The upcoming version of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) Model Rules for Racing will contain important modifications that will adjust MMV (multiple medication violation) points so minor and isolated infractions are not treated on par with more serious violations in determining extra penalties.

The modifications were requested by an almost unanimous vote of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC).

“The MMV system is working, perhaps too well for some,” said ARCI President Ed Martin. ARCI regulators working with RMTC industry members developed the system which was implemented on Jan. 1, 2014 after controversial debate the previous summer. The system is modeled after the approach taken in U.S. federal sentencing guidelines.

Under revisions, points will remain the same for the more severe violations of the medication and anti-doping rules, substances warranting a Class A or B penalty, Points are reduced for substances warranting for a Class C penalty and are eliminated for medications qualifying for a Class D penalty warning