About the NSA

The National Steeplechase Association, based in Fair Hill, Maryland, is the headquarters of American steeplechase racing. In its capacity as the official sanctioning body of U.S. steeplechase racing, the National Steeplechase Association licenses participants, approves race courses, trains officials, coordinates race entries, enforces rules, compiles an official database, and oversees the national marketing and public relations of the sport. As an authority and a resource, the NSA provides essential services and information to participants and fans alike. The National Steeplechase Association takes its role as the guiding hand of this proud sport’s legacy very seriously, and is dedicated to preserving its tradition and history in the 21st century.

The NSA has 4 standing committees.

The Stewards’ Advisory Committee is charged with maintaining the highest levels of integrity for National Steeplechase Association racing. Chaired by NSA Board Member Dwight Hall, the Stewards’
Advisory Committee maintains the Rules of Racing and recommends rules changes to the Board of Directors. Formed in 2008, the Stewards’ Advisory Committee supervises and monitors all officials at
NSA-sanctioned race meets. It conducts annual training seminars that are required for all stewards serving at those meets. Through the Stewards’ Advisory Committee, the NSA is a member of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program.

The Steeplechase Safety Committee works to maintain and enhance the highest safety standards to protect the well-being of horses and jockeys. Founded as a task force in 2012, it became a National
Steeplechase Association standing committee the following year. Chaired by NSA Board Member Dr. Reynolds Cowles, the Steeplechase Safety Committee examines all aspects of NSA racing and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors for action intended to increase the sport’s safety. Containing a broad cross-section of the sport’s stakeholders, the Steeplechase Safety Committee also
makes recommendations for safety-related improvements to race meets and conducts an annual seminar for jockeys.

The Hearing, Review and Appeals Committee is charged with hearing appeals arising from alleged violations of the Rules of Racing. The committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and currently all three members of the Hearing, Review, and Appeals Committee are lawyers with broad knowledge of racing in general and steeplechasing. Any person who is the subject of any order or ruling of the Stewards or the Stewards’ Advisory Committee may appeal to the Hearing, Review and Appeals Committee within five days of the order or ruling.

The Promotion and Growth Committee is tasked with attracting new horses and owners to jump racing and maintaining the current roster of owners. Formed as a Task Force in 2014 under Queen’s Cup Co-chair and horse owner Bill Price, it became an NSA Committee in August 2015. Now chaired by NSA Board Member Al Griffin Jr., the Promotion and Growth Committee inaugurated the Owner-Trainer Symposium and Auction in 2015 and hosted a Saratoga Race Course hospitality area to explain the sport’s appeal at flat racing’s most popular meet. The Promotion and Growth Committee also has conducted surveys of steeplechase participants and created advertisements featuring flat owners who also participate in jump racing.