Rule R-11 has been the subject of some controversy and the cause of some
formal complaints in recent months-
In case you don't have any rule book
handy, here it what it says:
R-11....
The use of electronic navigational or communication devices is strictly prohibited.
Seems pretty simple, right? Well, there is considerable variation in how
different chapters and indeed, different members interpret this rule. Cell
phones are a pervasive part of our culture and almost everyone now has one. GPS
devices are common as are other technological wonders. Here is an attempt by the
national board to clarify this rule for all chapters. This will appear in the
next Meadow Muffin, be posted on the web site, and will also be the subject of
the "Ask Muffin" column.
We as the NACMO Board feel the need to clarify Rule No. 11 - The use of
electronic navigational or communication devices is strictly prohibited.
We understand the need for safety for all of our riders and horses during
our competition and will continue to allow cell phones to be carried on and
during the competitions strictly for emergency use only.
We also realize
that a lot of these cell phones have GPS and mapping capabilities. We have heard
from many members who like to know how many miles they have totaled during their
competitive ride. Per rule the use of electronic equipment is prohibited.
However, we will allow the riders to carry these devices for emergency purposes
(the same as the cell phone allowance). They must be left in a backpack or
saddle bag and not used for any reason to effectively map and route any part of
the ride and any subsequent (for instance, the following day) ride. Viewing the
mileage at the ride's conclusion is the only information that is allowed. Any
map, either electronic or printed, from data obtained via personal electronic
devices cannot be used for our competitions. The only maps allowed are the ones
that are prepared by the Ride Managers for their specific ride.
Stand alone cameras are permitted as they are not navigational or
communication devices, but cell phone use, as a camera or for any other purpose
is prohibited.
formal complaints in recent months-
In case you don't have any rule book
handy, here it what it says:
R-11....
The use of electronic navigational or communication devices is strictly prohibited.
Seems pretty simple, right? Well, there is considerable variation in how
different chapters and indeed, different members interpret this rule. Cell
phones are a pervasive part of our culture and almost everyone now has one. GPS
devices are common as are other technological wonders. Here is an attempt by the
national board to clarify this rule for all chapters. This will appear in the
next Meadow Muffin, be posted on the web site, and will also be the subject of
the "Ask Muffin" column.
We as the NACMO Board feel the need to clarify Rule No. 11 - The use of
electronic navigational or communication devices is strictly prohibited.
We understand the need for safety for all of our riders and horses during
our competition and will continue to allow cell phones to be carried on and
during the competitions strictly for emergency use only.
We also realize
that a lot of these cell phones have GPS and mapping capabilities. We have heard
from many members who like to know how many miles they have totaled during their
competitive ride. Per rule the use of electronic equipment is prohibited.
However, we will allow the riders to carry these devices for emergency purposes
(the same as the cell phone allowance). They must be left in a backpack or
saddle bag and not used for any reason to effectively map and route any part of
the ride and any subsequent (for instance, the following day) ride. Viewing the
mileage at the ride's conclusion is the only information that is allowed. Any
map, either electronic or printed, from data obtained via personal electronic
devices cannot be used for our competitions. The only maps allowed are the ones
that are prepared by the Ride Managers for their specific ride.
Stand alone cameras are permitted as they are not navigational or
communication devices, but cell phone use, as a camera or for any other purpose
is prohibited.