Thank you all for your patience as we worked through creating the next version of the SSMDTA Handbook. It is now published and you can download a copy by clicking here.
All information relating to the 2024 season including the Show Schedule, Compulsory, Short Program, Handbook, Membership Form and new Score Sheets can be viewed on the website 2024 Show Season Page.
There weren’t a lot of changes made to the Handbook, so I just want to point out some of the key things that changed.
- In addition to riders, all Coaches, Captains, co-Coaches and co-Captains MUST be members of the Association.
- A new class was added: Youth Beginners. This is for our younger generation that are just starting to ride as well as starting to do drill. We encourage these riders to participate in the Novice classes as well for experience, but the Beginners class will give these new youth a level playing field.
- Teams will NOT be standing for formal Inspection this year. Your costumes/tack/grooming will still be judged, but during your Courtesy Lap and you will receive your scores under the Appearance category.
- Score Sheets have been revised to give more value to the 4 core areas of drill (Spacing, Alignment, Timing & Coordination and Degree of Difficulty). They will also be different across the different classes giving more weight to Appearance and Music in the Theme classes. Copies of the revised score sheets are available for you to review on the 2024 Show Season Page. **Compulsory and Short Program sheets have not yet been completed**
- The Judge’s Guide at the end of the Handbook has been updated to reflect the new scoresheet categories.
- All entry, music and write-up changes will close the Wednesday prior to the competition. No changes will be accepted at the show.
I think that covers the major updates for the 2024 season. If you have any questions, please let us know. We plan to set up a Zoom call with the teams in the near future to clarify any of the new rules.
Looking forward to a great 2024 season!
