HANDBOOK. Revised November, Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 1 of 36

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1 HANDBOOK Revised November, 2017 Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 1 of 36

2 Table of Contents Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC... 5 Statement of Purpose... 5 By-Laws and Rules... 6 Managing Members... 6 Membership and Annual Dues... 6 Association Meetings... 6 Insurance... 7 Sportsmanship... 7 Termination... 7 Dissolution... 7 Managing Members... 8 Contact Us... 8 Competition Rules... 9 Entry Fees... 9 Order of Go... 9 Disputes... 9 Timing External Signaling Gate Keeper Score Sheets Announcement of Winners Judges Sponsors Show Secretary Duties Divisions Youth Schooling Open Quad Adult Jackpot Compulsory Rodeo H Posse Qualifiers Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 2 of 36

3 Hosting Coggins Paperwork Abuse Helmets Courtesy Lap Safety Concerns Music General Rules Stallions Costuming Awards State Championships Qualification High Point Score Sheets Awards Flag Protocol Flag Order - (Right to Left or Front to Back) Flag Staffs Heights Flags General Information General Flag Carriage - Riders American Flag Carriage Riders The American Flag Position in Maneuvers: Penalties Exceeding Time Limit Fall of Horse/Rider Re-Grouping Quick Reference Fees / Costs Penalties Divisions JUDGING CRITERIA General Information Grooming Overall Appearance Neatness & Grooming Cleanliness of Tack Costuming Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 3 of 36

4 Unit Inspection Equitation - Unit Riding Skills Entry Rider Equitation Rider Control Maneuvers / Patterns Degree of Difficulty of Drill Moves Exit Equitation - Competency of Horse to Perform Willingness to Perform General Manners Use of Different Gaits Entertainment / Drill Moving in a Synchronized Manner Spacing Choreography Showmanship Musical Composition Application for Membership Application to Host Qualifier Hosting Team's Check Off List Arena Motel Accommodations Stall Accommodations Information Package Miscellaneous Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 4 of 36

5 Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Statement of Purpose Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC was founded on the principles of fair play, fellowship, sportsmanship and competition. The Association is dedicated to promoting the sport of drill team riding for entertainment and competition. We encourage teams to use all the equine skills they possess whether riding for entertainment or competition. Remember above all else... DRILL TEAM RIDING IS FOR FUN!!!! It is the intention of the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association to develop and bring together as many drill teams as is possible throughout the state of Florida, and to hold competitions and events throughout the year, one of which will be the State Competition for the purpose of naming an Annual State Champion. The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC rules and by-laws handbook is protected by US Copyright Laws and no part may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of the Managing Members. Possession of the handbook does not constitute permission or grant the right to duplicate or otherwise copy the material for personal or professional gain. The copyright covers all printed text within the handbook and any graphic illustrations contained within. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 5 of 36

6 By-Laws and Rules Be it here known this body shall be recognized and known as the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC. The State of Florida under the Charter Number L charters this Association. Being organized as Non-Profit organization for the purposes of promoting fellowship, good sportsmanship and fairness in competition in drill team riding. The following by-laws shall govern all those present and future members of the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC. Managing Members The Association is managed by up to three (3) managing members. The duties of these members will include, but are not limited to: Presiding over meetings, ensuring the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Association are enforced. Record and maintain minutes of all meetings. Collect dues, competition entry fees, donations and monies collected from any fund raiser and keep records of. Pay bills in a timely manner. Set up 3 qualifiers and State Championships for each year. Membership and Annual Dues Any drill team may join SSMDTA. Membership year runs from January 1 - December 31 each year. Annual dues are $100 and are due to SSMDTA by January 15th each year and are non-refundable. Dues paid after January 15th, regardless of the reason, will incur a $50 penalty. Non-member teams shall be allowed to participate in the qualifying competitions for an additional entry fee per rider. Non-members are not allowed to compete in the State Championships. Association Meetings A mandatory annual meeting will be held during the annual State Championship show. Generally, on the Saturday evening during the competition. At this meeting we will announce the dates and sites for the years competitions and other pertinent events. Two (2) members from each team are allowed to represent their team. The floor will be Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 6 of 36

7 open for discussion. At the Annual Meeting the finalized schedule and the next year s handbook will be handed out. Other meetings may be called throughout the year at the Managing Members discretion. Insurance Association insurance is due yearly. If the treasury funds permit, the Association shall pay all of the insurance fee. In the case of insufficient Association funds, the cost of the insurance will be divided among the current member teams. Sportsmanship Un-sportsmanship-like conduct will NOT be tolerated. Any member or person associated with a member team who shall conduct themselves in a manner as to disrupt or do anything calculated to disturb the harmony of the Association, shall warrant a team being reprimanded and possibly disqualified. If conduct is observed it shall be brought to the attention of the Managing Members for review. Loss of temper resulting in abuse of persons or animals will result in expulsion of team/persons involved. If more than 3 offenses are reported during a show, the team will be disqualified. Each team needs to contribute to the other team's encouragement and moral support with a positive attitude. Moments of frustration are common to all members, but a positive mental attitude should be maintained even when the going gets tough. Termination The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC reserves the right to terminate its association with any team after a full refund of one year's dues are made to that team. Provided the teams termination is during the active year and not during annual renewal and said team has not ridden in more than two qualifiers. Dissolution Upon the dissolution of SSMDTA by the Managing Members, any remaining funds in the treasury shall be divided and distributed equally among the current paid member teams. Funds may be donated to a charitable organization in place of distribution. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 7 of 36

8 Managing Members Nichole Sandeen Outsiders Drill Team W. Prestwich Drive Loxahatchee, FL (561) Valerie Stalvey Paso Espiritu Drill Team 1290 NE 120th Street Ocala, FL (352) Contact Us Follow us on FaceBook at Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 8 of 36

9 Competition Rules Entry Fees Entry fees need to be submitted to the Association at least 30 days but no later than 15 days prior to the scheduled competition. Entries not received by the due date listed on the forms shall incur a $50 late fee. Should a team need to withdraw after they have sent in their entry fee, it should be sent in writing to the Association 10 days ahead of said competition in order to receive a refund, otherwise the fee is forfeited. The entry fee for qualifying competition shall be $10 per rider for members and $15 per rider for non-members for each such event per each division team is requesting to ride in. The Jackpot classes will be $100 for rides with 6 or less riders and $150 for rides with 7+ riders. The entry fee for the State Championship Competition shall be $20 per rider for each such event per each division team is requesting to ride in. Order of Go Each competing team shall be assigned an order of go prior to the Grand Entry Parade (if Grand Entry Parade is done). The Managing Members of the Association shall assign order of go. If any special needs are required in line up, the team manager needs to notify the association prior to competition. A Captain's Meeting will be held prior to the start of the show and details will be given regarding Inspection for that day. Disputes Disputes must be put in writing and submitted to the Show Secretary who will handle the dispute per the rules or forward the dispute to a Managing Member. It shall be the duty of the Show Secretary to validate or invalidate the complaint. A $30 fee must accompany all complaints or disputes. The fee will be forfeited and monies placed into the Association's treasury if the dispute goes against the issuer. The fee shall be refunded if the issuer's complaint is upheld. The dispute/complaint must be presented Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 9 of 36

10 prior to the days competition results. If the fee and dispute are not issued to the Show Secretary in a timely fashion, the dispute will not be considered and the fee not accepted. Timing Each competing team will be allotted 15 minutes of arena time. Teams will be allowed to set up their arena markers and/or walk their horses around the arena during this time. Each team will perform a courtesy lap around the arena prior to starting their drill. During this time the Announcer will read information provided by the team. Minimum and maximum times are listed under each division. If you are under or over time, you will be assessed a 5 point penalty plus and additional penalty point for every 5 additional seconds (time will be rounded to the nearest 5). Time starts when the first horse s nose enters the designated arena and ends when the last horse s tail exits the designated arena. Show Secretary shall time each drill and will place the drill time and access any penalties on the score sheets. Any team may set up props, special effects, lighting, etc., as long as it is on the outside edge of the arena in its entirety, and will not interfere with any other team's performance, prior to the start of the event. This will NOT be included in a team's 5-minute set up and take down time. External Signaling During actual drill competition, external signaling from the sidelines will not be allowed and could result in disqualification of a team, signaling includes but is not limited to: talking to the team members, hand signals, whistles, head nods, etc. If excessive coaching from inside the arena is noticed as well, penalties can be applied. If internal or external coaching is noticed by the judges a 50 point penalty will be accessed - along with a notation of the nature of the violation. Schooling is exempt from internal coaching. Gate Keeper Each team is responsible for providing their own gatekeeper. None will be provided for by SSMDTA. Gates MUST be closed for safety reasons. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 10 of 36

11 Score Sheets Score sheets shall be handed out to team manager or designated team representative at the end of the competition. Each team will receive the original of the score sheet. The carbon copy becomes the property of SSMDTA to remain on file for a period of one year. Copies of all team's scores from each qualifying competition will be posted on the Association's Facebook page after the competition for all to view. In case of a tie for any placing, the team with the higher Equitation section score will take the higher placing. Individual professionals in the areas of Grooming, Equitation and Entertainment will judge each competition. Each judge will be responsible for judging all sections on the score sheet. The judges will be responsible for scoring all sections of the Official Scoring Sheet. They agree to do so according to the format provided for in the Judges booklet. After each performance the judges will turn their score sheets into the Show Secretary who will access any time penalties and will total each section. Once turned in, the judge cannot have the score sheet back, although the Show Secretary may bring the score sheet back to a judge if he/she has questions on what a number says or if a number is missing off the score sheet. The judge may only have 1 teams score sheet at a time. Each team is to be judged individually and not compared against each other. Any changes made on a score sheet by a judge must be initialed by that judge in ink. It is the judge's responsibility to do a final check and make sure that all changes are indeed initialed in ink. Announcement of Winners After the competition, the Show Secretary will finalize the remaining Grand Total Forms and determine the winners. All teams will gather, without horses, for the announcements. If there are any special awards (i.e., high point or judge's choice) they will be announced last. Placings for the classes will be done in the order they performed Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 11 of 36

12 that competition and will be announced in reverse order (sixth through first). The announcer will state the placing, number of points and team name. Judges Starting in 2018, judges will be hired directly by SSMDTA off of a list of qualified drill team judges. These judges are professionals and will be paid for by the Association. The judges decisions will be final and will not be reversed. If two judges are used then both judges will judge all sections of the score sheet. Both scores will be added together for the grand total. The Managing Members reserve the right at their discretion to cancel the grooming portion of the score sheet at a qualifying competition. The scoring is the Judge's opinion of the drill (their interpretation) to the rules and the team's drill. The judges may also be asked to assist with handing out the awards to the teams. Sponsors To help keep our costs and entry fees low, we are creating sponsorship opportunities. If possible, we request that each team try to provide at least one sponsor per year. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 12 of 36

13 Show Secretary Duties Make sure all teams have Coggins sheet turned in PRIOR TO COMPETITION (cannot compete if outstanding) Time each drill - time starts when first horse s nose enters the arena and end when the last horse s tail exits the arena. Track drill times and put it on the score sheets. Calculate time penalties, if any, and input on score sheet. Collect score sheets from all judges. (Make sure they use ball point pens and scores show on the yellow copies) Total all sections of the score sheets and calculate the placings for each division. Fill in the placing sheet for announcer to read at awards. Pull all white copies of score sheets for each team to be picked up at end of competition. Save all yellow copies of score sheets for the association - place in the binder in appropriate tabs. Get lunch/drink orders for all judges, announcer and show secretary, order, pay and bring to them. Pay the judges at the end of the competition. (checks in the binder) Assist in handing out awards, score sheets and music at awards ceremony. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 13 of 36

14 Divisions Youth This division is for riders under the age of 18, with 4 or more riders. Exception to this is that ONE adult rider (over the age of 18) may ride with the youth riders. This division is Walk/Trot/Canter. Youth teams may ride in any other division except Adult. Rider's age will be determined on January 1st of each year and they will remain that age for the competition year. All Youth riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding at any time during the event. Youth teams have a minimum time of six (6) minutes and a maximum time limit of eight (8) minutes of actual drill time. Schooling This division is open to all team, with any number of horses. This division is Walk/Trot only. This is the perfect opportunity to aide in working in new horses, maneuvers, costumes, etc. It allows for feedback from the judges without the pressure of the other divisions. The purpose of the schooling class is mainly for new riders and/or new horses. It can also be used for seasoned teams adding props, such as flags. Teams will have to list their reason for entering schooling on their Entry Forms. Schooling teams have a minimum time of four (4) minutes and a maximum time limit of six (6) minutes of actual drill time. Open This division allows all teams to compete against each other. There are no restrictions on age or number of horses. This division is Walk/Trot/Canter. Open teams have a minimum time of seven (7) minutes and a maximum time limit of nine (9) minutes of actual drill time. Quad This division has a maximum of four (4) riders required in order to participate within this division. This division is Walk/Trot/Canter. Quad teams have a minimum time of six (6) minutes and a maximum time limit of eight (8) minutes of actual drill time. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 14 of 36

15 Adult This division is for teams of 6 or more riders over the age of 18. At least 60% of the riders must be over the age of 18 in order to qualify for this division. Rider's age will be determined on January 1st of each year. This division is Walk/Trot/Canter. Adult teams have a minimum time of seven (7) minutes and a maximum time limit of nine (9) minutes of actual drill time. Jackpot This division is open to all teams, and will be divided into 2 divisions: Rides with 6 & under and Rides with 7+. Entry fees will be a flat fee of $100 for the 6 & Under ride and $150 for % of the entry fees will be paid back to the top 3 winning teams. The remaining 30% will be used to assist in paying for the judges for the competition. The purpose of Jackpot is to compete based on the merits of riding your drill. There will not be inspection for this division and costumes, props, etc. are not allowed. This division is Walk/Trot/Canter. Jackpot 6 & Under rides will have a minimum time of six (6) minutes and a maximum time limit of eight (8) minutes of actual drill time. Jackpot 7+ rides will have a minimum time of seven (7) minutes and a maximum time limit of nine (9) minutes of actual drill time. Compulsory This division is open to all teams with any number of riders. A pre-written drill will be provided to all the teams and will be used for an entire show year. This division is Walk/ Trot/Canter. There will NOT be inspection for this division. Teams will be judged on the execution of each move and this division will have a separate score sheet. There are no time restrictions for this division. Rodeo This division is open to all teams with any number of riders. This division is Canter only. This division is for teams that want to showcase speed. There will be inspection during costume competitions. Rodeo teams have a minimum time of four (4) minutes and a maximum time limit of six (6) minutes of actual drill time. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 15 of 36

16 4-H This division is for 4-H Drill Teams. Rules will follow current 4-H Drill Team criteria. Teams must be current 4-H members in order to compete in this division. Posse This division is for current Sheriff Mounted Posse Drill Teams. Rules will follow current Mounted Posse guidelines. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 16 of 36

17 Qualifiers Hosting Prior to the annual meeting held at the State Championships, the Managing Members will request that teams who have volunteered to host that year's events provided all details on the Host a Qualifier form. This will allow the entire season to be announced during the Annual Meeting and everyone will receive the same information at the same time. The Managing Members stand ready to extend assistance at any time to a hosting team, should the need arise, however, it is the hosting team's responsibility to secure an arena suitable for competition and to promote the competition in their area. It will also be necessary for the hosting team to procure stalling facilities and hotel information should either of these be necessary. A hosting team should make every effort to make the event it hosts a pleasurable experience for all involved. Remember, it is an opportunity to showcase your area and your club's activities. Coggins Paperwork Each team must maintain a current negative coggins on all horses brought into SSMDTA competition or event. Proper documentation must accompany each horse i.e., current state coggins papers. IT WILL BE EACH TEAM MANAGER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO: Make sure all riders on their team maintain current negative coggins on all horses accompanying their team to any SSMDTA sponsored competition or event. To provide SSMDTA with proper documentation of same prior to each event, i.e., SSMDTA Coggins/Release Chart. This documentation should be on file with the Association prior to the start of the scheduled event. Any team not providing SSMDTA with a properly completed Coggins/Release chart prior to the event will not be allowed to compete at that event. Random Coggins checks may occur at any given competition or event. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 17 of 36

18 Abuse Excessive abuse of animals may be grounds for dismissal from the event. A repeat offense by the same individual will result in expulsion. Anyone witnessing an act of abuse should report it to a Managing Member or the Show Secretary. The team and individual will be spoken to. If 3 offenses are noted at a show, that team or individual will be disqualified from the show. Helmets Safety helmets are not required and may be used at the discretion of the teams. Teams will NOT be penalized if they choose to wear safety helmets. Safety is a main concern and helmets are encouraged. Per Florida law, any rider under the age of 16 must wear a helmet while riding at any time. Courtesy Lap Before each team starts a drill, you will make a courtesy lap around the arena. During that time the Announcer will read a short introduction about your team or a description of your theme. Please submit these introductions when you send in your entries. They can also be ed to SSMDTA@hotmail.com. Safety Concerns If there is a costume malfunction (for safety) in that a team is losing a leg wrap or other safety issue, the Managing Members or Show Secretary may stop the drill with NO penalties to the team. The team manager can also have the drill stopped by notifying the Managing Members or Show Secretary and NO penalties will be deducted. If a team's music stops or glitches due to an issue with the sound system ONLY, the team may restart with NO penalties. With the exception of a rider fall, the drill can only be stopped by the Team s Coach. Otherwise, music should continue playing throughout. Music Music must be brought on CD to the sound person no later than the Captain s Meeting. Music not brought up on time will result in a 10 point penalty for each class music is Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 18 of 36

19 missing for. Music must be clearly marked with the team's name and division before leaving at the sound booth. Association is not responsible if the wrong music is played during a division due to failure of clearly marked tape or CD. If incorrect music is played, teams should not start their drill, but notify the Show Secretary or Announcer to have the correct music played. Please provide a typed copy of the Introduction for each drill to be read during the Courtesy Lap. This can be sent in with entries, ed to SSMDTA@hotmail.com or turned in with your music by the Captain s Meeting. One member is responsible for giving a thumbs up or cue of some kind when the music is to be started for their drill. Announcer needs some sort of a cue so that he knows when to start the music or if the music is too loud or not loud enough. General Rules A drill may be anything your team is capable of doing. You are only limited by the imagination of your team. In the interest of safety and fair play, the use of firearms or any explosive device is NOT allowed to be utilized in anyone's drill. Please use tack stalls and do not block aisle ways at events. SSMDTA will provide a Show Secretary for each competition. Stallions A team may ride with a stallion but for the safety of other riders, teams and equines, the stallion is to be ridden and handled only by an adult, over the age of 21, who is experienced and knowledgeable in handling of a stallion. Costuming Qualifying competitions are matching T-Shirts. Baseball caps and visors are allowed. No costumes, frou-frous, glitter, flags or props. This excludes the State Fair competition. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 19 of 36

20 Awards Physical items such as buckets, grooming supplies, etc., will be awarded to each team member in lieu of ribbons. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 20 of 36

21 State Championships Qualification In order for a team to qualify for the State Championship, they need to compete in at least two out of the three qualifying competitions. The teams must also compete in the same class at 2 qualifiers in order to compete in that class at the State Championships. Teams are encouraged to attend all 3 qualifiers and will be ranked by a cumulative point system throughout the show year, culminating in a High Point Award per division at the State Championships. A first year team accepted into the Association after the qualifying competitions will not be able to compete for the title of State Champions. Teams will be allowed to come and be judged in their divisions but will be placed below qualified teams. Thereafter, the team will be obligated to meet the same qualifications as another association member. High Point Points will be tallied for each team in each division they compete in at qualifiers and State Championships. These tallies will be published on the Association s Facebook page after each qualifier. The highest scoring team will be awarded the High Point award for that division. Teams are encouraged to attend all 3 qualifiers in order to secure that top spot in the rankings. Score Sheets At the end of the first day of the Championships, the Show Secretary will seal the score sheets in the envelopes provided by SSMDTA and hand them over to a Managing Member, without a team in the competition, who will keep them overnight and bring them to the following day's competition. If both Managing Members are competing, the Show Secretary will keep the score sheets overnight. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 21 of 36

22 Awards At the State Championships, a trophy, plaque or similar award will be presented to the first place team in each division. Physical items such as buckets, grooming supplies, etc., will be awarded to each team member in lieu of ribbons. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 22 of 36

23 Flag Protocol Flag Order - (Right to Left or Front to Back) 1. American Flag 2. State flag 3. Armed Forces flags (in order below) a. Army b. Marines c. Navy d. Air Force e. Coast Guard 4. City flag (only if State flag is used) 5. Team flag 6. Sponsor flag Flag Staffs Heights Normally flags should fly above a rider s head about 6 to not block their view. Therefore, as a guide, if you want to carry a 4 x 6 flag, you will need a 10 pole (4+6=10). A 3 x 5 flag needs an 8 pole,etc. This calculation may not always work for taller riders. For a uniform look, flag poles may be cut (adjusted), or flag boots may be positioned in a manner so all flags on a team appear to be the same height. Flags General Information No flags on the team should be higher or larger than the American Flag. A small sticker on a flag pole can mark where riders need to hold the pole to keep flags facing forward. The lighter a flag is, the easier it is to handle. No flag should leave the arena before the American Flag. General Flag Carriage - Riders Riders carry flags on their right in a steady manner with shafts and/or poles perpendicular to the ground (regardless of the drill speed...no leaning forward, backward or outward). Elbows should be bent in a right angle and held close to the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 23 of 36

24 body. Flags need to be kept free-flying and not allowed to wrap around poles. All flags (except the American Flag) should be dipped in honor of the American Flag, the National Anthem, or the Pledge of Allegiance of the American Flag. Flags are dipped by fully extending the right arm forward, not to the side. American Flag Carriage Riders Riders must always carry the American Flag on their right, straight upright, perpendicular to the ground. Elbows should be bent in a right angle and held close to the body. The American Flag is NEVER dipped. Regardless of the drill speed the American Flag NEVER leans forward, backward or outward. It should always be freeflying and not allowed to wrap around the shaft. The American Flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. American Flag horse/rider should have skills capable of carrying the National Flag. If an American Flag is dropped during drill, it should be rescued immediately, and placed back in its position. The American Flag Position in Maneuvers: The position of the American Flag during drill shall always be to the front or to the right of all other flags and all other riders. In a single file the American Flag shall lead all other flags and riders. In pairs, fours, eights, obliques or full team abreast, the American Flag shall be to the right and/or in front of all other flags and riders. When performing a Crack The Whip, the American Flag should be on the outside and the team should be traveling counter-clockwise. In a Chevron the American Flag should always be at the front point leading other riders. When in a Circle, the American Flag must leave the formation first and be in a leading position. In a counter-clockwise Pinwheel, American Flag(s) should be in the far outside positions. When performing a clockwise Pinwheel, American Flag(s) should be the center pivots. When performing other maneuvers remember to always place the American Flag in the front position and/or to the right of all other flags and riders. At NO time may the American Flag back up (signifies retreat) in a maneuver. On exiting an arena, no other flag may leave the arena before the American Flag; the American Flag leads the exit. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 24 of 36

25 Penalties Exceeding Time Limit The time starts when the first horse breaks the plane of the performing team's "designated" arena. (This will be determined by each team' s use of some form of markers. If a team doesn't mark their field, it may be assumed by a judge that they are using the entire arena.) The time will end when the last horse's tail leaves the team's "designated" arena. If a team goes under or over the allotted time, it shall incur a 5 point penalty for the first 5 seconds over or under plus an additional 1 point penalty for every additional 5 seconds (rounded up) that they are over or under time. Show Secretary shall time each drill and will place the drill time and access any penalties on the score sheets. Fall of Horse/Rider Shall incur a twenty (20) point deduction from team's total sore. Fall of horse/rider is defined as any fall that is due to arena conditions, horse behavior, collision between two or more horses, collision of horse or rider with gate or wall, faulty equipment, etc. This penalty will be accessed per incident. The Fall of Horse/Rider penalty includes Re- Grouping, so a Re-Grouping penalty shall not be added on top of a Fall of Horse/Rider penalty. Penalty shall be deducted from specified area on official score sheet. In the event of a fallen rider, please do not rush the arena. Please allow the coach, show staff and parent (if applicable) to access the situation. If additional assistance is needed, the coach/show staff/parent will request it. Re-Grouping Shall incur a five (5) point deduction, per incident, to be taken from the team's total score sheet. Re-grouping penalty shall be accessed when an obvious loss of direction occurs. Penalty shall be deducted from specified area on official score sheet. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 25 of 36

26 Quick Reference Fees / Costs Annual Dues - $100 (due January 15th) Late Fee for Dues received after January 15th - $50 Qualifier Entry Fee - $10/rider/class for member teams Qualifier Entry Fee - $15/rider/class for non-member teams Jackpot 6 & Under Entry Fee - $100 Jackpot 7+ Entry Fee - $150 State Championship Entry Fee - $20/rider/class Late Fee for Entry Fees - $50 Returned Check Fee - $25 Official Complaint/Dispute - $30 Penalties The following are deductions that a team may incur during a competition: Exceeding allotted drill time limit Fall of rider and/or horse Re-grouping -5 points, -1 for each additional 5 seconds -20 points - per incident -5 points - per incident If internal or external coaching is noticed by the judges a 50 point penalty will be accessed - along with a notation of the nature of the violation. Schooling is exempt from internal coaching. Music not brought up on time will result in a 10 point penalty for each class music is missing for. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 26 of 36

27 Divisions Division Min Riders Max Riders Required Gaits Min Time Max Time Youth 4 N/A W / T / C 6 minutes 8 minutes Schooling 4 N/A W / T 4 minutes 6 minutes Open 4 N/A W / T / C 7 minutes 9 minutes Quad 4 4 W / T / C 6 minutes 8 minutes Adult 6 N/A W / T / C 7 minutes 9 minutes Jackpot (6&Under) 4 6 W / T / C 6 minutes 8 minutes Jackpot (7+) 7 N/A W / T / C 7 minutes 9 minutes Compulsory 4 N/A W / T / C N/A N/A Rodeo 4 N/A C 4 minutes 6 minutes 4-H 4 N/A W / T / C pending pending Posse 4 N/A W / T / C pending pending Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 27 of 36

28 JUDGING CRITERIA General Information If there is a costume malfunction (for safety) in that a team is losing a leg wrap or other safety issue, the Managing Members or Show Secretary may stop the drill with NO penalties to the team. The team manager can also have the drill stopped by notifying the Managing Members or Show Secretary and NO penalties will be deducted. If a team's music stops or glitches due to an issue with the sound system ONLY, the team may restart with NO penalties. With the exception of a rider fall, the drill can only be stopped by the Team s Coach. Otherwise, music should continue playing throughout. Helmets are required for riders 16 and under and are encouraged for all others. No point deductions should be made for riders that choose to ride with a helmet. This will not count as a non-conformity in costuming. All items on the score sheet will be worth 20 points. Scores should be given based on the chart below: 0-4 Not executed 6-9 Executed unsatisfactorily / Did not meet expectations Executed satisfactorily / Met expectations Exceeded expectations / Wow factor Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 28 of 36

29 Grooming Overall Appearance Does the unit have overall eye appeal? Are the team colors complimentary? Does the team display overall uniformity? Neatness & Grooming Are horses clean and in healthy working order? Eyes and nostrils should be cleaned. Manes and tails should be well brushed. Well maintained hoofs. The judge may check the horses shoulder and neck area for cleanliness. For safety sake, please do not touch any other area on the horse. Cleanliness of Tack Bits should be clean. Bridles, reins, tie-downs and saddles should be clean and wellmaintained. Are the costumes neat and clean, including leg wraps, if worn? If tack is covered, the judge may ask the rider to lift the cover, so he/she can check the cleanliness of the covered tack. Costuming Are costumes pleasing to the eye? Are they clean and in good repair? Do the colors compliment each other? If a theme is chosen, do the costumes enhance the theme? Example: If a team intentionally dress a portion of their unit differently than the rest, that should not be misconstrued as non-uniformity. Helmets are required for anyone 16 and under and encouraged for others. Use of helmets shall not count as non-conformity. Unit Inspection Traditionally, parade rest has been used by calvary units as a final inspection to gauge the readiness of the unit, as a whole before actually departing for duty. Are riders sitting in the saddle properly? Does the unit stand quietly? Are the lines straight? Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 29 of 36

30 Equitation - Unit Riding Skills Entry Entry should be orderly, while setting the stage for the upcoming performance and getting the attention of the judges and the audience of the judges and the audience. Originality of entry should be taken into account. Rider Equitation Look at the group as a whole. Do the riders have proper seat for their particular riding discipline? Evaluate posture, riding abilities. Is the rider's attention focused on the unit or only on themselves? Rider Control Do the riders properly execute turns, changes of gait, in proper order with the rest of their team? Is rider able to execute commands to the horse in a proper manner? Are riders in control of their horse? Maneuvers / Patterns Were original and varied patterns used throughout the drill or the same pattern used repeatedly? Are lines straight and circles round? Degree of Difficulty of Drill Moves Many drill moves go against the horses natural instinct such as any maneuver requiring individual horses or groups of horses to come towards each other, to pass closely at an accelerated rate of speed, to turn as a unit, sandwiched between other horses. To perform with props, such as flags, to perform close order precision as a unit. These should be taken into consideration. A team that performs a more difficult drill should get more credit than a team that performs a relatively easy/simple drill. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 30 of 36

31 Exit The exit should be orderly while still continuing with the flow of the drill. Originality of exit should be considered. Equitation - Competency of Horse to Perform Willingness to Perform Does the horse consent when asked to perform various drill maneuvers, changes of gait and/or other rider commands? Did horses break gait? General Manners Do the horses stand quietly when presenting? Do any of the horses exhibit aggression toward other horses, such as biting, kicking, bucking? Ears pinned back should not be considered as aggression and should not be penalized. Use of Different Gaits Shall be judged per dictated breed. Gaited breeds should be judged per their breeds standards for gaits. Do the horses perform transitions smoothly and pick up proper gaits when asked? Required gaits for Schooling Division: Walk / Trot Required gaits for all other divisions: Walk / Trot / Canter Required gait for Rodeo Division: Canter only Lack of use of gaits or adding other gaits will lower the score on this line item. A good drill team will show the use of all gaits to show versatility. Once the gait for a maneuver is set, the horse should not break that gait. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 31 of 36

32 Entertainment / Drill Moving in a Synchronized Manner When riders receive a command, does the unit move as one? Is the cohesiveness of the unit maintained? Does the drill flow between maneuvers with a lot of positioning maneuvers? Spacing Equal spacing between horses should be maintained at all times, as unequal spacing indicates a lack of proper timing and synchronization. Choreography Choreography is the pattern of the drill. The degree of difficulty and uniqueness of maneuvers of the drill patterns should be taken into consideration. Showmanship Judge's own opinion of the drill. Was the drill entertaining? Did it have crowd appeal? Musical Composition Does the music enhance the drill? Is it edited properly without a lot of un-necessary pauses? Is music used suitable to the theme (if one is used)? Is the music suitable to the maneuvers? Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 32 of 36

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34 Application for Membership Team Name Date Contact Person Mailing Address City State Zip Daytime Telephone Number Evening Telephone Number Address Type of Team: Adult Youth Mixed Other Does your team have a theme & colors? If so, please describe: FOR SSMDTA USE Application: Approved Denied Date If Denied, reason: Was check enclosed for yearly dues: Yes No Check # Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 34 of 36

35 Application to Host Qualifier Team Name Contact Person Mailing Address City State Zip Cell Number Address What date(s) are available? Location of Event: Size of Arena: X Covered: Yes No Trailer Parking: Yes No Stalls: Yes No If yes, how many? Will stall reservations be made directly through facility or will we coordinate? RV or Camping available? Yes No How should reservations be made? Where is the closest hotel? Is there a horse show rate? Yes No If yes, what is the rate? Is there a PA system with microphone and CD player? Yes No Separate Judges Seating Available? Yes No Is there a concession stand or other food vendor on site? Yes No Do you have an Announcer or does SSMDTA need to provide one for you? Show Secretary and Judges will be provided by SSMDTA. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 35 of 36

36 Hosting Team's Check Off List Arena Try to get a facility at no cost. If there is a cost, see about getting area sponsors to pay for the arena. Other suggestions - a team's practice facility. You may work a deal with a local club to let us use their arena, and they can run their own concession stand to make money. The arena must be enclosed. Doesn't have to be covered. It must have a PA System It must have adequate trailer parking. A refreshment stand is always nice. Team can run and keep profits for their own club. Get the arena dimensions. Motel Accommodations Should be close to the arena Get prices of rooms Get phone numbers of the motel so teams can handle their own arrangements Stall Accommodations Should be close to the arena Get costs of the stalls Get phone number so teams can handle their own arrangements Information Package Address of the arena Directions to the arena Motel information and directions or how to get to them, and approximately how far they are from the arena. Stall accommodations A contact person for your team, should include their phone number, complete with area code. Miscellaneous Need 2 separate areas for judges to watch from. Areas need to be shady and have seating. Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC Page 36 of 36