You may be aware of a recent issue regarding the PROtector Cool XCountry Helmet (see below). These hats have a small protuberance on the front, however they are manufactured to SNEL E2001 and PAS015 2011.
BE announced last week that they would not be accepted under their rules for the XC phase of an event. However, they have now issued an amendment to their rules which will mean that these hats ARE allowed for the XC phase.
BRC will follow their lead and so continue to accept these hats for XC use. A rule amend will be added to the BRC rule book with immediate effect as follows:
G22.2: Protective Headgear
‘Protective Headwear’ must be worn at all times by anyone, whether or not a Competitor, riding anywhere at any BRC event. Harnesses must be correctly adjusted and fastened at all times. At all BRC Championships and Qualifiers ‘Protective Headwear’ must have been checked by an official to make sure that it is labelled with one of the accepted standards and then marked with a visible BRC ORANGE hat tag. Failure to do so will incur elimination. Due to a change in the accepted standards for this year, BRC BLUE hat tags will no longer be accepted.
‘Protective Headwear’ constitutes a hat which meets one of the following standards:
British PAS 015: 1998 or 2011 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
VG1 01.040: 2014-12 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
European VG1 01.040: 2014-12 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
American ASTM F1163: 2004a or 04a onwards provided they are SEI marked
SNELL E2001
Australian & New Zealand AS/NZS 3838: 2006 onwards provided they are SAI global marked
IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR THE CROSS COUNTRY PHASE: (Updated 19.04.16) Only a “Jockey Skull” of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions may be worn for any XC phase. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘Protective Headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.
Please Note: Due to a change by the European Commission regarding EN1384 and BSEN1384 no longer being an accepted standard, all hats which only meet the standard EN1384 or BSEN1384, and do not comply with another standard from the above list, WILL NOT be accepted and therefore will not be permitted for any BRC competition. Hats which bear EN1384 or BSEN1384 along with another standard from the above list, will be tagged. For example, BSEN1384 & PAS015 (1998 or 2011) along with the Kitemark, would be acceptable, but not BSEN1384 on its own.
Skullcap hats must be worn with an appropriate colour silk for that discipline (see Appendix 4). For Quadrille competitions, hats of the above standard are mandatory. Competitors are strongly advised to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged or following a fall. It is recommended that hats are replaced every 3 to 5 years depending on usage.
Please Note: For the Quadrille competition, please see the Quadrille rules in the Rule Book for further information regarding costumes. No alterations, protrusions or additions are to be made to a hat under any circumstances.