The Compliance Department works with Stewards and Technical Delegates (TDs) by communicating previously reported concerns about a facility or competition operations prior to the start of a competition, collaborating during onsite compliance evaluations, and gathering feedback from them about USEF rules or competition standards.

Visits are collaborative, and Compliance staff discuss USEF rules and applicable competition standards with the Steward/TD while they are at the competition, communicating their observations and participant feedback to the organizer and the Steward/TD before they leave. Observations can include recommended and/or required changes, as well as areas where the competition may be exceeding standards.

The decision to conduct an on-site evaluation is determined through a review of Steward/TD reports, member’s confidential competition evaluations, suggestions from officials, and discussions with other USEF staff. Time and staff resources also dictate which competitions we visit. In addition, we may visit other competitions taking place nearby.

We visit 35-65 competitions across the U.S. each year.

Compliance representatives observe all areas of the showgrounds, including competition and exercise areas, stabling (if offered), parking areas, the show office, etc. as well as areas of concern that previously have been communicated to USEF. In addition, the Compliance representative talks with participants and Stewards/TDs to gather their input because their experiences are an essential component of the onsite compliance evaluation process.

• Inadequate competition/schooling/exercise/lunging area footing maintenance
• Uneven stall flooring, gaps under walls/doors, protruding nails, or other possible safety hazards in the stabling area 
• Poor sharps container maintenance or incorrect types of sharps containers found 
• Insufficient drainage at horse wash areas
• General lack of facility maintenance, such as broken boards or exposed nails in the paddock areas
• Loose dogs
• Mixed vehicle and horse traffic in a busy or crowded area
• Scheduling difficulties
• Lack of signage (SafeSport, parking, directional etc.)

Compliance representatives do not observe or review compliance with tack or equipment requirements, class specifications, etc. Any questions received by members regarding these topics will be directed to the Steward/TD of the competition.

Yes, any compliance-related issues shared by the Compliance representative with the Steward/TD must be included in the report.

An internal report is written which documents areas for improvement, as well as areas where the competition exceeded expectations. This information is shared with C staff and included in USEF’s database. In addition, USEF sends a letter to the organizer which captures the overall content of the report and outlines areas of positive observations, as well as required and recommended improvements.

In addition, a ‘pre-competition outreach’ may be sent to the Steward/TD officiating at a future competition where Compliance has visited where there were documented concerns. This outreach ensures that the Steward/TD has the most up-to-date information about the competition or facility prior to the start of the competition. They are also asked to follow up with the Compliance Department after the competition about the topics shared with them.