A. The Commission shall require applicants for a license as a steward to pass an examination on matters relating to the duties of stewards. Examinations shall be held at such times and places as may be determined by the Commission. Notice of the times and places of the examinations shall be given as determined by the Commission. The Commission shall prepare both written and oral examinations to be taken by persons applying for qualification as stewards, requesting and taking into consideration suggestions from representatives of horsemen, organization licensees, stewards, and other interested and knowledgeable groups. The written examinations may be administered by members of the Commission staff. Oral examinations shall be conducted by an oral examination panel to include at least two Commission members.

B. The Commission may examine any person who:

1. has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or of a felony; and

2. has completed an accredited senior high school or its equivalent; and

3. has been given a physical examination by a licensed physician within sixty (60) days prior to the date of application for the steward's examination, indicating at least 20-20 vision or vision corrected to at least 20-20, and normal hearing ability; and

4. has one of the following:

a.at least five (5) years of experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a licensed trainer, or jockey.

b.at least ten (10) years of experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a licensed owner whose experience, knowledge, ability, and integrity relative to the industry are known to the Commission.

c.at least three (3) years of experience as a licensed racing official, racing secretary, assistant racing secretary, or director of racing.

d.experience in the horse racing industry of a character and for a length of time sufficient, in the opinion of the Commission, to be substantially equivalent to the requirements of subparagraphs a, b, or c of this paragraph.

5. A steward shall have the same restrictions and qualifications as a member of the Commission as listed in Section 202.

C. For the purpose of paragraph 4 of subsection B of this section, one (1) year of experience shall mean at least one hundred (100) days actually worked within one (1) calendar year. An original license for a steward issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act shall be issued for a period of the calendar year in which it is issued, and shall be renewable for a period not to exceed three (3) years, which the Commission may establish by regulation. The Commission may establish a license fee schedule consistent with the different periods for which such licenses may be granted. The license shall be valid at all race meetings in this state during the period for which it is issued, unless it is suspended or revoked prior to the expiration of such period.

Added by Laws 1983, c. 11, § 10, emerg. eff. March 22, 1983. Amended by Laws 1985, c. 196, § 2, emerg. eff. June 26, 1985.