STATE TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 th & 9 th April, 2017 Serpentine Horse and Pony Club HOSTED BY PCAWA State Tetrathlon Committee EVENT COORDINATOR Grant Gaasdalen - Chairperson INFORMATION & ENTRY PACK
GO FOR 2&5 STATE TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS WHERE: Serpentine Horse and Pony Club WHEN: 8 th & 9 th April, 2017 HOSTED BY: PCAWA State Tetrathlon Committee & Serpentine Horse and Pony Club WHAT: Shooting 30 metre.22 rifle target shoot Running All classes run 1,500 metres Riding Cross Country PC105-13-25 years PC95-12-15 years - 16-25 years PC80-11-15 years - 16-25 years PC65-10-12 years - 13-15 years - 16-25 years Swimming 4 minute swim in a 50 metre pool ADDITIONAL: PCA Nationals 2017 will be running Tetrathlon with Laser Pistols. Please refer to the end of this document for more information on the benefits and possible move towards Laser Pistols in the near future. Neither the Organising Committee of any event to which these rules apply nor the Pony Club Association of Western Australia accepts any liability for any accident, damage, injury, or illness to horses, riders, ground, spectators or any other person or property whatsoever
EVENT INFORMATION ABOUT The Tetrathlon provides Pony Club with a challenging competition for members, combining sound practical horsemanship with other athletic events. The objective is to encourage all round sporting activity, including horse riding. This event is based on the Olympic Pentathlon and includes the following four phases, Running, Shooting, Swimming and Cross Country. EVENT LOCATION 8 th & 9 th April, 2017 Cross-country & Running Phase: Serpentine Horse and Pony Club Karnup Rd, Serpentine Swimming Phase Aqua Jetty, Warnbro Shooting Phase Jarrahdale Sporting Shooters EVENING MEALS An evening meal will be available for the Saturday night, at a cost of $15 per person, consisting of a main meal and dessert. There will be a canteen operating during Saturday and Sunday to provide a range of food, snacks etc. including breakfasts and lunches. YARDS Serpentine Horse and Pony Club has 20 regular yards. The yards have no fronts so please bring a rope to secure them. These will be allocated by the organising committee upon application on a first in basis. Cost of yards will be $10 each for the weekend. Please email tetrathlon@pcawa.com to book a yard. SHOWERS Hot showers are available at the grounds. HORSE FEED Available on Saturday from 8am 1pm from Serpentine Rural Supplies. They are located adjacent to the Serpentine HPC grounds.
ENTRY INFORMATION ENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY MARCH 27 th (5PM) No faxed, late or incomplete entries will be accepted. The Chairperson and sub-committee members do not have authority to accept/forward late entries. Entries must be completely and correctly filled out and lodged, and must be endorsed appropriately. Each entry must have a signed PCAWA Championship Declaration Form and a Qualification Declaration Form signed by the competitor. All payments including cost of entry, food and promotional material must be submitted with the Cover sheet PROPOSED CLASS SCHEDULE RUNNING SHOOTING SWIMMING RIDING SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY The organiser reserves the right: To cancel any class or event To divide any class To transfer competitors between sections of or a class To alter the advertised times To refuse any entry, with or without stating the reason PAYMENT SCHEDULE PCAWA Rider (All Heights) $80 per Competitor Open Rider (All Heights) $80 per Competitor Hosting Club Fee $20 per Horse First Aid Levy $10 per Competitor TD Levy $3 Per competitor Yard Fees $10 per Horse Saturday Night Meal $15 per Person
SPECIAL RULES FOR STATE TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS REFERENCE DOCUMENTS Tetrathlon Rules 2017 Eventing Rules March 2016 All documents can be found on the PCAWA website. QUALIFICATIONS All competitors need to have attended at least three rallies on their entered mount in the last 12 months. Also, the rules of Tetrathlon require that the combination have successfully completed a competitive cross-country course or Hunter Trials at an ODE or Tetrathlon (excludes training rounds) at their nominated level, in the last 12 months. All qualifying events (including Hunter Trials) must be fully published including all penalties in order to be counted as a qualifier for the State Tetrathlon Championships. Be prepared and make sure you qualify before entries close. For example: If you wish to enter the PC80, then the horse/rider combination must have completed an 80cm cross country course in the previous 12 months. HORSES The One Horse, One Rider Rule will apply for all Pony Club and Open Classes, eg. Horses may be entered for one class only and may not be entered in any other class. RIDERS Riders may only compete in one class. TEAMS Teams of four or three riders will be drawn for the competition. The best three scores will be counted to make the team total. If entries are insufficient for a team competition in any grade then teams of two or three will be drawn. In this case the best two scores will be counted. Clubs are not permitted to replace a horse/rider in a Club team with a horse/rider from a composite team after the draw.
SPECIAL RULES FOR STATE TETRATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM MANAGERS Team Managers must supply a mobile phone number on the entry form, which they can be contacted on at all times during the event. Must be familiar with PCAWA Tetrathlon Team Manager Duties (available on the PCAWA website). Must be present with their team members at every phase. Must be present with their team members at marshalling at each phase. Must attend a briefing to be held on Friday evening (approx. 7pm), where they will pick up the Team Manager s Pack. Please note: Only Telstra mobile coverage will be available at the Shooting phase. HELPER DUTIES Team Managers may be allocated other helper duties. Minimum of 4 hours Must provide one helper (16 years and over) capable of performing any rostered duty. No self help Whilst we endeavour to give you your preference, your allocated duty may be in any phase and you may be allocated 2 shorter jobs instead of 1 long duty. Unauthorised assistance of any competitor in any of the phases will not be tolerated and may result in elimination from the event at the discretion of the chief steward.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION SCOPE This is a generic information pack relating to all PCAWA championships. For specific guidelines on entry conditions, please refer to the discipline/sport information pack at the beginning of this document. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ZONE AND STATE COMPETITONS To enter in Zone/State/National competition, the horse and rider combination must attend three working rallies of a Pony Club, in the previous 12 months, two of which must have been at the Club which they will be representing. Refer to the specific regulations for competition entry. Both horse and rider must be present for a minimum of four hours at a Working Rally to qualify as a horse and rider combination. A maximum of two horses/ponies may be ridden at a working rally and the rider must participate in at least one ridden session on each horse to count as a qualification. Qualifications must be fully gained prior to the Close of Entries to any Zone or Club Selection/Run Off for any State Championship. The dates on which Associate attend their own Pony Club rallies to help and coach, unpaid, be recorded as rallies attended, provided that the qualifying mount(s) are known to the Club Chief Coach to be competent at Pony Club activities. See discipline specific information pack for details on qualifying for certain events. RIDER CRITERIA All riders entering any State Championship event MUST meet the following criteria: Be current financial members of a Pony Club affiliated with the PCAWA. Must be qualified as per State Rules. Where there are height restrictions on horses or ponies (e.g. under 14.2h, etc.) height certificates may be required, particularly where the pony or horse may be close to the maximum or minimum height. All competitors should be aware of the Rules of the discipline in which they are competing. Rule Books for each discipline are available on the PCAWA website. AGE OF RIDER For all State Championship events conducted by the Pony Club Association of Western Australia Inc. the age of the rider is taken as at the first day of the Year.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION AGE OF HORSE For all State Championship events conducted by the Pony Club Association of Western Australia Inc. the horse or pony must have attained the age of four years. SWABBING As from 1 January 2000, the PCAWA has adopted a policy of random swabbing. Swabbing may be carried out at any or all the annual Championship events in any or all disciplines. SMOKING AND ALCOHOL All Pony Club events are smoke-free and alcohol-free. Smoking or the consumption of alcohol will not be permitted while Riders are wearing Zone or Pony Club uniform. The penalty may be disqualification of the individual or the team. PHOTOGRAPHY By entering a state championship event, you are consenting to having your photograph taken. The subject is also consenting to the photographs being published by PCAWA. UNIFORM When competing in a Pony Club Team competition, Pony Club Uniform is required to be worn. When competing in a Zone Team competition, Zone Uniform is required to be worn. When competing in individual events, Pony Club Uniform is required to be worn. A competitor whose safety helmet comes off his or her head whilst riding in any competition must, on penalty of elimination, replace it before continuing. All competitors must be in uniform during State Championship Presentations. GEAR CHECKING All saddlery must comply with the current PCAWA Gear Checking Manual and any subsequent amendments see the PCAWA website - Gear Checking. Riders must be accompanied by the Team Manager for Gear Checking prior to the start of the competition. Gear Checking is carried out prior to each phase of a competition. The Team Manager must NOT be riding in any activity on the day. Teams presenting with a rider as their Team Manager will not be accepted.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION SUBSTITUTIONS In the case of injury after the closing date an application for substitution of a team member or horse must be made to the appropriate Discipline Sub-Committee and such applications will be given full consideration. Substitute horse and rider combinations must be appropriately qualified. Clubs may not substitute a member of a composite team to fill a vacancy in a Club Team once the Draw has been completed. A duly qualified horse and rider combination, not already entered in the competition may be substituted. Requests for refunds must be forwarded to PCAWA Office, together with the required Certificate, within seven days following the competition. REFUNDS Entry Fees are generally only refunded by the PCAWA as follows: Where an entry is not accepted by the PCAWA due to the total number of entries received refund in full. Where a Doctor s Certificate or a Veterinary Certificate is provided refund in full, less a 20% administration fee. If a team of pairs is affected by a scratching and a vet/doctor s certificate is received; the remaining team member may also be eligible to receive a refund, in the event a replacement or substitute cannot be found. CLOSING DATES Entries for all Championship events must be made by the Closing Date, which is advised on the entry forms and website. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. OVERDUE ACCOUNTS Any Club or individual who has an outstanding account, over 60 days, with PCAWA will not be permitted to participate in State Championships until such time payment has been received in full.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION DOGS AT PCAWA EVENTS As of 2011, NO DOGS will be permitted at any PCAWA State Championship or preliminary event. If dogs are found to be at these events, the rider to whom the dog belongs or is associated will be disqualified. USE OF PORTABLE YARDS AT EVENTS Stabling and yards should be of solid construction. The use of electrified tape, strings, ropes or chains, is not permitted at Pony Club Events. Details of all current year Championship events and rules are available at the PCAWA website - Disciplines.
CODE OF CONDUCT INFORMATION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To encourage young people to ride and learn to enjoy all approved kinds of sport connected with horses and riding. To provide instruction in riding, horsemastership and to instil in members the proper care of their animals. To promote the highest ideals of fellowship, citizenship and loyalty, and to cultivate strength of character and self-discipline. Members should be aware that Pony Club is a youth movement and has always maintained a high standard of behaviour and presentation. Members should be aware if they are representing the Pony Club in any shape or form, whether it be Club, Zone, State or Country, that it is expected that their behaviour would never compromise, bring into disrepute or embarrass themselves, their Club, Zone or State Pony Club Association. Members should be proud of their involvement in the Pony Club movement and in their uniform. Members should be aware they are under scrutiny by their elders, other associations and particularly the more junior members of the Pony Club, therefore they should always be setting the example. CARE OF THE HORSE In all equestrian sports, the horse must be considered paramount. The wellbeing of the horse shall be above the demands of riders, coaches, owners, officials, organisers or sponsors. In the interest of the horse; the fitness and competence of the rider shall be regarded as essential. RIDER S CODE OF CONDUCT Ride by the rules. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your Team Manager approach the official during a break or after the competition. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other riders, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will you. Be a good sport. Applaud all good efforts whether they are by your team or the other competitors. Treat all riders as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another rider. Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition. Ride for the 'fun of it'; not just to please parents and coaches. Avoid use of derogatory language. Respect the rights, dignity & worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
CODE OF CONDUCT INFORMATION SPECTATORS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same. Never ridicule or scold a young rider for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other spectators, coaches, officials or riders. Show respect for your team s opponents. Without them, there would be no competition. Do not use violence, harassment or abuse in any form (that is, do not use foul language, sledge or harass riders, coaches, officials or other spectators). Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. No coaching from the sidelines will be tolerated. Any breach of this will result in elimination PARENT/GUARDIAN S CODE OF BEHAVIOUR Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment. Encourage children to participate, do not force them. Focus on the rider s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Encourage children to always play according to the rules and settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them your child could not participate. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE ALL RUN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT PCAWA RULES AND POLICIES
1 PCAWA Tetrathlon - Shooting Phase. 1.1 These notes address the concept of a move in the near future from using.22 rifles to using laser target shooting equipment for the PCAWA Tetrathlon Shooting Phase. 2 Background 2.1 Traditionally the Shooting Phase of PCAWA Tetrathlons has involved using.22 rifles. Long rifles fired in the prone position have been seen here in WA as being a considerably safer option than the alternative of handguns fired standing up. Safety has been a priority consideration, especially with the involvement of young children in Tetrathlon competition. 2.2 The five rifles currently in use for PCAWA Tetrathlon events are.22 RIFLE now 18 years old. Each of our five rifles has fired more than 10,000 shots. In recent years these rifles have required increasing repairs and maintenance by our gunsmith (Roy Alexander & Sons, Maylands). It is anticipated that barrel wear will compromise reliable accuracy of these rifles at some time in the future. 2.3 Within Australia the concept of Tetrathlon was, until quite recently, a pony club activity only within our own state of WA. Internationally, in some countries, pony club tetrathlons have been a feature for longer (USA, UK). 2.4 It would appear that, in all Tetrathlons except ours in WA, the Shooting Phase has involved pistols, not rifles. Firearms laws in other counties, e.g. USA, are less stringent, onerous and restrictive than ours, meaning that air pistol shooting is a practical option for them, when it would be considerably more complex to undertake it here at home. 2.5 This currently presents a difficulty for our WA competitors when they are selected to represent PCAWA interstate and internationally. They are required to adjust (re-skill) to pistol shooting, when their home tetrathlon experience has been with.22 rifle shooting. 2.6 As rifle users for our Shooting Phase, we are alone in the world of Tetrathlon.
3 The Way Forward 3.1 In the upper echelons of international pentathlon, tetrathlon and other target shooting competition, a recent innovation has involved the adoption of laser devices. LASER 3.2 Todayʼs laser devices for target shooting competition have sophisticated features to simulate actual firearm use. They feature a built-in delay of milliseconds to provide the period of time that occurs in a real firearm between the activation of the trigger and the emergence of the projectile from the barrel. They feature micrometric sights, and adjustable weight, balance and trigger mechanisms. Recoil, like that of a real firearm, can also be simulated. Each target can be paired to a single laser device, so that only that device can record scores on its paired target. 3.3 Laser shooters compete standing up, with the device held unsupported at armʼs length. Junior competitors may be permitted to use both hands to hold the device. 4 What our Change to Laser Would Mean 4.1 For us at PCAWA level, factors in a change to laser target shooting competition in our tetrathlons would include:- 4.1.1 In this day and age, our young people are very attuned to electronic technology, so such things as laser devices are familiar and attractive concepts to them. 4.1.2 This change directs PCAWA towards the main stream of the tetrathlon competition format globally. 4.1.3 In changing from conventional firearms to laser devices, the whole safety dimension is almost entirely eliminated as a factor in conducting events. The attendance (at some expense) of an ambulance or other specifically delegated first aid provision would no longer be required. The potential for eye damage or other physical injury from the type of laser used in these devices is reportedly negligible.
4.1.4 Laser devices (Class 2, 1mW max output) are not classed as firearms and no Firearm Licence or other certification is required to own or use them. They can be transported, even on commercial aircraft, without onerous restrictions or conditions. 4.1.5 Almost any type of venue anywhere, indoors or outdoors, could easily be set up for the Tetrathlon Laser Shooting Phase. Transporting our competitors and event to a WA Police approved shooting club range, off site from the host pony club, would no longer be required. Typically the range distance over which laser shooting competition is held is just ten metres. 4.1.6 Live firearm ammunition and single use paper/card targets would be replaced with electronic and digital hardware, powered by small batteries, with re-use available thousands of times. Expense on consumables would be virtually eliminated. 4.1.7 Coaching and practice for tetrathlon shooting within pony clubs would be greatly simplified. If each competing pony club purchased perhaps one or two sets of laser target shooting gear, coaching and practice could be undertaken within each club by anyone, at any time. AIR PISTOL 4.1.8 The adoption of air pistols, as are used currently in some tetrathlon events in other places, would be ill advised for PCAWA. In WA, and in Australia generally, restrictive firearms legislation relating to the use of air pistols (being handguns) could be said to be even more onerous than with.22 rifles. In the evolution of our tetrathlon shooting phase format, we are wise to leapfrog the air pistol era. In the case of WAʼs national and international tetrathlon representatives who compete interstate and overseas and find themselves using air pistols, a background of experience with laser pistols will be a far more useful and relevant skill base than having used only.22 rifles at home. 4.1.9 Significant expense would initially be involved in acquiring the laser devices, targets, and associated hardware and software. It is suggested however, that this expense would make a lot more sense at this time, rather than spending money on new.22 rifles to replace our present ageing set. 4.1.10 With Serpentine H & PC having recently hosted the first of their three annual PCAWA State Championship Tetrathlon events, they are now well placed to pioneer the introduction of lasers in the Shooting Phase of their 2017 event.
5 What we Need to do Now 5.1 Without delay the PCAWAʼs Tetrathlon Committee, should make a commitment to change, for future PCAWA Tetrathlon events, from rifles to laser equipment in the Shooting Phase. If that decision needs endorsement at PCAWA Board level, that should be sought at the earliest opportunity. 5.2 It is suggested that the transition could be completed in time for lasers to be adopted for the 2017 PCAWA Tetrathlon season. For a smooth transition, action is needed at once, with the expectation that the new laser equipment will be acquired by Christmas this year, at the latest. That will provide sufficient lead time for practice and coaching as from the opening of 2017 New Year, in preparation for the Tetrathlon season in the first quarter of next year. 5.3 Without delay, specific planning needs to be agreed upon to identify:- 5.3.1 A person nominated as the overall Project Leader for the Shooting Phase transition. (This person may become the inaugural Laser Shooting Steward.) 5.3.2 A person or persons to research what make and model of laser target shooting equipment should be obtained and used in PCAWA Tetrathlon Shooting. This needs to be a well informed equipment choice, carefully made after comprehensive research and input, involving study of a wide range of sources. Internet research of the web sites of Simpower (France), and Eko Aims (Finland) might be good places to start. 5.3.3 A person or persons to undertake the formulation of appropriate Shooting Phase Rules for adoption in Rules for Tetrathlon, in time for the 2017 Tetrathlon events. Research of equivalent national and/or international Pony Club Tetrathlon Laser Shooting Rules may be a good place to start with this. 15th April, 2016.