Peter and Henny on the WEG XC
Earlier today the FEI issued a clarification on the use of Helmet Cams at events. Here is the clarification.
Use of camera on athletes or equipment
Further to the new provision in article 140 of the General Regulations and approved during last FEI General Assembly in Rio that states that “the use of cameras on Athletes or equipment (such as on Protective Headgear, head covering or carriage) shall not be permitted, unless otherwise specifically agreed by the FEI. An Athlete’s decision to wear a camera while competing shall always be voluntary and at the Athlete’s own risk.”, the FEI wishes to clarify the following:
For any FEI named Events, such as the Rolex FEI World Cup™, Reem Acra FEI World Cup™, FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping and FEI Championships, any request to use a camera on Athletes or equipment must be submitted to the FEI Headquarters (to the relevant Director of the Discipline concerned) for consideration and decision on allowing or not allowing such use. Any request shall be submitted to the FEI Headquarters at least 48 hours prior to the Competition. Any request received by the FEI Headquarters after such deadline may be considered by the FEI, at its discretion.
For any other competitions, the Ground Jury, taking into account the recommendation of the Organiser on site, shall be entitled to decide to allow or not allow the use of cameras on Athletes or equipment depending on the circumstances.
In taking the decision on the use of cameras, the Ground Jury shall ensure that such use does not present any safety concerns or risks and/or does not place the FEI or any other party in jeopardy of breaching any of its contractual obligations or responsibilities. If this is not the case, the use of cameras should be permitted.
It is clear from this clarification that this is puts the Helmet Cams obviously at the feet of broadcasting and sponsorship rights rather than as a safety issue. Eventing no longer has a World Cup, although the new Nations Cup which is completely euro-centric has kind of replaced it. In my mind for Eventing only these new Nations Cup, HSBC Classics series (i.e. the four star events like Rolex and Badminton etc), WEG and the Olympics require you to seek the permission of the FEI sport director.
In all other cases, you can seek the permission of the ground jury at an event. Much simpler and much more clarity. The only thing remaining is to see if there are any remaining questions left from my article earlier in the week?
Really the only question left unanswered if how the FEI Sport Director confirms with the TD and Ground Jury that a particular rider has clearance. for a change this could be relatively simple, I assume that in Eventing’s case Catrin will email the OC and hopefully the officials before the event starts.
So Helmet Cams live to fight another day, Peter Atkins needs to email Catrin Norinder to gain permission to wear his now famous Helmet Cam and also noting that the BBC as host broadcaster want the footage and BE want copyright. Clear as mud.
Yours in Eventing,
ESJ
