Code of conduct for Parents/Carers 

Tendring Hundred Riding Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members and the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline. Tendring Hundred Riding Club believes that it is important that members, parents / guardians, officials, volunteers and coaches should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, both senior and junior members are always encouraged to be open and to share any concerns or complaints they may have about any aspect of the club with the Chair/Safeguarding Officer.

At Tendring Hundred Riding Club (THRC) we often depend on parents and carers to help. Fairness should take precedence over competitiveness. Teaching by example will foster caring and respect for all. 

Parents/Carers have the right to: 

• Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their participation with THRC. 

• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child. • Be informed if your child is injured. 

• Have your consent sought for events such as residential camps and photography. 

• Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to and responded to as appropriate. 

• Have any safeguarding concerns listened to and actioned. 

Parents/Carers should therefore: 

• Keep yourself safe and be aware of your safeguarding responsibilities. 

• Be present and in close proximity at training sessions, events and/or competitions with your child.

• Ensure your child can ride independently and be in control of their horse/pony at all times. 

• Be a positive role model by respecting coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders; their authority and decisions; the rules and regulations under which organisation operates. 

• Refrain from interfering or undermining the authority of coaches or officials. Instead, politely discuss disputes / appeals at a suitable time with the correct official(s) including the decisions made by coaches or officials. 

• Always remember that organisational activities are intended to be safe and fun to benefit the children/adults competing rather than parents/carers. 

• 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 the child/adult is taking part in and encourage them to know, be familiar with, and follow these rules. 

• Promote the physical and emotional well-being of the child and others and horses ahead of any personal desire to win or succeed in any activity. 

• Teach children/adults that taking part, learning and showing sportsmanship in all competitions, testing situations, clinics etc. are more important than winning.

 • Praise all children/adults equally for trying hard and competing fairly. 

• Inform officials as soon as possible if their child is unable to fulfil commitments or attendance at events. 

• Help children and others to understand the satisfaction of co-operation, group work and team spirit in achieving personal goals and growth, and good results. 

• 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. 

• Help children/adults to recognise good performance, not just results. 

• Set a good example by recognising fair competition and applauding good performances of all. 

• Do not punish or belittle your child for making mistakes, place your child under pressure or push them into sports or equestrian activities they do not want to or are not comfortable doing. Instead, you should support your child’s involvement. 

• Support a child involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

• Use correct and proper language at all times. Refrain from being rude, using foul or abusive language, or being violent or aggressive. 

• Be aware that it is not acceptable to photograph or video an injured person. 

Parents/Guardians should not: 

• Force children/adults to take part in activities with which they are not comfortable. 

• Disrespect or undermine the authority/decisions of coaches / officials concerning the skills and abilities of a children/adult. 

• Engage in or condone unsportsmanlike behaviours such as booing, taunting, using profane language, refusing to congratulate winners, etc. 

• Criticise officials, coaches, volunteers or members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging. 

Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by THRC and persistent concerns/breaches may result in you being suspended from attending events.

Code of Conduct for Spectators 

All horse events welcome spectators – your enthusiasm and support encourages all participants. Your actions influence the mood of the riders and the competition. 

Therefore:

 • Please do not abuse officials, however much you disagree with their decision. 

• Encourage all riders and applaud their efforts. 

• Do not ridicule opponents for their mistakes or criticise their horses. 

• Do not applaud or encourage unsportsmanlike behaviour.

• Do not use foul, racist or abusive language to riders, officials or other spectators. 

• Do not ever use physical violence or threaten anyone. • You must not enter the riding area or arena during a competition unless asked to do so by the Organiser or Chief Steward. 

• If you are aware of any reason why you may not mix with vulnerable children or young people, eg. by reason of past offences or having signed the sex offenders register, please do not attend any BEF event as this is likely to cause embarrassment and upset 

• Remember, when you are supporting your rider, or team, you are representing your Association, Riding Club, Pony Club branch or Centre or your discipline. You are subject to the rules of the sport. You can be cautioned, reported or sent away from the competition if this Code of Conduct is breached.