Entry fee refund when show cancelled

[Goya]

I'm just musing.
If a show cancells due to bad weather (or other very good reason) would you expect all of your entry fee back or would you expect the organisers to withold a percentage to help cover costs?
I'm not talking about the big show centres, but for instance, Riding Clubs/ Pony Clubs etc who have had to hire venues/equipment etc.
Your thoughts please.

 

[Goya]

Anyone?

 

[Britestar]

We always refund all entry fees if the show is cancelled. No shows if we do run even if weather bad do not get their money back.

 

[Britestar]

Oh, most of the venues are very understanding re cancellation and usually it will be them who calls us to say they are inaccessible to vehicles.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Refund - They should carry insurance to recover costs for cancellations.

 

[Britestar]

I doubt many RC/PC have that kind of insurance. We certainly don't.

 

[Diddleydoo]

I've never experienced this myself, we only compete occasionally, but I would expect a refund. A partial refund at least

 

[zoelouisem]

Ive not had a show cancel on me before, but most show schedules i see you can either run the full cost onto another show or get a refund minus admin costs.

 

[Goya]

It seems that so far, a partial refund is generally acceptable then?

 

[TarrSteps]

Ive not had a show cancel on me before, but most show schedules i see you can either run the full cost onto another show or get a refund minus admin costs.

I'd say that's generally been my experience on both sides of the equation. I do think it should be stated in the prize list/show rules, though. If people don't read the rules, so be it, but you need something to show people when it comes down to it.

 

[Nicnac]

Bigger shows will usually have their cancellation policy on schedule.

I would expect smaller shows to retain a small admin amount in case of cancellations to cover the phone calls/texts/time to email all those who have entered and postage costs to return entry fees or credit notes.

 

[Rambo]

Only happened to me once before but as show was under BS rules we got a refund less 25% admin fee as per BS rules.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

We have one very cheeky show up here with £15 a class entry fees and a show ground that is prone to flooding. They get a show in 3 years in 5 and keep all entry fees when they cancel to cover their high insurance costs. Simple solution? Move to a different bloomin showground! They did it before they can do it again!

 

[Dry Rot]

Unless something to the contrary is stated on the entry form, I would think all entry fees should be refunded in full. After all, this is a simple contract. Entrant pays a fee to enter the competition. If the competition (i.e. show) cannot take place, the fee is refunded UNLESS it is stated otherwise on the entry form which is written evidence of what has been agreed. Would an entrant expect a refund if they, for one reason or another, did not turn up for the show? An agreement cuts both ways which is one reason why agreements should be in writing!

 

[ester]

as a RC we always gave a full refund for pre entries if we had to cancel/postpone, which I can only remember happening a couple of times once due to flooding/too wet on the show field and if a decision had been made early enough most of the hired in facilities (loos etc) could be postponed and the full fee not charged. Once I think it was a show centre (freezing/snow situation) and we had to wait for them to say no as it was then their decision and we couldn't be charged for the facilities.

I don't think I would be happy with a partial refund tbh, I would expect the RC (unless very new) to carry sufficient funds to cover such eventualities and I think the concept of partial refunds would have to be set against potentially reduced income in future of fewer entries.

 

[Jnhuk]

Refund - They should carry insurance to recover costs for cancellations.

At RC club level?!!! You must be joking. The premiums for this would also make the entry fees non viable.

I doubt many RC/PC have that kind of insurance. We certainly don't.

Exactly this!

I'd say that's generally been my experience on both sides of the equation. I do think it should be stated in the prize list/show rules, though. If people don't read the rules, so be it, but you need something to show people when it comes down to it.

We have it in our rules but tbh usually give people a full refund. When we have had to cancel due to weather, local venues are usually understanding but the club sometimes still has to pay them a cancellation charge. Depends on business minded the livery yard is.

We have cancelled due to snow a fair few times.... and we have relocated once when our summer dressage show on grass was flooded last year. Anyone who couldn't make the new venue got a full refund.