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Code of Conduct

The Pony Club

Nov 2005

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

LOYALTY CHARACTER SPORTSMANSHIP

The Pony Club is a voluntary youth organisation for young people within an equestrian environment. The Pony Club's purpose is:

To encourage young people to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with ponies and riding,

To give instruction in riding and horsemanship and to educate Members to look after and take proper care of their animals,

To promote the highest levels of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline.

The Pony Club is a volunteer organisation and depends on parents and guardians to help. Fairness should take precedence over competitiveness. Teaching by example will foster caring and respect for all.

Parents / Guardians should therefore:

Be a positive role model for my child and other Members by respecting coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders; their authority and decisions; the rules and regulations under which The Pony Club operates.

Agree to discuss disputes / appeals at a suitable, agreed time with the correct officials, within appropriate level of The Pony Club organisation, without resorting to hostility or violence.

Always remember that Pony Club activities are intended to be educational, safe and fun to benefit the Members rather than parents.

Respect the horses and ponies and show humane care for them at all times.

Respect the property and equipment used in any activities, considering safety uppermost in all situations

Be knowledgeable about the rules of the discipline or competition their child is taking part in and encourage their child to know, be familiar with, and follow these rules.

Promote the physical and emotional well-being of their child, other Members and horses ahead of any personal desire to win or succeed in any activity.

Teach their child that taking part, learning and showing sportsmanship in all competitions, testing situations, clinics, etc are more important than winning.

Praise all Members equally for trying hard and competing fairly.

Inform officials as soon as possible if they or their child is unable to fulfill commitments or attendance at events.

Help their child and others to understand the satisfaction of co-operation, group work and team spirit in achieving personal goals and growth, and good results.

Volunteer their services and skills, whether equine-related or not, whenever possible.

Parents / Guardians should not:

Force their child or other Members to take part in activities with which they are not comfortable

Disrespect the decisions of coaches / officials concerning the skills and abilities of their child or other members.

Undermine the authority of coaches / officials by interfering with, or coaching any Member from the sidelines.

Dispute the decisions of coaches / officials and volunteers during an event or in front of their child, other Members or parents.

Engage in or condone unsportsmanlike behaviours such as booing, taunting, using profane language, refusing to congratulate winners etc.

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