Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) understands the education and mentoring of young and inexperienced participants is vital to increasing and retaining participation levels within the industry and maintaining high levels of professionalism.

HRV recently approved the Participant Mentoring Policy, which aims to limit reoffending under the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) by educating, supporting and guiding participants, particularly those who are inexperienced. 

The key objectives of this policy are:

  • To provide adequate support to inexperienced participants upon commencing exposure to race competition and the associated pressures;
  • To provide a formal process for the reviewing of skills of inexperienced industry persons;
  • To provide adequate support and remedial training of licensed persons who breach the AHRR on a frequent basis.

A minimum of four approved mentors will be in existence in different regions of Victoria and their duties will include;

  • Providing advice and guidance to participants when required;
  • Providing advice and guidance to participants when the need is self-identified;
  • Attendance at Stewards Inquiries when requested to do so by a Grade B licensee and such request is approved by the HRV Stewards;
  • Recommend to the HRV Stewards any participant attend before the HRV Participant Skills Panel;
  • Attendance at HRV conducted participant forums from time to time.

HRV Integrity Department appreciates the assistance of the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association in the development and the subsequent implementation of the Participant Mentoring Policy, which will commence on 1 September, 2020. Further announcements will be made regarding approved mentors prior to the commencement date.

For more information on the Participant Mentoring Policy please read by clicking here