Igb anwers Igobf

Nowso

Taken from Greyhound Data

At a meeting of the executive of the GOBA Federation the following response was formulated to the IGB. Reply to our requests on the following matters of concern to all greyhound owners.
1. Two Trial Qualification Rule

BORD RESPONSE:- Following a recent meeting with Racing Managers and having received feedback from Control and Stipendiary Stewards, Bord na gCon feel that reverting to the original qualification system of one trial would be a retrograde step from a racing integrity perspective.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- The attempt to justify the two trial’s is incredible. What aspect of racing integrity is being served? The additional expense on owners to travel and trial their dogs is unjustifiable in the present economic climate. An examination of results in novice races will show that there has been no marked change with regards to finding time. As things stand, owners are getting out in their droves and every additional expense ensures that more will follow.

2. Mini-Open Grade

BORD RESPONSE:- It is the opinion of Bord na gCon that the mini-open grade is now well established and accepted by the majority of greyhound owners despite a limited number of grading anomalies. It is felt that this system had to take into consideration previous form when implemented and any change to this grade would be a retrograde step.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- The Bord is correct in its opinion that the owners accepted this grade as we asked for it to be brought in. We stated however that the changes could not be retrospectively introduced. The anomalies that resulted from your decision were numerous and we feel may have left the bord open to legal challenges. Was Subway Ruth among others eligible to run in the Longford Derby? This and other examples are integrity matters .

3. ICC Charges and Fees

BORD RESPONSE:- At a meeting between ICC and IGB representatives, it was noted by IGB that the ICC did not have any plans to increase fees at the moment. IGB wish to advise that should the ICC wish to increase any fees they can only do so with the consent of IGB.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- Request was made for all fees to be frozen and that includes IGB fees for trials, entries etc.

4. Non Executive Directors at Stadia

BORD RESPONSE:- The appointment of Directors to IGB Stadia is a matter for IGB, however, local Board of Directors are free to forward proposals for Directorship to IGB for their consideration.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:-It is the Federations wish that local Director selected by the local GOBA on a revolving basis be appointed to ensure concerns of owners are addressed at stadium meetings.

5. Draw for Sweepstakes and Sampling

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB advises that the matter is being reviewed by the Regulation Committee and will communicate any changes in this area after the matter has been reviewed.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- This is an area where integrity is of real concern, all draws for sweepstakes should be made by using a tombola draw drum in a standard manner. The manner of choosing dogs to be tested at each track should be transparent.

6. Defibrillators at Stadia

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB have noted the Federation request. It was noted from the meeting of September 3rd that there was a proposal that defibrillators may be co-funded by GOBA or Supporters Club and IGB would be interested in receiving such proposals before any decision is made in relation to the matter.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- It is incredible that many of our greyhound tracks do not have a defibrillator for their patrons. It is a personal relations disaster waiting to happen. Almost every football club in the country have one now.

7. Consultation with Federation regarding future Rule Changes

BORD RESPONSE:-IGB will advise and notify the Federation of any future changes in regulation. It is noted that changes in regulation whilst not always popular at the time of introduction, are made with the sole aim of improving racing regulation, systems and integrity.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- The Bords response only reinforces our opinion that the owners are of little importance to the Law makers. The request was for consultation before future rule changes not dictation.

8. Age of minors handling greyhounds

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB advises that there is no difficulty in a minor handling greyhound at a licensed stadium provided they are at all times appropriately supervised by an adult who will ensure at all times regulatory compliance and the welfare of that minor at the stadium.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- The Federation welcomes the clarification from the Bord for minors leading greyhounds and urges all owners to comply with regulation matters in relation to same.

9. Harolds Cross Prizemoney to be introduced to other Stadia.

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB advises that the impetus for the change in prize money Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium was to protect its Friday Tote (Harold’s Cross has the highest Friday Tote turnover of all Stadia racing on Friday). It was envisaged that an increase in prize money would attract a greater number of greyhounds travelling to the venue, increase pools and the scope of the Racing Manager to grade the Friday Card and thereby reflect positively on the Tote Turnover and overall return to the Industry.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- The Federation welcomes any increase in prize money at Harold’s Cross but insist that in the interest of fairness it should apply to all tracks.

10. Current levels of Prize money to be maintained

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB recognises the critical importance of prize money levels to the vibrancy of the industry. The issue of prize money will be addressed in the upcoming strategic plan.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- We welcome any increase in prize money but not at the expense of a reduced racing schedule. Why was it decided to give the increase to the winner only? Who was consulted on this matter?

11. Immediate restoration of Teletext Service on Aertel

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB are currently examining the option of restoring this facility through a sponsor and will revert in early course with the outcome of this proposal.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- It is imperative that the Teletext Service on Aertel be restored immediately. The small amount of money required to restore this service could be found in the marketing fund for the year.

12. Retired Greyound Trust Membership

BORD RESPONSE:- IGB noted the comments of the Federation from the meeting of September 3rd 2012 and subsequent correspondence from your good self dated October 8th 2012. IGB will revert in early course on this issue when it has had an opportunity to review Trust Law relating to the legal responsibilities of new members.

FEDERATION RESPONSE:- As it is owners money in the fund that is being used, surely owners representatives should have a least 50% of the membership.