PCANT Handbook
EDITION ONE 2006

Part 7: POLICY STATEMENTS

Section 7.01 GENERAL CLUB SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE
1. The PCANT General rules contain a number of policy documents. It is the responsibility of the club to ensure that members are familiar with the content of these policies.
All riders must pay at least the insurance component of their subs before mounting a horse. This includes visitors to the club. Different clubs will have different policies regarding the balance of the payment of subs.
2. The club grounds gate must be kept closed at all times during rallies.
3. All cars with floats and trucks must park in the designated area. Cars which do not have floats attached must park in a separate designated area.
4. Horses and livestock should not be "free run" in Pony Club grounds during riding activities and rallies.
5. Dogs are not permitted on Pony Club Grounds whether on a lead or not, excepting Guide dogs or dogs for the hearing impaired. Caretaker's dogs should be confined to set areas or restrained during the course of Pony Club activities.
6. It is strongly recommended that all clubs have a currently qualified first aid person in attendance at all rallies, working bees etc.
7. Any items hazardous to the safe progress of a rally, for example, bikes, footballs etc are not be used around horses.
8. Young (under 12) non-riding children must be closely supervised by an appropriate adult at all times while on the grounds.
9. Asthma medication must not be taken away from riders.

Section 7.02 ALCOHOL POLICY
The Pony Club Association of the Northern Territory Inc is a youth movement and is obligated not to encourage the consumption of alcohol. Coaches, officials and parents should be aware any time they consume alcohol of the example they set.
At no events should alcohol be consumed by any person, however, at recognised social/fundraising activities, adults may consume alcohol
PCANT chaperones and coaches should not consume alcohol during the period they are responsible for Pony Clubbers.
Advertising by companies that sell or promote alcohol is not permissible at any rallies, competitions or events.

Section 7.03 SMOKE-FREE POLICY
Rationale: The Pony Club Association of NT Inc. recognises that passive smoking is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected from tobacco smoke.
Accordingly, the following policy devised by PCANT applies to all members and Clubs, venues/areas. This policy applies to all members, administrators, officials, coaches, riders and visitors of the Club, and NT.
The PCANT policy requires
Administration, dining, eating and office areas to be smoke free.
Change rooms and toilets to be smoke free.
Cigarettes not to be sold (including from vending machines).
Hiring out venue to be smoke free.
Coaches, trainers, volunteers and officials to refrain from smoking while they are acting in an official capacity.
Riders and instructors to refrain from smoking while in uniform.
Advertising by companies that sell or promote tobacco products is not permissible at any rallies, competitions or events.
Non compliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action being taken by the Club/PCANT Note: Non-compliance could place the Association in jeopardy for Government funding.

Section 7.04 PROTECTION POLICY
PCANT and it's members abide by the policy as determined by Pony Club Australia. Details and information can be found on the PCA website www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au

Section 7.05 ANTI-DOPING POLICY
PCANT and it's members abide by the policy as determined by Pony Club Australia. Details and information can be found on the PCA website www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au

Section 7.06 SUN SMART POLICY
The health of participants in Pony Club activities is of primary concern to the Pony Club Association of Northern Territory.
It is acknowledged that Skin Cancer is a major public health problem in Australia, with two out of every three people requiring treatment for some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. It is recognised that skin cancer is preventable and like any other medical condition, it is best dealt with by the application of preventative measures.
While PCANT will endeavour to assist in sun protection when at meetings, rallies, training and competitions, it is recognised that ultimately, the responsibility is that of each individual.
1. PCANT encourages and promotes the use of high SPF Broad Spectrum Sunscreen by members.
Organizers of rallies and events are encouraged to provide ample water to participants when engaged in strenuous activities or in the sun for extended periods.
Clubs must strive to conform to guidelines for sun safe clothing when choosing uniforms. Clubs will consider the harmful effects of open weave clothing when choosing uniforms.
Riding members are encouraged to wear brims on helmets for extra protection of face, ears, neck and shoulders while participating in PCANT activities.
Members are to wear sleeved shirts and collars.
Maximum use should be made of existing natural shade. Where natural shade is not adequate, Clubs should endeavour to use portable shade structures for activities.
PCANT endeavours to promote sun safety in a positive way through newsletters, written literature, in education programmes and over PA systems.
PCANT encourages trainers, coaches, officials and members in prominent positions to act as strong role models, making use of all sun protection available.
Officials will endeavour to constantly revise and upgrade sun protection measures.
Parents and Guardians are encouraged to:
- provide high SPF Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for their child and encourage the use of.
- promote sun protection behaviour to their child.
- provide correct 100% UV filtered sunglasses for their child if providing glasses.
- purchase sun safe protective uniform and extra sun safe protection for head.

Section 7.07 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES POLICY
Rationale: The Pony Club Association of the Northern Territory Incorporated recognises that there are occasions when in extreme circumstances there is an emergency involving riders, horses and anyone participating in a Pony Club organised activity. PCANT has a duty of care and is committed to the health and welfare of all.
1. Chief Steward, Marshall for each discipline, coaches or rally coordinators and any person/s appointed by the Organising committee are responsible for the following in the event of an accident occurring at a Pony Club organised activity:
1.1 Depending upon activity. Stop activity or ensure that accident scene is safe for emergency personnel to work.
1.2 Call for first aid or vet, whatever the occasion calls for and remain until qualified personnel arrive.
1.3 Ensure onlookers or persons not involved stand well back and do not become a hazard to emergency personnel.
1.4 Advise PA personnel to call for onlookers to stay back and let authorised personnel do their job.
1.5 Once scene is clear and safety restored, recommence activity if stopped.
2. Appointed Personnel: (By person in 1.)
Ensure free path for any emergency vehicle to get to scene.
3. Fill in incident book for State records and forward top copy to State Office as per instructions.

Section 7.08 CODES OF BEHAVIOUR
See appendix

Section 7.09 DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
See appendix

Back to Handbook Index >>