Re: Sanctioniong of AERC Rides

[jlong@mti.net (Joe Long)]

On Wed, 9 Dec 1998 07:45:01 -0700, "Robert Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net> wrote:

>I have been following the discussions of the new Limited Distance definition of rides 0 to 49 miles in length. I have noticed that several Ride Managers have mentioned that rather than put on LD rides in conjunction with their regular Endurance ride they are considering going to the CTR format and thus circumvent the AERC fees. 
>
>Please explain to me how this circumvention fits into the AERC Rules and Regulations  while a non sanctioned "Pleasure Ride" does not. I have perused the AERC Rule Book and can find no reference to such a situation and in fact do not find any direct mention of CTR's at all. Nor do I find any mention of the AERC accepting the sanctioning of any thing other than "Endurance Rides" and "Limited Distance Rides".
>
>Would it not then be in contravention of AERC Rules and Regulations if the UMECTRA Group continues to hold their joint endurance and CTR rides under the same venue? Would it not then be in contravention of AERC Rules and Regulations if the several Ride Managers, I have heard express the intent to hold CTR's, also do this?
>
>If I am incorrect in my assumption please direct me to the pertinent sections of the AERC Rules and Regulations, the AERC By-laws and or the AERC Articles of Incorporation. Realize also, these three documents are the only governing items for our organization. Ride Manager's Handbooks and other such policies are not governing documents.If rides under other venues, such as CTR, are to be allowed, then the supporting documents must be changed.

Rule 1.4 says "Limited Distance Rides may be offered but must be sanctioned into
the AERC Limited Distance Program ..."

The recent Bylaws change defines rides less than 50 miles in length as Limited
Distance rides.

However, it should be clear to anyone that the only rides that can fit that
definition are rides that meet the endurance/LD format as defined by AERC.  As
Competitive Trail Rides have a minimum time limit, along with other rules that
do not meet the AERC definition of an endurance/LD ride, they are clearly *not*
endurance or LD rides -- and do not require (and can not get) AERC sanction.

The very fact that nowhere in the AERC rules, Bylaws, etc. are Competitive Trail
Rides mentioned is further evidence that they simply have nothing to do with
AERC and do not fall under any AERC control.  No changes are necessary.

-- 

Joe Long
jlong@mti.net
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