Review of APHA Rule Change Proposals
By: Brittany Bevis
With the 2022 AQHA and APHA Conventions just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to check out some of the more intriguing rule change proposals on the agendas this year. We already reviewed two hot topics on each breed association’s agenda with the article, Big NRHA Rule Change For Non-Pros- How Would This Look in AQHA or APHA?, as it relates to the new NCAA NIL rule, so be sure to give that a look.
We started with AQHA just last week, so now it’s time to take a look at a few proposals on APHA’s agenda.
Keep in mind that there is a specific process that rule change proposals go through in order to be voted upon, approved, and implemented into a future rulebook.
- First, someone has a great idea, and they decide to submit a rule change proposal form to the association.
- Next, the rule change proposal is assigned to the appropriate advisory committee.
- Rule change proposals passed out of committee are voted on by elected state directors.
- Updated rules will be included in the rulebook for the following year, unless they are eligible for early implementation.
That’s why it’s important to wait for official word from APHA as to which rules have gone through the entire approval process.
We’ve selected a few of the more intriguing rule change proposals to review and provide an initial impression.
CONTROL #SC-105- This rule change proposal would allow APHA Regional Clubs to co-host PORs outside of one of the host’s boundaries as long as the show is within one of the club’s boundaries.
Impression- Can’t see a real downside to this proposal, especially since the cooperation of clubs working together could only help to strengthen and grow local events.
CONTROL #SC-110- Summary: Requires that show managers and secretaries cannot exhibit at the show they are working in those roles.
Impression- This is an interesting one, as one could see the concern with a show manager or secretary working closely with judges during a show, in an official capacity, and then showing to them during the same event. However, not sure how many show managers or secretaries have time for such activities while they are working.
CONTROL #SC-303- Summary: Offers the option to split age divisions in Ranch Rail Pleasure at shows with large class sizes.
Impression- Can’t see a real downside to this proposal, as Ranch classes have been growing immensely in popularity over the past few years.
CONTROL #AM-300-5- Summary: Exhibitors can’t compete in loping classes at other recognized equine associations or be a member of an intercollegiate team and hold an Amateur Walk-Trot card in the same calendar year.
Impression- Certainly seems reasonable, especially during the same calendar year.
CONTROL #AM-010-3- Allow Amateurs to give riding lessons as long as lessons are not given at a horse show or public clinic.
Impression- Likely to receive pushback, just like a similar rule on AQHA’s agenda this year, due to the basic difference between an amateur and professional being the receipt of renumeration for riding instruction.
CONTROL #AM-105-2- Allows clipping to be optional in showmanship at halter classes.
Impression- Can see where this might be an issue to consider if a competitor is showing the same horse in Showmanship and Ranch Riding classes.
CONTROL #JU-000-2- Revise the judge review process from a three year review cycle to a continuous review.
Impression- Having the review process bring an issue directly to the next scheduled meeting after the issue is identified seems like a reasonable request. Perhaps the only downside is that it might add additional personnel duties and paperwork.
Click here to view all the rule change proposals for the APHA Convention.
