https://www.usdf.org/awards/performance/regional-schooling-notice.asp
FYI - this wasn’t really advertised anywhere I had seen.
This is a real shame. They claim it’s due to Safe Sport concerns, but I wonder if the USDF thought they were losing participation in their recognized competitions since the schooling show program really legitimized the schooling shows.
That’s a shame
I can see where it may be a SafeSport concern. People who either didn’t want to do SafeSport or just didn’t want to join USEF would go to schooling shows. But USDF is under USEF, so would probably be subject to the same Safe Sport requirements USEF has, so any competitions it sanctions would also have the same requirements. USDF would either have to start requiring SafeSport training for its sanctioned schooling shows, or just no longer sanction them. The latter is easier.
What do you mean by USDF is under USEF
It’s just odd to me that you can pay a non member fee or do an opportunity class to compete without a USEF membership (and safe sport training) at a recognized show, yet they can’t seem to figure something out for schooling shows. 
But you can only compete with a Show Pass (USEF non-membership) in one competition per year.
The membership-exempt divisions (Academy, Walk-Trot, Opportunity) aren’t eligible for USEF points or awards.
USDF was giving national awards for a series of shows where USEF membership and SafeSport weren’t required, so I could see where that could be a problem.
So in other words, as long as they are not giving you an award for riding, it does not matter if you are safe to have at a show (no safe sport training)?
USEF is the National Governing Body for the sport of Equestrian in the US, and USDF is a Recognized Affiliate under that governing body, so has to comply with its rules.
Just like USEF has to operate under FEI rules where they apply.
I don’t get that part either.
I wonder if that will change as they look more into the liability of it. Right now it’s just meant as an introduction to the sport or a discipline, but it certainly could be exploited as a way to gain access (and yes, I get the double meaning).
I’m sure juggling the NGB requirements of growing the sport while keeping the sport safe isn’t a job for the fainthearted.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
