The Role of Parents
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.
