PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

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.

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.