CHAPTER 9
MEDICAL, INCLUDING MEDICAL CARDS,
FALLS AND MEDICAL CHECKS, PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES,
MEDICAL TEAM AND EQUIPMENT
Medical Cards.
It is advisable that competitors wear a BE medical card during all cross country phases
with up to date information. The card should list name, date of birth, next of kin,
contact numbers, allergies and medical conditions that may impact on the delivery of
care in the case of an emergencies and regular conditions.
Rider Falls and Medical Checks.
A Competitor who has fallen from a Horse must follow the procedure set out below.
Failure by a Competitor to ensure compliance with these Rules is likely to incur a
disciplinary sanction.
• It is responsibility of all fallen riders anywhere on the event site to present
themselves to the Event doctor for a check.
• If he has been examined by an Event Doctor after the fall, he must follow the
directions of that doctor. If the doctor has not allowed him to continue on that or
any other horse, he must withdraw that horse from the competition and if he has
other rides at that event, those horses must also be withdrawn (see Rule 4.9) or
other arrangements made;
• If the doctor imposes any conditions before a Competitor may continue on other
horses which may have time implications, the Competitor must immediately
inform and liaise with the relevant event officials.
• If the Competitor has not been examined by an Event Doctor after the fall, he
must not take part in any further phase until he has been examined and allowed
to continue.
• The Competitor must not drive home or ride any further horses at the competition
if advised by the Event Doctor.
• Under no circumstances must a Competitor leave the Event site after a fall until
he has been examined by an Event Doctor. A Competitor who does so will be
automatically medically suspended and must follow the procedure set out in Rule
9.3.2.3.
• It is the responsibility of the Competitor to ensure compliance with these rules.
Failure to do so is likely to incur a disciplinary sanction.
9.1
9.2
9.3
Medical Reports and Medical Suspensions.
9.3.1
Medical Reports.
• The Event D
octor will complete a confidential Medical Report form (MOR) for
every injured Competitor examined and will record all Competitors on the Fallers
Record sheet.
• The TA will forward these reports to the Risk Management Coordinator at the BE
office without delay.
• Documents to be sent to BE by Competitors under these Rules should be emailed
to medical@britisheventing.com, Risk Management Coordinator at the BE Office
address

9.3.2 Medical Suspensions
9.3.2.1 Head injuries and concussion. If the Event Doctor records in the MOR a finding
of concussion, suspected concussion, head injury or other injury likely to result in
concussion, the Competitor will be automatically medically suspended for 21 days.
9.3.2.2 Other Injuries. If the Event Doctor records on the MOR that he has:
• imposed a stated minimum period of suspension, or
• advised a Competitor to attend hospital for assessment or treatment
That Competitor will be immediately medically suspended.
9.3.2.3 All Competitors suspended under Rules 9.2, 9.3.2.1 and 9.3.2.2 will receive written
guidance from BE headquarters on the management on Concussion and how to be
cleared to return to play. For further details on the concussion process, please contact
the BE Office.
9.3.2.4 Competitors Suspended Under Rule 9.3.2
Competitors who have been suspended under this rule need to provide the BE Office
with a formal report from a registered medical practitioner who has been involved
with their care stating they are fit to compete or a discharge summary from hospital
or clinic which indicates all treatment related to the injury has been completed. If the
therapy required has been physiotherapy, the registered physiotherapist may provide
this evidence. All these cases will be reviewed by the Sport Team and where appropriate
the Chief Medical Officer.
9.3.2.5 Medical Suspension Across Disciplines. A rider under a medical suspension may not
compete in another equestrian discipline without the permission of the appropriate
governing body.
9.4 Prohibited Substances for Human Athletes.
9.4.1 By becoming a member of British Eventing the member, their support personnel (as
defined by the UK Anti-Doping Rules) and Owners shall be deemed to have:
a) made themselves familiar with and agreed to be bound by the UK Anti-Doping Rules
and all other human anti-doping codes of conduct, regulations, rules and policies
published by the BEF and/or UKAD from time to time;
b) agreed to submit to the authority of the BEF and/or UKAD in the application and
enforcement of the UK Anti-Doping Rules;
c) agreed to provide all requested assistance to the BEF and UKAD (or any other
competent body) in the application and enforcement of the UK Anti-doping Rules
including (without limitation) cooperating fully with any testing, investigation,
results management and/ or proceedings being conducted pursuant to those Rules
in relation to any potential anti-doping rule violation;
d) agreed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any first instance tribunal convened
under those Rules to hear and determine charges and related issues arising under
those Rules;
e) agreed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any appeal tribunal and/or Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Panel convened under those Rules to hear and determine
appeals made pursuant to those Rules;
f) agreed not to bring any proceedings in any court or other forum that are inconsistent
with the foregoing submission to the jurisdiction of the first instance tribunal, the
appeal tribunal and CAS;

All members, their support personnel and Owners must cooperate fully with any anti-doping
investigations or proceedings, whether conducted by UK Anti-Doping or any other competent
body. Failure to do so without acceptable justification may be treated as misconduct and may be
sanctioned accordingly.
In the event that a person who is subject to the BEF’s jurisdiction commits an act of misconduct
that relates to anti-doping but does not amount to a violation of the UK Anti-Doping Rules or
BEFAR, the BEF may bring disciplinary proceedings against that person for such misconduct under
the BEF’s Regulations and they may be sanctioned accordingly.
Officials, riders and support staff agree to cooperate fully with any human or equine anti-doping
investigations or proceedings, whether conducted by UK Anti-Doping or any other competent
body. Failure to do so without acceptable justification may be treated as misconduct and may be
sanctioned accordingly.
An act of misconduct by a person who is subject to the BEF’s jurisdiction that relates to anti
doping under the human or equine Anti-Doping Rules but which does not amount to an anti
doping rule violation may result in a charge of misconduct under the BEF and/or British Eventing
disciplinary rules.
A copy of the rules can be found on the BEF website at www.britishequestrian.org.uk and
the human prohibited substances list can be viewed via the BEF website at
https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/competitors/human-anti-doping
The status of all human medications prescribed or purchased in the UK can be checked using the
Global Drug Reference Online at www.globaldro.com.
9.4.2 Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)
Riders who are prescribed medical treatment involving prohibited substances/
methods, must obtain a TUE from the FEI or UKAD either in Advance of treatment
or retroactively. Riders can apply Retroactively for a TUE only if their situation falls
under the categories listed by the FEI and UKAD. Competitors can check the status of
their medication by checking on Global Dro (www.globaldro.com) Riders submitting
a retroactive TUE must do so within five days of notification by UKAD or the FEI
of an Adverse Analytical Finding. In that instance, the application must be made to
either UK Anti-Doping (www.ukad.org.uk) or the ITA (tue@ita.sport) Athletes on
the UK Sport Lottery funded World Class Podium Programme Riders (P1) and World
Class Podium Potential Programme Riders (P2) for eventing must apply for a TUE in
advance, unless emergency treatment is required in which case then a retroactive TUE
will be required. . Riders who are included in the Federation Equestre Internationale
(FEI) Registered Testing Pool and/or who meet the FEI International-Level World
Ranking criteria should apply directly to the FEI for a TUE in Advance.
Athletes who are not included within the National TUE Pool nor are defined as being
an International-Level Athlete by the FEI do not need to obtain a TUE in advance of
starting treatment but instead should follow the retroactive TUE procedure outlined
by the FEI and UKAD.
9.5
Medical Team.
9.5.1
The Event Doctor(s), appointed by the Organiser, must be registered with the GMC
(www.gmc-uk.co.uk), hold a current Licence to Practice and have appropriate medical
indemnity. They must have up to date certificate in a nationally recognised trauma
course and undertake yearly moulage updates.
The Paramedics engaged by the Organiser must be on the national register (www.hcpc-uk.
org) and be current in their trauma training.
9.5.29.5.3
Ambulance personnel engaged by the Organiser must be appropriately qualified for the
roles required and provide all appropriate governance processes and documentation
to the organisers.
Medical Provision at British Eventing Competitions
The configuration of medical provision at a British Eventing (BE) competition must be
tailored to the specific geography and layout of the event site. Key factors such as the
proximity of the three phases, and the terrain and topography of the cross-country
course which may affect vehicle access and emergency response logistics must be
carefully considered.
A comprehensive risk assessment of the event’s medical provision must be conducted
by the Organiser and the Event Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in consultation with the
BE Steward and Technical Advisor prior to the competition. This assessment must
consider all relevant factors, including the expected size of the crowd and any site
specific challenges that could impact emergency access or response times.
The fundamental requirement is that a medical provider, suitably equipped must be
able to reach an injured rider in a timely fashion, this response time is critical and
must be achievable under realistic event conditions. All vehicles must be clearly and
appropriately marked.
At a minimum, if all three phases are running at any time of the day concurrently the
following must be provided:
One doctor in a designated medical response vehicle and two fully crewed paramedic
ambulances and depending on the site either:
1. A road ambulance, fully equipped and staffed by a paramedic and a medical
technician, equipped in accordance with the rules. This vehicle must be capable of
transporting patients to hospital if required and is typically positioned near the show
jumping area, though it may be redeployed to other key locations such as dressage or
the lorry park.
2. A 4WD ambulance, purpose-built and crewed by a paramedic and a medical
technician, also equipped in accordance with the rules. This vehicle is centrally located
on the cross-country course to provide immediate response and to facilitate safe
transfer of a patient across uneven terrain to a meeting point with the road ambulance,
or to an air or county ambulance. It is not to be used for hospital transport and must
be fitted with a stretcher which is securely fixed within the vehicle. If there are two
4WD Ambulances the local NHS Ambulance Service must be informed that transport
may be needed and there must be a private sheltered area available for treatment or
monitoring of a patient with suitable equipment.
Additional Medical Response Vehicles
To ensure the required response time is consistently met, additional 4WD Emergency
Response Vehicles (ERVs) may be deployed. These may carry either a paramedic or
doctor and must be equipped in accordance with Rule 9.7.3ERVs must be clearly
identifiable as medical vehicles.
If phases are running non-concurrently the following will be required - all medical
teams need to be in place at least 30 minutes before the first rider and in contact with
the appropriate control channels.
9.6 9.5.3
Ambulance personnel engaged by the Organiser must be appropriately qualified for the
roles required and provide all appropriate governance processes and documentation
to the organisers.
Medical Provision at British Eventing Competitions
The configuration of medical provision at a British Eventing (BE) competition must be
tailored to the specific geography and layout of the event site. Key factors such as the
proximity of the three phases, and the terrain and topography of the cross-country
course which may affect vehicle access and emergency response logistics must be
carefully considered.
A comprehensive risk assessment of the event’s medical provision must be conducted
by the Organiser and the Event Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in consultation with the
BE Steward and Technical Advisor prior to the competition. This assessment must
consider all relevant factors, including the expected size of the crowd and any site
specific challenges that could impact emergency access or response times.
The fundamental requirement is that a medical provider, suitably equipped must be
able to reach an injured rider in a timely fashion, this response time is critical and
must be achievable under realistic event conditions. All vehicles must be clearly and
appropriately marked.
At a minimum, if all three phases are running at any time of the day concurrently the
following must be provided:
One doctor in a designated medical response vehicle and two fully crewed paramedic
ambulances and depending on the site either:
1. A road ambulance, fully equipped and staffed by a paramedic and a medical
technician, equipped in accordance with the rules. This vehicle must be capable of
transporting patients to hospital if required and is typically positioned near the show
jumping area, though it may be redeployed to other key locations such as dressage or
the lorry park.
2. A 4WD ambulance, purpose-built and crewed by a paramedic and a medical
technician, also equipped in accordance with the rules. This vehicle is centrally located
on the cross-country course to provide immediate response and to facilitate safe
transfer of a patient across uneven terrain to a meeting point with the road ambulance,
or to an air or county ambulance. It is not to be used for hospital transport and must
be fitted with a stretcher which is securely fixed within the vehicle. If there are two
4WD Ambulances the local NHS Ambulance Service must be informed that transport
may be needed and there must be a private sheltered area available for treatment or
monitoring of a patient with suitable equipment.
Additional Medical Response Vehicles
To ensure the required response time is consistently met, additional 4WD Emergency
Response Vehicles (ERVs) may be deployed. These may carry either a paramedic or
doctor and must be equipped in accordance with Rule 9.7.3ERVs must be clearly
identifiable as medical vehicles.
If phases are running non-concurrently the following will be required - all medical
teams need to be in place at least 30 minutes before the first rider and in contact with
the appropriate control channels.

9.6.1
Dressage. A doctor, and a registered paramedic fully equipped in accordance with the
rules.
Show Jumping. A doctor, and a registered Paramedic, fully equipped in accordance
with the rules. The paramedic and ambulance must be located with Show Jumping but
can move to cover dressage if required.
Cross Country. A minimum of one doctor and a Paramedic with appropriately manned
4WD Ambulance (see 9.7.1) or Emergency/Fast Response Vehicle (see 9.7.2) must be
strategically positioned on the course so as to ensure maximum efficient coverage and
response times. They must be in contact with Cross Country control.
For all three phases, concurrent or not there must be an onsite ambulance that is
suitable to transport a patient to hospital or access the local NHS Ambulance Services.
If there is no road ambulance present, there must be a private treatment area with
suitable equipment available.
If any Doctor, Paramedic or ambulance has to leave the site the competition may only
continue provided that the BE Steward, in consultation with the Doctor, is satisfied that
the remaining medical cover is sufficient.
End of Event Medical Cover. A doctor and Paramedic and Ambulance crew must remain
in place for 30 minutes after the last Horse has completed and must be stood down by
the BE Steward.
Any Other Attractions, Competitions or Activities at the same location will require
additional first aid provision as set out by governing bodies or the Green Guide.
9.6.2
9.6.3
9.6.4
9.6.5
9.6.6
9.7
Medical Equipment.
9.7.1
An Ambulance is a designated vehicle, appropriately marked and easily identifiable.
It must conform to current national regulations for the transportation of injured or
seriously ill patients on the public highway. It must contain all appropriate resuscitation,
immobilisation and transportation drugs and equipment. The stretcher must be
capable of being fully secured. The suction must be powered.
• 4WD Ambulance. As above and capable of travelling across country terrain but not
for transfer of patient to Hospital;
• Road Ambulance. As above and be able to traverse tarmac, track and some
unmade roads and able to transfer a patient to Hosptial.
Emergency/Fast Response Vehicle is a 4WD vehicle manned by a paramedic or doctor
containing all the equipment, as stipulated in Rule 9.7.3. that enables personnel to
arrive at scene quickly. The stretcher must be capable of being fully secured.
Doctor’s vehicle. This must be clearly marked to identify it as an emergency vehicle and
should be capable of reaching all areas of the stables, horse box areas and cross country.
If necessary, provision should be made to use an Emergency/Fast response vehicle.
Equipment to be carried in each ambulance (unless stated otherwise).
This is a minimum requirement. All items must be carried (even if their use is out of
the scope of practice of the ambulance personnel since they are provided for the use
of the doctor(s).
9.7.2
9.7.3
9.7.4

Additional equipment may be carried. Items marked with a * may be carried by just
one of the ambulances.
Airway – basic
Oxygen 2 CD size portable cylinders
Oxygen tubing and mask
Self-inflating bag/valve/mask with reservoir bag.
Adult and Junior sizes
Powered suction device (battery operated and portable)
Yankauer suction device
Nasopharangeal airways (sizes 6,7)
Oropharangeal airways (sizes 1,2,3,4)
Supraglottic airway device (laryngeal mask or I-gel)
Magill forceps.
Laryngoscope, blades, spare bulbs & batteries.
Tracheal tubes, (sizes 5-8) connectors, introducer/bougie
Crico-thyrotomy set. (scalpel, forceps, ET tube and tape) *
Lubricant. Adhesive tape Ventilator (optional)
Chest seal- eg ashermans
Chest decompression needle and equipment for a
surgical finger thoracostomy.
Rapid application tourniquet
Field Dressing
Haemostatic dressing
Intravenous cannulas Sizes 14-22 gauge
Intravenous giving sets
Intraosseous needles) manual or automated systems) *
Syringes and needles- various sizes
Dressings and gauze
Clingfilm (for burns dressing)
Airway – advanced
Circulation
Immobilisation
Pelvic binder
Traction splint (femur)
Box or vacuum splints for distal limbs
Scoop stretcher
Head Blocks and straps
Securing straps and bandages
Rigid cervical collars
Vacuum mattress -optional
Defibrillator(manual or AED)
Pulse oximeter
Syhgnomanometer (manual or auto)
Torch
Stethoscope
12 lead monitoring *
Monitoring
CO2 monitor
Glucometer
Thermometer

Medication to be carried by the Ambulance
Resuscitation
Adrenaline 1:1000 x2 & 1:10000 x5.
Amiodarone 300mg x2. *
Chlorpheniramine 10mg. x2
Hydrocortisone 100mg x2 vials
Crystalloid infusion 1000mls x2
Medication for injection 10% Dextrose
Benzodiazapine
e.g. Diazemuls, Midazolam or Lorazepam *
Anti-emetic e.g. Ondansetron
Paracetamol.
Opiate analgesia (e.g. morphine).
Naloxone.
Tranexamic acid 1g.
Oral medication and/or
inhaled
Aspirin 300mg
GTN spray
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Chlorpheniramine
Prednisolone
Inhaled medications
Entonox or penthrox
Salbutamol inhaler and nebuliser
9.7.5
Equipment to be carried by the doctor, independent of the ambulances (although may
be supplied by the ambulance providers). This is a minimum requirement. Additional
medication and equipment may be carried.
Tourniquet, Field dressing
Hand held suction device
Magill forceps
Nasopharangeal airways (Sizes 6 & 7)
Oropharangeal airway (Sizes 2,3,4)
Self inflating bag/valve mask with reservoir bag
Chest decompression Equipment and Chest seal dressing e.g. Asherman
NOTE: Competitors may be from age 11 years to adult (spectators are of all ages)
Suitably sized equipment must be readily available
It is essential that all equipment has been checked to be in working order and
that all drugs are known to be within their expiry date. Their use must only be by
suitably qualified medical personnel. The onus of responsibility lies with the medical
organisation or person supplying the cover and equipment, in accordance with the
contract between them and the Organiser. Confirmation that equipment, drugs and
means of communication are in order, must be made by the responsible medical officer
to the BE Steward or Organiser before the start of the competition.

British karting is governed by Motorsport UK, operating under the National Competition Rules (NCR) and the annual Karting Yearbook. Rules cover licensing, driver conduct, technical specs, and mandatory safety equipment for classes ranging from Bambino to Senior gearboxes. 

Licensing & Administration

• Minimum Licences: Competitors must hold a valid Motorsport UK Kart licence (Interclub status minimum for national/championship events) and club membership. [1]

• ARKS Test: Most competitive classes require passing an Association of British Kart Schools (ARKS) driving and theory test, though lower-powered Clubman classes may exempt this. 
• Age Categories: Structured from Bambino (ages 6–8), Cadet (8–12), Inter (10–13), Junior (12–16), up to Senior classes (15/16+). [1]

Safety Equipment & Technical Specifications

Personal Gear: Mandatory CIK-homologated or leather overalls, approved helmet, gloves, high-top boots, and a rib protector.

• Kart Setup: Rigid frame with zero suspension, rear-wheel drive via a solid, single-piece rear axle with no differential.

• Technical Compliance: Strict weight minimums, fuel limits, homologated engines (e.g., Rotax, IAME), and designated tyres apply per class regulations

Club racing forms the grassroots foundation of competitive karting in the UK. Governed by Motorsport UK, it bridges the gap between casual rental karting and high-cost national championships. Club events typically follow a structured framework of local regulations combined with national safety standards. 

Formats & Event Structures

• Supplementary Regulations (SRs): Every host track publishes unique "Supplementary Regulations" or "Championship Regulations". These specify their local race formats, timetable, and which exact engine classes they accept for the weekend. 
• The Standard Race Day: A typical club race day consists of a brief 3-to-4 lap mandatory practice or timed qualifying session, followed by two heat races and a final race. 
• Grid Formations: Heats often use a random or "seeded" grid. High-level finals are determined by the points accumulated during the heats, starting in standard 2x2 rolling formations. 

Licensing Pathways (Clubman vs. Interclub)

Club racing offers two main regulatory tiers depending on your budget and experience level:

Feature / Rule 

Kart Clubman TierKart Interclub TierTarget Audience Low-powered, low-cost entry.Full competitive club championships.

ARKS Exam Not required; monitored via track proficiency checks.

Mandatory written and practical driving test.

Licence CostVery low cost or free (e.g., Super KX licence).Standard annual competition licence fee

.Novice StatusCan start racing immediately at that single specific club.Must display black-and-white novice plates at the rear.

UpgradingRemains localized to entry-level club sessions.Collect signatures at 6 race meetings to shed novice status.

Strict Technical & Scrutineering Standards

Even at the local club level, technical compliance is fiercely regulated by an on-site Motorsport UK Eligibility Scrutineer

• Scrutineering Cards: Drivers must submit an official digital or physical equipment declaration form prior to qualifying. This locks in your chassis number and up to two sealed engines for the weekend. 
• Parc Fermé & Weigh-In: Immediately after crossing the finish line, karts are directed to a closed technical area (Parc Fermé). Karts and drivers are weighed together to ensure they meet the minimum weight limit for their class (e.g., 180kg minimum for KZ2 gearboxes). 
• Spec Tyres & Fuel: To keep competition fair, clubs mandate a strict "controlled tyre" rule (limiting you to one set of slick tyres over multiple rounds) and require fuel to match official pump fuel limits.

Judicial Rules & On-Track Penalties

Club racing utilizes automated and official-led penalty frameworks outlined in the Motorsport UK National Competition Rules: 

• Drop-Down Nose Cones (Front Fairings): If you make hard nose-to-tail contact with another kart, your front fairing drops out of its safety clip. A displaced nose cone results in an automatic, non-appealable 5-second time penalty added after the race.
• Track Limits: Going beyond the white boundary lines triggers a strict progression system: a warning flag first, followed by a 5-second penalty, then a 10-second penalty, and eventually a black flag disqualification.
• Video Evidence: Clerks of the Course can only rescind timing penalties post-race if official, organizer-controlled onboard cameras provide undeniable proof of an error

Official Rule Books by Region

• United Kingdom: The British Tractor Pullers Association (BTPA) officially points drivers to the 2025 ETPC Rule Book for its primary tech and safety requirements. 
• Europe: The European Tractor Pulling Committee (ETPC) publishes the master 2025 ETPC Rulebook covering heavy classes like Modifieds, Pro Stock, and Super Stock. They also issue specific books like the ETPC Sledge Rule Book and the ETPC Farmstock Rulebook. 
• United States: The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) publishes an updated NTPA Rulebook annually. This governs nationwide American classes from Light Pro Stocks to multi-engine Modified division classes.

Core Regulations Covered

Regardless of the association, standard tractor pulling regulations broadly manage a few specific categories:

• Weight Classes: Strict vehicle limits ranging from 950kg Minis up to 10,500kg heavy trucks.
• Drawbar Specifications: Standard hitching device thicknesses, mandatory steel components, and specific height constraints to prevent extreme tipping.
• Safety Protocols: Mandatory rollover protection structures (ROPS), automated kill switches, component shielding, and driveline containment guards.
• Track Mechanics: Regulated track dimensions (typically 100 metres long by 10 metres wide) and run-off safety margins.