> The subject of professional-amateur status as related to cash awards is an
> interesting concept. The question is "how does one define a professional?"
This one is easy. Run it like AERC International. To be a
"Professional" (and therefore eligible to ride in high $ award rides) you
have to join AERC Professional (the organization could have some minimum
performance requirements as deemed necessary so that riders who want to
ride for big prizes have to demonstrate a level of ability...and maintain
it).
Being a professional (unlike in other disciplines) does not disqualify
you from the non-professional rides. It just makes it so that there
could be a separate sanctioning body, separate rules (stricter), etc. for
high $ award rides. And unlike the AHSA, you don't have to pay extra for
the privalege of being an amateur. You have to pay extra to be eligible
to ride in Professional Rides. Let AERC Professional pay for its own
stewards, their own lawyers to defend the myriad of lawsuits that may
arise, set their own performance requirements, etc....
Regular AERC sanctioned rides will continue to be open to all participants.
kat
Orange County, Calif.