Key points
- Access to the kennel (integrity) area is restricted to licensed trainers, attendants, handlers, and catchers with legitimate race day roles.
- All licensed participants must carry and produce identification badges upon request by QRIC officials or stewards.
- Unauthorised entry can lead to removal, investigation, and disciplinary action, with clubs responsible for controlling access and monitoring compliance.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) reminds all participants and clubs of the requirements relating to access to kennel (integrity) areas at race meetings, and the obligation to produce identification upon request.
This notice reinforces expectations, clarifies permitted access, and supports the consistent application of the Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR).
Kennel (Integrity) Area – Definition
For race day operations, the kennel (integrity) area includes:
- The kennel compound
- External yards
- Wash bay areas
- Walkways and access points between these areas.
This area is subject to controlled access due to its direct relationship with greyhound welfare, race integrity, and regulatory oversight.
Access to the Integrity Area
Access to the integrity area is restricted to persons with a clear and legitimate race day function involving greyhounds. While QRIC does not regulate private arrangements regarding assistance, any person present in the integrity area must hold a current licence and be performing a genuine race day role.
Permitted persons include:
- Licensed trainers presenting greyhounds
- Licensed attendants and handlers assisting in the care and management of greyhounds
- Catchers engaged in race day duties
- Other licensed participants actively assisting with handling or catching activities.
The following persons are not permitted within the integrity area:
- Owners, unless otherwise authorised by Stewards
- Members of the general public or any unlicensed persons.
Owners are reminded that they do not have an operational role within the integrity area and must remain in public or designated areas unless otherwise approved.
Requirement to Produce Identification
All licensed participants must carry their current identification badge when attending race meetings. Kennel staff, club officials, security personnel, or Stewards may request identification at any time, and participants must immediately comply.
Failure to produce identification may result in refusal of entry to, or removal from, the integrity area. This requirement is consistent with GAR 82, which mandates the production of identification when directed and restricts access to the kennel area without Steward approval.
Unauthorised Entry
Any person who enters or remains within the integrity area without appropriate authority may be subject to regulatory action, including:
- Direction to leave the area immediately
- Removal from the racecourse
- Referral to Stewards for investigation
- Disciplinary action under the Rules of Racing.
Participants are reminded that compliance with directions from Stewards, kennel staff, and authorised officials is mandatory.
Responsibilities of Clubs and Participants
Clubs are responsible for implementing appropriate access control measures to ensure only authorised persons enter the integrity area, including:
- Maintaining controlled entry points
- Deploying kennel staff and/or security personnel
- Monitoring access throughout the race meeting.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are authorised to enter the integrity area and for complying with all identification requirements and official directions.
Supporting Compliance
QRIC encourages all participants to familiarise themselves with these requirements and to carry their identification at all times when attending race meetings.
Maintaining controlled access to the integrity area is essential to safeguard greyhound welfare, limit risks to the fair and proper conduct of race meetings and uphold public confidence in the integrity of the sport.
QRIC remains committed to working with clubs and participants to ensure consistent and practical compliance with the Rules of Racing.