Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part V - Harness Racing Commission
Chapter 183 - RULES OF RACING
RACE OFFICIALS
Section 183.62 - Duties of judges
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
It shall be the duty of the judges to:
(1) Exclude from the race any horse that in their opinion is improperly equipped, dangerous or unfit to race. A horse is unfit to race if he is sick, has impaired vision in both eyes, is weak, or extremely lame. No horse shall race with a tube in its throat. When a driver or owner reports to the presiding judge that his horse is unfit to race, ill, or otherwise physically incapable of racing, the presiding judge shall call for an examination of the horse by the Commission veterinarian. The said veterinarian shall examine such horse and submit an oral report of his findings to the presiding judge immediately, followed by a written report within 24 hours to the presiding judge.
(2) Investigate any apparent or possible interference or other violation of the provisions of § 183.281 (relating to driving procedures), whether or not a complaint has been made by a driver.
(3) Investigate any act of cruelty, seen by them or reported to them, toward a race horse during a meeting at which they officiate. If the judges find that such an act has been committed, they shall penalize the offending person.
(4) Immediately thereafter or on the day of the race the judges shall fill out a complete accident report and mail the report to the Commission and the United States Trotting Association.
(5) Grant a hearing at a designated time in accordance with the provisions of §§ 183.451-183.466 (relating to practice before the Commission) before a penalty may be imposed upon any party. All three Judges should be present if possible, and at least the Presiding Judge and one Associate Judge must be present at all hearings. The judges may inflict the penalties prescribed by the provisions of this chapter. All penalties shall be recorded in accordance with the provisions of §§ 183.451-183.466. Such penalty is effective from the time the penalized party receives notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of §§ 183.451-183.466.
