The Ontario Racing Commission at its meeting of Thursday, January 27, 2011 resolved that the Rules of Standardbred Racing 2008 be amended by the promulgation of the following Rules, effective March 31, 2011.
Please note: Additions to rules are noted in bold.
Chapter 2
DEFINITIONS
BAC means Blood Alcohol Content. It is the grams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood when referenced as .02 to .039 BAC and the equivalent of 20 to 39 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
Safety Sensitive Position means…. <rule continued>
Standardbred: driver, trainer, groom, starting gate personnel, horse identifier, commission and official veterinarians, outrider, blacksmith, test inspector, TCO2 technician, track maintenance personnel.
Chapter 6
VIOLATIONS, FINES, SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS
New Rule 6.02 Violation of the following shall make offenders liable to a fine or suspension:
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(i) Smoking is prohibited within 10 feet of any designated signed areas, stall, tack room, shedrow or any portion of a barn including the paddock. For the purpose of this rule, the paddock will include the cafeteria, drivers’ change room, washrooms and offices within the paddock area. Smoking is also prohibited anywhere on the racetrack surface from two hours prior to the post time for the first race to the completion of the race card.
Penalty for an infraction of Rule 14.05:
First offence will result in a $50 fine;
Second offence within a year of the first offence will result in a $300 fine or a 5 day suspension or both;
Third offence within a year of the first offence will result in a minimum fine of $500 and a 7 day suspension;
Fourth offence within a year of the first offence will result in an indefinite suspension and referral to the Director.
Rule 6.53 No person shall administer, attempt to administer, or cause to be administered, any medication or substance by a nasogastric tube to a horse on race day prior to its race, except for emergency treatment, which treatment will result in the horse being scratched from the race.
Chapter 36
ALCOHOL AND DRUG OFFENCES - HUMAN
Rule 36.07 Designated Licensees are subject to testing in the following situations:
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(h) Dilute Samples
If the laboratory identifies a dilute sample, the designated licensee will be required to complete another test.
Rule 36.08
The consequences for licensees who are in violation of the policy are as follows:
- Alcohol: Test Result of .02 to .039 BAC
ii) For a second offence, suspension from performing the duty or duties for which he/she is licensed for that day, a $300 fine and suspension of 5 days if committed within 12 months of the first offence, and the licensee will be referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for evaluation to determine the need for a structured assistance program and must provide a negative return to duty drug and alcohol test; and
b) Alcohol: Test result of .04 to .079 BAC
i) a for a first offence, suspension from performing the duty or duties for which he/she is licensed for that day, a $300 fine, a suspension for five (5) days, a reminder of the policy requirements and a suggested referral for assistance and must provide a negative return to duty alcohol test;
ii) for a second offence, suspension from performing the duty or duties for which he/she is licensed for that day, a fine of $500 and a suspension of fifteen (15) days if committed within 12 months of the first offence, referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for evaluation to determine the need for a structured assistance program if they choose to return to duties with the ORC, compliance with return to work conditions set out in an agreement with the individual, and must provide a negative return to duty alcohol test;
c) Illicit Drugs or Alcohol test result of .08 BAC or higher
i) for a first offence, suspension from performing the duty or duties for which he/she is licensed for that day, a $500 fine, a suspension of fifteen (15) days, referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for evaluation to determine the need for a structured assistance program if they choose to return to duties with the ORC, and compliance with return to work conditions set out in an agreement with the individual, and must provide a negative return to duty drug and alcohol test;
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g) Referral to the Commission
Individuals who have been suspended from performing the duties for which they are licensed and who are referred to the Commission:
ii) Will be referred to a hearing before the Commission within twenty (20) days of the request for reinstatement;
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New Rule 36.13 Additional Penalties
No racetrack, association, or licensed body shall impose a penalty upon a licensee who has violated this policy, unless that licensee is directly employed by that racetrack, association, or licensed body.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
John L. Blakney
Executive Director