The FEI Board has approved a number of resolutions proposed by the Jumping Calendar Task Force aimed at minimising the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the FEI Calendar and the equestrian community.
In a specially expedited approvals process, the FEI Board agreed the resolutions in an extraordinary FEI Board teleconference convened specifically for the purpose yesterday (7 April 2020). These new provisions will remain in place for the rest of 2020, with the possibility of being revisited for next year if required.
The FEI Board confirmed the following existing Rules for CSI 5*, CSI 4* and CSIOs, and temporary amendments to the Rules for CSI 3*, CSIP and CSI 2*:
CSI 5*/CSI 4*/CSIO – the current Rules apply, applications for date changes must reach the FEI 12 weeks prior to the Event, invitation rules remain in place, etc.
CSI 3* – exempted from the Date Clash Rules, and date applications or modifications will only be considered by the FEI if provided to the FEI by National Federations at least eight (8) weeks prior to the Event (instead of 12 weeks). All other Rules, including the CSI Invitation Rules, remain in place.
CSIP – exempted from the Date Clash Rules, and date applications or modifications will only be considered by the FEI if provided to the FEI by National Federations at least four (4) weeks prior to the Event (instead of 12 weeks). Invitation Rules are not applicable. All other Rules remain in place.
For CSI 2*, the CSI Invitation Rules are temporarily suspended. All other Rules remain in place.
The Board also agreed to a number of other resolutions that will now require further discussion by the Jumping Calendar Task Force.
CSIOs – the Board agreed to prioritise all CSIOs when date clashes are being considered, regardless of whether they are standalone Events or part of a Series, to allow for team preparation in the build-up to the Olympic Games next year. The Board has asked the Jumping Calendar Task Force to review date clashes on a case-by-case basis once applications and/or modifications are received from National Federations.
Switching dates from one Event to another by the same Organiser – as this has been allowed previously, the Board has asked the Jumping Calendar Task Force to review and allow, on a case-by-case basis, for a change of venues by the same Organiser.
The Board has also tasked the Jumping Calendar Task Force to look into the impact of the requested date changes on the existing Events in the Calendar and to provide proposed solutions to the FEI Secretary General and the Board.
In addition to the above, the Board discussed FEI Championships in 2020 and 2021, potential initiatives to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Event Organisers, and FEI Series, notably the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2020 and Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2021. These points will be further discussed by the Jumping Committee during its teleconference this week and the Committee will then make its recommendations to the FEI Board.
The FEI Board additionally requested that the Executive Board looks into the financial consequences of Covid-19 and the economic impact of potentially granting some waivers on fees for Event Organisers.
The key principles approved by the FEI Board will now be shared with the other seven Task Forces put in place to evaluate the impact of the virus on the FEI Calendar for Dressage, Para Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. Each of these Task Forces, whose meetings will be scheduled in the coming days, consists of the core group plus the Chair of the relevant Technical Committee, a representative of the Athletes and the FEI Sports Director of the specific discipline.
The FEI President is to be kept fully updated on the work of each of the Task Forces and, where required, will assist in finalising proposals for solutions to be put forward to the FEI Board for approval.
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