New Mexico Administrative Code › Title 15 - GAMBLING AND LIQUOR CONTROL › Chapter 2 - HORSE RACING › Part 3 - FLAT RACING OFFICIALS › Section 15.2.3.8 - FLAT RACING OFFICIALS GENERAL PROVISIONS

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 13, July 16, 2024
A.
Racing Officials:
Officials at a race meeting include the following: assistant racing secretary; assistant starters; chief of security; director of racing, or similar position; claims clerk; clerk of scales; clocker; digital or lip tattoo technician; general manager; handicapper; horse identifier; horsemen's bookkeeper; state investigators; special agents of the commission; jockey room custodian; official veterinarian; outrider; paddock judge; pari-mutuel manager; patrol judge, absent video replay equipment; placing judge, if duty not performed by stewards; racing secretary; racing veterinarian; stable superintendent; starter; stewards; timer; track superintendent; any other person designated by the commission.
(1)
Eligibility:
To qualify as a racing official, the applicant shall: be of good character and reputation; demonstrate experience in flat racing; be familiar with the duties of the position and with the commission's rules of flat racing and show an ability to fulfill the requirements of the position. Stewards must be accredited by the racing officials accreditation program and be current with continuing education requirements.
(2)
Approval and licensing:
The commission, in its sole discretion, may determine the eligibility of a racing official and, in its sole discretion, may approve or disapprove any such official for licensing. An association shall submit to the commission its request for approval of racing officials 60 days prior to the first day of the race meet.
(3)
Prohibited practices:
While serving in an official capacity, racing officials and their assistants shall not: participate in the sale or purchase, or ownership of any horse racing at the meeting; sell or solicit horse insurance on any horse racing at the meeting; be licensed in any other capacity without permission of the commission, or in case of an emergency, the permission of the stewards; wager on the outcome of any race under the jurisdiction of the commission; consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any prohibited substances while performing official duties.
(4)
Report of violations:
Racing officials and their assistants shall report immediately to the stewards every observed violation of these rules and of the laws of this state governing racing.
(5)
Complaints against officials:
Complaints against any steward shall be made in writing to the commission and signed by the complainant.
(a) Any complaint against a racing official other than a steward shall be made to the stewards in writing and signed by the complainant. All such complaints shall be reported to the commission by the stewards, together with a report of the action taken or the recommendation of the stewards.
(b) A racing official may be held responsible by the stewards or the commission for their actions, and the actions of their assistants and employees.
(6)
Appointment:
(a) A person shall not be appointed to more than one racing official position at a meeting unless specifically approved by the commission.
(b) The commission shall appoint or approve the stewards at each race meeting.
(7)
Appointment of substitute officials:
Where an emergency or prolonged vacancy exists among the association's employed racing officials, the stewards or the association, with the stewards' approval, shall make reasonable efforts to fill the vacancy. Such appointment shall be reported to the commission and shall be effective until the vacancy is filled in accordance with these rules.
(8)
Appointment of substitute steward:
Should any steward be absent due to an emergency or prolonged vacancy the executive director or the presiding steward may appoint a substitute steward. If a substitute steward is appointed, the commission and the association shall be notified by the stewards. The director or any racing commissioner are prohibited from serving as a substitute steward.