Rule 4A – GBGB powers and absolution from liability
(See also Rule 160(vi) and Rule 174)
i) The GBGB, acting as appropriate through the Greyhound Regulatory Board or the Disciplinary Committee shall have power;
a) in accordance with advice from the Greyhound Regulatory Board to repeal, amend, suspend or add to the Rules of Racing and shall advertise every such permanent alteration in the GBGB Calendar with the date of its adoption with the proviso that where the number of repeals, amendments, suspensions or additions to the Rules of Racing are such that the GBGB consider that the publication of each of them in the Calendar would be impracticable, they place a half page advertisement in the Calendar giving notice of changes, the date of their adoption, and making a copy of the amended Rules of Racing available at the GBGB’s registered office.
b) to grant Licences with or without conditions, to make general directions to Licence holders as they may think appropriate, to grant registrations, and to make directions to Local Stewards regarding persons who may not be temporarily appointed to fill vacancies pursuant to Rule 104 without the prior approval of the Greyhound Regulatory Board or the Director of Regulation acting under its authority.
In determining whether to exercise any of their powers contained within these Rules to grant or renew Licences or registrations, the Greyhound Regulatory Board or the Director of Regulation acting under its authority shall have regard to the following criteria stipulated by the Greyhound Regulatory Board or the Director of Regulation acting under its authority or such other criteria as the – Greyhound Regulatory Board or the Director of Regulation acting under its authority may stipulate and publish from time to time:-
whether the relevant person
is a fit and proper person to hold a Licence
has sufficient experience
is a person of integrity
has adequate facilities
has obtained adequate references
or
has a criminal record
has been the subject of GRB disciplinary action
has been a supporter of any non-GBGB Racecourse in England Scotland or Wales
is ignorant of the Rules of Racing
has interests which would or might conflict with their duties as a Licence holder.
c) to make Inquiry into and deal with any matters relating to Greyhound racing.
d) to appoint Stipendiary Stewards to act under their orders and under these Rules.
e) without prejudice to the Disciplinary Committee’s rights under Rule 154(ii) to appoint a person being Counsel or a solicitor to sit with the Disciplinary Committee at any Inquiries held under Rule 160 to Rule 163. The person so appointed shall for the purpose of an Inquiry have the same powers as are conferred on the members of the Disciplinary Committee save that such person shall not be entitled to vote.
ii) The GRB or the Director of Regulation or the Senior Stipendiary Steward, shall have the power to grant exemption from or temporarily to suspend any of the Rules of Racing or to take any other emergency action in order that:
a) a Greyhound can race in a case where there is doubt concerning its bona fide ownership, or
b) a Trial or a Race Meeting or any matters connected therewith can proceed.
iii) In the event of any doubt or dispute as to the meaning or interpretation of any of these Rules or any particular or term or condition of any Race, the Greyhound Regulatory Board shall rule thereon and such ruling shall be binding and conclusive. In the event that any relevant matter shall appear not to be covered by these Rules, the Greyhound Regulatory Board may rule thereon and such ruling (which shall as soon as reasonably possible be published in the GBGB Calendar) shall be binding and conclusive.
iv) Subject always to sub-Rule (vi) of this Rule, neither the GBGB nor any officer, servant or agent thereof shall be liable to any person for any act done or omission made in the bona fide discharge or purported discharge of any duties on the part of any such officer, servant or agent under or pursuant to these Rules unless the act or omission is grossly negligent. Every officer, servant and agent of the GBGB acting bona fide within, or purportedly within, their authority shall be indemnified out of the funds of the GBGB against all liabilities incurred by him/her as such officer, servant and agent.
v) Subject to the sub-Rule (vi) of this Rule, neither the GBGB nor any officer, servant or agent thereof shall be liable for the consequences of any error or omission either in or about the issue of any document or in respect of particulars stated therein.
vi) Nothing herein shall exclude liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.