RHR Gymkhana Racing, Inc
the ultimate in Gymkhana
and Gymkhana Match Racing
The most exciting game on  horseback

RHR Gymkhana
Head Judge Qualification Test

RHR, Inc believes that the primary objective in establishing the rules for any sport should be to assure fairness and safety  for all competitors and to provide an environment for social development. However rules do not cover everything and as a Head Judge you may have to make judgment calls. This test has been developed to test your understanding of the rules, setup of the arena and events and some scenarios that may arise.

1.      Why does RHR have rules?

 2.      What is the recommended number of judges for a 3 lane show?

 3.   Can a show center run a show without a head judge in attendance?

 4.      What is the main purpose of a Head Judge?

 5.     A.  Where should the Head judge be physically located?
         B.   Where should the lane judges be located?

 6.      What is the purpose and responsibilities of the gate person?

 7.      Can the gate person be a Judge?

 8.      What are the minimum requirements for arena size for a 12 event, 4 lane event show?

 9.    A.   What is the minimum required distance between lane boundary and any obstacle to be turned?
        B.   What is the minimum width of lanes? 

10.    What is the minimum shut down distance for RHRgymkhana?

11.    Describe the sequence of events from the time the gate is opened and until the riders leave the arena?

12.    What is the gate person required to do if they know that riders are in the wrong lanes?

13.     Under what conditions can a rider claim interference?

14.     If a rider is in his or her lane and another rider comes into their lane and claim’s that this is their lane, what should the riders do?

15.    What is the call if a rider is not in their lane when the 1^st horn sounds?

16.    If a rider can not get their horse into the arena at what point does the gate person close the gate?

17.    Who’s responsibility is it to see that the riders are in the right lanes?

18.    If a race is run and the riders are not in the right lanes and no one catches it, what are the results of the race?

19.    If a rider can not enter the arena because of another rider or person and the race is run, what should the rider do?

20.    Describe the handicap system?

21.    What is the handicap system based on (match race time or on course time)?

22.    Describe match race time?

23.    Describe on course time?

24.    Describe start time?

25.    Under what conditions will a rider not get a match race time?

26.    Under what conditions will a rider not get an on course time?

27.    Under what conditions will a rider not get a start time?

28.    Is a rider’s handicap the same for every event (why or why not)?

29.    What is the purpose of a rider’s handicap?

30.    In what order should the announcer call the riders into the arena and why?

31.    If the announcer puts the riders in the wrong lane and the race is run, how can this error be corrected?

32.    When should the announcer activate the system to begin the race and why should it be consistent?

33.    What does the term foul-out mean, and does a rider still get a time?

34.    What is the consequence of knocking down an obstacle (one or more)?

35.    If an obstacle falls down and rights itself, what should the ruling be?

36.    What is the consequence of being off course?

37.    If a spectator sees that a rider was off course and brings it to the judge’s attention but the judge did not see the error, what should            the judges ruling be?

38..    If a rider goes out of their lane and does not interfere with any other riders what would your ruling be?

39.    Under what conditions can a rider dismount while in the arena?

40.    What are the basic requirements for the dress codes?

41.    What riders are required to wear safety helmets?

42.    What are the requirements for boots worn by the riders? 

43.    What is the ruling if a rider leaves their lane before the announcer gives them permission to leave and why?

44. Draw the 12 RHR gymkhana events, indicating obstacles to be used, the distances between obstacles and the course patterns.

45.    Describe the procedure for a contestant protest?

46.    Describe the timing system how it works and how to set it up?

47.    What is the ruling if a rider knocks over one of the timing clocks?

48.    If a rider runs the pattern wrong, can they correct it and still get a qualifying time?

49.    In some events the first obstacle is on the starting line and can interfere with the  timing system. Where should the first obstacle be placed so as not to interfere?

50.    How can you be assured that the obstacles are the correct distance and straight?

51.   What is the correct height of the timing eye for each lane?

52.    How much of a variance are you allowed in course measurements?

53.  If a rider demonstrates that they can not control their horse in the arena or on the show grounds what should the head judge and the show center management do?

54. Can a rider claim interference because of a banner or flag waving near the arena?

55.  Describe how to set up arena (the starting line and the lanes)?

56.  Make a drawing indicating the direction of each timer sending and receiving units complete with the location of a shield if one is required.

57. RHR Gymkhana has three separate Year End Awards programs where a rider can earn awards in six different categories.  What is the cost for each of these programs and what award can the rider earn?

58. How much is the yearly membership in RHR Gymkhana and when does an individual membership expire.

59. How many shows is each Show Center required to have each year?