I/ We will respect the rules and procedures set down in the Irish Pony Clubs Code of Ethics for Childrens Sport (see www.irishponyclub.ie/code-of-ethics.html). I/ We will respect branch members, branch officials, instructors, all officials and members throughout the organisation. I/ We will encourage our child to treat other participants, instructors, selectors, officials with respect. I/ We will respect the officials and their authority during rallies, camp, competitions and at all Pony Club activities. I/ We will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behaviour or use foul language. I/ We will respect and encourage our child to respect the rights and needs of all animals. I understand the IPC Use of Photographic & Film Equipment Guidelines (available on www.irishponyclub.ie) and hereby give permission for a photograph of my child to be published in a publication approved by the Irish Pony Club and our Branch website. I/ We have read the Code of Conduct and the Aims and Rules of the Irish Pony Club and I/ We approve of our childs membership. I/ We will respect the rules and procedures set down in the Irish Pony Clubs Code of Ethics for Childrens Sport (see www.irishponyclub.ie/code-of-ethics.html). I/ We will respect branch members, branch officials, instructors, all officials and members throughout the organisation. I/ We will encourage our child to treat other participants, instructors, selectors, officials with respect. I/ We will respect the officials and their authority during rallies, camp, competitions and at all Pony Club activities. I/ We will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behaviour or use foul language. I/ We will respect and encourage our child to respect the rights and needs of all animals. I understand the IPC Use of Photographic & Film Equipment Guidelines (available on www.irishponyclub.ie) and hereby give permission for a photograph of my child to be published in a publication approved by the Irish Pony Club and our Branch website. I/ We have read the Code of Conduct and the Aims and Rules of the Irish Pony Club and I/ We approve of our childs membership. Laois Hunt Pony Club Code of Conduct 2025 The Irish Pony Club is committed to providing the best possible environment for all young people involved in sport and has a code of conduct and a code of ethics which can be found at https://irishponyclub.ie/images/pdf/2018/safeguarding/ipc-codeofethics The Laois Hunt Pony Club has also taken the decision to further enhance the branch code of conduct to ensure there is a high-level duty of care for members, parents, instructors, and committee members in the branch. The Laois Hunt Pony Club expects appropriate behaviour from all Members, parents and others participating in any Irish Pony Club activity, in any discipline at any event or location. Code of Conduct for Members • Show respect for their ponies / horses, coaches, officials, competition organisers, stewards and their fellow Members always. • Treat all fellow members with kindness, compassion and understanding, all interactions should be respectful and friendly. • When competing they should abide by the rules of the competition and accept the decisions of the event stewards and organisers. They are representing the club and should behave accordingly. • At Rallies or events, they may query a decision they do not understand politely and listen to the explanation - no criticising of officials, instructors, volunteers, or other members will be accepted, any issues need to be reported in the correct manner. • Never Smoke or Vape. • Arrive on time for all events and rallies. We understand that situations occur however from a health and safety point if you arrive 20 minutes late you will not be permitted to join the ride. Not safe for either horse or rider to join a ride un-warmed up. • Use of foul language will not be tolerated; older members should also be setting a good example for the junior members and aware that some members are very young. • Tolerate or be involved in discrimination of any kind • Should never leave an organised event, a rally or camp unless accompanied by their parent or guardian or by a Branch official. • Take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Abide by the Safety rules and regulations of the Irish Pony Club, in particular wear the protective riding hats, back protectors and correct footwear as prescribed by the IPC. •Take care that their tack is in good condition and safe for riding. • Only members of the LHPC are permitted on horseback at rallies, no riders are insured unless current members. • Members are not permitted to ride away either solo or with others without Instructor. All riders to be under instruction while mounted. After rally, please dismount and horse / pony is put away. Code of Conduct for Parents or Guardians The Irish Pony Club is a volunteer organisation and depends on parents and guardians to help. Fairness should always take precedence over competitiveness. Parents / Guardians should therefore: • Be a positive role model for his / her child and other members by respecting coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders, their authority and decisions, and the rules and regulations under which The Irish Pony Club operates. • All general issues / queries / complaints to be emailed / messaged to the appropriate official in the club, all officials are volunteers, and this ensue that they will investigate and respond at a convenient and appropriate time. • Agree to discuss disputes / appeals at a suitable, agreed time with the correct officials, within the appropriate level of the Irish Pony Club organisation, without resorting to hostility or violence, bad language, shouting, or name calling. • Ensure that members wear the protective riding hats, back protectors and correct footwear as prescribed by the IPC. Ensure correct Standard and Fit, any issues highlighted by the instructor to be implemented by the next rally or member will not be permitted to partake. •Take care that the child’s tack is in good condition and safe for riding, any issues highlighted by the instructor must be corrected by the next rally or they will not be permitted to participate. • Respect the property and equipment of the club used in any activities, considering safety uppermost in all situations. • Teach their child that taking part, learning, and showing sportsmanship in all competitions, testing situations, clinics, rallies etc. are more important than winning. • Inform officials as soon as possible if they or their child is unable to fulfil commitments or attendance at events. • Volunteer their services and skills, whether equine-related or not, whenever possible and if not available someone to take their place. The Club cannot run the essential events without the help of parents and volunteers. • Set a good example by not speaking unfairly about issues, queries, concerns to other parents and members – all queries to be reported correctly. • Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes or not willing to try something they are not comfortable with; the instructor will decide what is and is not at the child’s level. • Always use correct and proper language, Bad Language will not be acceptable and please remember there is a huge age range within the club. • Drinking of alcohol around minors on horses is not acceptable. • Never disrespect the decisions of coaches / officials concerning the skills and abilities of their child or other another child. • Undermine the authority of coaches / officials by interfering with or coaching any Members from the side-lines. Please no interaction with children once the instructor starts unless the instructor specifically calls and asks for your assistance. • Dispute the decisions of coaches / officials and volunteers during an event, rally, or outside event or in the planning of same. Laois Hunt Pony Club Teams This applies to all teams where a member is representing Laois Hunt Pony Club or nominated IPC club • It is essential that all rider / pony combinations regularly attend working rallies and/or training sessions. • Commitment required from both parents and rider to all team training and competitions. • Each induvial age group shall have its own set of criteria prior to any Team selections are made – this will be clearly communicated in advance – if required. • Team selectors will comprise of the club DC and the team trainer. • The Club DC may if required, may request a selector from outside the club, if this occurs the name of the selector will not be advised in advance of the selection date. • The decision of the selector/selectors is final. • The pony ridden at the team selection event must be the same pony ridden for training sessions and competitions. •In the event of a pony deemed unfit to compete, it will be at the discretion of the DC and the team trainer to approve a pony change if a “suitable” alternative is available. • In the event of a rider unable to compete after team selection and is withdrawn, they will be replaced by the next rider in line at the time of team selection. • The club will endeavour to include every rider on a Laois Hunt Pony Club team when possible. However, on occasion they may need to compete with another club to complete a team. • When a rider has committed to compete on a team, whether LHPC or a different club, any withdrawal without fair and genuine reason or sufficient notice will have serious consequences. • Treat all fellow riders and competitors with kindness, respect and understanding regardless of their skill level or achievements. Disciplinary Actions resulting from a Breach Any conduct or action not befitting or in breach of the Club’s code of conduct by a Member, Parent or Guardian, will be considered by the Panel of officers for the appropriate consequence. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the following behaviours will be considered when breaches are being presented: Minor: First offenses, subsequent offences of a lesser nature- will have a consequence atoning to the offense. Serious: Repeat offenders, more serious offences. Longer, more serious consequences. Criminal: Will not be discussed with the Officers of the club, will be immediately reported to the Authorities. Please note that if you book into a rally and due to a breach or a consequence from a breach are unable to partake – No Refund will be issued. Code of conduct to be signed by all parents or guardians. Parents/guardians of members must carefully read and explain the Code of Conduct to their child and agree that the child fully understands the code of conduct by signing on their behalf: N.B : Please note that by signing the code of conduct you are agreeing to the terms and that any breech will have consequences . Membership will not be renewed unless the Branch code of Conduct is signed every year. The Code of Conduct will be reviewed on an annual basis and updated accordingly.