The code of Hummurabis (an old Babylonian law code 1750 BC) is wellknown by most people – it is a set of rules, that defines social and everydaylife including jobs, household, familylife, divorce, sexual behavoir – but also contracts and consequences. One part of the provision appears to impose obligations on an official; the provision establishes that a judge who reaches an incorrect decision is to be fines and removed from the bench permanently ! Well, I am sure, that part of the code didnt apply for dressagejudges back in 1750 BC.
Even though it feels like we still act according to Hummurabis code (eg social media etc) – now a days we have Code of Conduct. Code of conduct should outline social norms, rules and responsibilities for an individual, party or organization. In 2007 the following definition came (International Good Practice Guidance, Wikipedia): ”Principles, values, standards, or rules of behaviour that guide the decisions, procedures and systems of an organization in a way that (a) contribute to the welfare of its key stakeholders, and (b) respects the rights of all constituents affected by its operations”.
Its should be a simple basis of understanding and expectation. Studies (Doig, Alan; Wilson, John. ”Business Ethics: A European Review Volume 7, issue 3, July 1998”) has shown that almost any code of conduct only will serve effectively if it is implemented as a part of a learning process, that requires training and consistant and continous improvement.
At the Sports Forum in Lausanne earlier this year, the Officials Working group presented a proposal for a cross disciplin Code of Conduct. The idea is good and correct – and can act as a guide and tool for everybody representing FEI (even most national federations has their own Code of Conduct). That we have to be and act professional can not and must not be questionable. And I don’t think that anybody disagree on that part – the more interesting part is about integrity, conflict of interest, independency and sanctions.
The idea is that all officials has to sign the new Code of Conduct.
To a certain point we have to remember that we are all – more or less – amateurs in a professional sport.
But more interesting is, that we are mostly considered as ”professionals”.
As an official we have obligations. The respect we earn is often based on our knowledge and professionalisme – but at the same time closely connected to (not always ”actual” but) percieved conflict of interest. The outside world demands and cry for sanctions and punishment if there is a breach of rules or understanding. Common sense can not be learned. That is why any Code of conduct has to be simple and easy to understand. There are some points in the proposal that we need clarification on.
Quote: ”Maybe they’ve forgotten that we should also be gagged, wear blindfolds, earplugs and have both hands tied behind our backs too…and of course still come up with identical marks for every movement…..
Sent from my iPhone”
Definitions on ”relationships”: personal, professional and/or financial will be needed or it will be open to speculations. What is ”neutral and independent” to some, might not be to others. Do we need to look at social- and cultural differences ? Is drinking a glass of wine to your lunch at a competition considered illegal and incorrect in Denmark ? In France ? In South-Afrika ?
Of course we should always try to avoid a conflict – and if they appear try and solve them and reach a fair solution for all involved parties.
Of course all officials must know the rules and act accordingly, with integrety and responsibility. We are representatives of the FEI – the sport.
Please have a close look at the proposed Code of Conduct – start the discussion here – let us know what, when and how to implement it – what is important for the future ?
FEI Officials‘ Code of Conduct
While I am officiating as an FEI Official, I will act in an appropriate and respectful manner towards humans and animals, and I will carry out all duties in a professional manner.
I am aware that I am a representative of the FEI while officiating at any FEI Event (hereinafter the “Event/s”). I am also conscious of my role as an authority and of the associated obligation to have adequate knowledge of the principles of equestrian sport and the relevant FEI Rules and Regulations, and to apply them at all times in a fair and consistent way.
While I am officiating:
– I will refrain from consuming alcohol and I will not use any illegal substances, nor will I officiate when my judgement might be impaired by any such substance.
– I will not place bets on Athletes and Horses competing at the Event where I am officiating or otherwise receive any financial or other gain as a product of a particular result.
– I will be willing to answer the questions of stakeholders (including but not limited to Athletes, Owners and Trainers, Organisers, Grooms and my colleagues). I will take the time to politely and objectively explain my decisions where possible.
– I will be familiar with all the relevant FEI Rules and Regulations and will be well prepared for every event.
– I will cooperate fully with the Organiser of the Event and with my colleagues.
I confirm that for each FEI Event at which I officiate I will fulfill all FEI requirements
(including maintaining the necessary qualification) relevant to that Event.
I commit to avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is defined as any personal, professional or financial relationship, including relationships of family members that could influence or be perceived to influence objectivity when representing or conducting business or other dealings for or on behalf of the FEI.
I will maintain a neutral, independent and fair position towards Athletes, Owners, Trainers, Grooms, Organisers and other Officials and stakeholders. Financial and/or personal interests will never influence my officiating duties and I will spare no effort to avoid any such perception.
Activities that lead or may lead to a conflict of interest when officiating at an FEI Event include but are not limited to:
– Acting as a Chef d’Equipe or being responsible /co-responsible for selecting teams and/or individuals or training Athletes within a National Federation present at the Event, if the teams and/or individuals participate in a competition falling within the level and age group of the authority of the Official.
– Being the Owner/part-Owner of a Horse taking part in the Event.
– Being in a situation of financial dependence or gaining financial profit from participating Owners, Athletes, Trainers or Organisers. The same rule applies with regard to National Federations or other organisations involved in the Event, if the dependence exceeds a regular employment. Employees of participating National Federations cannot act as President of the Ground Jury, President of the Appeal Committee, Chief Steward or Course Designer at Official International Events, International Championships and Games.
– Having a close personal relationship with an Athlete competing at the Event.
On becoming aware of a potential Conflict of Interest I undertake to promptly notify the FEI HQ of any of the above or other possible conflicts of interest or circumstances that may be perceived as such.
Conflicts must be avoided whenever practicable. However, conflicts may be linked to experience and expertise that is necessary to qualify Officials. The specific balance between conflict and expertise is regulated by the General Regulations and the relevant Sport Rules.
In the course of my duties or when representing the FEI I will refrain from making any public statements, including to the media or in social media, that might cause harm to the FEI or to equestrian sport in general. This includes statements that might create a perception of bias.
I will dress appropriately.
The breach of any obligation assumed under this Code of Conduct and/or any breach of the FEI Rules and Regulations may lead to any of the following sanctions as stipulated in the FEI Rules:
– A warning letter
– Obligation to attend an FEI course and/or to pass an exam
– Fine
– Suspension from officiating duties (provisional or for a stated period of time)
– Removal from the relevant and appropriate FEI lists of Officials.
– Any other sanctions as stated in the relevant FEI Rules or Regulations””