Maryland Jousting Tournament Riding Rules 
Revised 3-15-2008

 
 

I.    Jousting Season

1.    The Maryland jousting season will be defined as the calendar year from
        January 1st to December 31st.

II.    Requirements for Official Jousting Class

1.    An official jousting class must consist of a minimum of six (6) duly registered competing entrants regardless of skill level. An entrant designated as "schooling" is not considered as a competing entrant.

2.    Novice, Amateur and Semi-Professional riders may be permitted to compete in advanced classes solely at the discretion of the tournament sponsoring club. Any rider wishing to ride in an advance class must also ride in their designated class. Any Novice choosing to compete at a gait less than a canter is not permitted to ride up a class at that tournament other than for schooling purposes.

3.    Tournament sponsoring club may, before the start of the joust, elect to combine classes should there not be enough riders registered. Rides will be ridden on the upper class ring size. Lead Line riders riding with the Novice class do not contribute towards an official class and they are not eligible for Novice placing.

4.    Any official tournament must be timed per Section V. Any untimed tournament will not count towards rider advancement, state qualifications and awards.

III.    Regulation Track Equipment

1.    A regulation jousting track will be eighty (80) yards in length and the width of the arches, and consist of three (3) uniform arches. The defined start will be twenty (20) yards in front of the first arch. The distance between arches will be thirty (30) yards. The defined end of the course will be the third arch ring.

2.    The height of the irons will be 6 feet 9 inches from the ground.

3.    All rings will be wrapped with white cord. The following sizes will be used for the rider's three (3) regular charges: Lead Line & Novice Class - 1 3/4 inches, Amateur Class - 1 1/2 inches, Semi-Professional Class - 1 1/4 inches and Professional Class - 1 inch. Size is inside diameter after rings are wrapped.

4.    If any participant has a concern about the accuracy or legality of the jousting course as prepared by the sponsoring club, it is the right of the individual to bring any concerns to the attention of the highest ranking executive officer present, prior to the start of the first class. No complaints concerning the layout of the course will be given consideration once the tournament has begun.

IV.    Tournament Rules

1.    All riders MUST sign a waiver, indemnification and hold harmless agreement before the joust starts. Anyone who refuses to sign papers free and clear will be excused from the competition.

2.    Each jouster will be permitted three (3) charges for a total possible high score of nine (9) rings. In the event of a tie score after the first three (3) charges, the ring size will be reduced by 1/4 inch and those with tied scores will charge again. In conducting tie off rides, the ring will remain at the first size specified for the tie off until two (2) or more riders have each taken (3) rings at that size in the same ride; whereupon the rings are reduced to the size 1/4 inch smaller size specified and so on through 1/4 inch rings if results so dictate. The winner of the class will be the rider who has successfully speared the most rings and has met the time and all other requirements.

3.    Once horse and rider have passed the twenty (20) yard line of the regulation track (See Section III #1) the jouster is officially considered to be on the ride.

4.    Speared rings must be returned, unchanged and on the lance by the rider, where they will be removed by the tournament ring stewards and officially counted.

5.    In the event a ring is speared through its white wrapped cording, the jouster will immediately lower their lance, complete the course, and go to the judges stand without touching the ring. The ring will be examined by the judges and a determination make as to where on the ring the cords were actually speared. If the ring was speared on the inside, the ring will be scored for the rider. It will be properly placed on the lance and the rider will be permitted to ride again for any remaining rings they did not try for as a result of the lowered lance. If the ring was speared on the outside, the jouster will not be credited with the ring. It will be removed from the lance by the judges and the rider will be permitted to ride again for any remaining rings they did not try foe as a result of the lowered lance. This situation does not constitute a lowering of the lance of the rider's own volition, or a time fault.

6.    Prizes, trophies or awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in the Novice, Amateur, Semi-Professional and Professional classes. Awards for Lead Line and Trophy classes will be determined by the tournament Chairperson. Expenses for these will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization or chairperson.

7.    Each participant will pay a specified entry fee per class, however, entry fees may be eliminated at the discretion of the sponsor or sponsoring organization.

8.    All registration of title and pole holes in each class must be completed by the time the last rider is charged on the first ride in that particular class.

9.    In accordance with the Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations, all horses over nine months of age must have a negative coggins test within twelve months prior to any event. All horses arriving on the grounds without a negative coggins test certificate, either registered with the club or carried with them, will be required to leave.

10.    All judges must abide by the current riding rules. If in the event there is a discrepancy in the judge's decision, the current Riding Committee members on the grounds, will be called to decide the final ruling.

11.    The association President shall appoint a chairperson to organize a committee to review these rules, as needed, no more than annually. The committee will consist of a chairperson, plus three representatives from all member clubs, appointed by each club. The chairperson will be charged with conduction the meeting and can only vote to break a tie vote among the club representatives. The committee's recommendations shall be presented to the MJTA body at the spring meeting for review and approval or rejection.

V.    Speed Requirements - Timing

1.    The measured course of eighty (80) yards is to be traveled by horse and rider at the prescribed time, in all classes except Lead Line and Novice classes which will not be timed. All Novice entrants however, must maintain a constant forward motion.

2.    Regulation Times for each Club are as follows: AJC, CMJC, MJTA and WMJC will be Nine (9) Seconds; ESJA will be Eight (8) Seconds. All tournaments will be timed with the use of an automatic timing device. A stopwatch will be available at the judges stand in case of timer malfunction.

3.    Riders failing to meet the required time limit or gait will be advised immediately by the judges. The jouster will then have to repeat the ride charging only for those rings, which were lanced on the original ride when the prescribed time limit or gait was not met. If the jouster fails to make the prescribed time limit or gait on the re-ride, all rings will be forfeited and the rider will receive a score of zero (0) for that ride and there will be no re-rides.

VI.    Lowering of the Lance

1.    A jouster may lower his/her lance one time only (of his/her own volition) in a class, to receive a re-ride, if the lance is lowered for all 3 rings a time fault will not be assessed. But if any rings are tried for the prescribed time must be met! The jouster must ride again for any rings not tried for on the original ride, all those tried for and missed are considered lost.

2.    Special circumstances may arise, track interference, equipment failure conditions beyond the riders control forcing a rider to lower his/her lance, and or receive a time fault. If the judges decide that a rider is entitled to another ride at any or all of the rings, the rider will ride for any rings not tried for on the original ride. All those tried for and missed are considered lost. In this situation, the rider is not to be charged with a lowering of the lance, or receive a time fault. All participants will be informed of the judge's decision by the tournament announcer. Any protest or objection by any other participant must be made to the judges prior to the re-ride of the rider in question. No protest or objection will be considered after the re-ride has been completed.

VII.    Rider Status Advancement -- Regression

1.    The Maryland Jousting Tournament Riding Rules recognize five (5) levels of skill proficiency: Lead Line, Novice, Amateur, Semi-Professional and Professional.

A.    Lead Line:  Individuals may begin jousting in the Lead Line Class regardless of age. Each rider will receive a participation award regardless of total rings caught. Lead Line participants are not eligible to ride in any other class. Riders can advance at their own discretion to the Novice class.

B.    Novice:  Individuals may begin jousting in the Novice class regardless of age. Upon winning six (6) official classes (see Section II, Paragraph A) the rider will be considered an Amateur jouster. However, a first year Novice rider may elect to ride in the Novice class one (1) tournament season without moving up regardless of the number of their wins. A Novice rider may choose to compete at a gait less than a canter for their first three (3) official wins. After obtaining three (3) official wins, a rider competing at a gait less than a canter shall be considered schooling. A first year Novice rider may revert to the Lead Line class, one time only, and must remain there for the rest of the tournament season.

C.    Amateur:  Any Amateur jouster winning (6) official classes (see Section II, Paragraph A) will be considered a Semi-Professional jouster and shall be required to compete at that level or above.

D.    Semi-Professional:  Any Semi-Professional jouster upon winning six (6) official classes (see section II, Paragraph A) will be considered a Professional Jouster and shall be required to compete at that level. Any Jouster having Status as a Semi-Professional at least one (1) jousting season (calendar year) and competing in at least three (3) tournaments but not having placed 4th or higher in an official class may revert to the status of Amateur at the beginning of the next season. Upon winning three (3) official Amateur classes (see Section II, Paragraph A) that rider will once again be considered a Semi-Professional jouster and shall be required to compete at that level or above.

E.    Professional:  Any jouster having status as a Professional at least one (1) jousting season (calendar year) and competing in at least three (3) tournaments, but not having placed 4th in an official class, or higher may revert ot the status of Semi-Professional at the beginning of the next season. Upon winning three (3) official Semi-Professional classes (see Section II, Paragraph A) that rider will once again be considered a Professional jouster and shall be required to compete at that level. Once having Professional Status, the rider may not drop back past Semi-Professional.

2.    In order for the winning rider's ride to count toward rider advancement the winner must have legally speared at least (8) eight rings during the (3) three regular charges.

3.    Any jouster registering into a class for which they are not qualified (under these rules) shall be approached by the highest executive officer present in the company of two (2) other club members and requested to change registration to the class for which they are qualified. In the event the rider refuses to change registration to the correct class, the riding rules committee, or in their absence, the three (3) highest ranking executive Officers of the host club, will discuss the situation with the judges of the tournament and request they assign the jouster to the correct class. Should the jouster refuse this reassignment, they will be excused from participation and any entry fees refunded.

4.    Any participant with previous jousting experience will be expected to ride at the status that they last competed. Any rider not actively participating in the past ten (10) jousting seasons may elect to drop back one class.

5.    In order for records to be proficiently accurate and updated in a timely manner, the Presidents of the member clubs shall have a copy of the tournament score sheets and work sheets sent to the association's statistician immediately. Should there be any question at a tournament as to a jouster classification, the MJTA Rider Status record shall be used as a final determination. The Statistician shall promptly notify all clubs Presidents of anyone that has reached five (5) move up wins. The Statistician shall forward to all club Presidents a complete rider placement list at least three times a year. (April, July & November).

6.    Non Maryland residents participation in State of Maryland jousts are required to compete at the level (or above) they are qualified for within their resident states. Should there be a question as to a non-resident rider's classification, that individual shall be required to submit to the sponsoring club written proof from their member club's executive office as to their proper class status. Should the jouster refuse the reassignment, they will be excused from participation and any entry fees refunded.

7.    A current rider status sheet will be mailed to each club before the first tournament of each year.

8.    All official jousts hosted by a Maryland organization and ridden in accordance with Sections II and VII of the current Maryland State Jousting Tournament Riding Rules will count towards rider advancement.

VIII.    Conduct

1.    Any complaints by participants shall be presented to the judges in a respectful manner. Disrespect or abuse shown to the officials of the joust will not be tolerated, nor will any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct, and may, at the discretion of the judges, result in expulsion of a participant from the joust.

2.    If it is felt that any horse or individual's participation in any jousting event sponsored by this association, would present a danger to other riders or spectators, such individual will be referred to the executive board of the association present on the grounds and it will be left to their discretion whether or not the individual may participate.

3.    It is strongly recommend that all riders wear proper riding attire, (i.e. shirt, long pants, heeled foot wear), and the use of a riding helmet is strongly recommended. All riders under the age of 18 years are REQUIRED to wear an ASTM/SEI saftey approved riding helmet with harness fastened at all times when mounted.
 
 
 
State Championship Rules 
Revised 3-15-2008

 
 

1.    Only Maryland residents are allowed to compete in the Maryland State Jousting Championship Tournament. Extraordinary exceptions shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for consideration; upon approval it must be presented to the General Body for a vote.

2.    There will be NO practice riding in the track area fifteen (15) minutes prior to the tournament start time or between classes. Any rider that rides, will have that ride count as an official ride and that rider will be given a score of  zero (0) for each ride taken.

3.    No rings are to be hung for practice riding.

4.    A standard six foot nine inches (6' 9") height will be set for all classes.

5.    Riders may enter only one class for which they are qualified as of the date of the Maryland State Championship Joust, with the exception of the State Championship Class. Riders may NOT REVERT to any class status held previously during the current season.

6.    The State Championship Class is open to PROFESSIONAL or CLASS IV riders who have won or placed 2nd twice in an official professional or Class IV class and or won an officialTrophy class, starting and ridden on 1/2 inch rings during the current season. (See Section II Paragraph #1). In order for these wins to count toward rider qualification the winner must have legally speared (8) rings on the (3) regular charges. Any State Champion or former State Champion who has not reverted to a lower class during the current season may ride in the State Championship Class without qualifications contained in this rule.

7.    Rings must be returned and removed from the lance by the ring steward.

8.    Sizes of the rings in each class are as follows:
         Lead Line Class - 1 3/4"  No Ties
         Novice Class - 1 3/4" ties on 1 1/4" and 1" rings. Etc.
         Amateur Class - 1 1/2" ties on 1" and 3/4" rings. Etc.
         Semi-Pro Class - 1 1/4" ties on 3/4" and 1/2" rings. Etc.
         Pro. Class - 1" ties on 1/2" and 1/4" rings.
         State Championship Class - 1/2" and ties on 1/4" rings
If three (3) rings are not speared on the first tie-off ride a second tie-off ride on the same size rings will be given before reducing the size of the rings.

9.    On the date of the joust, if any club or individual has any concern about the accuracy or legality of the jousting course as prepared, it is the responsibility of the club President or person to bring the matter to the attention of one or more officers of the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association, Inc. Prior to the starting time. No complaints concerning the layout of the course will be given any consideration once the joust has begun.

10.    Any complaints by a participant shall be presented to the judges in a respectful manner by the grievant and a delegate to the State Association appointed by the club, or by an officer of the club to which the individual belongs, or by the Field Marshall. Any abuse or disrespect shown towards officials of the joust will not be tolerated, nor will any other form of unsportmanlike conduct which may at the discretion of the judges, result in the expulsion of a participant from the joust.

11.    All rider stats must be received by the MJTA statistician 3 days prior to The State Championship.

12.    A Novice rider can only win The State Championship Joust one (1) time at a gait less than a canter.
 
 

Riding Rule Committee 2006
Chairperson - Ken Enfield
 

Amateur Jousting Club of Maryland

Vicki Betts
Jackie Rosenthal
Bruce Hoffman

Central Maryland Jousting Club

Not represented

Western Maryland Jousting Club

Janice Enfield
Ron Vogel

Maryland Jousting Tournament Association

Buddy Wooters
Dave Dinkle
Mark Weesner









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