they are optional. I know some centres will chuck one in especially in a large 2phase. annoyance at first so bougth one to practice at home (was for when became compulsory at fox) so doesn't bother me what level they are in at now!
We always have them round here in BN/Disco, never caused me a problem, but horses are well used to jumping them at home before they go to a show anyway.
seems harsh to have them in a BN but I suppose if they frequent the other levels you may aswell get used to them when the fences are smaller and theres less at stake so to speak...
I donned my Bob the Builder cap and made my own from some bits of wood lying around and bought some cheap paint, something handy to school over even if it didnt last very long in the rain..
Not affliated but water tray was in 75cm trailblazers finals this year. I then think they proceeded to take it out for the 95cm?!?! There was also one used at a 90cm unaffalliated Jazz show at Towerlands
We don't normally put it in our local RC shows til at least the Intermediate (2'9). Am planning on going BSJA this year so glad my horse doesn't have a problem with them!