The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) has introduced new guidelines to provide clear instructions to Non-Rights Holders (NRH) regarding filming, recording, and posting video content from FEI-Named Events… and it’s caused quite a stir!
Published on February 12, 2024, the latest updates outline specific regulations governing the use of content from prestigious equestrian competitions such as FEI World Cups, FEI Nations Cups, FEI World/European Championships, and the Longines League of Nations™.
Contrary to misconceptions, the guidelines do not prohibit filming or capturing images at events. Instead, they focus solely on the publication of video content on social media platforms, websites, and blogs from the field of play (FOP) at FEI-Named Events by NRH.
NRH include Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, Athlete Entourage (e.g. grooms, agents etc.), Horse Owners, National Federations, Officials and Accredited Media, including broadcasters.
All rights to video footage taken of the Field of Play (FOP) are the property of the FEI and all copyright is owned by the FEI.
For the avoidance of doubt, the FOP includes the main arena, warm-up area, kiss & cry, leaders lounge and entrance/exit area, as well as the cross-country course in Eventing and the marathon course in Driving.
Contrary to misconceptions, the guidelines do not prohibit filming or capturing images at events. Instead, they focus solely on the publication of video content on social media platforms, websites, and blogs from the field of play at FEI-Named Events by Non-Rights Holders.
It’s important to note that these guidelines apply only to certain classes at FEI-Named Events and not to all FEI competitions. For instance, only specific competitions within the FEI Dressage World Cup™ shows are covered by these regulations. Therefore, the guidelines are applicable primarily at FEI Championships and designated series and Finals.
The guidelines are applicable to the following events, to which the FEI owns the broadcast rights to:
- Longines League of Nations™
- Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Western European League and North American League
- FEI Dressage World Cup™ – Western European League
- FEI Driving World Cup™
- FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final
- FEI Eventing Nations Cup™
- FEI Championships for Seniors (European Championships, World Championships)
The guidelines also outline opportunities for athletes and national federations to access footage from the field of play (FOP) for publication, as well as opportunities to post specific FOP content, such as course walks, from FEI-Named Events.
The FEI have scoped opportunities and set our firm guildelines for use of assets obtained from the above listed events on social media platforms. Livestreaming from the field of play, for example, is strictly prohibited. Where content is used, the correct chanels of approval should have been sought, and the appropriate pages tagged in the post. For more detailed information, we strongly recommend stakeholders refer to the explanatory notes provided alongside the guidelines, as well as a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common queries and concerns.
For more detailed information, we strongly recommend stakeholders refer to the explanatory notes provided alongside the guidelines, as well as a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common queries and concerns.
The release of these updated guidelines underscores the FEI’s commitment to ensuring responsible and respectful use of content from its prestigious events. By providing clear instructions and guidelines, the FEI aims to maintain the integrity of its competitions while fostering positive engagement within the equestrian community on social media platforms.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.