Individual Sponsorship Guidelines

It is important that all competitors competing at international level are aware of the rules concerning personal sponsorship. As from 1 January 2008, it is vital whether you had an agreement or not under the old BEF system that you make yourself familiar with the new rules. It is the competitors responsibility to ensure his/her sponsor/s are aware of these rules.

The BEF rules state that: "Sponsorship agreements may provide riders with financial assistance for the preparation and participation in events. Such agreements must not contravene these rules, or those rules or bye-laws of the FEI, BOA, UK Sport or any Testing Authority or the provisions of any Team GB or Team GBR agreement." The full BEF rules can be seen here.

The BEF rules no longer state that, "any personal sponsorship agreement must be approved and signed by the Chief Executive on behalf of the Board." Consequently, riders/sponsors are no longer required to pay a levy charge on their sponsorship deals and the BEF will no longer draft standard agreements for riders to avoid clashes of obligations. Those who currently hold one of the old BEF agreements are strongly advised to insert provisions in their ongoing agreements with their sponsors.

The BEF has produced an advisory booklet, 'Individual Rider Sponsorship - Understanding the Regulations and Avoiding the Pitfalls'. The booklet provides guidance on these provisions. To download the booklet click here

NB: The Advertising and Publicity on Athletes and Horses FEI regulations were updated on 1.1.2012. To view the extract from the FEI General Regulations 23rd edition, 1st January 2009 - update effective 1.1.2012 click here
(This replaces the extract currently published in the above booklet; please find in Article 135, pages 33-36).

Useful contacts and links listed in the booklet can be accessed here:

BOA - British Olympic Association