We describe a constraint analysis for the interaction of the vector-meson octet with the baryon octet. Applying Diracs Hamiltonian method, we verify that the standard interaction in terms of two independent SU(3) structures is consistent at the class
ical level. We argue how the requirement of self consistency with respect to perturbative renormalizability may lead to relations among the renormalized coupling constants of the system.
We address the issue of a consistent power counting scheme in manifestly Lorentz-invariant baryon chiral perturbation theory. We discuss the inclusion of vector mesons in the calculation of the nucleon electromagnetic form factors. We comment on the
chiral expansion of the nucleon mass to order O(q**6).
