APPENDIX V – Criteria for GBGB Licensed Persons
Applicants for licences need to demonstrate their competence, capability and character to conduct their licenced activities.
The following matters will be considered before the issuing of a GBGB licence. This is not an exhaustive list. GBGB may consider any information that it considers relevant to its decision.
As part of their application, an Applicant is required to make an honest and accurate declaration regarding their character, fitness to perform licenced activities, knowledge and experience. The declaration also requires the Applicant to declare that there is no other reason known to them that renders them unfit to hold a licence. Applicants are reminded that false or inaccurate declarations may result in disciplinary action and will be taken into account when deciding whether to issue or renew a licence. Successful applications made with inaccurate information may be reversed by the Director of Regulation.
Once licensed, it is the Applicant’s responsibility to inform GBGB immediately (and certainly within 14 days) if circumstances have changed that may affect their eligibility. Failure to do so may again result in disciplinary action against that Applicant. From time to time, GBGB will ask licensees to review and renew their declaration.
GBGB will from time to time ask for information regarding other people, including family members. GBGB requires information regarding any associated individual that may play any role that might affect the Applicant in their licenced activities.
1 Character
Factors that may affect an Applicant’s suitability for a GBGB licence include:
1.1 Previous or ongoing disciplinary action
The Applicant must declare:
a) Any current or previous GRB disciplinary action taken against the Applicant, the Applicant’s family or any associate of the Applicant.
b) Any current or previous investigation and/or finding against the Applicant (or a relative or associate) by another sporting body or professional regulator, whether in the UK or abroad.
c) If they (or a relative or associate) have been disqualified, by a court, from (i) being a director of a company and/or (ii) acting in the management or conducting the affairs of a company.
Persons currently disqualified or warned off will not be eligible for a licence during their period of disqualification.
1.2 Criminal record
Applicants are referred to the Government’s advice on rehabilitation periods here.
The Applicant must declare and provide the following information:
a) If they have been convicted of a criminal offence (other than a driving offence not punishable by a term of imprisonment or a period of disqualification) that is not spent at the time of the application.
b) If they have been cautioned, conditionally discharged or subject to any other criminal sanction (for example a football banning order) that is not spent at the time of the application.
1.3 Being a participant of any non-GBGB Racecourse in England, Scotland or Wales
The Applicant may have participated in non-GBGB licensed racing prior to their application. Any past associations with non-GBGB racecourses are likely to be disregarded for the purpose of their application, but such participation must be disclosed and must not continue.
Applicants are reminded that such participation must end to avoid being in breach of the Rules of Racing.
1.4 Having interests which may conflict with their duties as a licence holder
GBGB requires all Applicants to declare any prior or present association with any licensed greyhound racecourse or licence holder as well as any commercial or other interests which may conflict with their duties as a licence holder.
Commercial and other interests include direct or indirect investment and/or ownership of a greyhound, as well as any commercial interest in bookmaking.
Prior or past associations can include family (e.g., spouse, partner, parent, or child) or close personal or business ties.
GBGB recognises that Applicants may have current or prior associations with the greyhound industry. Such associations may not necessarily present a risk to the application; however, Applicants are required to disclose any relationships that may lead to conflicts in order that they are managed accordingly. A conflict of interest may amount to a reason that a licence is not granted.
1.5 Owing GBGB money
Any individual seeking a licence who has not settled a financial debt or obligation owed to GBGB is unlikely to be granted a licence.
Any individual that leaves the sport, and in so doing causes cost to GBGB will be expected to make such costs good before any future licence application will be considered or granted.
1.6 Identification
All applicants are required to fully identify themselves. Applicants must provide a full name, date of birth, address, contact telephone number and email address. Proof of identity can be established by way of:
a) a copy of a current Driving Licence (if it has their up-to-date address details), or,
b) a copy of a Passport or Birth Certificate with a recent copy of a bank statement, utility bill or other letter headed document containing their name and address.
Licensees are required to keep this information up to date.
All Applicants and Licensees must advise GBGB of any previously held names or any changes of name after a licence has been granted.
1.7 Minimum Age
The minimum age for an Applicant is 16 years of age (or 15 years of age if the application is accompanied by a Work Permit issued by the Applicant’s local authority).
2 Sufficient Experience
2.1 Kennelhands
This is the entry level for staff working in a residential kennel and as such greyhound racing experience is preferred but is not a pre-requisite for a successful application. Experience and basic knowledge of general animal husbandry, as well as animal handling, are minimum requirements. The Trainer is responsible for ensuring that a Kennelhand receives appropriate training once they are licenced.
It is incumbent upon the Trainer responsible to ensure that kennel staff have the requisite knowledge of the Rules of Racing.
Licenced kennel staff that are unable to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the Rules of Racing may be subject to GBGB disciplinary action. Licence holders are expected to maintain their knowledge of the Rules of Racing and should be aware of changes in the Rules. Changes in the Rules of Racing are published in the Calendar and the current version of the Rules of Racing can be found here. Previous versions of the Rules can be found here.
2.2 Head Kennelhand
In addition to the requirements for a Kennelhand licence, this licence carries more responsibility within a residential kennel and therefore usually requires a minimum of two years as a Kennelhand before being issued. There may be exceptional circumstances in which GBGB would be prepared to issue a licence where this requirement is not met.
2.3 Assistant Trainer
This licence is for Head Kennelhands who wish to progress to become a Trainer.
In addition to the requirements for a Head Kennelhand licence, this licence usually requires a minimum of three years as a Head Kennelhand before being issued. There may be exceptional circumstances in which GBGB would be prepared to issue a licence where this requirement is not met.
2.4 Trainer
A Trainer application would normally require a minimum of two years’ experience as an Assistant Trainer or equivalent experience as a Head Kennelhand before being considered. GBGB reserves the right to apply conditions to a licence and restrict the number of greyhounds an applicant shall be allowed to keep.
For Trainer applications, GBGB Stipendiary Stewards will assess the Applicant’s knowledge of the Rules of Racing during the application process and make their recommendations to the Director of Regulation.
This assessment will be based on the Applicant’s working knowledge and experience with the Rules of Racing, considering any previously held licences, as well as the conduct of the Applicant during any interviews that take place.
Licenced Trainers who are unable to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the Rules of Racing may be subject to GBGB disciplinary action. Licence holders are expected to maintain their knowledge of the Rules of Racing and should be aware of changes in the Rules. Changes in the Rules of Racing are published in the Calendar and the current version of the Rules of Racing can be found here. Previous versions of the Rules can be found here.
3 Racecourse Officials
It is incumbent on the Racecourse Executive responsible for the application of any racecourse staff member to ensure that they have the requisite knowledge of the Rules of Racing and supplementary GBGB policies.
Licenced racecourse officials must be able to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the Rules of Racing and any accompanying GBGB policies relating to their licence criteria. A failure to apply GBGB Rules and/or policies may result in GBGB disciplinary action being taken against the racecourse, licensed individual, or both. Licence holders are expected to maintain their knowledge of the Rules of Racing and should be aware of changes in the Rules. Changes in the Rules of Racing are published in the Calendar and the current version of the Rules of Racing can be found here.
3.1 Local Stewards
The Racing Manager, Director of Racing, Assistant or Deputy Racing Manager acts as a local steward at a race or trial meeting. The Judge and Timekeeper are local steward’s positions licensed by GBGB.
When issuing a local steward’s licence, it is a requirement that they apply the Rules of Racing wholly, fairly and consistently at all times.
Either the Racing Manager, Director of Racing, Assistant or Deputy Racing Manager, shall be present at Race Meetings and Trials Meetings.
The local stewards are responsible for the conduct of a Race or Trial meeting and, therefore, shall be proficient with the Rules of Racing and their responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Racing Manager, Director of Racing (or equivalent) shall have a minimum of two years’ experience as either a Deputy or Assistant Racing Manager.
3.2 Licensed Officials
A licensed official covers all other positions at a racecourse which requires a licence not held by a local steward.
An individual may hold several local official positions but may only undertake one local official role per Meeting. For example, a paddock steward cannot act as a paddock steward and a hare controller at the same meeting.
3.2.1 Veterinary Surgeon
A Veterinary Surgeon shall be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and have an RCVS number.
3.2.2 Starter
A Starter should be trained in the handling of greyhounds and be familiar with the relevant Rules of Racing for the role.
3.2.3 Hare Controller
A Hare Controller should be trained to drive the hare in accordance with the requirements of the Rules of Racing.
3.2.4 Paddock Steward
A Paddock Steward should be trained and familiar with the relevant Rules of Racing for the role.
3.2.5 Parader
A person employed by the Racecourse Executive to handle greyhounds for Parade duties at a Race Meeting must obtain a Parader’s Licence from the GBGB. A person licensed as a parader is not a licensed official.
3.2.6 Greyhound Welfare Officer
Each racecourse must have at least one Greyhound Welfare Officer (‘GWO’) but it is recommended that at least two are licenced to each track.
As the named point of contact the GWO must have a working knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
a) Animal Welfare Act 2006 (‘AWA 2006’)
The GWO shall be responsible for ensuring that all local stewards have full regard for the welfare of greyhounds and their duties and responsibilities under the AWA 2006 (GBGB Rule of Racing 102A). The GWO will be responsible for training and keeping of records in this area.
b) Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 (‘WRGR 2010’)
The GWO shall be responsible for ensuring that the racecourse is compliant with the requirement of this Regulation and that local officials are aware of their duties and responsibilities under this Regulation, namely in these key areas:
c) The attendance of an appropriately qualified Veterinary Surgeon (see below).
d) The provision of adequate facilities for the attending Veterinary Surgeon.
e) The provision of adequately maintained kennels.
f) The adherence to identification provisions for greyhounds taking part in races or trials.
g) The completion of adequate injury records in relation to races, trials and sales trials.
The GWO will be responsible for training and keeping of records in this area.
h) GBGB Rules of Racing
The GWO shall be responsible for ensuring that the racecourse is compliant with the relevant Rules of Racing and shall familiarise themselves with the GBGB Certification Inspection Form and GBGB inspection process.
i) GBGB Policies
The GWO shall be responsible for ensuring that the racecourse is compliant with the relevant GBGB policies as issued from time to time to include, but not limited to:
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- The GBGB Greyhound Commitment
- Hot Weather Policy
- Cold Weather Policy
- Fireworks Policy
j) Welfare Assistance
The GWO must have a working knowledge of any funding or assistance schemes available for Trainers that have injured greyhounds.
4 Integrity
All licence holders are expected to maintain the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of greyhound racing in all their actions (see Rule of Racing 152). This requires upholding the Rules of Racing and not supporting, aiding or enabling those that do not.
Applicants who have previously failed to comply with the Rules of Racing and/or have acted to the detriment of the integrity, proper conduct or reputation of the sport, may not be deemed suitable for a licence.
5 Facilities
Trainers’ facilities shall meet the requirements of the GBGB Rules of Racing in full before a licence can be issued.
6 References
All applications for a Trainer licence must contain suitable references before they can be considered.
The Applicant must supply:
a) At least two recent references
b) At least one reference from an individual with a demonstrable knowledge and/or expertise in greyhound racing.
Applicants for other roles may be required to submit references on a case by case basis.
7 Declarations
The declaration is an essential part of the application and must be honestly and accurately made.
Applicants should not sign the declaration if their application includes information that they know or believe to be untrue.
Where an Applicant is unsure about any information provided, this should be made clear in the application.
Inaccurate or misleading declarations may result in disciplinary action being taken against the Applicant and the withdrawal of any relevant licence.
Where circumstances represented in the application change after an application is submitted, but before an application is considered, every effort should be made by the Applicant to ensure that GBGB is aware of the change of circumstances immediately.
Once a licence is issued, the Licensee is under an obligation to bring to the attention of GBGB, any information that may cause GBGB to reconsider whether a licence should be issued. This should be done as soon as the Licensee becomes aware of the information and no later than 14 days after the Licensee becomes aware of the position. Failure to bring such matters to GBGB in a timely fashion may result in disciplinary action being taken.