2021 Amateur Rule Change Proposal 

On December 7th at 11 AM EST, USHJA will be hosting a "Rule Change Forum" at their 2020 Annual Meeting to discuss Amateur rule changes GR1306.3 Tracking #012-20 and GR1306.4 Tracking #031-20.

GR1306.3 Tracking #012-20 Draft 1:

The rules on amateur and professional membership status are outdated. As the modern equestrian community evolves, the rules on amateur and professional status requires updates to include new activities that were not present until recent years. If approved these rule changes will help the rules on amateur and professional status come into the modern era.

GR1306.4 Tracking #031-20 Draft 1:

The intent of this proposal is to clarify the status of social media influencers as professionals and not amateurs. It is the unanimous consensus of the Amateurs Task Force that social media influencers are not able to conform to the definition of an amateur competitor by accepting products or services in exchange for promotion of those products and/or services.

These rules have been proposed by the "Amateur Task Force"- led by a professional - and there has been little to no effort made in notifying amateurs of these proposed changes other than AdultAmmyStrong's blog that has circulated across social media. In addition, participation in the forum is currently blocked by a paywall.

We feel that this proposed rule change is the opposite of modern. As this sport becomes less and less accessible due to prohibitive prices, the federation should be looking for ways to encourage participation, not hinder it. It is unclear who these rules are designed to protect. Rather than moving towards a more inclusive approach to being an amateur, USEF fails to consider the diversity of amateur riders and their interests.  

If you are an Amateur who may be affected by these changes, join in signing this petition as a notion of support for: 

- A Delay Of The Vote To Instate The New Rules

- The Creation Of An Inclusive “Hearing” To Review The Proposed Rule Changes Which Includes A More Diverse Group Of Representatives From The Amateur Community

- Call Upon the USEF To Take Into Consideration The Diversity Of Amateur Riders In The Sport And Ensure That Its Rules Are Inclusive Of And Supportive To A Range Of Amateurs In Different Circumstances Who Are Striving To Participate In The Sport, Not  Simply Those With The Biggest Financial Capacity.

As Amateur members of USEF and USHJA, our voices deserve to be heard. In fact, we pay for it.