The U.S. Trotting Association announced Friday (June 16) that it has suspended the membership of Northfield Park due to an alleged violation of USTA Rule 20.09 on financial responsibility. Northfield Park was notified of the suspension on Thursday (June 15).
Rule 20.09 Financial Responsibility -- states that, “Any participant who shall demonstrate financial irresponsibility by accumulating unpaid obligations, defaulting in obligations … may be denied membership in the USTA or may be suspended on order of the Executive Vice-President.”
This action by the USTA is a result of a dispute over payment for eTrack and related services provided to Northfield Park and, as a consequence of Northfield Park’s suspension, also means that the track’s director, Dave Bianconi, has lost his qualifications to continue his service on the USTA Board of Directors.
"It's an unfortunate situation that has been ongoing for some time, but track members must be held to the same level of accountability as individual members,” said USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner. “We hoped to achieve resolution with Northfield, but have been unsuccessful."
The ruling for the Northfield Park suspension will appear in the USTA Current Fines & Suspensions Bulletin that will be posted on the USTA website on Friday (June 16).
(with files from USTA)