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 the 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 fulfil 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.
- When using social networking sites always conduct yourself in an appropriate way as you would face to face. Be aware of what you say and how you say it – the use of sarcasm and innuendo are not appropriate.
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 Members 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.
- Criticise officials, instructors, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.
ROLE OF MEMBERS
The Pony Club aims to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline.
Members should show respect for their ponies and horses, instructors, Branch officials, competition organisers and stewards and their fellow members.
When competing they should abide by the rules of the competition and accept the decisions of the event stewards and organisers. They may query a decision they do not understand politely and listen to the explanation. They should support the other members of their team and also the other members of their Branch.
They should not:-
possess or consume alcohol or illegal and performance enhancing drugs
smoke
engage is sexual activity
use foul language
tolerate or be involved in discrimination of any kind
leave an organised event unless accompanied by their parent or guardian or by a Branch official.
Criticise officials, instructors, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.
ROLE OF INSTRUCTORS, TRAINERS AND COACHES
Instructors must act as a role model in both dress and conduct and promote the positive aspects of sport and of horse riding and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct. The role of a Pony Club instructor is to teach the members to ride and to take proper care of their ponies and horses while ensuring that the highest ideals of sportsmanship are maintained. Instructors courses, seminars and conferences are arranged to enable instructors develop as professionals to maintain the standards of instruction provided to the members.
They should:-
Promote the ideals and aims of The Pony Club, follow its rules and never condone rule violations, rough play, bullying or the use of prohibited substances.
Be generous with praise, never ridicule or shout at members for making mistakes. All members are entitled to respect. Care must be taken not to expose a child intentionally or unintentionally to embarrassment or disparagement by use of sarcastic or flippant remarks.
Remember that young people ride for fun and enjoyment and that skill, riding for fun and care of the pony have priority over highly structured competition. Never make winning the only objective. Encourage the development of respect for opponents, officials, selectors and other Instructors.
Avoid criticism of fellow Instructors.
Be careful to avoid the “star system”. Each child deserves equal time and attention.
It is important to realise that certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted by the participant or by outsiders. Avoid working alone and ensure there is adequate supervision for all activities. Instructors are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with members.
Set realistic goals for the participants and do not over face members. Create a safe and enjoyable environment.
Avoid giving advice of a personal or medical nature – if you are not qualified to do so. Any information of a personal or medical nature must be kept strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child requires the passing on of this information.
When using social networking sites always conduct yourself in an appropriate way as you would face to face. Be aware of what you say and how you say it – the use of sarcasm and innuendo are not appropriate.
When emailing or texting young people always copy the message to another responsible adult and use the ‘BCC’ facility to avoid sharing e-mail addresses.
It is advisable to keep a record of attendance at training.
All accidents must be reported in accordance with Pony Club requirements. If behavioural problems arise and a member has to be disciplined, keep a brief record of the problem/action/outcomes. Inform the DC Branch Official and follow Pony Club procedures.
If you are in breach of the CODE of CONDUCT you will be informed and it can have serious consequences. Therefore it is vital that everyone understands the expectations of the club when joining.