Overseeing national, uniform integrity and safety rules for Thoroughbred racing in the U.S.

Health and Fitness to Ride Assessments

HISA requires all jockeys to undergo and report the dates of their annual physical examinations and baseline concussion tests on the portal to ensure that every rider is healthy and fit to race and/or train. Establishing a baseline for concussion testing enables medical professionals to compare your test results after a fall or head trauma to your original test results before the accident took place.

Equipment and Safety Requirements

Minimum standards for safety equipment, such as helmets and safety vests, are in place to minimize injury in the event of an accident.

Attaching a health information card that outlines your medical history to the inside of your vest enables first responders to make informed decisions in the event of an accident.

Importantly, HISA’s national racetrack accreditation standards require all racetracks to provide a minimum standard of $1 million per incident of accident medical expense coverage for jockeys. HISA accreditation standards also require racetracks to have ALS ambulances onsite during racing and training.

Crop Use Restrictions and Specifications

HISA’s uniform riding crop rule and crop specifications ensure one consistent crop use policy no matter where or when you are riding. Having the same rules, as well as consistent disciplinary actions for violating those rules, makes it easier to abide by the rules and takes the guessing and subjectivity out of potential penalties administered for rule violations.