Team

A section shall consist of four similarly uniformed mounted competitors. The minimum age for competitors in senior competition shall be fifteen years.

All members of the Section shall be similarly armed with either sword or lance. These weapons will be of a type approved by the Association.

The lance used in competitions shall not be shorter than 2.5 metres and shall not exceed 2.75 metres. The sword used in competitions shall not be shorter than 81 cm and shall not exceed 90 cm. blade length, with an overall length, not exceeding 110cm.

A team may consist of riders who are left handed, or right handed, provided the left handers ride in the lowest numbered positions. ie No. 1.

Tent pegs

Pegs used may be of a plastic coreboard, cardboard or an approved softwood. If wooden pegs are used they are to be bound in two places by wire, painted white on one side, while the reverse side left unpainted to allow pegs to be soaked thoroughly before use.

The type of pegs to be used must be advised to all teams prior to commencement of the competition. Each peg is to be identified with the rider number on the reverse side if practicable.

Peg size shall be 30 cm long x 7.5 cm wide and between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm in depth.

In the event of a tie, pegs of smaller dimensions, 5 cm or 2.5cm in width will be used at the discretion of the Judge to determine the winner, or winners of any competition.

Pegs shall be placed in the ground 1.5 metres distance from each other in single file and 2.5 metres intervals in four abreast when using lances or swords.

A round shall consist of one run in single file, followed by a return run in line abreast. A competition event shall consist of a minimum of six rounds.

In the event of a tie, the Judge(s) of the competition will order a run off to decide the winner or placings. If a run off cannot be conducted due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. Bad weather or no time) then –

• Team Events – result will be taken on a countback on peg scores only of teams involved.
• Individual and Pairs events – to be considered a non-event with prize money divided between competitors.

(Note: This also applies to Rings and Peg and Lemons and Peg events).

The terms for scoring points shall be:

Teams are allotted eight bonus points per round for drill. Points (with provision for half points), are deducted for pace, interval, weapon handling, horse control and style of the round. Drill points are allotted as bonus points only, and can not be deducted from the pegging points. The judging of drill will commence from the time of salute at the beginning of the round prior to start flag and finish when lances or swords are returned to the carry position after removal of pegs after the four abreast run.

The pace required shall be a full gallop, which must be attained at the 40 metres gallop marker and maintained by all riders until reaching the 40 metres marker . Appropriate drill points will be deducted on slow pace.

Each member shall retain their numerical position in the Section throughout the contest in both single file and line abreast. The Section will be numbered from the right and the run in single file must be carried out in numerical sequence and at approximately 20 metres distance between riders. Similarly No. 1 must be on the right of his Section for the run in line abreast.

If a competitor riders out of sequence, there shall be no peg points allotted for the rider in that run, or drill points for the team, over the complete round.

If competitors ride at a distance greater than 40 metres in single file OR if the first and last rider in line abreast have more than 20 metres distance between them at the pegs, then no drill points shall be allotted for the complete round.
Each competitor must engage riders own Peg. In single file, No. 1 takes the first peg, No. 2 the second peg, etc. In line abreast, No. 1 takes the right hand peg, No. 2 the second from the right, etc.

If a rider takes another’s peg, rider loses any score achieved and prevents the other rider from scoring as well. Rider who took peg will also lose three points for drill.

If a rider engages another’s peg but missies it, three points shall be deducted for drill.

The rider whose peg is accidentally dislodged from the ground (i.e. By another weapon or horses hoof), may still attempt to pick up the peg, and if successful will be credited will full points (carry only) but two drill points will be deducted, from the offending rider.

Lance Drill

In the approach to a peg in either single file or line abreast the lance will be carried in a uniform position at the “Carry” or at the “Trail”.

After reaching the 40 metre marker flag the lance is to be presented by pushing forward in a vertical position, approximately midway along the horses neck.

At the 20 metre marker flag the lance is lowered to engage the Competitors peg.

After engaging the peg, the lance is to be returned with a smooth recovery through the ‘present’ to the ‘carry’ or ‘trail’ position.

Sword Drill

In the approach to the peg in either single file or line abreast, the sword must be carried at the slope.

On reaching 40 metre marker flag, the sword must be brought to the straight arm engage (horizontal, edge outwards).At the 20 metre marker flag, the sword is turned edge down – slight pause – and the point lowered to engage the peg.

Thence sword carried to the rear, and above the level of the right shoulder – slight pause – return sword to the front with an underhand sweep, and straight arm – slight pause – thence resume slope position.

Horses

• The minimum height of horses used shall be 14.2 hands unshod.
• An allowance of 12mm will be made for shoes.
• Horses are to be measured by a measurer appointed by the organising committee prior to the commencement of the competition on the request of the Judge or his deputy on complaint by a team captain.
• The registration of horses is optional.
• Official height measurement certificates issued by Royal / National Agricultural Associations, Pony Clubs, Breed Societies, The Equestrian Federation of Australia, State or Australian Tentpegging Association, will be accepted as proof of height.
• The changing of horse and/or rider in a team, throughout a competition shall not be allowed, except on presentation of a Veterinarian or Doctor’s Certificate respectively, or Judges authority if others are not available.
• In circumstances where an injured or sick horse or rider is replaced, on replacement only of a similar grade will be permitted on the Judges authority and must occupy the vacant position, unless approved by the judge for safety reasons.
• If the original horse or rider recovers during the competition, he/she may be permitted to re-enter (in original position) at the discretion of the Judge. Horses or riders may not be exchanged within a team during the currency of any competitions.
• One entry only per rider will be accepted in ‘teams’ and ‘pairs’ events. However a rider may ride in two (2) teams or two (2) pairs of similar grade, if another rider is forced to retire due to unforeseen circumstances, with the Judge(s) approval.
• If, in the opinion of the Judge, a competitor mistreats his horse, or a rider or horse is considered to be dangerous, he may be disqualified from the competition.

Safety Equipment

Crash helmets must be worn at all tentpegging displays and competitions. A competitor who loses his crash helmet during the course of a round will be recapped before continuing the competition, and two drill points will be deducted. (Helmets with fixed harness to be of the type approved by A.S.A. 3838.

Each horse used in competition must be fitted with an approved breastplate. Tentpegging weapons must have a protective cover over the point while not being used in competition.

Broken gear – time off for broken gear, may be permitted, if practical, at the Judges discretion, however such fault will incur a penalty of two drill points.

No rider shall be permitted to continue if in the opinion of the Judge(s) it constitutes unsafe practice.

Disarmed competitor

A disarmed competitor shall be one who loses his weapon at any time from the commencement of the run, until the completion of the round. He will not be re-armed before completion of the round, but may score points prior to being disarmed or during the process. He will be penalised for faulty weapon handling with an automatic loss of three drill points.
A competitor who breaks his weapon cannot be re-armed during the round and will not be granted a re-run.

A broken weapon shall be one that all, or more than the taper of the original point of the weapon is broken off or any portion of the shaft is broken.

Dismounted Competitor

A competitor who is dismounted whether by his mount falling or stumbling, etc., at the commencement or during the run is disqualified until the completion of the round with an automatic loss of three drill points. However, he may score points prior to being dismounted or during the process.

A competitor, who uses offensive or obscene language during the competition round and is heard by the Judge or Judges, will be penalised with appropriate loss of drill points.

Pegging up will be carried out by either the reserves of competing teams or by the steward appointed by the controlling body. Judges shall be responsible to see that pegging up is carried out correctly.


The diagram of the ‘Layout of the course’ shall be complied with, in all team competitions.
The current Association scoresheets shall be used in all team competitions.
Officials in the centre of the ring shall be limited to a minimum.

All competitors shall be familiar with the contents of the following:

• Rules for Tentpegging.
• Tentpegging – Code of Practice.

The rules and regulations of Section Tentpegging shall also apply to Individual and Pairs events. Drill points shall be four points per round.

A dispute committee to settle any queries affecting results of competitions shall be formed from the captains of each team and the officiating Judge.

All protests are to be lodged with the penciller within one hour of the availability of the scoresheet.

A fee of $10.00 must be paid with the protest. This fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

All Competitors and Judges must be current financial members of the Australian Tentpegging Association.

Rings and Peg Event (Lance)

Competition usually consists of 2 runs, one in each direction. A run includes 2 rings and 1 peg.

Equipment

Two gallows with a “T” crossbar, (a minimum of) 2.5 metres wide and 2.7 metres high, with a suspender stray (light materials) to the ring holder.
The ring (6 cm inside measurement) is suspended at a height of 2.20 metres from the ground.
The gallows are 15 metres apart, and the peg 20 metres beyond and in line.

Style

Lance must be at ‘carry’ position prior to start, on commencing run, lance to be carried at the ‘trail’ (point to be lowered left front, over horse’s near ear, level with the knuckles down and elbow slightly forward opposite for left hand riders).

On reaching 40 metre flag, the lance must be brought to a horizontal position, under the arm; elbow bent.

On reaching 20 metre flag, the lance must be carried (rolled) forward to the extent of the arm, with lance above the arm, and the back of the hand inclined to the inside.

Engage both rings, and lower lance to engage peg, with normal lance recovery, to standard carry position.

Points

Rings carried on lance – (6 each); Peg – Carry (6) – Draw (4) – Strike (2).
Drill (4) (style and pace). For each run.

NOTE: This event is not to be judged in ‘rounds’ as in team competitions.

Lemons and Peg Event (Sword)

Equipment

• The gallows, and lemons, - (same dimensions as in Rings and Peg)
• Two Lemons and peg in line.
  NOTE:- Lemons or oranges only to be used – to be suspended by a fine string, threaded from top to bottom. NOT – rope or steel hangers).
  

Style

• The same approach to be adopted as in normal sword drill to 20 metre flag, (straight arm engage).
• On reaching 20 metre flag – sword to be swung horizontally onto shoulders at base of neck (blade edge to rear).
• At 1st lemon – CUT ONE – (from right to left) – at the height of neck, and allow sword to rest on left shoulder, with elbow as high as hand.
• At 2nd lemon – CUT TWO – horizontally (from left to right) at the height of neck.
• Lower sword and engage peg with normal sword recovery.

Points
Lemon sliced – (6 each): Peg – Carry (6) – Draw (4) – Strike (2) – Drill (4) (style and pace). For each run.

Skill At Arms Event

Weapons
Lance, sword and replica pistol. (steel pointed pricker)

Equipment

1st Leg – shall comprise two jumps, 70 cm high, at least 2.5 metres wide and 20 metres apart. A balloon holder (1.5 metres high) to be placed near the right of first jump, another balloon holder near the left of second jump, with a third balloon holder on the right, 20 metres from 2nd jump 0.5 metres high and in line with 1st balloon, (2nd balloon to be 1.5 metres to the left of the line of 1st and 3rd balloon).

A barrel or bucket (approximately 20 litre, - plastic) is to be placed at the end of the 1st leg, approximately 1.2 metres above ground level.

2nd Leg – comprise 2 ‘Effigies Heads’ on stands (approximately 2 metres high with 10 cm ‘neck’ made of 1 cm dowel). The stands to be 15 metres apart, with the 2nd stand 1.5 metres to the left of the line of the 1st stand and dummy.

The dummy is to be suspended from a gallow which will swivel away from the rider on impact and located 20 metres from 2nd Effigy head. The target (heart) on dummy is to be 8 cm in diameter and 1.6 metres above ground level.

3rd Leg – as per rings and pegs. Rings and Peg.

Course

1st Leg – A competitor leaves starting position armed with a cap pistol to be drawn at least 40 metres before 1st jump (with barrel perpendicular). The balloons to be ‘shot’ using 1 ‘jab’ only per balloon. One refusal will be allowed at the 1st jump only. (Not 2nd jump). A horse ridden around the jump constitutes a refusal.

2nd Leg – (Sword may be carried or placed in ground at commencement of second leg).

Sword to be drawn then as in Parts ‘A’ and ‘B’ of Lemons and Peg.
‘C’ cut 1st ‘Effigy’ head at neck (forward sweep) right side,
‘D’ cut 2nd ‘Effigy’ head at neck (return sweep) left side,
‘E’ with straight arm, - engage heart of dummy leaving sword in dummy.ans

3rd Leg – (lance placed in a receptacle or in the ground at commencement of 3rd leg).
Competitor picks up lance and completes 3rd leg – (Rings and Peg).

Notes:

“Pistol” – Maximum 30 cm from point to hammer, with the point, a maximum of 3 mm diameter (No. ‘8’ wire).

Cap pistol must be placed in the bucket or barrel at end of 1st leg. (Pistol thrown on ground – dropped weapon penalty – 3 points).
If cap pistols are not available, bayonets (maximum length 40 cm) may be used. However, one type of weapon must be used by all riders in any given competition.

If jumps are not available, the 1st leg may be run using balloons only.

Sword not necessary to remain in body of dummy to score points, however, if sword is thrown at, and not engaged to dummy, - thence dropped weapon penalty incurred – (3 points).

Elimination will occur if:

• Refusal on jumps (after 1st jump refusal allowance).
• Pistol receptacle knocked over.
• Rider deviates off the designated course (i.e. Wrong side of obstacle).
• In Judges opinion rider of horse, is not proficient, and is dangerous to continue.
• It is the Judges responsibility to see course is set and clear, with one lance and once sword only permitted on course whilst a rider is competing.

Time Limit
The time to complete the course will be taken from the starting flag on the 1st leg to the carry flag (20 metre past the peg) on the 3rd leg. The time allowed will be 50 seconds, with a 1 point per second penalty for extra time.

If 2 or more riders complete the course with equal point scores, the faster time recorded, shall be the winner.

Points:
1st Leg – Balloons – 6 each; Jumps Cleared– 3 each. (Jump dislodged = 0 points)
2nd Leg – ‘Effigy Heads’ – 6 each (neck only). ‘Dummy’ – heart 6 – elsewhere 3.
3rd Leg – Rings – 6 each; peg – Carry 6, Draw 4, Strike 2.

Drill – To be awarded on general horsemanship, use of weapons and style.
1st Leg – 4
2nd Leg 4
3rd Leg – 4
Total - 12

Skill At Arms Course

The suggested method to follow when setting the course.

1. Select a suitable area
2. The Course must not be in direct line with the sun
3. Measure out a rectangle 130 metres by 20 metres. Place flag at each corner A, B, C, & D.
4. Measure 10 metre centres between flags B and C also A and D. Place flags at these points.
   5.

First Leg – Jumps and Balloons.

Jumps

• Measure distances according to Rule to Jumps and third balloon and mark.
• Minimum width 2.5 metres.
• Centre of the Jump to be ¾ of a metre to the left of line A to B.
  Balloons
• Right hand Balloon holders to be placed in line A to B. Pistol receptacle to take the place of flag B.
• The second or left-hand balloon holder to be placed 1.5 metres to left of line A to B.
• Balloon holders to be placed in front of jumps. Marker flag A to be removed.

Start

• If an Electronic timing device is unavailable a starting gate consisting of two flags of witches hats will be placed 2.5 metres apart or in line with the outside of the jumps.

Second Leg

• Measure distances along line C to D to Effigies and dummy and mark. Fist Effigy and dummy to be place on line C to D. Second Effigy to be placed 1.5 metres to left of line C to D.

Third Leg

• Rings and Pegs to be set up according to the Rule on the 10-metre line. Riders must negotiate the course around pistol holder and market flags in a clockwise direction.