The new Equestrian Australia rule about headgear came into force on 1 January 2017. If you compete in an Equestrian Australia sanctioned competition, your helmet must conform with the new rule, detailed below.
If your helmet is approved to EN1384 (the old standard no longer approved by EA) BUT ALSO approved under another standard (PAS015, ASTM F1163, VG1, etc.) then it is good to go.
Primary responsibility to comply with the new rule is yours, but it’s also the responsibility of clubs and organising committees to advertise that you must comply. If you’re involved in an accident wearing a non-compliant helmet, your member insurance may not cover you.
EA General Regulations, Article 122.2: Dress and Salute, the following will apply:
Protective headgear must conform with one of the current approved safety standards:
- Current Australian standard AS/NZ 3838 (2006 onwards) provided they are SAI global marked.
- New Australian standard ARB HS 2012 provided they are SAI global marked
- Current American standards ASTM FII63 (2004a or 04a onwards) provided they are SEI marked, or SNELL E2001.
- Current British standard PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
- Interim European Standard VGI (01.040: 2014-12) with or without BSI Kitemark.
