For many years the promulgation of new rules, the modification of existing rules and the process of how to do it was not set out in a positive manner.

With the increase in AERC membership, the growth in the number of rides presented, and the multiple events at each ride, it was considered time to have a firm process in place. To that end, AERC President Mike Tomlinson asked me to review methods used in the past and to develop a "rule for making rules."

The following proposed Rule 16 would, upon approval by the Board of Directors, become the last rule in the AERC Rules and Regulations manual. The Board of Directors appreciates all comments from the membership and invites them to forward any and all comments concerning the proposed Rule 16 to bobmorris@rmci.net. These comments will be reviewed and, where practical, incorporated into the final product.

AERC Rules and Regulations: New Rule 16

16.0. New Rules, Changes, Modifications

1. The preceding Rules and Regulations were promulgated by the American Endurance Ride Conference Directors, based on the experience over the years, and done in the best interests of the sport and equine welfare. It is acknowledged that any set of rules is a dynamic document and will be modified by current experience. To limit, and direct those modifications, and to assure that there is deep thought behind every new or modified rule, we set forth the following procedures to be the exclusive method for such changes.

1. Emergency Rule Change: Something that must be changed immediately to:

a. Improve the safety or welfare of the horses or other participants; or

b. Improve the perception of the sport; or

c. Eliminate a possible legal problem.

Emergency is not for convenience. The emergency must be established. Serious injury, imminent failure or potential legal ramifications must apply. Realizing that such emergencies are the result of improper planning this type of rule change could be eliminated.

2. Housekeeping Rule Change: Something that is a clerical error.

a. Corrects misspelled words, inconsistent word choice, word omissions, renumbering errors, broken references, etc.

b. Cannot change the meaning of a rule.

c. Does not clarify a rule.

3. Standard Rule Change: 99% of the rule changes.

Standard Rule Changes must be promulgated by the appropriate committees. Upon approval they will be printed in Endurance News the January or July immediately preceding the board meeting at which they are to be voted upon.

4. New Rule

New rules must be promulgated by the appropriate committees. Upon approval they will be printed in Endurance News the January or July immediately preceding the board meeting at which they are to be voted upon.

Every designated committee shall review the proposed rule change and make a recommendation of either "Approved," "Rejected with Comments," or "No Comment." The official action of the committees shall be included in the minutes of the committee meetings.

Rule changes shall be available on the AERC website in the same form as published in the EN once submitted for publication.

All proposed regular rule changes will be voted upon by the board at a regularly scheduled meeting. The committee recommendations will be considered by the board prior to consideration of each rule change's approval.

All proposed new rules and rule changes submitted to the board must include:

1. The exact wording of the proposed change, including what is to be struck, moved, deleted, renumbered, etc. and the exact wording of the revised rule to be published in the AERC Rules and Regulations.

2. The financial impact.

3. The effective date, retroactive, immediate, or start of next ride year.

4. The recommendations of all committees, including comments.

5. Be presented in final written form.

The AERC Rules and Regulations will be published each November, prior to the next competitive season, so that all members will be aware of all rules changes.

Past Presidents Committee: Vision & Mission Statements by Stagg Newman

The Past Presidents Committee is working on the long-term objectives for AERC for the consideration of the board. The committee has developed a draft Vision and Mission statement for AERC that the board is considering:

Vision of AERC (draft): To be the preeminent authority and leader in developing and promoting the sport and pastime of endurance riding in the United States, Canada and throughout the world.

Mission of AERC (draft): To promote the sport of endurance riding and to encourage and enforce the safe use of horses in demonstrating their endurance abilities in a natural setting through the development, use and preservation of trails. Further, AERC's mission is to maintain horse and rider records of event competition and completions, to record and provide awards to outstanding horses and riders, to ensure that all sanctioned events are conducted in a safe, fair and consistent manner, and to actively promote and conduct educational efforts and research projects that will foster a high level of safety and enjoyment for all horses and riders. The above is to be accomplished with the understanding that goals for the rider must be meshed with the abilities of the horse. Part of AERC's mission is to attract and reward members who act to insure the highest priority for their horses' immediate and long-term physical and emotional health and well-being.

The Board of Directors welcomes input on these statements.