They’re Back! USEF Announces Helmet Cameras No Longer Prohibited
By: Brittany Bevis
In early November 2014, we relayed the news that the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) had placed a prohibition on the use of popular helmet cameras, at USEF-licensed events, pending the completion of an independent expert safety report on their usage.
In early October, British Eventing, the National Governing Body for Eventing in Great Britain, released a similar statement prohibiting the use of helmet cameras at all BE affiliated events, pending the completion of an independent expert report.
At the time, a major news story in the headlines focused on seven-time World Champion skier, Michael Schumacher, who sustained a traumatic brain injury during a fall in December 2013. The situation stemmed from comments made by a journalist on a French radio station suggesting the injury may have been exacerbated due to his helmet being compromised by the GoPro camera that was attached to it.
While many people have strong opinions about the use of helmets on their own, the choice of some equestrians to use helmet cameras is relatively new territory. Some believe footage obtained from helmet cameras can serve as a valuable training tool to improve riding and competition performance. Others value the opportunity it gives the public to “ride in the saddle” alongside top professionals. However, some have raised concerns that the usage of a camera might compromise the integrity of the helmet.
The USEF just announced yesterday, that after “careful consideration,” they have decided to update their protocol regarding helmet cameras, effectively immediately.
As of January, 5th, 2015,
1. The USEF does not prohibit the use of helmet cameras.
2. A competition organizer may prohibit use of a helmet camera and the competitor must comply with such prohibition.
3. The decision to wear a camera while competing is voluntary and at the rider’s own risk.
The statement also advises equestrians to consult with helmet manufacturers before mounting a camera. The USEF plans to continue monitoring additional research on helmet cameras as it becomes available.
What’s your opinion? Would you ever use a helmet camera during a training session or competition? Do you think it might compromise the safety of a horse and its rider? Does it depend more on discipline?
Never seen video from a helmet camera? A YouTube search results in 4,920 results. Click here to browse. Videos include footage from World Cup Qualifying Show Jumping, Horse Trials, Cross Country, Eventing, Racing, Reining, and more.
