made directly with
Marlean Leach
on site.
46. No
vehicles are allowed on the grounds prior to 3:00 p.m. Friday of the show
weekend. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a $15 charge.
47. No
piggybacking electricity is allowed.
MEMBERSHIP
48.
Individual Membership and each additional paid immediate family membership
(immediate family consists of spouse, dependent children 17 & under) would
be eligible for benefits.
49.
All family members must be included on membership form at the time of
membership.
50.
LSHA membership forms are available on line at www.lakestatesha.com,
during shows at entry booth or by mail.
Contact Becky Hardy at (517) 605-3466.
51.
One year LSHA membership costs $25 ($20 prior to March 1st) for an
individual and $5 for each additional immediate family member.
52.
Membership benefits include eligibility of $85 Weekend Blanket Fee (includes 1
stall, 2 all day ride fees), $30
ride all day fee, weekend high point and year end awards.
AWARDS
53.
Year end awards are at the discretion of the board.
54.
Exhibitors must be a paid 2008 LSHA member in good standing to qualify for Year
End Awards.
55.Weekend
High Point points will not accrue until current years membership fee or daily nomination
fee is paid.
56. Weekend High Point Awards are based on one horse one rider combination.
57.
Weekend High Point awards will be given in the following divisions: Leadline, Novice,
Walk/Trot 12 & Under, 12 & Under, 13 - 15, 16 -
18, 19 - 39, and 40 & Over.
FEES
$30
Ride all day fee – One horse / one rider / one division (excludes
sweepstakes, JR, & SR)
$6
Regular class entry fee
$10
Sweepstakes entry fee
$3
Office fee – per horse and rider combination
$5
Trailer in fee – required for all unstalled horses
$10 Non-member
weekend high point nomination fee
$20
Camping per night includes electric hookup
$20
Daily Hook Up (rigs that are not camping and plug in along fence or
barns)
“Sportsmanship” is a set
of behaviors to be exhibited by participants and spectators in equine
competition. These behaviors are based on values, including respect, civility,
fairness, honesty, and responsibility. “Ethical conduct” is a set of guiding
principles with which each person follows the letter and spirit of the rules.
Such conduct reflects a higher standard than law because it includes, among
other principles, fundamental values that define sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike
conduct will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct will be defined as, but
not limited to, any action of disrespect, misrepresentation, deceit, or fraud
directed to judges, show management, LSHA, LSHA staff and volunteers,
exhibitors, and spectators. The LSHA Sportsmanship Committee will handle
violators.
1)
All exhibitors and spectators are required to conduct all relations with
other exhibitors and spectators in a spirit of good sportsmanship. Acts that are
prima facie evidence of failure to abide by this rule are those noted below and
others of similar nature, which violate the accepted code of good sportsmanship.
2)
The penalty for a violation by an exhibitor, spectator, or
parent/guardian may involve ejection during the current and all future events
held by LSHA.
3)
It shall be the responsibility of the exhibitor, spectator, or
parent/guardian to follow the directions provided in the Code of Sportsmanship
and Ethical Conduct.
4)
LSHA shall:
a.
Insist upon implicit compliance with all rules and regulations of the
Lake States Horseman’s Association (LSHA)
b.
Secure approved judges for all contests
c.
Encourage all to judge the success of events by the attitude of the
participants instead of the placings
d.
Insist that exhibitors, spectators, and parents/guardians exemplify the
highest standards of good sportsmanship
5)
Parents and Guardians shall
a.
Demonstrate high ideals, good habits, and desirable attitudes in personal
behavior and demand the same of the exhibitors and spectators
b.
Recognize that the purpose of competition is to promote the physical,
mental, social, and emotional well-being of the exhibitors and that the most
important values of competitions are derived from exhibiting fairness
c.
Maintain self control at all times, accepting adverse decisions without
public display of emotion or of dissatisfaction with the judge
d.
Pay close attention to the physical condition and well-being of the
exhibitors and their horses refusing to jeopardize the health of an individual
for the sake of winning
e.
Teach exhibitors that it is better to lose fairly than to win unfairly
f.
Prohibit profanity, abusive language, and similar violations of good
sportsmanship
g.
Refuse to disparage a competitor, judge, or others associated with the
Lake States event and discourage gossip and questionable rumors concerning them
h.
Properly supervise children under his or her immediate care
i.
Recognize the good sportsmanship is more important than victory by
approving and applauding good behavior, outstanding examples of good
sportsmanship, and fairness exhibited by any participant
j.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the judge, Executive Officers, and
Board of Directors and accept their decisions
6)
Exhibitors shall
a.
Be a modest in victory and gracious in defeat
b.
Be courteous to other participants
c.
Understand and observe the rules set forth by the LSHA Board of Directors
d.
Respect the integrity and judgment of the judge, Executive Officers, and
Board of Directors and accept their decisions
7)
The Judge shall
a.
Know the association rules thoroughly and give intelligent
interpretations
b.
Work cooperatively with show administrators
c.
Refrain from exhibiting emotions or arguing with participants and or
parents/guardians. Maintain self control at all times
d.
Be fair, impartial, and professional
e.
Be neat and dress in the appropriate attire
8)
Insofar as unsportsmanlike actions by exhibitors, spectators, and or
parents/guardians are concerned, the identical items under the Sportsmanship
Rule along with the following guides will be referred to by LSHA
a.
Anyone who behaves in a manner likely to have an adverse influence on the
attitudes of participants or spectators may be subject to disciplinary action,
fines, removal from the LSHA event without refund, and or a suspension from
further LSHA events
b.
Anyone who in protest lays hands or attempts to lay hands upon a judge,
show administrator, LSHA participant, or spectator will be subject to
disciplinary action, fines, removal from the LSHA event without refund, and or a
suspension from further LSHA events
c.
If a suspension cannot be enforced during the current calendar year, it
will be carried over to the following year
d.
A participant, administrator, or spectator may be considered as
committing unsportsmanlike conduct if he/she makes degrading remarks about the
judge, fellow participants, or show administers during the LSHA event. If an
exhibitor feels he or she has a legitimate criticism of the judge’s decision
or a request for a rule interpretation, it should be made in the privacy of the
show booth in a courteous manner.
9)
Procedure.
Unsportsmanlike action must be reported in detail to the LSHA Sportsmanship
Committee. Upon receipt of the complaint the Committee shall investigate and
adjudicate such reports. Penalties up to and including suspension may be made
according to severity of action.
10)
The following defines the different types of disciplinary action which
may be assessed for violation of the Sportsmanship Rule:
a.
Warning.
The Committee may give a warning. It is official notice that an inexcusable,
unethical, or unsportsmanlike action has occurred, is a matter of record, and
that such an occurrence must not be repeated
b.
Probation:
Probation is a much more severe type of warning and may be expressed by
expressing to the person on probation that further violations will lead to a
fine or suspension
c.
Suspension:
Anyone suspended from LSHA events may not attend any function of any kind held
by LSHA
d.
Fine:
the Committee may levy a fine. It may be levied in addition to a warning,
probation, or suspension
Appeals:
All cases involving disciplinary action against participants, spectators,
parents/guardians, and or show administrators may be protested. To protest the
disciplinary action please contact the LSHA President to have your issue
discussed at the next LSHA Board Meeting.
Lake
States Code of Conduct
Exhibitor
I recognize that being a member of Lake States Horseman’s Association carries with it responsibilities and rewards, and that as a member of the association, I must not only embrace those responsibilities, but also conduct myself both in and out of the show arena in a way that exhibits respect for myself and others. I therefore resolve to conduct myself with dignity as an exhibitor and as a member of the association, recognizing and accepting that I
Parent or Guardian
I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating equine activities at Lake States events.
I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all exhibitors, parents, and judge’s at every Lake States event.
I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will insist that my child exhibit in a safe environment.
I will do my very best to make the show fun for my child.
I will ask my child to treat other exhibitors, judges, spectators, and volunteers with respect