Lancefield & District Pony Club

Transcription

1 Lancefield & District Pony Club Members Handbook L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 1

2 L&DPC welcome your interest in our Club and provide this handbook to answer questions you may need over time. It is important to take the time to read through the booklet provided. If there is anything else we can help you with please contact one of the Committee members. Pony Club is an international youth organisation that shares a common interest in horses. We aim to: 1. Encourage you people to ride and lean to enjoy all approved kinds of activities connected with horses. 2. To provide quality instruction in horsemanship and to instill in member the proper care of the animals. 3. To promote the highest ideals in sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty thus cultivating strength of character and self discipline in members. Lancefield & District Pony Club inc is affiliated with Pony Club Association of Victoria inc (PCAV) which has over 200 member clubs. Designated into Zone areas L&DPC is part of the CENTRAL ZONE. Statement of purposes To learn to ride with safety and skill, to enjoy the association with horses while treating them with care, kindness and respect. The community of L&DPC has within its group a social responsibility to members and their families. L&DPC CLUB. The Lancefield & District Pony Club is a small to medium Pony Club with approximately 40 active members, ranging in ages from 6 to 25 years. Membership is open to riding members in this age group but is dependent upon the maximum membership of approximately 45 members. The Club was formed around 1983 to cater for the interests of young people wanting to learn the skills of riding with safety and instruction. Our club encourages its members to share knowledge and experiences and openly invites parent to assist in Committee and the general running of rally days. The Club is small but progressive and our members enjoy a variety of activities designed to encourage and teach riders the general skills of horsemanship. We encourage outside activities and riding events, where members generally find they are accompanied by other Club members, in a healthy social atmosphere with parental assistance. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 2

3 Our beautiful grounds are situated at Millers Rd Lancefield, (Melways 290 C11) amidst large aged trees, which provide protection and shelter from harsh conditions for both horses and people. We provide a generous clubhouse with canteen facilities, equipment storage shed and in the near future our jumps trailer storage. There is stall accommodation under the shelter of a band of trees for the horses, a 60 x 20mtr fenced dressage arena, a newly created arena of 75m x 75m suitable for jumping or as dressage arenas for competition days. Along with the beginnings of a cross country course which in the next 1-2yrs should see some improvement. We share these facilities harmoniously with the (LEG) Lancefield Equestrian Group adult riders and in working with the LEG and local council do much to improve the grounds for all users. L&DPC hold 11 rallies per year. Rallies are held on the first Sunday of each month except January. All rallies are on in spite of bad weather unless otherwise informed by your DC. Rally days consist of instruction in but not limited to the following: Theory, Games/activities, Show Jumping, Dressage/Flat work and Cross country. We also enjoy some outings other than instructional days to broaden the riders abilities on horse back in different situations. While emphasis is given to provide a solid foundation in the areas of flat work and jumping the aim of the Club is to provide a broad experience, skill and enjoyment in all areas of horse skills. We do not focus on one area of riding and it is therefore expected that riders participate in all activities. Pony Club is not set up for riders to specialise in their chosen disciplines only Trail Ride Sanatorium Lake Mt Macedon L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 3

4 MEMBERSHIP Membership is approved by the Committee. The annual fees are set each year by the committee and include the PCAV insurance levy for each rider. The fees are due and payable on joining and then by March each year. Riders are unable to ride at the July rally if their fees are not paid because they will not be covered by the PCAV insurance. As always the club endeavors to keep the cost of membership at a reasonable rate and rely on fund raising to make up the difference between costs and income. For fund raising to be successful participation by all members is necessary. Further in this booklet are some job descriptions of committee members that you may direct your questions to if you have any. Each rider is issued with a PCAV membership card which list details of rider and horse combination along with attendance and grading information for competition. This card needs to be presented to the DC each month to sign attendance. It is the rider/parent responsibility to ensure the information in the card is current and any changes need to be notified to the DC. L&DPC PONY CLUB UNIFORM The items specifically related to our Club and PCAV are available from the Club. The uniform can be purchased as your budget allows, but it is expected the rider will be wearing it within 3 months. Some secondhand items are sometimes for sale within the club. 1. White shirt 2. PCAV tie 3. Fawn, beige, banana or white jodhpurs 4. Red jumper with fawn sash 5. Brown fully soled jodhpur/riding boots or additional gaiters same colour as boots 6. Approved safety helmet AS/NZ3838 EN1384, ASTMF1163 Stickers/Labels present 7. PCAV membership badge 8. Medical Armband (recommended) 9. Pony Club Saddlecloth (optional) Jumpers must be worn at the start of rally days and at competitions. If it is a hot day the DC will give permission for riders to remove their jumpers. In addition coats may be worn over the uniform for inclement weather with the DC s permission. For competition days more stringent rules apply and further PCAV uniform to accommodate the conditions will become available. Stay in touch through the Club. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 4

5 The following rules are based on PCAV rules, meant as a guide to safe riding rally days. Each member and parent should be aware that other rules apply according to the discipline or competition with in the Pony Club, there are publications available for purchase which indicate all of these rules Stirrup irons are not to be tied down (we recommend safety irons/clogs) Ordinary snaffle bits to be used (seek advise if in doubt) Saddles must be fitted with a girth with at least two buckles, or one buckle and surcingle. Leg bandages are not permitted All earrings including sleepers must be removed or taped Spurs are not encouraged. If worn they must not exceed 20mm in length and face down Whips are permitted but not exceeding 75cm in length Full Pony Club uniform must be worn to rallies. This includes an approved safety helmet and riding boots. Horses and riders must walk between lessons and to or from yards and floats Activities such as games or jumping are not permitted without an instructor present. The use of the Arena after hours is permitted. Any riders using it must in the first instance contact the DC, President or Secretary for the key. This key must be returned after use. NO JUMPING OR USE OF CROSS COUNTRY JUMPS IS PERMITTED AFTER HOURS. Consideration should be given to the size and experience of horse and rider combination. Along with the safety of other riders on the grounds. Safety is the key issue. We recommend the use of jump vests for rider safety. Horse must not be ridden in or out of the stalls they are to be mounted at the front of the vehicle. RALLY DAYS You should try to arrive at the grounds in time to have your horse saddled and ready to ride between 8.30 and 9.00am. As soon as you arrive parents and children need to be signed in into the attendance book which is situated in the clubhouse. Place your horse in one of the stalls securing it closed. Your car and float can be parked anywhere in front of the stall area and must not be parked near any of the horse activities eg. X Country/jumps. Gates will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9am Parents and children are asked to help set up and pack up for their first and last classes at each rally. This will be notified in the newsletter and appear on the notice board in the clubhouse. Remember to hand in your membership card and collect it at the end of each rally. You will then need to line up with your group (also notified in the newsletter and on the notice board) in uniform with tidy horse and gear, and a smile. Assembly is 9.00am Gear Check 9.10am Class starts at 9.20 with 3 classes till lunchtime Lunchtime (staggered) between Ready to finish the days remaining 2 lessons End of Rally 3.00pm All stalls are to be cleaned at the end of the day and chains put up. If you are not attending a rally you MUST ring the DC beforehand and inform her so that class adjustments can be made. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 5

6 GEAR CHECK At the gear check the checker (instructor) will: 1. Check the safety of the saddlery, riders helmet and boots 2. Check the cleanliness of the horse and saddlery for the horses comfort. 3. Record attendance. Your horse should be presented free of mud and bot eggs. The hooves should be trimmed, they are not required to be shod and can be painted with hoof oil (not hoof black). The hooves need to be cleaned out underneath with a hoofpick. The saddlery should be clean (especially the bit) and well fitted, the stitching of the stirrup leathers, bridle, reins and girth points should not be frayed. Stirrup irons should be the right size for the rider. The tail and mane should be brushed. Any rider who misses the gear check may not be scored for presentation. However a gear check is still required before riding. The rider must present themselves to the DC before attending any activity. The need to inform the DC is not only a matter of courtesy but also safety and satisfaction of the insurance requirements. Permission will then be given to join the riders activity at a safe time and riders are expected to apologise to the instructor for being late. Riders who are unable to due to a lame horse or other reason are still eligible to attend the rally as an unmounted rally, your card will be signed for attendance and you must be in full uniform. If you have a pony/horse who kicks out, please tie a red ribbon to its tail to warn other riders to keep clear. This alleviates unnecessary frights from unsuspecting riders and horses. PARENTS ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY A parent or guardian is expected to attend the rally with their child. We rely on the roster of parents and the children in the setting up of equipment as well as packing it up at the end of the day. The roster appears in the newsletter and on the notice board. L&DPC hold working bees from time to time to prepare the grounds for competition. All help is appreciated with the philosophy many hands makes light work. We all acknowledge that horse riding can be a dangerous sporting activity as such the committee of the L&DPC strongly advise all members to be ambulance subscribers or have ambulance coverage with their health insurer. PARENT & INSTRUCTORS Young riders may be led during lessons. Parents who lead children are encouraged to let the rider do as much as possible for themselves as they follow the instructor' requests, rather than just doing it for them. Parents are welcome to watch lessons but are asked to not call out or advice their children. If a parent needs to talk with their child they should ask the instructor who will call the child from the class. INSTRUCTORS Horsemanship and correct riding techniques are taught to the children by DC selected instructors. The Club endeavors to use instructors who specialise in a specific area so that the riders get the most benefit from the lesson. If you are not happy with an instructor or the lesson content please take the time to inform the DC and the same applies with an instructor who you do think has done a wonderful job. COMFORTS Our canteen does a wonderful job organizing food throughout the day for all riders and supporters or you can bring your own. Buying lunch through the canteen is also a support to our Clubs fundraising effort and we appreciate your support. There are toilets available on the grounds Keys are held in the clubhouse. There are some chairs available in the clubhouse, please make sure they are returned. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 6

7 COMMITTEE MEETINGS As with most other Committees this is operated by parents and/or interested members on a voluntary basis. At some stage you may consider nominating yourself to work on or with the committee in order to participate in your childs sport. Support is always welcome. NEWSLETTER The Club posts out a newsletter (Pony Express) to the members in good time before the rally. The newsletter is also done by a volunteer and input from members is always welcome. The newsletter is aimed at providing details of the next rally, competition details and results, rule changes and an area of interest for the children. GRADING FOR COMPETITION To be eligible to compete at associated PCAV competitions be they Combines Training Day, Hicksteads or other events, riders must be graded on their horse. If riders have more than one horse they need to be graded on each. Grading takes place during a rally by the DC. If you wish to be graded you must let the DC know prior to the rally or at least at the start of the day so that the horse/rider combination may be observed. It is the riders/parents responsibility to make sure the membership card correct. A horse/rider combination can be graded for one or all of the below disciplines. Grading are carried out for the following Dressage (Grades 1 to 5-1 being the highest) Show Jumping (Grades A to E - A being the highest (minimum age is 8 years) Combined Training (Grade 1 to 5-1 being the highest) Eventing/Horse Trials (Grades 1 to 5-1 being the highest) (minimum age is 8 years). EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATES Riders have the chance to study for certificates on horsemanship as they progress through pony club over the years. For the riders who turn eight years old, can complete the test of the D Certificate (very basic horse knowledge). The next certificates are D* (Star), C, C* (Star), K, B, A and H certificates. An award of merit is the highest service award, presented when warranted to members who display good citizenship in their club and wider community. CLUB AWARDS At the end of the year the club holds a presentation (usually with our break up rally) where awards are presented. The awards include: Participation Awards, Most Improved Junior and Senior Riders, D.C. Award, Horsemastership Award, Gear Check Award, Club Member Award and the Bianca Capelin Memorial Award of Merit in Dressage. REPRESENTING THE CLUB IN A COMPETITION The L&DPC is not just a competitive club but we encourage and provide for members who do want to compete and test their skills. The commitment from parents and riders who want to test their skill is immense. From the beginning of pony Club once a month and a bit of instruction you are now faced with the possibility of additional instruction to satisfy the need for improvement, which requires more time and commitment from you the parent. Floating horses to events, upgrading the gear and often the horse has probably not even entered your mind at this stage but it is a reality that many people have faced. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 7

8 We have within the club a dedicated group of riders who enjoy being out there competing and support them in their endeavors. The L&DPC are notified with entry forms of upcoming events around our zone. These are usually pinned to the notice board and need to be filled in and signed by the DC before you can send your entry off. Other important points prior to entry: The rider/horse combination must have attended 2 rallies in the past 12 months The rider must have 25% attendance at rallies in the past 12 months (un/mounted or on another horse) The rider must take their up to date attendance care (and the proceeding one) with them to the competition The rider must be graded on that horse The entry form must be signed by the DC Riders must wear their FULL pony Club uniform Riders must wear their medical armband PCAV Policies SMOKE FREE POLICY There is a legal requirement that the clubrooms be smoke free. Competitions, dinners and fundraisers should be held in a smoke free environment. At no time are instructors, trainers, volunteers and officials to smoke while acting in an official capacity and/or conducting a class. Riders must not smoke while in uniform. Cigarette butts are not to be stubbed out and left on the grounds you are to take them with you. SUN SAFE POLICY While ultimately the responsibility of each individual the L&DPC recommend all members and others attending be Sun Smart. We encourage the wearing of appropriate hats during the breaks and encourage the use of a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is available in the clubrooms. Wide brims are available from saddlery s for use over the helmets. Parents are asked to provide sunscreen, promote sun protection and provide correct eye protected. ALCOHOL POLICY Because PCAV is a youth movement the consumption of alcohol is not encouraged. Instructors, officials and parents should be aware of the example they set amidst situations involving horses. The consumption of alcohol by legally entitled riders is prohibited for 8 hours prior to and during a riding event. The consumption of alcohol by other legally entitled persons at an event is not encouraged, whilst underage drinking is not permitted. Alcohol may be consumed at the completion of the day s activities or at a club function, eg breakup rallies by legally entitled persons, with care in regard to appropriate and responsible behaviour. GRIPES Within the running of any club it is hard to please everyone all of the time and whilst impossible to maintain total harmony at all time we should all do our best to support the efforts of the club. If you find yourself with a gripe about specific riding issues such as instruction or grading we encourage you to discuss these concerns with the DC. After a discussion with the DC and you feel you have not been satisfied then please direct your concerns to the committee or club appointed grievance officer. If your gripe is about the administration of the club then please approach the committee person directed to handle that particular administrative duty. Please remember that all the positions on the committee are held on a voluntary basis and problems and matters do arise from time to time. Whilst everyone will agree that they have the best interests of the club at heart we strive to maintain a happy working pony club. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 8

9 Participants/Riders CODES OF CONDUCT Participate and compete within the rules. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss your concerns with the organising committee or use official protesting procedures to lodge your complaint. Control your temper. Verbal abuses of officials, organising personnel or other individuals are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport. Work to better yourself there is always satisfaction in improving your performance. If working in a team, work to support your teammates and be positive about your teammates performance. Be a good sport. Treat all participants in your sport, as you like to be treated. Cooperate with your coach, teammates and organising personnel. Without them there would be no competition or activities to be involved with. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Parents/Guardians Officials Coach/Instructor Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Encourage children to participate, do not force them. Focus on the child s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate skilful performances by all participants. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Understand and accommodate the skill levels and needs of young people. Compliment and encourage all riders. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all individuals. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors. Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words. Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive. Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else. Give all young people a fair go regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Remember that young people participate for different reasons, for many winning is only part of the fun, participating, learning and enjoying others company is often just as important. Never ridicule or yell at a young person for making a mistake or not coming first. Be reasonable in your demands on young people s time, energy and enthusiasm. Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your Pony Clubbers to do the same. Ensure that the time spent with you is a positive experience. All Pony Clubbers are deserving of equal attention and opportunities. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 9

10 Administrator Avoid focussing on the talented riders; the just average participants need and deserve equal time. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all riders. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches/instructors, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your Pony Clubbers to do the same. Show concern and caution toward sick and injured riders. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured Pony Clubber is ready to recommence riding at rallies or competition. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching/instructing practices and the principles of growth and development of young people. Ensure you understand the motivational reasons for your Pony Clubber being involved with Pony Club and develop your sessions to meet these needs. Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the Pony Clubber s skill development. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to their Club and activities. Give all young people equal opportunities to participate. Create pathways for young people to participate in Pony Club not just as a rider but as a coach, referee, administrator etc. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and rallly schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young riders. Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior riders. Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards. Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating. Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs. Give a Code of Behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it. Display all Code of Behaviour sheets in a prominent place so that all spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, view them at any time. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive. Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy. Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. PRIVACY STATEMENT Pony Club Victoria recognises that privacy is important and that individuals have a right to control their personal information. Pony Club Victoria acknowledges that providing personal information is an act of trust and Pony Club Victoria takes that seriously. Pony Club Victoria will release in print media, electronic media and verbally the contact information of individuals acting in Official Pony Club positions. Unless an individual gives Pony Club Victoria consent to act otherwise, the following PCAV Privacy Policy will govern how Pony Club Victoria handles personal information of individuals. Pony Club Victoria is committed to complying with the private sector National Privacy Principles set out in Privacy Act (Cth) Pony Club Victoria is committed to protecting personal information. PCAV requires the information requested on this form to accept your membership. Your personal information will only be used in accordance with the objects of PCAV and PCAV general business. In applying for membership of the PCAV I consent to my personal information being used by PCAV sponsors or other third parties for the purpose of providing me with promotional materials from PCAV sponsors or other third parties. L&DPC inc - Members Handbook Page 10