DOGS AT RIDES

The issue of allowing dogs at rides was raised by a TEERA member at the recent TEERA AGM. The member felt that riders were being unnecessarily discouraged from bringing dogs to rides, the principle being that dogs add a sense of ‘community’ and/or ‘fun’ to an event.

The TEERA State Management Committee discussed this at its recent meeting and, while it acknowledges that some ride venues prohibit dogs as part of their leasing arrangement with clubs, it agreed that, where possible, riders and their associates should not be discouraged from bringing dogs to rides.

While it is, of course, up to each club to makes its own decision, the TEERA SMC encourages clubs to allow dogs at their events unless there are ‘local rules’ that prevent this.

When dogs are permitted at an event, AERA Rule 26.5 must be complied with.

AERA Rule 26.5: Dogs must be secured in a structure or on a leash at all times that is attached to a solid structure or a responsible human handler when at an endurance event.

Mark Dunn

TEERA Secretary

SMC Nominations - Update

 In December, the TEERA State Management Committee called for nominations for TEERA committee members for 2021. Two nominations were received -  Grace Huxtable and Felicity Perry. However, they were received after the stated deadline of 5.30 PM on 22 December. These two nominations will be received from the floor of the Annual General Meeting in accordance with Rule 23.2. 

 Nominations for the other three positions (five positions are up for election) will be called for from the floor of the AGM. If the total number of nominations received at the AGM exceeds five, a ballot will be held. 

 TEERA members are encouraged to consider nominating for the SMC.

 Members must attend the AGM to cast their votes. The TEERA Rules do not allow proxy votes. 

 Amelia Napier

TEERA Secretary

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TASMANIAN EQUINE ENDURANCE RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC. (TEERA)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND EARLY REPORTS

2.00 p.m. Saturday 23rd January 2021

Brickendon Estate, 236 Wellington St., Longford, TAS 7310

AGENDA

  1. To confirm the minutes of the 2020 AGM (Minutes available here);

  2. To receive reports from the Committee and Auditor;
    - Early reports

  3. To elect the Committee members;

  4. To appoint the auditors and their remuneration;

  5. Special Business

    • Motion regarding committee meeting minutes;

    • Motion regarding a quorum at a committee meeting.

    Amelia Napier

    Secretary

YOUR SMC NEEDS YOU!

As 2020 draws to a close, the terms of five members of the TEERA State Management Committee (SMC) come to an end. I am calling on TEERA members to consider nominating for one of these SMC positions in 2021.

A considerable amount of work is necessary to manage an endurance season in Tasmania and this work is done, in part, by the SMC.  Because there are 10 SMC members, the work is shared however the time commitment required from each SMC member is somewhere in the region of 5-20 hours a month, depending on the particular portfolio(s) allocated to each member.

 SMC portfolios include:

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Minutes and Agenda Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Property Officer

  • Horse Welfare Officer

  • Membership Registrar

  • Logbook Registrar

  • Database Registrar

  • Vet liaison

 Please consider nominating for the SMC in 2021.   Rides can’t run without an active and competent SMC managing the process.

Feel free to contact any of the current SMC members to discuss what is required.

 Nomination Forms and Notice of Motion Forms are available from the FORMS page.

BLAINE ASTELL - TEERA PRESIDENT

Jolly Lette Memorial Ride - Bisosecurity

Once again, we have a large number of entries (80+) for this ride and would like to highlight a few things.

  1. Re COVID-19 - this is not a drill and we do not want to be the focus of a Tasmanian COVID outbreak. People attending the ride need to comply with the social distancing and hand hygiene measures in place. It is essential riders arrive with completed Corona virus (COVID-19) declarations, providing details of all people in their party. This form is available for download from the Jolly Lette ride information page on the TEERA website. It is essential all visitors register at the ride office on arrival. Anyone with any COVID-19 risk factors, as detailed on the COVID-19, declaration, should NOT attend. We may receive a visit from the police to review our COVID safety arrangements.

  2. Given the large number of entries and the extra measures necessary to keep people safe from COVID-19, some things will take longer than usual. We ask that riders exercise patience if they need to wait to vet their horses or to access the ride office.

  3. All people attending are requested to bring their own personal supply of hand sanitiser and to use it regularly during the event.

  4. Please give your logbooks a wipe down with a disinfectant wipe before taking it to the ride office or vet ring.

  5. A yard inspection will be done by the Chief Steward on Friday evening to ensure all yards are compliant with AERA Rule 54.

  6. At the conclusion of the event riders should bag up any leftover hay and manure and take it home.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the weekend.

Mark Dunn

Chief Steward

Jolly Lette ride

COVID-19 UPDATE

Dear TEERA members,

I want to give you an update on the current COVID-19 situation with regard to TEERA.

The bottom line is that it is still too early to speculate on when rides might be able to start up again in Tasmania. The decision to restart will be governed almost completely by when the restrictions imposed by the Tasmanian government are relaxed. This dictates a lot of the decisions that need to be made in regard to memberships, state champs etc. TEERA will continue to discuss all options and will announce any information if necessary. 

You would all be aware of the NW coast cluster of COVID-19 cases - this would be having an impact on the significant proportion of our members who live in that area and my thoughts are with them.

A TEERA representative has been closely involved in COVID-19 discussions at a national level - rest assured AERA is closely monitoring the situation, in particular how it relates to TQ20, still at this stage scheduled for Collie, WA in September. AERA has been discussing options surrounding this event and hopes to make an announcement on this soon.

In the meantime, ride your horses (if the rules allow in your area) so they can be fit and ready for a restart down the track.

Best wishes

Blaine Astell
TEERA President

UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS MEASURES

Dear members

Following the restrictions from the federal government on non essential-activities and non-essential travel TEERA has made the decision to suspend all rides until further notice.
We will continue to monitor and will look to continue with the calendar as soon as we, and the government, determine it is safe to do so.
I sincerely hope all of our members and their families stay safe during these challenging times.

Kind regards
Blaine Astell
President

Notice to Tasmanian Endurance Clubs - Concussion

Dear Tasmanian endurance riding clubs,

In 2020 much more attention is being paid to the identification and management of concussion than has been the case in previous years.

It is important that your club takes a few minutes to become familiar with the relevant guidelines.

Concussion is a potentially serious condition and as per the concussion advice card riders or support people suspected of concussion must not drive until medically cleared to do so. (Card download)

Officials at an event must:

  • Advise the medical/first aid service at the event of the requirements of the EA concussion protocol and the need to recognise, report and make officials immediately aware of suspected concussions

  • Be aware  when a suspected concussion has occurred

  • Remove the rider or support person from further competition

  • Advise the ROC to identify the “person monitoring” and ensure alternate transport arrangements are available (riders or support people suspected of concussion must not drive)

  • Provide  the “person monitoring” a concussion advice card (where possible) and advise the rider or support person by email of the of the protocol (copy reporting@equestrian.org.au )

  • Report the concussion to reporting@equestrian.org.au

Responsibility for identifying the “person monitoring” and ensuring alternate transport is arranged should be taken on by the ride organising committee as it has access to riders’ emergency person contact details as well as knowing local contacts who can assist with the arrangements.

Under Equestrian Australia General Regulations, all riders suspected of sustaining a concussion, may not ride at another competition for a minimum of 14 days, if aged 18 years or younger, or a minimum of 6 days if aged 19 years or older.

We strongly recommend riders or support people suspected of being concussed seek medical advice and follow a graduated return to sport policy as outlined at https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/

Riders must also obtain a signed medical certificate from their General Practitioner or medical professional, indicating they are free from any impairment resulting from the suspected concussion, and are cleared to ride.

This must be sent via email to myself and reporting@equestrian.org.au and presented to the officials at the next ride.

Further information is available here.

Regards
Blaine Astell
TEERA President

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - With amendment

TASMANIAN EQUINE ENDURANCE RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC. (TEERA)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

AND EARLY REPORTS

3.00 p.m. Saturday 1st February 2020

Sheffield Football Club, Spring St, Sheffield, TAS 7306

AGENDA

  1. To confirm the minutes of the 2019 AGM and the Special General Meeting held 8 June 2019 (Minutes of both meetings available on the TEERA web site – Meetings page)

  2. To receive reports from the Committee and Auditor. (Auditor Treasurer Webmaster)

  3. To elect the Committee members

  4. To appoint the auditors and their remuneration.

  5. Special Business - (Details of motions and rationales are available here)

    To consider five proposals to amend the Rules of the Association, relating to:

  • Rule 5 - Membership of Association - re. Age of Juniors

  • Rule 5 - Membership of Association - re. Associate members

  • Rule 21 – Committee – re. membership of committee

  • Rule 23 – Election of Members of Committee – re. verification of nominations

  • Rule 25 – Committee Meetings – re. make up of quorum

    and to consider a proposal

  • to purchase a ride trailer.

Jill Hawks

Secretary

2020 Fees and Charges

Following the availability of AERA charges for 2020, together with the public liability insurance premium distribution, TEERA fees and charges for 2020 are now available.

In October, a summary of the TEERA financial situation was published and views sought from members for consideration in finalising the 2020 fees. There were no views expressed, so the SMC has proceeded with what it considers to be in the best interests of members. The results are available here or from the Forms page of the TEERA web site.

In summary, there are increases in Adult membership fees, the first increase for several years. All half year fees have been increased, recognising that AERA does not discount for part year. TEERA will continue to discount the TEERA share.  Event Public Liability and Volunteer Personal Accident insurance was paid by TEERA in 2019. This will not continue into 2020 and rates have increased slightly. AERA charges for Day Rider Public Liability insurance has increased significantly but TEERA has absorbed this increase.

These increases will not offset the expected 2020 cash loss, in the region of $7,500, down from the anticipated $10,000 loss in 2019.

The TEERA fees and charges, incorporating AERA and insurance charges, applying in 2020 are available here.

VALE

The TEERA SMC would like to acknowledge the passing on 30 November 2019 of Laurie Nicolle, a man who contributed much to our sport. Laurie is a past President,  AERA delegate and AERA President. He was also a huge influence on the Arabian Horse Society board.  Laurie was an honorary life member of  TEERA , AERA and AHSA such was his immense contribution.

He will be sadly missed.

 We offer our deepest sympathy to Lyn and family.

AERA Constitution - Consultation Draft 2

The AERA has continued to work on a restructure and draft Constitution that will serve Australian endurance riding.

We have collated and discussed ALL comments received last year on the first consultation draft, and made changes as appropriate. The current Draft AERA Constitution is the version dated 2 October 2019.

The main differences between the proposed Constitution and structure and our existing Constitution and structure are:

  1. The Division Associations (DAs) are members of the AERA under the proposed arrangements, making the AERA directly accountable to the DAs as its members. The DAs will be represented by delegates.

  2. The AERA Management Committee has been reduced in size from up to 17 people to 8 people, which will be cheaper to run and result in more efficient meetings.

Essentially, the objectives of the AERA remain as they have always been:

* to be the national co-ordinating body for endurance riding in Australia
* to ensure consistency of the rules of the sport across all Division Associations
* to ensure consistency of accreditation of ride officials
* to supervise the annual Tom Quilty Gold Cup
* to liaise with relevant national and international groups
* to maintain a national database
* to negotiate and implement a national insurance package for the sport

Similarly, the objectives of the Division Associations remain:

* to process rider memberships and horse records
* to affiliate endurance rides and ensure they are conducted according to the rules
* to manage a ride calendar
* to process ride results and enter these into the national database
* to resolve disputes between members
* to encourage ongoing accreditation of ride officials and veterinarians
* to be the co-ordinating body for endurance within their area

Division Association Management Committees and members are invited to make comments on this draft until 8 November 2019. Please send your comments to Kim Moir, AERA Secretary at kim.moir@aera.asn.au

Please contact your AERA delegates with any questions.

AERA Constitution - Consultation Draft 2

TEERA Strategic Plan

A plan has been drafted as a dynamic document, under constant review, as a reference for SMC decision making. The plan can be found here. Part of the plan concerns promotional matters, which are further developed in the accompanying Promotional Plan.

Links to the plans, as they develop, will be listed under the SOPs section on this site.

SMC Positions Notice (updated 29 November 19)

TEERA’s members are served by the State Management Committee or SMC. Its purpose is to manage the business and affairs of the Association.

The committee meets monthly by attendance at one or more venues, or from home. The locations are connected by electronic conferencing (currently audio only and internet dependent). In addition, there are frequent exchanges by email, electronic documents, Facebook group or by Facebook messaging.

The Committee works within the Rules of both TEERA and AERA.

There are ten SMC positions. They may be assisted by others, usually with specific responsibilities

Positions have a two-year tenure, usually resulting in five vacancies each year. This year, another becomes available due to the filling of a casual vacancy during 2019.

Six TEERA State Management Committee positions will become available next year.  Nominationshave been called for.

From those elected and those continuing into a second year, the positions of the officers of the association will have to be filled -

·         President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer

In addition, there are many other jobs covered by SMC members, though some of these may be outsourced to others:

  • Minutes and Agenda Secretary

  • Membership Registrar

  • Log-book and Horse Registration Registrar

  • AeraSpace database Registrar

  • AERA delegate (x 2)

  • Chief Steward Liaison

  • TPR Registrar and Liaison

  • Horse Welfare Officer

  • Webmaster (including on-line ride entries)

  • Facebook Moderator (several)

  • Equipment Officer

  • Risk Management Advisor

  • Child Protection Advisor

  • Timing Equipment Manager

  • Ride Organising Committees Liaison

  • New Rider Mentor

  • Publicity Officer

  • Public Officer

Information on the general duties and responsibilities of  sports management committees can be found here  http://www.leoisaac.com/boards/index.htm

TEERA needs people with the necessary interest, time and abilities.  Being comfortable with, and having access to, electronic documentation and communication is essential. Those with business, regulatory or administration experience would be particularly welcome.

PLEASE START THINKING ABOUT PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SUPPORTING TAS ENDURANCE.

More information is available on request via secretary@teera.asn.au