The Australian Dressage Committee and the majority of State Dressage Authorities have approved the introduction of half marks effective from 1/1/12. By approving this change early in the year, affiliated clubs can ensure that the scoring system they are using can be enhanced to cope with judges giving half marks and also so that the judges can be informed and have an opportunity to discuss this option at judges seminars.

 

The FEI Objective to the introduction of half marks is as follows:

 

The successful FEI trial took place in 2010 and the FEI rule book now provides for the use of half marks in all international events/competitions (including all CDIs in Australia) from 1/1/11. The results of the FEI trial indicated that judges found the half marks easy to use, and that if anything the percentages were fractionally higher, or at least no lower.  The experience has been that judges did not need any additional training to introduce the use of the half marks, many finding it allowed a finer ranking in the collective marks.

 

It is suggested that at any educational situation e.g. seminars or workshops, that judges have a test run at using half marks.  

 

Feedback from those judges that have already had the opportunity to use half marks is very positive.

 

3.13 – Scale of Marks - Add as a dot point under the table the following:

All half marks from 0.5 to 9.5 may also be used both for movements and collective marks, at the discretion of the judge

 

10.6 – Allocation of Marks and Scoring - Add the following as the 2nd dot point:

All half marks from 0.5 to 9.5 may also be used both for movements And collective marks, at the discretion of the judge

 

The National Office will arrange for the National Scoring System to be enhanced and a new version distributed and available on the web while the Australian Dressage Committee hopes that the decision will be welcomed by riders.

 

Source: Equestrian Australia. Photo: Leading Australian Dressage rider, Brett Parberry and Victory Salute at the 2010 WEG.