Board of Stewards/Judges

Enforcement of the rules and regulations of racing begins with the prosecution of violators by the Board of Stewards/Judges at the racetrack.   One Steward/Judge is appointed by the racetrack, and must be approved by the Racing Commission and licensed as a racing official and two Stewards/Judges are appointed by the Racing Commission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Judges and Stewards are responsible for reviewing   all occupational license applications and for recommending or not recommending the applicant for a license.  The Judges and Stewards are present at the racetrack each day on which there is racing, and they oversee everything from drawing of post positions to making the results of every race official.  In addition, the Stewards/Judges preside over all hearings conducted at the track and report their rulings and findings to the Racing Commission.

Before post time of the first race the Stewards/Judges review the daily program of races to note any changes or errors.  Changes are reported to each department that might be affected by the change (i.e., mutuels, paddock judges, patrol judges, starters, clerk of the course, clerk of scales, program director and announcer).  All changes are also reported promptly to the wagering public.

After observing every race, both live and on television monitors, the Stewards/Judges mark the order of finish as the horses or dogs cross the finish line.  They give the first three unofficial finishers to the Mutuel Department, post and inquiry, review an objection, and request a photo when necessary.   If there is an apparent violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges review the videotape and then make a decision before making the results of the race official.

If a violation of the rules occures, the judges notify all the parties involved of a scheduled hearing.  After conducting the hearing the Stewards/Judges determine if any penalty of a fine or suspension or purse redistribution should be imposed.  Violators are then advised of their right to appeal to the Racing Commission.

ENFORCEMENT OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

The most significant responsibility of the Commission is the enforcement of the rules and regulations of racing.  It is only as a result of conscientious, consistent, and aggressive enforcement of the rules and regulations, that we can ensure honest racing.

135 RULINGS

The regulatory process begins with the promulgation of rules and regulations and concludes with the enforcement of those rules.  On July 7, 1992, Chapter 101 was signed into law.  Chapter 101 changed the number of State's Stewards/Judges at the racetracks from one to two.  The Board of Stewards/Judges at each racetrack now consists of two persons appointed by the Racing Commission, and one person appointed by the Association, and approved by the Racing Commission.  The Board of Stewards/Judges is the most significant link in the regulatory chain.  The Stewards/Judges are responsible for recommending persons for licenses, and ensuring that each licensed racing association and all participants are in compliance with the rules and regulations of racing.  The Stewards/Judges carefully examine every license application to determine if the applicant is eligible for a license.  The Stewards/Judges observe every race run at the racetrack and determine if the race is conducted in accordance with the rules.  The Stewards/Judges are responsible for making each race official.  They also monitor the conduct of all licensees in all areas of the racetrack.  If a licensee appears to be in violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges conduct a hearing and make a final determination.  If there is a violation of the rules, the Stewards/Judges may sanction the licensees by imposing a fine and/or suspension.

APPEALS

The Racing Commission reviews the Stewards/Judges' decisions.   If any licensee disagrees with a decision of the Stewards/Judges, they may appeal to the Commission.  The Commission affords the appellant an adjudicatory hearing on the merits of his/her appeal.  If an appellant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Racing Commission, they may appeal to the Superior Court in accordance with Chapter 30A of the General Laws.