SASCOC comment on CAS’s final ruling in equestrian case
July 25th, 2012 | Published in Media Releases | 91 Comments
Official statement from Mr Tubby Reddy, Chief Executive Officer of SASCOC
“We have just received the ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – see below. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has unfortunately ruled in favour of Mr Alex Peternell and has instructed both the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and ourselves, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), to include this athlete into our team. This is the second attempt by Mr Peternell to take SASCOC and the SAEF to CAS. As we all know, this athlete has been based in the United Kingdom for the last 11 years consecutively and we have now been instructed to include him in the Equestrian discipline of Eventing. It is indeed a very sad day for us as a country to be instructed to select an athlete into Team South Africa against our will, but being a disciplined member of the Olympic Movement we have no option but to adhere fully to this decision.
To Paul Hart, all I can say is that as SASCOC we tried assiduously and to the best of our ability to support you in your quest for Olympic representation and in fact challenged the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) twice in this process, indicating that it is our belief that your selection was in fact a fair process. Unfortunately with this ruling of CAS we cannot deviate in any way whatsoever as this ruling gives a clear indication that the selection of Mr Peternell has been made by CAS, and we are now implementing their decision.
It is with regret that one of our loyal countrymen, Paul Hart has to bear the brunt of this sad situation. It is abundantly clear from the comments posted on the official SASCOC website, from largely the South African public, that the South African public has stood and continues to stand behind Paul Hart as the preferred athlete for selection. This decision is unfortunate as it forces upon the South African public an athlete that they do not necessarily recognise and one that they do not necessarily support. While this whole affair is regrettable, for the sake of the Olympic Games it is important to move forward and focus our energies on the job on hand and concentrate on our team’s preparation.”
July 25th, 2012 at 4:35 am (#)
Alex Peternell is either a very brave or a very stupid man to ride for a country that clearly does not support him. I cannot conceive of riding at the Olympic event for South Africa when South Africans have stood united in their show of support for their chosen event rider, Paul Hart. To have to force SASCOC to allow Alex to ride against their will and better judgment is a show of how truly unsportsmanlike this man is.
I trust Alex feels very proud of his actions and choices. Because not very many South Africans will be.
July 25th, 2012 at 5:29 am (#)
Ditto Karen.
People like this are snitches and their skin is so thick that they actually strut around with pride. I wish him no luck and hope that he is ostracised by the rest of Team SA and the other competitors.
July 25th, 2012 at 5:40 am (#)
Alex did not make the rules, simply asked these to be implemented. You are likely aware of all the details in terms of qualification dates (not practical in my opinion if a horse to be transported from South Africa),Alex first choice horse that got injured and experience in terms of 4* events. My understanding is that Alex is the better rider, but the argument now is rider/horse combination experience – the question is who really knows which horse is best –
The event simply shows the lack of planning and anticipation of possible different selection scenarios that the management of SA’s equestrian bodies failed to take into account. ONE CANNOT CHANGES THE RULES OF THE GAME DURING THE GAME.
I would have expected a less partial statement from Mr Reddy who is clearly not willing to accept that management made mistakes and not the riders.
July 25th, 2012 at 5:52 am (#)
Well, rules are rules. And SASCOC has a horrible track record when it comes to transparency and being corruption free. They in NO WAY (to my knowledge) supports any riders financially (or if so – materially). It would have taken NOTHING from them to nominate both riders. Their absolute arrogance in their response to embarrasing international reprimand to South Africa is shocking. They have clearly made enough of a mess of their process for it to be overturned. Then their response to spite Alex by not nominating him was childish and again their decision had to be overruled by adults.
The argument of Alex being based in the UK is without any merit and again childish in the extreme.
Good Luck to Alex. I am proudly South African (11th generation), live in my country of birth, pay tax and contribute. I will support anyone who chooses to fly the flag of my country and expect them to cary themselves with dignity. Ernie Else has not lived in South Africa for years, but I am no less proud of him. He is also chosen as an Ambassador at the Olymics and will look after our people there with humble dignity.
Rugby, tennis, athletics, cricket…you name a sporting discipline and we are almost always embarrased by our officials.
Good luck to all athletes who excell despite officials.
July 25th, 2012 at 6:11 am (#)
I am involved in the professional riding community in SA and I fully support Alex’s fight and I am glad he won. The best rider deserves to go, SA riders mostly do not reach international standards and we should most definitely be sending the highest ranked rider. Alex is ranked over 200 places higher than Paul. If people take time to hear Alex’s side of the story maybe their perspective will change. The Federation seems to have decieved Alex numerous times and attempted to block his way into the Olympics. And for those of you who question why the Federation would do this, the equestrian world is fraught with corruption and self-serving people who will do whatever it takes to get what they want.
July 25th, 2012 at 6:15 am (#)
I am very glad that SASCOC and SAEF were forced to put Alex through. He is South African, and he has my support when he competes for OUR country.
It is very sad that it had to happen in this way, but I salute him for exposing this blatant corruption within our society.
While half of the South Africans will sulk and refuse to support Alex, the other half of us will be behind him all the way because it is not right to ostracize one of our own people!
July 25th, 2012 at 6:50 am (#)
From the moment he puts his foot in the stirrup on Saturday, I will be cheering Alex on, and supporting him. If you don’t want to at least respect him in his competition. Well fine, then shut up and don’t follow the eventing.
July 25th, 2012 at 6:56 am (#)
I sympathise with Paul Hart, it must be horrible to be dropped at the last minute, but on paper it does seem that Alex is the better choice.
You go Alex!
July 25th, 2012 at 7:11 am (#)
Am sad for Paul but have to feel happiness for Alex. Being overseas doesn’t mean you’re not a South African. He made the choice to gain his vast experience in an International Forum which in itself is daunting… He would never have reached the point at which he now finds himself had he stayed here. Our country is too small… big fish in a small pond syndrome which is fine, but accept that it’s a truth. So many athletes in various sports are based out of SA for this exact reason… Golf, athletics, tennis, soccer, rugby, cricket… all sports! Go Alex. I will support you as a South African for that is what you have remained, and will be proud to see our flag on your horse…
July 25th, 2012 at 7:14 am (#)
I in no way condone Alex Peternell’s conduct and personal ethics in the way he has forced through a place on the SA Olympic Team. I will be supporting Team NZ in the eventing because it is wrong to reward his underhand behavoiur (the last minute legal ambush and lack of grace in accepting a decision made by the selectors and communicated to him). I only hope he manages to bring that inexperienced horse that he has ridden for six months home safe in pursuit of his quest for glory. The horse is ranked way below Heartbreak Hill – but maybe AP thinks he is Mark Todd who can get on and just make it all allright. Arrogant and shameful.
July 25th, 2012 at 7:31 am (#)
People in elected positions should be held to a higher level of accountancy of being transparent and professional in their actions. This press release from SASCOC is shocking. It showed no remorse or any acceptance of any accountability for the whole mess. Their initial reaction to the CAS ruling seemed a bit spiteful to Alex, and even to us as South African equestrian community who would have loved to cheer on a South African rider. The veiled personal attack on Alex by Mr Reddy is beneath the conduct I would expect from someone holding his office. It is childish.
Mr Reddy seems to have a slippery grasp on facts: This was not a “second attempt” by Mr Peternell to take SAEF and SASCOC to a higher authority. On both occasions it was a successful legal action and an international authority looked at the facts and decided to overrule SASCOC. SASCOC was wrong. Either you accept this or reject the authority of CAS. You cannot maintain you were correct.
Mr Reddy’s remarks about the alleged one-sided support for Paul by the SA riding community on this SASCOC website are clearly deceptive. There are ample support and sympathy for both riders. What Mr Reddy omitted to say is that the South African community is disgusted at how the whole matter was handled.
Like I stated above, SASCOC has an embarrassing track record of infighting, interference, corruption allegations (the 11 page report to the Sports Minister, the hockey team sponsorship, the list goes on).
Unfortunately SAEF is now being tarred with the same brush. There are allegations of previous preferential treatment of Paul at the expense of another rider some years ago. I would like SAEF to respond to this. There is a further allegation that Paul’s horse, Harry, belongs to someone who had influence/a vote on the selection of Paul to our Olympic Team. Again I would like SAEF to clarify this.
I don’t know either rider personally. But there just seems to be this ongoing mess in SA sports administration and I would have liked to believe that the Equestrian sport was above this. I am sure Paul is a great guy and by all means an excellent rider. Paul, if you read this, my heart goes out to you. It is a horrible thing that was done to you.
Good luck Alex. Make us proud.
July 25th, 2012 at 7:35 am (#)
@EFT…Mark Todd is great. Leave him and NZ out of this. It is about our National Team.
BTW, why not sign such brave comment with your full name?
July 25th, 2012 at 7:48 am (#)
Let’s all get behind Alex Peternell now. There is no easy road to the top in our demanding sport and Alex has been a brilliant inspiration to young riders at the clinics he has held. As for the administrators, they ought to be ashamed of themselves. Clearly there is an agenda here – money and power sadly seems to blind the people who should be there to serve competitors and their supporters who make so many sacrifices. A little grace from the likes of SASCOC would be in order here.
July 25th, 2012 at 8:09 am (#)
To sascoc
Thank you for all your support it means so much to me,
Also I would like to personally thank all the people that have supported me and stood by me through all the ups and down on the long painfully few days .
Paul Hart & HeartBreak Hill
PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN
July 25th, 2012 at 8:13 am (#)
Alex Peternell can get behind himself – I do not support underhanded people that come through the backdoor and stuff fellow countrymen and riders over. I dont care what the rules are. The wheel will turn and one day something similar might happen, he must just then remember why.
My support will always be with Paul and Harry a true South African and a true sportsman with dignity. Paul you my hero!
July 25th, 2012 at 8:24 am (#)
So reading this I understand that SASCOC does NOT support any of our athletes who operate overseas? Mixed messages Mr Reddy – you are not our hero at all.
Good luck to Alex, you are being crucified by some for simply trying to stand by the rules.
July 25th, 2012 at 8:33 am (#)
I’m South African and so is Paul Hart. Who’s Alex Peternell?
July 25th, 2012 at 9:00 am (#)
Wow Paul. To be able to give such humble and positive words at such a time of incredible personal pain and disappointment is truly a mark of greatness. I admire you more than words can say and truly believe that there are still many triumphs and successes ahead of you. Dare we hope . . . Badminton or Burghley?? We would love to see that happen for you and Harry, and perhaps our dear administrators should foot the bill as a gesture of reparation for having cost you so dearly.
July 25th, 2012 at 9:03 am (#)
Shocking decision.
Paul Hart is BROUDLY SOUTH AFRICA
Alex Peternell is broudly unsportly and very selfish
July 25th, 2012 at 9:22 am (#)
Whether or not SASCOC was correct in their original decision, or even in the decision to send no-one, is of less importance than the fact that no national federation should be forced by an outside organisation to make a selection.
The IOC always severely criticizes political interference, so how is this any different?
July 25th, 2012 at 9:27 am (#)
What a sad day for equestrian sport. To see so many agressive personal comments is a dissapointment to me.
Both the riders can feel justifiably aggrieved regarding the way this situation has been handled.
The fault lies with the administration SAEA to start with and then SASCOC who did not accept the original decision of CAS. CAS is there to ensure fair play. Both the riders contended for selection based on the rules laid down by the SAEA. The Association was responsible for applying the rules. The CAS ruling makes it obvious that they did not.
In making their decision they prejudiced both riders, the fairest decision would be to allow them both to ride.
Shame on you SASCOC for such a petulant response to the ruling allowing Peternell to ride.
I find it interesting that there are no resignations forthcomming from SAEA. Heads should roll for this debacle.
Please equestrians dont take our dissapointment out on each other.
Whilst the Olympics do go we cannot allow this to be swept under the carpet.
July 25th, 2012 at 9:44 am (#)
Well summed up Quintus
I can’t believe the SASCOC press release! Where is the impartiality in this. How dare they decide whether South Africa will support Alex. He is a rider who has got there fair and square. I feel sorry for Paul is also a brilliant rider. But it seems some rules have been bend in this process.
We need an investigation and a transparent response from SAEF.
July 25th, 2012 at 9:57 am (#)
Subsequent to investigation it has come to light that Alex’s horse ASIH was only registered with the FEI on the 24th of January 2012. According to FEI regulations the horse had to be registered by the 31st of December 2011. This means that the horse would have only been eligible for selection yesterday which is after the Olympic deadline.
IS THIS TRUE??
July 25th, 2012 at 10:21 am (#)
Just heard that Alex’s horse was not registered with FEI for the Olympics at the closing date which was in December 2011 and only registered in January 2012 – so now what- maybe the wheel will turn again.
At CJ you say and I quote “the equestrian world is fraught with corruption and self-serving people who will do whatever it takes to get what they want” are you implying that Paul Hart is corrupt – because if you are you could be opening the door to defamation of character!!
July 25th, 2012 at 10:41 am (#)
This sadly confirms total lack of professionalism on behalf of SASCOC. Both Reddy and Sam need to go. You cannot just break CAS rules to suite yourself. The question to SAEF is why were they supporting what was clearly the incorrect candidate. Can we please here from Harry’s owner with regards to the comment re his/her influence in the matter of selection.
It is so sad Paul Hart has been so badly affected by all this, it seems he is such a well liked and respected rider.
Good luck Alex Peternell !
July 25th, 2012 at 11:06 am (#)
I’m truely horrified and deeply sadend at the response of so many “proudly south africans” through this awfull mess.
Its a terrible situation for both riders, both being so close to their dreams and 1 having to suffer no matter which way you look at it.
Our south african officials have once again embarrased our nation.
I certainly am glad and proud that there will be a south african at the games and will definately support alex and wish him all the best. He does have so much to offer our sport in this country, but unfortunately after this I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t continue coming back to share his knowledge.
I also wouldn’t be suprised if more of our talented riders left our shores after this awfull drama.
My hope is that we can still unite to support a south african at the games and to ensure that something like this never ever happens again.
July 25th, 2012 at 11:31 am (#)
Can someone answer a couple of questions for me please?
1. What was the situation with Mr Peternell and the WEG?
2. Was Mr Peternell’s prefered/ most experienced horse sound at the time of selection?
3. Did Mr Hart get chosen because they were the most exprienced pair?
4. Why did Mr Peternell dispute Mr Hart’s selection, knowing he has the “inexperienced” horse? Purely based on ranking? IS he in fact the highest ranked South African?
5. IF it is true that Mr Peternell’s horse was regeistered after the closing date, what does that tell us????
July 25th, 2012 at 11:34 am (#)
I can answer your 2nd question. Yes, his most experienced horse was lame at the time of selection.
July 25th, 2012 at 12:38 pm (#)
Quick all go to http://www.ballz.co.za/listen-live.php
Paul will be chatting.
July 25th, 2012 at 12:59 pm (#)
I’m truly horrified and deeply saddened at the response of so many “proudly south africans” through this awful mess.
Its a terrible situation for both riders, both being so close to their dreams and 1 having to suffer no matter which way you look at it.
Our south african officials have once again embarrassed our nation.
I certainly am glad and proud that there will be a south african at the games and will definitely support Alex and wish him all the best. He does have so much to offer our sport in this country, but unfortunately after this I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t continue coming back to share his knowledge.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if more of our talented riders left our shores after this awful drama.
My hope is that we can still unite to support a south african at the games and to ensure that something like this never ever happens again.
July 25th, 2012 at 1:21 pm (#)
After reading all the comments so far I have three questions:
1) What exactly are the rules and criteria for Olympic selection in this case – rider/horse combination or rider only?
2) When exactly was the cut-off date for FEI registrations?
3) Was there a previous or earlier opportunity for Alex to have lodged his appeal against the selection, ie not the ’11th hour’?
Once again it seems that administrative misconduct and politics has shredded and/or tarnished the Olympic dreams of not only two talented Athletes, but the South African public as well. With less than two days to go until what is for many sportsmen and women the Ultimate sporting event, South Africa’s presence is tainted by lack of accountability for fair management and selection processes.
I take my hat off to Paul for having the humility and grace to comment in this public forum in the face of such a devastating experience; the mark of a true sportsman is measured not only by his successes, but by the way he handles ‘defeat’ – Paul you are a Sportsman that South African’s at large and the equestrian community in particular can be proud of.
I do not feel that Alex has shown the same level of sportsmanship, in spite of his world ranking and apparent talent, in this whole situation.
July 25th, 2012 at 1:30 pm (#)
What a terrible mess this all is, yet perhaps there is an opportunity here.
In true olympic spirit, could we not encourage the IOC to allow Paul to attend the opening ceremony and to let both Paul and Harry ride the cross country phase as the final person to go. They could ride as a non competitive pair but still fulfill their dream of being at the olympics and pitting their skills against the toughest of all courses. I know that it is very much a consolation prize, but given that their support and families are there, and the fact that Paul and Harry deserve to be there as able olympians, I can’t see why the IOC would object.? In fact, it might be a very positive spin off for them! I am sure that the entire global equestrian fraternity would back them. It would also put to bed once and for all this question of ‘who is better’?
They don’t have to do the dressage or the jumping (which Paul could do in his sleep), as the real test of three phase is always the cross country. I bet the the IOC could make a real thing out of it. Hell man, if they go cler can you imagine, book deals, movie rights…a true Hollywood story. Surely this is what the olympics is all about, triumph of the human spirit! After all, this will be the only shot Harry has at olympics.
I am sure that if we put it to the IOC in a petition they would consider it…after all, they deserve to be there. This story might be bigger than the competition itself and would be a great way to bad publicity into good.I mean what are we asking for here? Just 12 or so minutes is all. I remember at the last olympics something similar took place in the swimming when and African athlete swam across the pool. I hate to say it but that coverage took about twelve minutes, but it was an event that everyone remembers.
I say (if Paul is keen of course) that we appeal to the IOC as a nation of proud Saffas to let Paul and Harry prove that they deserve to be there. One can’t just let all the time and effort that their campaign has taken go to waste.
What do you say Paul? Sure way to make you become the most famous equestrian at the games!
July 25th, 2012 at 1:31 pm (#)
Hi Lianne
The original full CAS report indicated that Alex queried the selection immediatly it was announced that he was not selected.Then he had to follow a process that took time. I think it would answer a lot of peoples questions if SASCOC published that report in full.
The administration fell short, not the riders.
July 25th, 2012 at 1:58 pm (#)
I believe the situation has been best summarised by Jillian (Post 21).
However, now that Alex Peternell has won his case against SASCOC, it behoves Mr Reddy and SASCOC officials to give him their full support. Mr Reddy’s comments, in SASCOC’s media release are appalling.
Yes, general sentiment is that Paul Hart was the appropriate choice to represent South Africa, and he has shown tremendous grace in his response to this very unfortunate situation. If Alex Peternell was prejudiced in the manner in which the SAEF reached its decision to select Paul Hart, he had every right to protest.
I have no brief for either party and I am sure that both are superb riders. This is attested to by several of the posts on this site.
So let’s not allow Peternell to go to the games as some sort of pariah, without the official backing of the South African Olympic Committee. It would show true sporting spirit on the part of Mr Reddy to rise above what has transpired and to personally welcome Peternell to the team, in the presence of the international press. That might save face for South Africa and SASCOC.
July 25th, 2012 at 2:01 pm (#)
I guess Mr Reddy is so deep in the manure he is unable to rise at all – what a shocking response! No wonder we are seen as a joke by the rest of the world.
Very well said some of you, especially Jimmy #34!
July 25th, 2012 at 4:00 pm (#)
While I absolutely sympathize with both riders, I think th majority of the comments here are an absolute disgrace. Any man who flies our flag should have our support, 100%. It is a horrible situation, and the events were unfortunate, however they are done and which ever way you look at it, we have a South African equestrian at the Olympics.
As for the question of him being UK based, good for Alex! We cannot even compare the level and caliber of the sport in this country with that of the UK. What about the swimmers, tennis players, and other sportsmen that live and train abroad?
South Africa have proved themselves a bunch of blinkered (so to speak), nay Sayers once again. Get behind all our boys and girls!
Paul – I am dreadfully sorry for you and Heartbreak’s disappointment and the horrible process you were put through.
Alex – best of luck! Bring it home guy, I’ll be rooting for you!
July 25th, 2012 at 4:03 pm (#)
Well said Jimmy.
SAEA and SAEF owe its members a full and transparent review of the whole process.
Where is the full CAS ruling?
July 25th, 2012 at 4:26 pm (#)
Considering that all parties to this debacle are South African, why was the arbitration hearing not held in South Africa by South African Arbitrators? Why was an International body approached and at such a late hour?
July 25th, 2012 at 6:19 pm (#)
I have been doing som research.
Highest ranked rider was Mandy Mason.
Alex was third, behind Martyn
Paul was 4th on rankings.
Deadline for selection was 30th April. Mandy had no horse qualified at the time. Next… Martyn had no horse at the time. Next…… Alex had no horse at the Tim,e…….next…Paul. Oh he has a horse. It’s qualified.
Selection deadline for selection of team? 28th May. Who is qualified? Paul. Does he have a horse.? Yes. So…. The first three riders don’t have a horse…. Paul does…. So he get in the team.
Next saga…. Team announced . Alex out, Paul in…. Why? Because you need a horse to get round the course at the Olympics…… The three hop riders have no horses……. Hmmmmmmm.
3 days after the team announcement, Paul qualifies……. Now Alex says, pick me pick me……. Ok… Let’s look . He has a horse, Paul has a horse…. Paul’s horse has a years experience…. Alex has a horse with 6 months of combination experience …. He has only 2 out of 4 completed events….. It’s a worry…….
So it looks like he is the third highest ranked rider who wants to be picked for the Olympics before the two riders before him and ahead of the fourth rider who as a horse….. He’ll if it was only the rider who should go then we must send Mandy Mason.
July 25th, 2012 at 6:41 pm (#)
Thank you, Mr Reddy – for expressing how disappointed and heartsore the vast majority of South Africans feel about this unjust outcome. As you rightly say, one of our own loyal countrymen has had to bear the brunt of this regrettable situation.
In most South Africans minds and hearts, Paul Hart is our true Olympian hero. He has behaved with unquestionable grate and sportsmanship.
What a hollow victory for Mr Peternell.
We can’t wait to welcome Paul Hart back to SA! He is truly Proudly South African.
July 25th, 2012 at 7:00 pm (#)
For anyone who is not currently driven by the emotional aspects of this travesty, and would prefer to assess the true fact for themselves, the full and complete notes from both the CAS rulings can be seen on the CAS website – http://www.tas-cas.org/recent-decisions. Makes for fascinating reading, especially when one considers that the CAS is a totally impartial, independent body, with no affiliation to any of the parties involved… just plain, cold legalese… The CAS gives athletes in all sporting codes a forum to request ‘fair play’, should they feel they have been treated unjustly by their National Federations. Now that’s a novel concept! Where in SAEF/SAEA do the athletes have such recourse? Oh. That’s right. They don’t. You just have to have lots of ‘friends’….
July 26th, 2012 at 5:30 am (#)
I agree entirely with Dee
It appears the real explanation behind all this is the attitudes that lie behind scenes at SAEF. Why else would they blatantly refuse to gracefully accept the instruction given by IOC. They were the driving force behind the most childish decision to send no olympic rider, if they could not have THEIR GUY. To the powers that be at SAEF, you have proven yourselves selfish beyond comparison, and now from your statement you simply blame sascoc and put them in the firing line. Shamefull
July 26th, 2012 at 7:41 am (#)
Thanks for the link Dee, I will read.
Who decided on this May24th selection date. It seems to me that this date was pulled forward to ensure Alex did not have a qualified horse, he qualified a week later.
As a comparason many of the European top teams were only chosen after Aachen at the beginning of July. To give selectors time to see what combinations were on form. Can someone please explain why Jane Jackman and crew chose that early date. Both our contenders horses were in England already .
July 26th, 2012 at 7:58 am (#)
Hmmm…I have read briefly through the ruling which contains extracts from and summaries of various communications between the parties in the time leading up to this mess. I will post the link below.
The first fact is that SASCOC decided to announce their team on 07 June. Therefore they needed final submissions by 28 May and the SAEF instructed the SAEA to put forward its selection as early as 23 May. This was in contrast with the International body, FEI, guidelines giving athletes till 17 June 2012 to qualify their horses.
Now, it is unclear if this deviation from the international guidelines was communicated to Paul Hart, but it was DEFINITELY not communicated to Alex Peternell. This is from their own internal correspondence. However, the SAEF and SAEA continued to string Alex Peternell along and expressed the hope in internal correspondence that he does qualify his horse. What they failed to communicate was that his qualification would be in order to be a backup to their preferred rider, Paul Hart. So SAEA and SAEF did consider Alex Peternell a worthy “substitute” but not worthy of being picked first – this is their prerogative and after all the job they were tasked with: select and nominate the best.
SAEA now argues that they have based their decision on the better combination and not the better rider – this may very well have merit. (But Mark Todd on a Novice Horse will always be better than for instance me on a three star horse. The ranking of the rider DOES matter.) However, the fact that SASCOC, SAEA and SAEF decided to jump the gun and make their decision on a date sooner than the deadline set by the FEI cannot be interpreted as anything other than severely prejudicial to Alex Peternell. Especially since he did not know about this earlier decision date. So any argument they now offer that their decision was based on combinations, rather than ranking, sounds a bit off – even if it is true, because they now lack credibility.
This was caused by either administrative incompetence of SASCOC or poor advice and communication from SAEA and SAEF on how to understand the qualifying criteria. The bona fides of SAEA and SAEF is not clearly above suspicion in that their communication around this issue with Alex Peternell was poor.
SAEA/SAEF/SASCOC definitely wanted to use Alex as a backup, in which case they would have been proudly calling him a true South African representative. They did clearly consider him and the horse he was trying to qualify as adequately competent to represent South Africa in the event of Paul Hart not being able to compete. (Granted they anticipated prohibitive mishaps other than a legal intervention.) But this just again emphasize the extent of their immature reaction to the first ruling when they refused to replace their first choice athlete with Alex Peternell.
The fact that Alex Peternell is based in the UK surely made him a convenient backup choice, as Paul Hart likely would not have travelled to the UK as a backup? Was this the SASCOC/SAEF/SAEA motivation? It definitely was not their mandate. South Africa was awarded one place to compete one Eventing athlete. Their job was to select and support the best man to get there and to do so transparently and without prejudice.
When the matter went to CAS, it appeared as if somehow SASCOC managed to get the deck stacked, or it might have been an extreme coincidence, but the initial Chair to hear the application was none other than SASCOC’s own legal advisor. The Chair was then replaced by an independent party who then handed down the only logical ruling available to him, however miserable that makes us all feel. The Chair expressed clearly that they were horrified by having to make this decision and understood what it would do to the athletes concerned.
Who knows who the best man would have been between Paul and Alex? Or the most deserving? In the end our administrators fluffed it up and an international court had to decide. That is what happened. Allex didn’t do anything to Paul. The decision should have been made on 18 June 2012 when all eligible candidates had an opportunity to qualify their horses. If it was then made on the merit of combinations over ranking and points, so be it.
These are only my opinions based on my understanding of what I read.
http://www.tas-cas.org/d2wfiles/document/6113/5048/0/FINAL20AWARD20_2012.07.pdf
July 26th, 2012 at 8:04 am (#)
The guy got in on a loophole that he pursued with unrelenting focus. That loophole will now be closed. There is such a thing as good sportsmanship and considering a bigger picture other than your own personal ambitions in this sport. For comparison, look at the British team. Piggy French was selected and her sleected horse went lame. She accepted the selectors decision to nominate someone else in her stead – she did not have an all fall down tantrum and take the selectors to court to try to get in on the team on one of her remaining outstanding string. Nicola Wilson despite being the pathfinder for many international competitions for GB, was overlooked for selection in favour of Zara Phillips.cDid she whine and crya nd shout its not fair? No, and when injury opened up a place on the team, she got it. Many more examples – Pippa Funnell etc etc. I’m guessing Mr Peternell’s popularity in the UK, where these things matter a great deal, is no better than it is here ate home.
July 26th, 2012 at 8:22 am (#)
Outraged : if the selection was unfair, and lets face it from the facts that seem to be emerging, it certainly seems that way, Alex has not only done himself, but all other potential deserving Olmpians a favour by drawing so much attention to this injustice. Hopefully the powers that be will be encouraged to put their personal preferences aside when making these decisions in the future
July 26th, 2012 at 8:45 am (#)
Read the ruling outraged. Here is the rub. We need to treat all riders fairly, of that no one can dispute…
The Respondents imposed new deadlines for qualification on such short notice that the
Appellant could have no hope of being selected to represent his country. Until the
SAEA’s 23
rd
May 2012 letter to the Appellant, he had no reason to believe that he
would not have a chance to qualify Asih in accordance with the FEI Criteria. He had
governed himself accordingly. In the absence of any compelling evidence presented to
the Panel (a) of justification for a change, or (b) of publication of any purported
change to the deadline, the Panel finds that the Appellant was dealt with in an arbitrary
and manifestly unfair manner. At the very least applicable deadlines should have been
notified publicly and clearly so that any potential nominee had the opportunity to make
appropriate arrangements, which may have included selecting alternative qualifying
events and/or seeking an extension of the time limit for qualification.
July 26th, 2012 at 10:29 am (#)
Jane Jackman, we would like to here from you.
It appears you (along with your team) have dealt with Mr Peternell in a manifestly unfair manner. This has come from an independant body who have no interest in who the South African Olympic Rider will be.
I suggest you apologise and stand down immediately. This situation is a national embarressment, that reaches far beyond the equestrian industry in South Africa
July 26th, 2012 at 12:07 pm (#)
So, has a petition started to allow Paul to take the last ride?
July 26th, 2012 at 7:25 pm (#)
According to the FEI records, Peternell registered as owner of Asih on December 21st, 2011. He’s completed exactly two FEI competitions on the horse.
Methinks it is time for SA to rewrite its selection criteria. Because, according to CAS, Peternell because of his rider points had to be chosen if he had any qualified horse at all.
July 26th, 2012 at 7:32 pm (#)
I feel very sorry for Paul and wish him the best in the future
Consider the following:-
Selection criteria states. COMPETITOR place highest on Olympic riders ranking.
Mandy Manson achieves the highest score for SA to send a individual, so RSA get a place. Her & Martyn cannot go due to various issues. Next Alex on AP Uprising then on to Paul And Heartbreak Hill. Paul qualified to got to Olympics early Alex on Uprising also.
Uprising injures himself at Bleheim in 2011 and never recovers properly and only very late in the process is anyone told he will not be ready. Alex secures ride on Asih and registers him in RSA before end December to comply. Horse had very poor record prior to this in Germany.
Paul and HH been together for years and winners of SA Champs over 3* FEI course. HH living in UK since WEG 2010, jumps clear around Blenheim and does not pass vet check later but still very good over top class course.
Alex and Asih get a qualifying ride at CIC3*, have a stop at CCI3* and WD due to horse unsound, finally get a qualifying ride at CCI3* with stop which was technical one due to him crossing his tracks in a black flag option apparently. why was he taking a black flag option record shows stop.
Had Alex still had Uprising there would have been no discussion as he was highest qualified on Uprising. With Uprising out he was therefore not even on the Olympic Riders Ranking list. Alex moved the goal posts by introducing another horse which by qualifiaction time he had only ever ridden at 3 events.
Very sad that CAS had to make a decision for the sport when SAEA/SAEF/SASCOC chose the best combination to represent RSA which in all equestrian sports is paramount.
AS Dennis Davis always says JUDGE FOR YOURSELF. the facts will eventually come out.
July 26th, 2012 at 8:16 pm (#)
Here is something to consider……
In SASCOCS general selection criteria Ales never official ally represented South Africa. He rode as a South African but not representing South Africa. That makes him in elligible.
The FEI deadline has no bearing on SASCOC selecting their team . SASCOC deadline was June 7th. He did not speak to SAEF about an extension to qualify. So he missed out there too.
The initial ruling published showed CAS mixed up SAEF and SAEA 9 times indicating they did not know the difference between the eventing association and the national federation….. Problem when you are supposed to make a ruling and you can’t tell the associations apart…….
Either way you look at it… Paul met 5 out of 5 of the selection criteria. Alex only met 2 out of the 5 and did not have a Horse for the two selection dates.. 30th April and 7th June…. The two dates when SASCOC published the team selection…….Paul did…….
You can’t ask SASCOC OR SAEF to select when you don’t meet the criteria. I think that’s why they backed PAUL….. It’s a no brainer…….. Paul was met them all Alex did not.
The court ruled that the SAEF can select rider to represent SA….. Yeah right! Only SASCOC can…. That’s where he failed in the eligibility.
The court confused SAEF and SAEA 9 times………… Eish…… Giive me a klippies, met ys…..
July 26th, 2012 at 11:21 pm (#)
All BS aside the best rated man should go – regardless of any external or personal factors. Good for Alex to stand his ground regarding SASCOC arrogance. We need a sports union to help stop this nonsense by financially supporting more athletes to go to CAS in the first instance.
July 27th, 2012 at 6:03 am (#)
I think what probably swayed CAS in their decision here, is that for another unknown reason, it really looks like SAEF, SAEA and SASCOC were doing their damnest to block Alex from day one and in a very underhand way as well.
So hidden agendas must be at play here,the facts of which will probably always be a mystery to most of us. However this is what led to the “manifestly unfair” ruling and the forcefull decision.
As Angus says above, the best rated man must go, not necessarily the favourite, and def def def not the guy that gets along best with the selectors. So those involved in the nomination and selection process have very important lessons to be learnt here.
July 27th, 2012 at 1:11 pm (#)
Best rated man useless without a horse.
SAEF SASCOC . Well done. You got the selection right. You fought for the athlete. The bloody horse had to trot up twice because it was not sound the first time. ……..
Let Alex Perterbell, the best man go around on foot…. After all the horse is not important…… CAS only select riders….
July 27th, 2012 at 1:15 pm (#)
Best rated man is a woman… Mandy Mason is the best ranked rider…..
July 27th, 2012 at 4:44 pm (#)
We APOLOGIES to you Bra Paul, Comrade from the youth of South Africa and our members!
You were elected,chosen by all the correct body’s in this regard,you are still Eventing SA and the South African Olympic team’s choice,the people’s choice!
You have done nothing wrong my brother,but we will fix this for you!!!
Also i thank you for all you have done in your sport,your work with the poor,under privileged in our townships!
As for Mr Alex Peterfool!Like my comrade Julies says we await you!!!
You have chosen yourself!
We know of all you have done re riding,giving lesson’s for free!!! Wanting money etc!Your remarks re our country and our people!
We have spoken to our comrades in Customs at the airports here and in Namibia,we are waiting for you,also we have spoken to government and internal affairs about you and your passports!NO SA PASSPORT??Why
You tried to ride for the English,they did not want you!And you have a Austrian passport,have never won any SA competition like Bra Paul!!!
Like over comrades in Olympic SA say you have no SA colors you are not there chose,our chose the peoples chose!
We are going to fix this,and you!
We will make sure you can never come to SA or ride for our country again,this we promise!
There is no I in Team but a me!!!Me and my comrades will make this right,any other fool’s who support this dog!Watch out!!
Once again Comrade Paul Hart!Sorry
July 27th, 2012 at 7:31 pm (#)
I am ashamed and disgusted by SASCOC and SAEF’s response to the debacle. Sam Reddy and Deon Augustyn’s heads should be on the block as office bearer’s they should be impartial whilst their comments have smacked of cronyism and a provincial disdain for the authority of the CAS and Olympic rules. At the beginning of the week I had some respect for Paul Hart but the constant whining and ‘woe is me’ comments that he has spewed out this week have left him seriously lacking in the respect department. As for claiming the withdrawal cost him R1 million – he made the choice to compete overseas without guarantee that he was the first choice rider. He can’t claim after the fact that he has lost this money due to not getting the ride! The horse was there for WEG where incidentally he did not exactly put on a sterling performance so please – cut the nonsense, get over yourself. If you go into something knowing you are not totally deserving then you take the risk of being found out. The fact that Mike Marsden, until recently Chairman of the SAEA International Affairs committee owns Paul Hart’s horse also smacks of conflict of interest as does Paul Hart’s close association with Ms Jackman who apparently stables at his yard which is now defunct if you believe the press releases! Who has made you, in your little puddle in the South of Africa, so important that you feel you can make, break and disregard the rules as suits you. So much for Olympic spirit and support for the best South Africa has to offer!
July 28th, 2012 at 5:10 pm (#)
Dear Lee
You are so misinformed.
Peternell did not meet the qualification criteria as he did nor officially ride for SA as per SASCOC rules of eligibility. That’s according to SASCOCS published criteria. I found that on the website and compared it to the CAS judgement. CAS thinks federations can award south Africa representation status to athletes. Sascoc says the federation cannot.
Paul Hart did meet all three.
At selection time deadline time on 30 th April , Peternell did not have a horse. He only qualified after announcement of team on 10 June. His claim to Being the highest qualified rider and deserving selection is wrong. FEI website shows he was third on list. He like the two above him did not have a horse. He just simply was not elligible. You see I am a lawyer too and I like to study why things go wrong. Apparently his association, or the group of sub associations got the FEI? Dates confused with Sascoc Olympic dates…??
CAS got it wrong. Lawyers do that all the time.
So praise SAEF and Sascoc for fighting for the correct selection. They stood behind their athlete. They could have easily just changed the decision and put the other guy in. They did not because they knew CAS cocked it up.
You should hope that your association or federation one day fights for you because they believe in you enough to fight your cause.
I play hockey and would love to have my federation back me like that. As a lawyer, I have studied this case and CAS got it wrong. That’s life. I admire the federation for taking on CAS. From what I understand,
July 29th, 2012 at 12:36 pm (#)
Thanks Lee for filling in the gaps here, so anyone interested in thsi subject can now clearly see what has happened here. I have absolutley no knowledge of any of these people or their horses and as a complete stranger to the industry who only has an interest in justice, it was so clear from the start that there were agendas here. Those agendas are Jane Jackman, Mike Marsden and all their whole support system. Listening to Mr Augustyn on the radio the other day left me in no doubt that there was a lot left out and as the radio host says on his website (for good reason)Alex’s Peternell did not have a chance to defend his position.
Now the truth is out in the open, Mr Rambo if you are a lawyer, it will always be your job to defend the indefendable. I suggest for the reputation of you and your firm, leave yourself as Rambo.
Jane Jackman and Mike Marsden if you choose not to openly defend yourself through this forum, you have chosen by default to have admitted your guilt.
If this is the case, the loopholes that really need to be closed are not the ones that Mr Augustyn and his buddies claim need closing, but are those that allow members of the selecting committee to have anything to do with horses and riders that are eligible for selection.
Mr Augustyn and Co please take note
Case closed !
July 29th, 2012 at 4:12 pm (#)
Longile , longile……tsk, tsk, tsk,
When you have not qualified, you have not qualified…..to claim you have and say you have represented South Africa when you have not…. Alex you bad boy.
Augustyn is not in the same organization as Jackman and Marsden….. Augustyn did no selecting……Marsden was not even a selector…… He simply does the admin…… Jackman , I am not sure……
I agree with you, defend the indefendable…… And the indefendable is selecting an un qualified rider…………
The CAS selected rider is doing wel……. 65 out of 67 at the moment. I suspect his horse won’t finish………under prepared…………
I think I need to go back to my chambers and watch this unfold….
July 29th, 2012 at 6:10 pm (#)
Rambo
The reason Alex did not have a horse on the date of selection was becuase SASCOC bought forward the date and no one from SAEF bothered to tell AP until a few days before he had to have a qualified horse on the date. They knew full well he needed to get one more qualifying event in for qualification. He would have done it earlier had he known of the new date but he had it planned on the original dates. I quote CAS.
“The Respondents imposed new deadlines for qualification on such short notice that the
Appellant could have no hope of being selected to represent his country. Until the SAEA’s 23 rd May 2012 letter to the Appellant, he had no reason to believe that he
would not have a chance to qualify Asih in accordance with the FEI Criteria. He had
governed himself accordingly. In the absence of any compelling evidence presented to
the Panel (a) of justification for a change, or (b) of publication of any purported
change to the deadline, the Panel finds that the Appellant was dealt with in an arbitrary
and manifestly unfair manner.”
I don’t event and am not linked to either rider but what I really hope is that in future Olympics all athletes are treated fairly, no matter what sport.
From reading the ruling do you honestly believe the two athletes were treated in exactly the same manner?
July 29th, 2012 at 6:16 pm (#)
PS: Go onto AP’s Facebook page and read Mandy Prince’s comments around her provincial selection at the hands of our impartial selectors.
July 29th, 2012 at 7:19 pm (#)
Was there not a possibility that Paul could have riden as an Independant Olympic Contestant? There are three such participants from other sports participating under this banner.
As a matter of interest – do Paul’s manager, groom and vet all look after this other guy now, or did he manage to get his own in as well.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:03 pm (#)
Dates were 30th April And 28th May for sElection. 7th june for teAm announcEment. Been on website for 18 months. On all dates he did not have a horse thAt was qualifIed.
FEI date has no bearing on SASCOC dates. FEI were not selecting teAm no one asked SAEF for extension because Hart had AlreAdy been selected according to CAS.
Dates were never chAnged. Even if he had qualified he would not have been selected cause he did not meet the criteria of elligibility. I used it as a topic for my law students when I lectured last week.
AND he had not met elligibility as he had nEver represented SA in Elimination bouts.
July 30th, 2012 at 2:06 am (#)
Angus you no nothing ask Lezelle she Knows Paul,this is a team sport,not only the rider,Paul has won more,paid more entered more,he has earned and paid his way to USA World champs ,Alex wanted SA to pay his bills!Paul has not claimed any money or costs yet,you are all bad people,you do not Know what him as a person must be going through after all this!I agree there are better riders who should be here not only Paul,but he was chosen,invited,P.S the horse belongs to him,we his family have paid towards him,this,he does not have a sponsor anymore!
I hope the Government,Eventing SA and the Olympic SA sort out there mistakes that have cost Paul,none of you have lost anything big mouths!not one Rand,pride!
Alex will show his true bad sportsmanship by coming no were,he is a nobody!The only reason he has a higher ranking is that he lives in the UK,for the last 11 years!
Please go ride for the UK,i challenge you,Paul & Harry against Alex now in the UK?Paul & Harry will win any day!!
July 30th, 2012 at 7:03 am (#)
How sad that this situation has deteriorated into such a mud-slinging match. Both riders have attained the highest levels of competition in their chosen sport and sacrificed so much personally. However, again, the public has taken sides. There has been no official response from any of the officials/selectors involved in the process except Deon Augustyn, whose radio interview with Darren Scott was somewhat biased. In this interview, Mr Augustyn states that Alex Peternell was ineligible due to not having represented SA. Why, then, was this never mentioned in any of the correspondence between SAEA/SAEF with Mr Peternell? And why did these two bodies still encourage Mr Peternell to qualify his second horse as a back up should anything happen to Mr Hart’s horse, if SAEA/SAEF felt he was ineligible. A witness in the CAS case verified that Mr Peternell had, indeed, ridden in South African colours as early as 2010. These colours can only be given to athletes by their Federation. Again, the silence from the SAEA/SAEF is deafening… Ms Jackman resigned as Chair of Eventing at the time of accreditation announcements. Mr Marsden resigned as SAEA Eventing representative of International Affairs soon after. How can one be held accountable when one is no longer in an official position? A worrying note here is the lack of positive action or comment from SAEA/SAEF. Are they waiting, hoping Mr Peternell fails? Well, that really would be Proudly South African…
July 30th, 2012 at 4:32 pm (#)
Alex rode a world class round today and you lot owe him an apology.
July 30th, 2012 at 5:25 pm (#)
55 th is hardly a champion………
SAEF can’t give national colours dee and the witness was Tony Lewis. Need I say more?
July 30th, 2012 at 5:27 pm (#)
SAEF made their statement and did not nominate Peternell……..that says it all.
July 30th, 2012 at 6:35 pm (#)
Chuck, you are remarkably well informed. And SAEF, together with SAEA, have such a great track record too… Their lack of teeth in the past few years when it comes to problem-solving is legendary. Although, I’m sure there are those like Jimmy and Tony who are hugely relieved that the current incumbents appear to take such a laissez faire approach to corruption and theft. The rot has been in the administrative echelons of equestrian sport for many years now – the only things that have changed are the names of the administrative bodies and the names of the administrators… the more things change, the more things stay the same. Unfortunately, all that will now happen is that supposed ‘loopholes’ will be closed and we’ll still be wondering how it all happened. Personally, I wouldn’t mind be 55th in the world arena… better than being nothing from nowhere…
July 30th, 2012 at 6:49 pm (#)
Dee
I spend a great deal of time doing the research and sifting through the records. You are right about the SAEF do not have a great track record. Unfortunately the leaders of both the SAEF and SAEA have been one in the same……..until now.
I think if people’s spent more time putting energy into fixing the sport instead of critising the sport would improve. I am going to see what I can do to help out where I can. I have read all the blogs and the critising and I am going to find the SaEF number and offer help. I don’t care how small it is , I am going to offer a skill, even if it’s filing.
I hope you do to. Come serve on a committee. Come and make change if you eel strongly about it like I do.
July 30th, 2012 at 7:05 pm (#)
Delighted to hear you are prepared to take a pro active step, and wish that many others who have so much to say would do the same. I currently serve on four committees, and have done so for the past five years. Not because I have any great skills, just an abiding passion for equestrian sport. Unfortunately, being on a committee doesn’t entitle one to make changes – more like being told not to comment, as was the case through this debacle. I’m not a fan of gag orders, especially when I volunteer my time and energy for a sport that encourages individual agendas. Good luck on whichever committee your ‘select’ – choose wisely. By the way, the ‘new’ SAEF website is still very new and you can contact them via e-mail on their site. http://www.saef.org.za. Or maybe just give Deon a call…
July 30th, 2012 at 8:20 pm (#)
55th is better than ANY of our riders did at WEG. Two were eliminated – including Paul and the other three finished in the bottom three places! Alex road an awesome sympathetic and sensible round on a course that was tricky and caused lots of falls.
Mr Hart – regarding sportsmanship – Once CAS had shown us all that the SA selectors were so biased, and treated Alex unfairly, it was up to Paul to show some sportsmanship – distance himself from the controversy and wish Alex good luck instead of “dissing” Alex and showing his true unsporting colours. If SASCOC hadn’t acted like petulant brats and had bothered to ask for the second place, maybe they would both have had a ride.
July 31st, 2012 at 1:37 am (#)
howdoyoulikethat talks shit 3rd last!WOW
July 31st, 2012 at 7:33 am (#)
Roy I sympathise but please, your supporters accussed Alex of being unsportsmanlike in the face of defeat, dont let this turn into the pot calling the kettle……….
As someone has said above, we desperately need new blood at SAEF, but the changes that need to happen will only happen once those that need to, have stepped down. YOu know who you are, you may have the support of a few people close to you, but your organisation represents the whole of the equestrian industry in this country and I am sure the vast majority of your members want a fair, independant and honourable committee
July 31st, 2012 at 7:56 am (#)
Well said Longile. As lowly members of provincial affiliates to SAEF there are many who would like to know what happened to the millions stolen. The culprits are known and yet nothing has come of it! It seems it is ok to turn a blind eye in Equestrian circles – these are the same people who are sitting at dinner parties or fund-raising events for croanies, bemoaning corruption in the new South Africa! It is time for government intervention in our sport – it worked in cricket and since those involved, past and present show very little will in putting this issue to bed by charging the culprits and cleansing the organisation of nepotism, cronyism and downright dishonesty I think its time to sort this out. I hear SAEF is having a bosberaad in a month or so – if no heads roll and they don’t come clean I say its time for us little people to make a noise – even if it means getting the politicians involved!
We all pay a lot of money for entry fees to shows with large levies paid to SAEA – we have a right to know who is dining out on them!
I’d say if this debacle and others aren’t clearly investigated then we get together, form a petition – whatever it takes to make our sport as honest and transparent as possible. SA look like fools in the eyes of the IOC, FEI and others – lets hope we haven’t ruined our chances for the future!
BTW Roy you don’t seem to make much sense – perhaps that was the way SAEF and SASCOC defended themselves at the CAS! All fluff and expletives and no supporting arguments!
July 31st, 2012 at 9:25 am (#)
And Roy_ another question – who is more dishonest – you or SAEA who sent out an official newsflash congratulating the Marden’s as owners of Heartbreak Hill? hmmm – so you own the horse? Would they be happy to hear that? They have also I’m sure, borne some costs as have all those who collected money for Paul – and yet you go on about how much it has cost Paul! Have’nt seen you thank or acknowledge the Marsden’s or the fundraisers in this case. They must all be so proud right now!
July 31st, 2012 at 10:01 am (#)
Dee you are so right ,only the names have changed. Until the membership demands a better administration and addresses the conflict of interest in our administration these problems will continue.
August 1st, 2012 at 4:40 am (#)
Hmmmmm seems a lot of you got SAEF and SAEA confused….. Far as I know SAEF is brand new……….they only endorse SAEA selections if they meet criteria.
I am confused . Why did SAEF defend SAEA? Was the highest ranked rider the only criteria?
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:25 am (#)
SASCOC works hand-in-hand only with sporting federations, with these federations advising SASCOC as to how each sport is governed and operates, respectively.
SAEF (South African Equestrian Federation) is the old SAEC (South African Equestrian Council). This body administers most equestrian sport in South Africa and members include tentpegging, SA Pony Club, Western Riding, SANESA (Schools League) etc. SAEF also administers funding, including Lotto etc.
SAEA (South African Equestrian Association) is a member of this umbrella body, and was previously called SANEF (South African National Equestrian Federation). SAEA, in turn, governs disciplines including dressage, driving, eventing, jumping etc. nationally. They also advise SAEF in their specific areas and disciplines.
The old SAEF (SAEC) was a seriously low key organisation until very recently. About two years ago all these name changes were tabled, supposedly to fall in line with SASCOC requirements…
As the umbrella body, SAEF would be obliged to defend the SAEA decisions for two reasons: they would have acted on the advice and recommendations of SAEA representatives regarding selection etc. and passed this information on to SASCOC, who will only deal with sporting federations. Secondly, the management of SAEF are also members of SAEA, either through family membership, or directly. Different names, but the same insidious connections.
Highest ranked rider was not the only criteria for selection. If it had been, more effort should have been made by both SAEF and SAEA to send the highest ranked rider, Mandy Mason, to the Olympic Games.
SAEF/SAEA, and to some degree SASCOC, are still playing Little League. When one participates in the Olympic Games, it’s a whole new arena, especially for equestrian sport. And it’s the Major League. Our equestrian bodies have been weighed. They have been measured. And they have been found seriously wanting… Batting out of their league.
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:28 am (#)
I would like to set one thing very straight. Ms Jackman and Mike Marsden had absolutely nothing to do with the selection. the selectors were the same as for the WEG in 2010 and nominated into this position by the National Eventing Committee and dare is say probably 5 of the most respected and experienced people in Eventing in RSA. Ms Jackman recused herself from the Selection panel due to Paul’s involvement. Mr Marsden has never been involved in anything to do with the process but was involved with SAEA with international affairs. for those that are slating the SAEA or SAEF get off your Butts and get involved and make things better or pay all your prize money to SAEA or SAEF so they can employ fulltime professional people to run the sport. right now it is run and headed by some fulltime people but by and large business people who give an enourmous amount of their pretious time to administer it.
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:08 am (#)
I think Mr Reddy owes Alex Peternell a public appology for his disgusting rant (I refer to the statement opening this discussion). How dare he say that the SA public would not be behind our rider, whoever he was! Alex did us proud, finishing when many others did not.. Well Done Alex! I am sorry for Paul Hart, his disappointment is shared by all of us. However I think this whole debacle smacks of some kind of shenanigans, and I hope there will be a full public enquiry and that this matter will not just be brushed under the carpet. Is this a case of Sascoc cocs-up?
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:32 am (#)
Darn
There will continue to be debate and suspicion around the selection process while SAEA are quiet on the matter. As members we need to see a report on exactly how and what happened during the selection process.
For CAS to make the ruling they did, shows that AP had a very strong case and CAS found Alex to have been treated ” in an arbitrary and manifestly unfair manner.” Those are strong words from CAS. So as this is the only report I can read on this I take their findings as fact. In my we need a unbiased report from SAEA too.
An Australian dressage rider ( who had a good case) lost at CAS. An SA mountain biker lost at CAS. CAS do not rule against federations easily.
No riders deserve to go through what Paul and Alex went through on the eve of the games. \
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:21 am (#)
Well said Nicky !
August 17th, 2012 at 6:46 pm (#)
Darn, Jane Jackman was the convener of the selection committee, the same person responsible for communication. The same person who sent the 23rd May e-mail listed and quoted in the CAS report saying that they had not informed the athletes of the new date, which is the 25th, but that they should encourage Alec to continue trying to qualify Asih as he could then go if Harry got hurt.
And I really do what to know how a rider who has not qualified according to SASCOC or SAEA or SAEF could even be a contender, or go as reserve. And Alex was mentioned all the way through the selection process as a qualified contender.
August 24th, 2012 at 5:22 am (#)
I was just searching for this information for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.
August 28th, 2012 at 8:36 am (#)
In August 2011, an Eventing International Affairs Committee was formed. It consisted of four members:
- Mike Marden
- Deon Augustyn
- Jane Jackman
- Paul Hart.
This committee used to be displayed on the SAEA website, but has since been removed (since the selection debacle). Why?
Why was it formed? Why was a rider who was eligible for selection on the committee? Why are there no minutes of meetings held by this committee? What was discussed in those meetings?
Sorry, Darn, Jane and Mike had PLENTY to do with this. Not only did Mike get cc’d on emails regarding selection, he authored one – he authored the email which Jane had to send out to Alex regarding further selection. That email specifically DID NOT mention the change of dates.
And Jane only resigned from the selection committee for the Games AFTER Paul was selected.
Dee – highest ranked QUALIFIED rider was the only criterion.
August 28th, 2012 at 9:10 am (#)
I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE MUST BE CLEARED UP WITH AN INQUIRY THAT MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE SAEF THEY ARE THE FEDERATION. THE SAEA IS A MEMBER OF THAT FEDERATION AND EVENTING FALLS UNDER THEM.
IT IS VITAL IS THAT THERE IS AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY AS THIS WHOLE SITUATION HAS COME ABOUT DUE TO A LACK OF A POLICY
( THAT IS APPLIED) CONCERNING CONFLICT OF INTEREST AT SAEA. THE OTHER DISCIPLINES OF THE SAEA HAVE THE SAME ORGANISATION POLICY AND IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE NEXT SITUATION ARISES. DO NOT LET THIS ISSUE DIE. WE IN THE SPORT MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AS WE HAVE THE ADMINISTRATION WE DESERVE. WE NEED TO VOTE THEM OUT.
August 30th, 2012 at 1:12 pm (#)
Elektra, to clarify: Deon had been asked to serve on the committee to assist with the logistics of getting the team/individuals to London, logistics being his expertise. He resigned from all SAEA structures in October 2011, when elected to serve at the SAEF. Paul was giving advice due to his past practical experience in France, the UK and the USA. The admin process of updating the website obviously poor.
August 30th, 2012 at 1:17 pm (#)
My concern is that many people who have done great work – voluntarily and without the prospect of personal glory, Olympic medals, pay or even the thanks of people showing common courtesy for their time and efforts – will fall by the wayside. All the experience and contacts they have built up over many years dealing with the complex structures of the FEI and international sporting bodies will be lost. And unfortunately, judging from the way its been since time immemorial, the people who shout the loudest and have the most vile and defamatory personal insults to sling at the people in those positions, are the very ones who are first to run for the exit when there is the slightest suggestion of sacrifice of time or hard work involved. It will certainly be interesting to see where to from here.