EFI playing hardball with SJAI
Among the options open to the EFI is suspension of the SJAI as an affiliate, along with encouraging international riders to bypass the show jumping body and register with it instead.
At present, the EFI will not give a rider a licence to jump abroad unless he/she is first registered with the SJAI. The EFI could waive that requirement. It refused to comment yesterday, but whether it would go so far as insisting riders switch is open to debate. Insistence could be contrived as using the riders as pawns in its bid to rein in the SJAI. But, by offering the option of registering with the EFI, the federation would at least counter the argument it is denying riders the ability to make a living.
The action, if supported by the riders would, effectively, reduce the SJAI to controlling show jumping at a domestic level. Crucially, the ploy could be perceived as the EFI laying down a marker for the formation of the umbrella body ... with it at the helm.
The main demands in the EFI document - signed by EFI secretary general Dan Butler and sent on behalf of EFI president Charles Powell - handed into the SJAI’s Kildare headquarters last Friday were:
* Firstly, that the process of sourcing a chef d’equipe be recommenced, despite the fact a contract has been verbally agreed with Robert Splaine. Ironically, the SJAI held off last week in signing the contract at the request of the EFI. In restarting this process, the EFI demands that a newly-constituted committee and an independent interview panel be established.
* Secondly, a similar process must be taken to fill the position of SJAI director general, which becomes vacant today with the ending of Robert Joyce’s probationary period in the position. The EFI says a “professional recruitment company needs to be retained to assist in the process and the federation will have a member on the selection committee”.
* Thirdly, the EFI also tells the SJAI that “to ensure good governance, of your association, an independent review of your memorandum and articles of association and rules need to be conducted.
* “The details of this need to be agreed upon with the federation before the work commences on the review”.
The EFI document is unambiguous in its intent and concludes: The federation will “withhold all funding until satisfactory progress has been made on the above items. Implementation of these points will hopefully restore confidence in the SJAI and the image of our sport to the public, government and most importantly your membership”.
The EFI decision to withhold State funding - provided by the Irish Sports Council - will not bring the SJAI grinding to a halt.
The funding amounts to approximately €300,000 for 2006, along with the balance of 2005 funding, amounting to €90,000. The SJAI says it currently has approximately €1 million in reserves.
Nevertheless, the EFI action cannot be underestimated, signalling a serious and rapid deterioration in relations between the two bodies. Until recently, Butler played a part in team selection and, the just three weeks ago, the EFI ratified an SJAI proposal for a revamped selection process in line with rider requests.
One thing is assured, however: the EFI did not act arbitrarily in issuing its demands and Sports Minister John O’Donoghue is well appraised of that which falls under his remit. Yesterday, he did not wish to be drawn into the dispute, saying: “I do not wish to stir further controversy by entering into a public debate on this issue.”
However, it is known that Mr O’Donoghue is concerned by the strife that has beset show jumping in the past year.
In this regard it is illuminating that the EFI document opens with reference to show jumping’s “negative publicity of the past year [which has] caused damage to equestrianism and sport in general.
As such, in making the demands, the EFI outlines “some of the incidents that have attracted unwelcome publicity”:
* An approach by the SJAI to Eddie Macken to be team trainer that failed when terms could not be agreed.
* The ongoing dispute between rider Jessica Kürten and the selectors and her refusal this year to ride with fellow rider Cian O’Connor.
* The row in August surrounding the selection for the nations cup team at Dublin Horse Show, when Harry Marshall alleged he was selected and then dropped from the team. The subsequent resignation of two selectors.
* The decision in October by Lady Georgina Forbes not to allow her horses - ridden by Kürten - to be selected for Irish teams.
* Ryan Crumley’s complaint to gardaí that he had been assaulted by Harry Marshall at last month’s Cavan International Show.
What precipitated the EFI’s drastic action? It is important to note the two International Affairs Committee meetings that took place recently. At the first, on November 24, chairman Taylor Vard walked out as negotiations concerning a contract for Splaine reached a critical juncture. He subsequently sent the SJAI a letter of resignation.
Secondly, what action/lack of action occurred on Thursday, December 1, that was followed by the EFI ultimatum? Neither Vard nor Butler were present at this meeting, which finalised details of Splaine’s contract.
Splaine is the riders’ choice to be chef d’equipe, having come out ahead of John Ledingham in a ballot. While the SJAI say he should have the right to pick his second in command, the EFI see Ledingham as the natural candidate. This is an important sticking point.
Some within the SJAI see the EFI behaviour as a breach of trust and, not surprisingly they baulked at the severity of the demands. In particular, the issue a director general is viewed by some of the association’s hierarchy as interference in its internal affairs.
The SJAI was expected to reply to the EFI this week, but has opted not to do so to avoid any hasty action it may come regret. Currently, it is canvassing members of its executive with a view to formulating a response. Rather than exacerbate the situation and avoid further confrontation, the SJAI is expected to seek negotiation on the EFI requirements. It remains to be seen if the EFI feels the need to enter discussions, or, will compel the SJAI to come to heel.
