Qld Dressage Riders - Stop the Secrecy

To: EFA Qld Dressage Committee





Stop the Secrecy





This petition is being distributed amongst the dressage community of queensland for the purpose of making the Qld Dressage Committee, and Qld State Squad selectors accountable for there actions whilst in there trusted and respected positions.





I believe that it is time for a change, for to long we as riders have stayed silent and put up with being ridden roughshod by this committee/selectors who we have entrusted with the positions of governing our sport and its welfare. I recently drafted a letter to this committee enraged by the political games being played in order to choose our State Squads A (or Elite) B (or Development) Young Riders and Junior Young Riders, unfortunately it seems that this is also how they choose the winners of our annual trophys. Below is a short exert from that letter:





The Selectors seem to be a law unto themselves and how dare I ask these questions. Why is it so hard to long list a squad based on black and white results? Why arent they then interviewed for a position on this squad asking them there intentions for the future? Why cant any person walk in at any time and clearly see the combinations that meet the criteria? And why do they then need to fundraise for themselves with minimal support to gain any funding for future development? I believe that a combination that has proved itself to be placed on a State Squad of any nature deserves more than a hat and T Shirt that they are expected to wear with dignity.





Selection criteria is so loose that it enables the committee the power to be corrupt. We want answers and changes, we as riders work hard every year with barely any return for our efforts. The least we could have is a committee that is transparent where everything is laid bare for all to see with no confusion. I propose the following changes and if you agree please sign below and allow us to be the majority making our committee work for us rather than against us.





1. Make selections Soley Performance based with combinations having to compete at a minimum of 2 - 2 star competitions and 2 - 1 star competitions


2. Selectors actually following Selection Criteria guidelines,


3. Interviewing of prospective Squad combinations


4. Descent Funding for squad members to attend clinics and travel to Nationals etc.


5. Courtesy and respect given to riders


6. Long lists with scores and points accrued being made public prior to a shortlist announcement,


7. Spreadsheets readily made available showing the accrued points over the year that is easily accessible to everyone


8. Bring back Salute electronically & manually





I fully intend to take this petition to the next committee meeting and make them aware of how we are feeling, show them that we are prepared to stand up and be heard. If you feel as strongly as I do and want these changes made I urge you to sign on and stop all the politics and secrecy.





Yours truly,