PCANT Handbook
EDITION ONE 2006

Part 19: APPENDIX

Section 19.01 CODES OF BEHAVIOUR
Riders shall:
1. Play by the rules.
2. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official at a suitable time.
3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit, so will you.
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good performances whether by your team or the opposition.
6. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
7. Cooperate with your instructor, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
8. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and instructors.
9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents shall:
1. Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
2. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
3. Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
4. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake at rallies or competitions.
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
8. Show appreciation for instructors, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Administrators shall:
1. Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to the activity.
2. Give all young people equal opportunities to participate.
3. Create pathways for young people to participate in sport not just as a player but also as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
4. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young riders.
5. Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior riders.
6. Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasize awards.
7. Help instructors and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of instruction and officiating.
8. Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
9. Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, instructors, riders and the media, and encourage them to follow it.
10. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
11. Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy. website address
12. Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
13. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Officials shall:
1. Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
2. Compliment and encourage all participants.
3. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
4. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
5. Emphasise the spirit of the competition rather than the errors.
6. Encourage and promote rule changes which will make participation more enjoyable.
7. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
8. Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people.
9. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
10. Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
11. Give all young people a "fair go" regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Instructors/Coaches shall:
1. Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
2. Never ridicule or yell at a young rider for making a mistake or not coming first.
3. Be reasonable in your demands on riders' time, energy and enthusiasm.
4. Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your riders to do the same.
5. Ensure that the time riders spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
6. Avoid overplaying the talented riders; the just-average need and deserve equal time.
7. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all riders.
8. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, instructors, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage riders to do the same.
9. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured riders. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether
an injured rider is ready to recommence training or competition.
10. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
11. Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player's skill development.
12. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Section 19.02 DISCIPLINARY MATTERS --- - A GUIDELINE
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From time to time clubs encounter difficulties with one or more of their members.
These are sometimes the result of a breach of club or PCANT rules but more often are as a consequence of a misunderstanding, lack of communication, personality clashes or differences in perceptions and expectations.
Too often clubs take what they think is an easy way out and take action to expel the "offending" member. This rarely turns out to be the easy way that it first seemed. Not only can this cause severe disharmony in a club, but also it has on occasions landed the parties in Court. Invariably this then involves the Association as a whole.
This Guideline is not meant to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject but may help to avoid some of the problems that can occur.
1. 1. Identify the problem informally and ascertain whether it can be handled by a bringing together of the relevant parties to talk it over. However, if it is a serious matter this may not be appropriate.
2. If No 1. does not address the problem
a) Obtain formal written and signed statements from the persons making the complaint.
b) Call a committee meeting on a confidential basis and exclude all non committee members.
c) Consider the written submissions at committee. Do not take sides, do not listen to gossip or take into account statements that are not signed.
d) Make full notes of discussions and append these in a sealed envelope (after confirmation that they are correct and complete) to the minutes. Do not distribute these notes with the minutes but place them in a safe and confidential place for later reference.
e) If, after full and dispassionate consideration, the committee is of the view that the matter is of sufficient seriousness that it should be taken further, then a letter should be sent to the "offending" person setting out the nature and particulars of the complaint and inviting that person to respond, in writing, within a reasonable time. If the "offender" does not respond, then send a reminder before proceeding further.
f) When the "offender's" response has been received, the committee should reconvene to consider the response.
g. The same procedure as in d) should be adopted.
h) If, after considering the response, the committee is of the view that the "offender" has been exonerated or that the matter is so trivial that no further action should be taken then it should notify the "offender" of this. It should then also inform the complainants.
3. a) If, however, the committee considers that the written response is inadequate or incredible it should invite the "offender" to attend a committee meeting where he can make a verbal response and, if necessary, have others speak on his behalf. The committee should keep an open mind and not start thinking of penalties until this process is completed.
b) Once all this has been completed the committee should meet in confidence to consider its options. If the complainants are members of the committee it may be appropriate to exclude them from these considerations.
c) In considering its options, the committee should refer to the club's constitution to ascertain the extent of its disciplinary powers. The committee should be aware that many constitutions are inadequate on the question of discipline and may not afford the "offender" every opportunity to defend himself. Similarly, just because the constitution empowers a committee to expel or suspend a member, this should not be seen as the automatic penalty for all offending.
d) In considering its options the committee should have regard to the following:
i) the age of the member
ii) the member's experience within the club
iii) the member's standing within the club
iv) whether the member has previously offended
v) past good works
vi) the seriousness of the matter (for example, does it involve cruelty or improper conduct, especially in public)
vii) the effect that the disciplinary action will have upon the member and his family
viii) whether the member seems genuinely contrite and prepared to mend his ways.
e) The disciplinary options are as follows (these are not exhaustive)
i) counselling
ii) warning (either formal or informal)
iii) removal of privileges for a period of time
iv) withholding of prizes, certificates or awards
v) suspension from club, zone and/or state competition for a period of time
vi) suspension from rallies or restriction of activities at rallies
vii) withdrawal from other pony club activities (e.g., camps, squads, parades)
viii) suspension of club membership for a period of time
ix) expulsion
f) The committee, having determined a course of action, should inform the "offender" of its decision in writing. In some circumstances it may wish to defer or suspend the expulsion or suspensions upon the member entering into a formal agreement to mend his ways and right any wrongs done by him. Where a committee is of the opinion that a suspension of membership for a substantial time (for example 6 months) or expulsion is the appropriate penalty and where it is not intended to suspend such penalty then the committee would be wise to notify the senior executive of the PCANT on a confidential basis before notifying the offender of its decision.
The committee should, in the case of (v), (vii), (viii) and (ix) notify the Association (on a confidential basis) as appropriate. In all other cases, instructors or club officers who need to know the penalty should be informed.
Where in doubt as to what should be done, seek the advice of the senior executive of the PCANT. Remember always that it is better to give the "offender" the benefit of the doubt rather than make a decision or impose a penalty that later turns out to be unjustified. However, if at any time during this process you come to the conclusion that you have made a mistake or been too heavy handed, be big enough to admit it and make amends. The quicker you do this, the less egg there will be on your face!
Remember also that this is a voluntary organisation comprised of people who are not necessarily perfect. Pony Club is for enjoying our horses and each other's company. We operate far better in an environment of tolerance, harmony and goodwill

Section 19.03 PRESENTATION
It is very important to note that the eventual winners of the competition should be of a particularly high standard of cleanliness with healthy horses and saddlery that fits correctly and comfortably, with all gear showing signs of regular care and maintenance.
The presentation for turnout inspection is of a much higher standard then a normal Pony Club rally, but by the same token should not be judged as a Royal Show turnout event. Instructors preparing a team and persons asked to judge the presentation aspect should keep this in mind.

15.8 HORSES
In a team of four it is preferable that all horses match in the way they are presented. If only one is different they should not be penalised. Colour, height and whether horses are clipped should never be taken into consideration and must not affect the score. The emphasis is on cleanliness and regular care.
1. The horse should be clean to the skin with the coat showing nourishment and care. Particular attention needs to be paid to the areas often overlooked e.g., under the jaw, the roots of the mane, tail and forelock.
2. The feet should be cleaned out, oiled or blacked and show signs of regular care, whether shod or unshod.
3. The mane should be plaited on the side to which the mane naturally falls, preferably with an uneven number of plaits and the forelock should match the finish of the mane (a rolled plait or a loop). Bands or thread should match the colour of the mane and be as unobtrusive as possible. Tails may be either plaited or pulled. False tails should not be penalized if fitted correctly. Hogged manes are not penalised.
4. Baby oil or other make-up, if used, should only be sparingly applied around the face, on chestnuts and under the tail to highlight the skin.

15.9 SADDLERY
Teams must ride in the equipment they present in. Teams changing equipment will be eliminated. Particular attention should be paid to the comfort of the horse as well as to safety. For example, stitching, and fit of equipment.
It is preferable that a team of four should all make an attempt to match gear. For example, browbands, nosebands, bits and saddlecloths etc.
1. All saddlery should be thoroughly clean and show signs of regular care. Old, but well maintained, saddlery is preferred to new, which may be penalised if it is hard and stiff, showing that it has not had sufficient pre-use care.
2. Saddles should fit the horse comfortably and have good clearance from the wither.
3. All straps should have adjustment available to lengthen or shorten.
4. Stitching must be in good condition.
5. Nosebands and throatlashes should be adjusted correctly.
6. Neck straps are optional, but if one rider wears them, all riders should.
7. Saddle cloths must be as registered for that club/zone. All should be clean and well fitting.
The emphasis is on comfortably fitting gear and signs of regular care.

15.10 RIDERS
Whilst the team is being judged, all of its riders should sit to attention with both hands on the reins. Attention should be paid to the judge and their steward(s). If necessary, riders may need to move their horses to give safe access for the judge. There should be no need for talk between team members (except maybe for commands when presenting as a section, etc).
1. Full Pony Club uniform that is well fitting and clean.
2. Jodhpurs should be of uniform colour and long enough to fit over short boots with jodhpur clips.
3. It is preferable if one wears long boots that all four should, but all riders must then be over 17
4. Boots must be fully soled, show signs of regular care, and be thoroughly clean (including the sole).
5. Helmets as per PCANT rules. Decorative covers in club colours may also be worn.
6. Hair should be tidy or in a hairnet.
7. Gloves are compulsory.
8. Spurs are optional. There is no penalty for some riders wearing spurs and others not.
9. No jewellery.
10. Ties should be knotted correctly and fit well up into the shirt collar.

Section 19.04 Selection criteria for NT Teams

19.04.01 Juniors
" Active member of a Pony Club
" Must attend 50% of the rallies in the year of selection (not necessarily riding but must attend and assist if horseless)
" Must have "C" Certificate to attend National Competition (e.g. "D" certificate can attend squad training but not nominate for National selection)
" Demonstrate the riding ability and agility to execute the games
" Demonstrate the ability to work in a team
" Demonstrate exemplary social and ambassadorial skills
" Must be under the age of 16 years on 1st January of the year of the competition (all riders aged 10 - 16 years are welcome to attend squad training, the preferred age for team selection is 14 - 16 years)
" Must be able to provide a horse - not exceeding 15 hands - for training which others are allowed to ride
" Attend all training sessions as set down by the PCANT Mounted Games Coach

19.04.02 Seniors
" Active member of an NT Pony Club
" Attend as many rallies as is possible to work in with work and study commitments (past commitment to Pony Club as a junior rider should be taken into consideration)
" Must have "C" Certificate to attend National Competition (e.g. "D" certificate can attend squad training but not nominate for National selection)
" Demonstrate the riding ability and agility to execute the games
" Demonstrate exemplary social and ambassadorial skills
" Demonstrate the ability to work as a team
" Must be over 15 years and under 25 years of age on the 1st January in the year of the competition
" Be able to provide a horse measuring over 14.2 hands for training, which others are allowed to ride
" Attend all training sessions as set down by the PCANT Mounted Games Coach

Section 19.05 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

19.05.01 INTERNATIONAL MOUNTED GAMES COMPETITION
This competition is restricted to Great Britain, United States of America, Canada and Australia. Australia was first invited to enter a team in 1988.
The competition is held annually and is hosted by the participating countries in rotation. Where possible, the visits and mounted games competitions are held during the month of July and are restricted to a three week duration including traveling time. A series of scrambled matches with mixed teams made up from members of each country is held prior to the International Mounted Games competition.
The prime objects of this competition are the meeting, exchange of views and better understanding between Pony Club members from the participating nations, and to broaden the scope of the Pony Club Movement.
One team of five riders represents each country. The Australian team is made up of members from throughout Australia, selected at the National mounted Games Competition. A Pony Club member can only represent their country once in this competition.
An acceptable code of behaviour is expected throughout the visit and any training days held beforehand. The taking of alcohol, non prescription drugs or smoking is not permitted.
It is expected that nominees will make themselves available to attend training days as and when they are organised. A Selection Panel will be appointed at the October Executive Council meeting to assess the applicants and select the successful nominee.
To qualify for International Mounted Games, a rider must:
1. Be under 16 years of age on the 1st of January in the year of competition (recommended age 15).
2. hold their "C" certificate prior to their nomination.
3. have a mature outlook.
4. be confident and capable riders, be physically fit and agile.
5. have had experience in Mounted Games competitions.
6. have a sound knowledge of Mounted Games rules.
7. have the ability to cheerfully participate in all activities planned either by the hosting nation, their chaperone or coach.
8. must possess enthusiasm for team activities, good sportsmanship and have the desire and knowledge to be good ambassadors for Australia.

19.05.02 INTER-PACIFIC PONY CLUB EXCHANGE
The Inter-Pacific Pony Club Exchange is a competition for teams from countries in the Pacific area (for example, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan etc.) The Exchange is held in odd-numbered years with the venue moving from country to country. Each team consists of six associate riders. Australia chooses it's representatives on a roster system. Each State can nominate a representative if it is their turn in the roster.
The events are a One Day Event in which the teams are scrambled, and Show Jumping, where the countries compete against each other for the International Show Jumping Cup.
Nominations, lodged through club are accepted by the PCANT by the nominated deadline.
To qualify for Inter-Pacific, a rider must:
1. is between 17 years and 20 years of age.
2. hold their "B" certificate prior to their nomination.
3. have competed in grade 2 or higher eventing.
4. have competed in "A" grade or higher showjumping.
5. display above-average involvement in Pony Club work.
6. have a good general knowledge (particularly of their own country & the host country).
7. have an ability to mix easily with their peers and adults.

Section 19.06 ACHIEVEMENT PATCHES
Achievement Patches are awarded at club level, and are worn on the right sleeve of the Pony Club jumper. Each rider may be awarded each patch once only.
BAREBACK RIDING
The Pony Club rider must be able to demonstrate a degree of proficiency at bareback riding. It will be necessary for the rider to show a reasonable degree of control over their mount while bareback. The rider is expected to walk, trot and canter whilst maintaining that control. The use of a neck strap is essential for all riders who wish to ride bareback. As with vaulting, the safety of the rider is of the utmost importance and Club Officials must always keep this in mind. Adequate supervision of any bareback riding activity must be ensured.
CAMPDRAFTING
A rider must have participated in a camp drafting competition or training day. A letter of confirmation from the organisers of the event/day is required. The rider should be familiar with the rules and etiquette of camp drafting.
CARE OF SADDLERY
Club Officials should observe this over a period of time not less than six months. It should be evident that the rider is consistent in the care of their gear, not only with regard to appearance but also to safety and comfort of the horse. It is not sufficient to have perfectly clean and well cared for stirrup leathers with worn unsafe stitching or a clean bridle with a dirty bit. The rider should be able to explain how they care for their
gear and the reasons for doing so.
CLIPPING
The rider must be able to prepare horse correctly. They must show they can clip horse neatly and have a clear knowledge of different types of clips. They must show knowledge of suitable rugging and care of a clipped horse, and show evidence of correct maintenance of clippers. Minimum age for this achievement patch is 13 years.
DISTANCE RIDE (K Efficiency certificate)
The rider must have undertaken a ride of not less than 40 kilometres, which must be completed in 4 hours or less. A rest period of up to 1 hour is allowed during the course of the ride and is inclusive in the riding time. Riders must have prepared their own horses, which must be of a reasonable standard of fitness to successfully complete the distance within the time required. Riders must have an understanding of the correlation between an exercise programme and feeding requirements. Affiliated Endurance Rides, Marathon Rides, and Rideathons of at least 40 kilometres, can also be included in this section.
FIRST AID
The rider must obtain a Senior First Aid certificate to obtain this Achievement Patch.
GROOMING
Club Officials should be completely satisfied that the Pony Club rider has over a period of time (suggested no less than six months) consistently presented their Pony Club mount in a manner that indicates thorough grooming. This should include the feet, which must show evidence of regular care, oiling, trimming, shoeing etc. It is not expected that the Pony Club mount will be clean to the skin and indeed this is not generally encouraged in Pony Club. However, it is expected that it will be obvious that the rider consistently presents with a clean, well cared for mount. It is also necessary for the rider to understand the basic reasons for thorough grooming.
HUNTING
A rider must have participated and completed at least one hunt with a recognised Hunt Club. A letter of confirmation from the Master of the Hunt Club would be required. In addition, the rider should be familiar with the rules and etiquette involved with hunting.
MUSICAL RIDE
The rider must be or have been a member of a Musical Ride that is undertaken by a Club and performed at any public function. This activity also includes the Square Dance.
ORIENTEERING
To be left to the discretion of a Club which has orienteering as a regular Pony Club activity.
POLOCROSSE
The rider must be proficient in the sport either through involvement with a Polocrosse Club or participation within their own Club. They should have a reasonable knowledge of the rules of the game.
PRELIMINARY RIDING
This can be given to the very young riders who are unable, because of their age, to be tested for their "D" certificates. The riders should be able to control their ponies in a rally situation to the extent that they can safely join in Pony Club activities.
SERVICE TO CLUBS
This patch should be awarded to the Pony Club rider who demonstrates over a period of time not less than six months, a genuine interest in and loyalty to his or her Club. This may be manifested in a variety of ways and it is up to the Club Officials to judge the strength of the rider's commitment, as against the rider whose interest is transitory and appears aimed at the short term goal of obtaining an arm badge.
In addition to, or in place of the above, a particular Club may feel that participation in a special event, eg. A special fundraiser or community service, would warrant the awarding of this Achievement Patch.
SHOW GROOMING
Club officials should see evidence of time spent grooming, rugging correctly and of good feeding, in the condition of the horses coat, ie clean, shine, no loose hair. The rider must show that they can 'pull' a mane and tail correctly and effectively, trim excess hair appropriately, be able to plait mane and tail neatly and suitable to the event or breed of horse. If 'make-up' is applied it must be done appropriately. All of the above must be done with minimal assistance from parents or helpers.
TEAM RIDE
The rider must have been part of a team of four at club, zone, state level, or a formation ride at a public event or competition.
TENTPEGGING
A rider must have knowledge of the rules and drill for Tent Pegging. Rider to demonstrate control of the lance when carried mounted at walk, trot and canter. Be able to ride at canter to the peg using the correct drill and attempt to pick up peg and then stop safely. Riders must have attached to their stirrup a Lance bucket for control of the lance when mounted. Only correct Tent Pegging lances are to be used - substitutes are forbidden.
TRAIL RIDING
As a guideline, Achievement Patches for this activity can be awarded to the Pony Club rider who has participated in any organised trail ride of a minimum of four hours duration. Some Clubs may have trail riding as a regular activity and in this case it will be left to the discretion of the Club Officials.
VAULTING
The rider should be able to execute simple vaulting manoeuvres. They may have developed these skills on their own or have participated in vaulting activities. Safety is of the utmost importance. The rider must be aware of safety precautions and safe procedures to be adhered to during any vaulting activity.

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