1. Is participation required?
Yes, completing this education is a requirement for license renewals for all Licensed Officials beginning in the 2023 competition year. The education must be completed prior to license renewal.
2. As a licensed official, when do I need to complete the training by?
Federation licensed officials must complete the DEI education and training in order to renew their license(s) for the next competition year.
3. Do I have to pay for the session?
No, there is no cost for USEF DEI education.
4. How will this session help me as a leader in our sport?
By increasing awareness of and addressing diversity issues, licensed officials will improve relationships with athletes and fans, thereby enhancing their successes and experiences. For individual officials, participating in diversity initiatives improves their communication and teamwork skills, empowers them to create a safe and fair environment at a competition, reduces conflict in the workplace, and improves their ability to work effectively in the increasingly competitive marketplace.
5. How does this impact my roles and responsibilities as an LO? Does this impact my official responsibilities?
Officials already have a duty to mitigate and report unsportsmanlike behavior. This education simply helps clarify the importance of your role as a licensed official to promote and maintain a safe, fair, and inclusive environment. For more information, please review the LO Unsportsmanlike Conduct Reporting Process worksheet here.
6. As a judge, do I need to adjust how I place riders/horses in a class in order to promote diversity?
No, as a licensed official it is your duty to follow the USEF Rulebook and officiate accordingly based on the applicable breed or discipline rules. This education is meant to help officials recognize diversity impacts, improve their relationships with competitors and fans, and empower them to create a safe and fair competition environment.
7. I am a USEF licensed official and serve on a USEF council, committee, and/or work group. Do I need to take both the LO and executive DEI sessions?
No. Officials are only required to take the DEI education for licensed officials. USEF welcomes any officials serving in multiple roles to complete the DEI session(s) for executives, as well as the LO education.
However, you will need to complete the LO DEI education by November 30, 2021 to continue participating as a USEF council, committee, and/or working group member.
8. Why is USEF investing in DEI education?
In 2020, the board approved a DEI Action Plan, which identified required DEI Education and Awareness sessions for all USEF representatives, including staff, the Board of Directors, licensed officials, and other USEF-appointed volunteers, as a key component to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in equestrian sport. DEI values are essential to our vision of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. We all want to see our sport grow and expand in the future. Creating a welcoming and inviting environment for all participants through increased awareness and education is our collective goal.
9. Isn’t diversity just a current business fad or just a politically correct thing to do?
No, diversity is a business issue. In the global marketplace, organizations thrive on attracting top talent, as well as athletes, members, and fans. Organizations with robust initiatives for managing diversity will be more effective at attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse, skilled workforce, as well as developing and attracting a broad and diverse fan base.
10. Why do we need to improve our sports environment? It works fine for me.
Our community possesses many strengths, including a willingness to learn and improve, and a passion for sharing the incredible joy that horses can bring to a person’s life. DEI education is an important step in making that vision a reality. It is important to remember that each of us is different. It’s not enough for our sport to be fine for one person. It is imperative that our sport functions well for everyone. By managing diversity, an organization can make sure that every person in our equestrian community feels included and respected and is able to fully contribute to the success of the sport.
11. Will politics be discussed in the training?
No, this is not a politics-based initiative. The education focuses on diverse experiences and ways leaders can continue to create inclusive spaces for everyone in the equestrian community.
12. What if I do not pass the DEI education online quiz?
All participants have an unlimited number of attempts to pass the quiz with a score of 100%.