Nottingham Horseball Club Player Handbook

Nottingham Horseball Club

Nottingham Horseball Club Player Handbook http://nottinghamhorseballclub.btck.co.uk

Face Book: Nottingham-Arkenfield Horseball-club

Nottingham Horseball Club

Index 1 WELCOME ...... 3 2 SELECTION AND RESERVES ...... 4 3 PRACTICING - PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! ...... 5 3.1 WINTER : ...... 5 3.2 SPRING : ...... 5 3.3 SUMMER : ...... 5 3.4 COMPETITIONS : ...... 5 3.5 TEAM TRAINING : ...... 5 4 FINANCE ...... 6 4.1 COSTS ...... 6 4.2 FUND RAISING ...... 6 4.3 SPONSORSHIP ...... 6 5 AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED ...... 7 5.1 HORSE PREPARATION ...... 7 5.1.1 Horse Feeding ...... 7 5.1.2 Horse Fitness ...... 8 5.1.3 CANTERING Regime ...... 8 5.1.4 Horse Vaccinations...... 10 5.1.5 Horse Passports ...... 10 5.1.6 Horse Insurance ...... 10 5.1.7 Horse Tack ...... 10 5.2 RIDER PREPARATION ...... 12 5.2.1 Ethos ...... 12 5.2.2 Rider Nutrition ...... 12 5.2.3 Rider Fitness ...... 12 5.2.4 Riding kit; ...... 13 5.2.5 Casual clothes ...... 13 5.2.6 General Kit ...... 13 6 TEAM MEMBERS CONDUCT ...... 14 6.1 PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES : ...... 14 6.2 CHILD PROTECTION : ...... 14 6.3 CONDUCT OF PARTICIPANTS : ...... 14 6.4 PLAYER LICENCE ...... 14 7 SUPPORTERS ...... 15 7.1 ON GOING COMMUNICATION ...... 15 7.2 VOLUNTEERS ...... 15 8 GOOD LUCK - FINAL COMMENT NOTTINGHAM HORSEBALL CLUB POLICIES APPENDIX 1 CLUB CONSTITUTION APPENDIX 2 CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM APPENDIX 3 PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT APPENDIX 4 SIGNED COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

BRITISH HORSEBALL ASSOCIATION POLICIES AND STATUTORY DOCUMENTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE BHA WEB SITE http://horseballuk.co.uk/

Nottingham Horseball Club

Welcome to Nottingham Horseball Club

We don't always have all of the answers to your questions but you will find quite a lot of them in this booklet.

Please make yourself familiar with everything in it and if you are a junior, also pass to your parents for their information.

Any other questions you might have, please don't hesitate to ask your coach.

Nottingham Horseball Club

2 Selection

Selection for competition teams is made by the club coaches. The following things (in no particular order) are taken into account when a player is selected to represent our club in a competition or demonstration, whether it is in the BHA League, or to play in a local friendly match:

• Love of the game • Enthusiasm • Riding Skills • Tactical understanding of the game • Horse Ball Skills • Being a good, cohesive, team member • Willingness to learn • Ability to follow instruction • Fitness of rider and horse • Amount of effort put in to practice; getting fit improving and looking after the horse and improving weaknesses. • Ability of horse and rider to travel to competitions.

No one has all of these things and it is a difficult job to decide what is important – at the end of the day we want everyone to enjoy Horseball.

Players are invited to attend practices, are watched during matches and assessed over-all. Selection is made as early as is possible during the year to enable riders to plan their time.

Parents and Trainers will always feel that their own players are the best, which is as it should be. Not being selected doesn’t mean that the rider is a bad player – just not right the right one for the team over-all.

Reserves Horses being as they are, frequently become injured just before a competition and everyone sometimes has unforeseen last minute emergencies sometimes. When teams are short of a player then the coach may ask for a player from a lower or higher level team to make up numbers for a competition. It is not uncommon to borrow (or lend) players between different clubs where everyone agrees.

Nottingham Horseball Club

3 Practicing - Practice makes perfect!

For riders who are competing at local level for fun, a weekly practice and a break through the winter is acceptable but for anyone aspiring to play in the league, practicing needs to become part of your life-style and weekly routine.

3.1Winter: A rest is good for everyone for 2-3 weeks but when you stop doing something athletic, muscles and respiration fitness drops in days and it take a lot to get that back without damaging the body. The winter is a good time to work on schooling the horse and improving rider technique on the flat as well as taking part in other equestrian events or training to provide variety and improvement. The winter is also the time to develop ball skills and make stronger relationships within the team. This is the time to use the gym and to do some ball work on foot either as a team or at home with a hoop. The winter is a good time to introduce new horses to the game and gives an opportunity to bring in new players to work with you who need to do basic practice.

3.2Spring: If you have the opportunity to practice Horseball up to 3 times a week – then do it as long as you are not hampering more experienced players (or frightening less experienced players) Specific canter fitness work needs to be started with the horses half way through February so that the horses are fit in wind and limb BY THE FIRST COMPETITION. Horseball practices will not be enough to improve heart and lung fitness. This is the time for the riders to start getting fitter and more flexible themselves and to practice scoring on foot for a short time every day (put a hoola-hoop on a tree in your back garden!).

3.3Summer: The competition season and your busiest time. Fitness of horse and Rider will need to be increased considerably, a fitness programme should be followed for horse and rider which will involve 2/3 work sessions per week.

3.4Competitions: It is not compulsory to enter BHA League competitions but for those who do, if friendlies, regional, and clinics or demonstrations are available to you as well as league then do them so that you gain competition experience.

3.5Team Training: Mistakes and weak areas of play need to be identified by the club team coach and worked on at your weekly club team practices. The improvement of ball skills, riding technique and horse and rider fitness MUST be completed by the individual players outside of the team practices in order for them to be successful – there is a lot of hard work and self discipline involved in being a successful sportsperson

Nottingham Horseball Club

4 Finance

4.1Costs

Before deciding whether you can commit to BHA League Competitions you need to weigh up the costs. BHA Membership provides you with third party insurance cover whilst playing Horseball, allows you to enter BHA organised competitions and gives you access to BHA communications and clinics. It is recommended that you have your own personal insurance for you and your horse. Full membership starts at £85. Supporter and training membership (for those not competing in the BHA league) £15. Parent Membership £10, junior membership £75

Competitions can cost anything from £45. Most competitions are in the Midlands to make travel fair for those in the far North and South of the country.

Other costs include: • Food during the competition • Accommodation (if not in a tent or the lorry) • Hay, food and stabling or grazing of the horses • Diesel ( if you are lucky enough to be given a lift then you must ALWAYS pay your share)

4.2Fund raising

There are certain specific BHA events that if we all try to support every year, one of these is the “Horseball Ball” Any other events (such as treasure hunts, pleasure rides, spot the ball, tombola, cake stall etc) can be organised by individuals for your club to rise funds towards balls and straps etc and should be supported by all players.

4.3Sponsorship As Horseball is such a small sport, we cannot offer sponsors much in return for their support, this being the case we have a list of things we CAN offer sponsors that will help them such as: • Their name on our team caps, tracksuits, t shirts • Their name on our transport • Their name in the papers/magazines editorial/our web site • Their name on arena equipment at our practice venues.

Many companies are not able to offer financial sponsorship but are willing to help with clothing or equipment for horses or riders, it’s worth trying everyone to ask for help – if you don’t ask you don’t get! Any sponsorship efforts need to be co-ordinated by one person in the team and be with the approval of the coach so that several people don’t all try the same potential sponsors or promise several people the same form of advertising.

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5 After you have been selected to play for one of the Nottingham Teams

There is a lot to be borne in mind after you and your horse have been selected for the team. This section is split into two sections. That of your four legged friend and then you as the rider

a. Horse Preparation

The following outlines the things that need to be prepared in the run up to the competition

i. Horse Feeding

See BHA website re horse welfare policy on prohibited substances http://horseballuk.co.uk/

Feeding As you increase your work you will need to increase the amount and nutritional value of the feed you are giving your horse.

Your horse or pony should be fed a balanced mix along with chaff and sugar beet. The amount you feed your horse will vary on its size so if you are unsure you should consult your coach Ponies and Horses training and working for high level competition (particularly during the summer) will often sweat. Sweat contains a mixture of water and salts so it is important to ensure that these are replaced on a daily basis. Ponies should have continuous access to a clean supply of water. OIL AND SALT IS IMPORTANT especially during the summer to help prevent dehydration. Dehydration: is when your horse sweats too much, it can make your horse seriously ill. One of the ways to keep fluid in your horse is to encourage it to eat wet sugar beet so can you all make sure that your horse is used to eating sugar beet.

Azoturia: is when your horse’s muscles seize up through toxic poisoning – often caused by a high diet with too little work or too many rest days. Once the horse has seized up it cannot be ridden again for several weeks! It can also happen when you suddenly change your horses feed so DO EVERYTHING GRADUALLY!

If you can’t manage to do a feeding and fittening regime, or get someone else to do it for you (its always a bad idea to let someone else to school your horse unless they are a professional – if you have a ‘helper’ then get them to lunge it rather than ride it), then you will either have to pay to have it done at livery or decide that you can’t go – it’s not fair on the horse, the people who got left out of the team or the rest of the team going to go with a horse which isn’t fit and ready.

The horses may be stabled at the competition so if you can possibly have your horse used to being stabled before you go, it will help prevent colic (the horses often eat the bedding when they are first stabled). If you have any problems during your training then you should contact your coach Regular progress checks are made during your training sessions to help ensure you are on the right track.

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ii. Horse Fitness

You may need to check the following

Worming is up to date Teeth checked annually Make sure the feet are being looked after Time the shoeing so it is done in the week prior to the competition

By the time a pony attends an First Division Horseball competition he needs to be easily able to canter for at least 10 minutes (in one go, without a break!) without becoming stressed, 6 minutes for 2 nd or juniors and 4 minutes 3rd division. Ideally your horse/pony should undertake fast work as part of his training programme. If your horse is not used to doing much fast work you will need to start by doing 2 to 3 minutes and then gradually building this up over several weeks. To avoid lameness and injury your fast work should be done on a safe surface (i.e. not hard, boggy, rutted, deep, etc.). Fast work can be done in an arena of 40 x 20 m or larger. You should aim for a speed of around 400 m / min to start (the distance around a 40 x 20 m arena is around 120m so aim to complete a lap approximately every 18 seconds). Remember you need to help your pony with this work so you should be standing up in your stirrups and be leaning forward over the pony’s neck as he does this canter work.

Horse Fitness – start 6 weeks before the competition season.

If you ride for the following numbers of days then the following tables indicate typical regimes that could be undertaken (change to suit).

6 Days Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Rest HB School Canter School HB HB

5 Days Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Rest Canter Rest Canter School HB HB

4 Days –someone will have to lunge the horse on day 3 or 5 as it will not be 100% fit Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Rest Canter Rest Canter Rest HB HB

Worst-case scenario – lunge horse on big circle for 3 x 3 min canters, any more than 3 min is too much strain on a small circle.

iii. CANTERING Regime

Canter work: NOT ON HARD GROUND.

Jumping position WITH REIN CONTACT.

Start with 15 min warm up schooling Use either a gallop, a school, a big field. Avoid deep mud. Wear leg protection If possible, get off and run alongside the horse for the 10 min cool down afterwards Do not put the horse away until its respiration is back to normal

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Wk 6 20 min 3 min 2 min rest 3 min 2 min rest 3 min 10 min warm up canter canter canter cool down Wk 5 ( 20 min 4 min 2 min rest 4 min 2 min rest 4 min 10 min Sufficient warm up canter canter canter cool down for 3 rd div)

Wk 4 20 min 5 min 2 min rest 5 min 2 min rest 5 min 10 min warm up canter canter canter cool down Wk 3 20 min 6 min 2 min rest 6 min 2 min rest 6 min 10 min (sufficient warm up canter canter canter cool down for 2 nd div)

Wk 2 20 min 7 min 2 min rest 7 min 2 min rest 7 min 10 min warm up canter canter canter cool down Final Wk 20 min 3 min 2 min rest 3 min 2 min rest 3 min 10 min (1 st div) warm up canter canter canter cool down

If the horse has any leg problems, rest until better and start all over again at the beginning.

Nottingham Horseball Club

iv. Horse Vaccinations.

The minimum requirements for influenza vaccination is for the animal to have received two injections for primary vaccination against equine influenza, given between 21 and 92 days (i.e. 1-3 months) apart.

In addition, a booster vaccination must be administered within 6 months following the second vaccination of the primary course and thereafter an annual booster.

None of these injections must have been given within the preceding 7 days including the day of the competition or of entry into the competition

For International competitions, an additional 6 monthly booster is required.

v. Horse Passports

Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 require all owners to obtain a passport for each horse they own. This includes ponies and donkeys. After 28 February 2005, owners will not be able to sell, buy, export, slaughter for human consumption, use for the purposes of competition or breeding a horse which does not have a passport. Passports should accompany the horses when traveling in a lorry or trailer.

The new passports contain mandatory details of medication that the animal has received as well as the normal ID and vaccination records.

To find a list of passport providers, contact DEFRA on 08459 33 55 77

Or look on the web –site - http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/index.htm

Email: [email protected]

vi. Horse Insurance The BHA insurance only covers riders for 3 rd party liability and cover in the event of negligence in the UK. It is recommended that each horse should have insurance that includes cover when travelling and competing in Horseball. If a horse or pony is borrowed then it MUST be insured and the rider must have a signed borrowed horse disclaimer (BHA web-site). These details must accompany the horse along with its passport. These details must be taken.

vii. Horse Tack Rules:

Do not change the tack that your horse wears within the last 2 weeks before the competition All tack used must comply with the BHA rules. Have a spare, shorter girth available as the horse is likely to tighten up as it gets fitter during the weekend. All tack must be in good repair and checked for soundness, particularly sharpness of the metal parts and all stitching. The tack must fit the horse and not cause rubs or injury. Have a girth sleeve available to prevent sores. The tack must be clean before going and cleaned daily during the competition to avoid any rubbing on the horse’s skin. It is your responsibility to ensure that your tack and equipment is kept together tidily and locked away after use as items have been known to get lost or stolen.

Each player may need to take the following items individually;

Saddle 10

Nottingham Horseball Club

Bridle Martingale Pick up Strap Gamgee Travel boots Sweat blanket Travel blanket Fly Blanket and face mask Grooming kit (with fly spray and hoof oil) Spare saddle cloth Over reach boots Bandage tape Spare reins and stirrup leathers Hay net 2 buckets Horse feed Hay

Nottingham Horseball Club

b. Rider Preparation The following outlines the things that need to be prepared by the rider in the run up to the competition.

i. Ethos For a team to compete well then they must work together as a team. The old saying that there is no ‘I’ in the word team is very true. One player may be much more experienced as a rider, one player may be much stronger physically, one player may be on a small nippy pony, one player may be on a big, slow horse, one player might be physically weak. NOT ONE of these players is more important than the other because without ALL of these players there is no TEAM and ALL team members need to be able to rely on each other to play their part however large or small.

For the team to work as a unit then ALL of the team need to work on improving THEMSELVES and their weaknesses as well as finding solutions and tactics to working TOGETHER with the WHOLE of the team.

During a competition it is common at the novice levels to see one rider continually taking the ball off on their own, convinced that they can get to the goal and score – of course the opposition soon recognise this and stop it happening, however if all members of the team help create opportunities to score for whoever is best placed then the opposition cannot have a pattern to defend.

ii. Rider Nutrition

Horseball is an active and physically demanding sport for which players need good cardio vascular fitness, flexibility and quick reactions. During competitions the weather can be either vet hot, very wet or very cold. The body can cope with these changes if you drink plenty of fluids ideally water and have appropriate clothing available.

Sports drinks are useful but can make you dehydrated if you don’t drink plenty of water too. Most important is that they must not be taken for the first time at the tournament as some people react to them. The team supporters will provide drinks at the appropriate times during the competition.

In addition to fluids food types are important in reducing fatigue and increasing concentration. Foods that are carbohydrate based are important for active individuals. E.g. pasta, potatoes, bread and bananas etc. A good balanced meal will provide sufficient carbohydrates for playing horseball.

iii. Rider Fitness

Horseball matches are relatively short in duration and most players can perform well in a single match. However two days of competition sometimes causes fatigue and reduces performance. This is where a good level of fitness can help. Any activity, which increases heart and breathing rates, such as running cycling or swimming, will improve cardiovascular fitness. Stretching exercises improve flexibility and should be incorporated into an individual’s fitness programme and form part of their pre event warm up. If there is a difference between your right and left hand strength then you could carry water buckets in the weaker hand to improve strength. Bicep curls are beneficial to improve general strength in both sides especially if you use a litre bottle of water during the lift. Reaction times can be improved by doing any ball passing routines especially if a command is included (someone’s name).

iv. Riding kit;

White/Cream jodhpurs Long Riding boots or LEATHER chaps and short boots Spurs, schooling whip for warm up. BS Standard Riding hat

The following riding kit is provided; Team shirts for matches 12

Nottingham Horseball Club

v. Casual clothes Please always wear appropriate clothing in and around the stable yard

vi. General Kit; The competitors may require some general clothing/bedding at a competition and the following is a suggested list but not comprehensive-

Sleeping bag Pillow Air bed (if required) Towels Medication Toiletries Sun tan cream Fly spray Shorts T-shirts Jogging bottoms (to wear over white jods) Casual clothes Waterproof coat Camera I pods, PSP etc Torch Money Boot cleaning polish and brushes Human first aid kit must include plasters, digestive/head-ache tablets. Baby Wipes, Toilet Rolls. Cutlery Water barrels Oil, Salt, Sugar Beet Tents Horse ball Vet/First Aid Kit, Shoeing Tools, Lunge Equipment x 2 sets.

Nottingham Horseball Club

6 Team Members Conduct

a. Prohibited Substances: All Horses and humans competing in BHA tournaments can be tested at any time for prohibited substances at any time during the competition, a full list of prohibited substances is available on the BHA or BEF web-site but it includes all illegal drugs like cannabis/cocaine/heroin etc and a variety of equine additives. The body MUST BE CLEAR OF SUBTANCES 3 MTHS BEFORE THE COMPETITION in order to test clear. The BHA has an Alcohol Abuse policy and carries out random testing prior to matches commencing. Any player testing over the limit will not be allowed to compete (this includes juniors).

b. Child Protection: All BHA officials looking after under 18 year olds must provide a Criminal Records bureau Disclosure – this has been done by our coach’s already and many of the grooms.

c. Conduct of Participants: Section 10 in the BEF rule book which should be read concerns conduct by riders and covers – ill treatment of horses, bringing the sport into disrepute and causing public offence ( such as getting drunk or causing damage).

Anyone breaking these rules will be banned from playing and may be sent home.

d. Player Licence All competitors in BHA run competitions must be members of the BHA.

Nottingham Horseball Club

7 Supporters

We would ask all supporters to limit themselves to having an enjoyable time without doing anything to cause upset to either the team or our venue hosts.

Whatever the opinion is of the coach, other players, the referees or the organisers, it is counter productive to the team’s performance for the supporters to raise these issues. The coach and team captain are well aware of any issues and will discuss them at the appropriate time and place with the appropriate people.

a. On going communication We are sometimes required to move our timetable at the last minute for a variety of reasons – (one example being if a lorry breaks down) – this causes un-avoidable inconvenience to the teams and the supporters but all information is given out by the by the organisers.

b. Volunteers Non riding members of the Horseball community are welcome to volunteer to train for any of the following volunteer roles: Club: Treasurer, practice organiser, fund raiser, water carrier (for half time at matches), putting equipment up/down, comms/photographer/media distribution, event organiser, first aider. BHA: Scoring, timekeeping, chair ref (must have played Horseball), horse ref (must have played Horseball and have a horse). First Aider.

Nottingham Horseball Club

8 Good luck - Final Comment Being selected to play for our Club is an honour

It will be hard work at times, but please make sure you enjoy it and be proud of your achievements.

Nottingham Horseball Club

APPENDIX 1 Rules and Constitution of the Nottingham Horseball Club Title The Club shall be known as the Nottingham Horseball Club. Objects The objects of the Club shall be: a. To encourage Horseball as a sport and recreation, to promote good fellowship amongst riders and to improve and maintain the standard of Horseball, riding and horsemanship. b. To organise training, social and competitive events and other activities to further these objects. c. To be affiliated to British Horseball Association, ClubMark, Nottingham Sports and to support and co- operate with recognised organisations interested in the development of Horseball. d. To concern itself with any object that will benefit the horse and horse user in the district. Membership This shall consist of persons who have attained the age of eighteen years (and persons aged seventeen years down to five years for the junior section) and, having been accepted by the Committee, have paid the due subscription for the current period(If required). Honorary membership may be conferred by the Committee upon any person deemed by them to have rendered notable service to the Club. No junior member may be a voting member of the Club. The Committee will discuss matters relevant to the junior membership put forwards to them Anyone desirous of becoming a member shall send his or her name and address to the Hon. Secretary of the Club on the Member Application Form. Membership is open to anyone of any age, gender, disability, race, language, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religious belief, class or social background, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or political belief . However the Committee retains the right to reject any application for membership it deems unsuitable. Competition team members require the approval of the club trainer, team captain and any opposing competitors as well as consultation with other team members before competing for another club within the season. Commitment and priority should be to the Club first. All competition members must comply with the rules and regulations of the British Horseball Association and with the Sport Rules of Horseball provided by the FIHB. The annual subscription (if applicable) shall be payable on the first day of the Club’s financial year. Any member whose subscription is more than three months in arrears shall have his or her name removed from the Membership List after written notice to the effect has been sent to him or her. The Committee may expel from membership of the Club any member who has breached any of the rules of the Club, or who has in the opinion of the Committee have been guilty of any conduct derogatory to the character or prejudicial to the interests of the Club, provided that before expelling him or her the Committee shall call upon him or her for an explanation of his or her conduct and provide a proper opportunity of answering the allegations against him or her. Administration 1. The Committee a. All powers of management shall be vested in the adult Committee consisting of the Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Club Coach (s). Team Captains will be consulted in all relevant team matters. b. No more than two members of the same household shall be Committee members at the same time. c. The Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer shall be elected by the Committee from amongst their number. d. The decision of the Committee shall be final unless over-ruled at a General Meeting. e. The Committee shall be the sole authority for the interpretation of the rules and for anything relating to the Club not provided therein and their decision shall be final and binding on the members. f. The Committee may formulate bye-laws for the detailed running of the Club and elect sub- committees for any special activities of the Club which the Committee may authorise. g. The Committee shall have the power to fill any casual vacancy arising amongst members of the Committee, but any person so co-opted shall retain office only until the next following Annual General Meeting and then shall be eligible for re-election. 17

Nottingham Horseball Club

2. The financial year of the Club shall commence on the 1st January in each year. 3. The annual subscription (if applicable) shall be a sum as shall from time to time be determined by the Committee. 4. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in December of each year to transact the following business: a. To receive and if approved to adopt a Statement of the Club’s Accounts to the end of the preceding year b. To fill vacancies on the Committee c. To deal with any special matter which the Committee may desire to bring to the members and to receive suggestions from the members for consideration by the Committee. Notice convening the General Meeting shall be sent to the members not less than 14 days before the meeting and shall specify the matters to be dealt with. 5. A special General Meeting may be called by the Committee, or by a request signed by not less than five members specifying the business to be discussed. The Secretary shall give all members ten days notice of the date of such a meeting and shall specify in such notice matters to be dealt with at the meeting. 6. The Accounts of the Club shall be available at the Annual General Meeting. 7. Notice may be given to any member by sending it by post to him or her at his or her address in the United Kingdom registered in the records of the Club. If any member has no address in the United Kingdom such member shall not be entitled to receive any notice. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by any member shall not invalidate the proceedings of the meeting. 8. These rules may be added to, repealed or amended by resolution at any Annual or Special General Meeting, provided that no such resolution shall be deemed to have been passed unless carried by a majority of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting thereon, and provided that prior notice has been sent to all members stating the proposed amendment. 9. Members shall be correctly turned out at all Club events. When riding hard hats to the current minimum British Riding Clubs standard must be worn and appropriate footwear. 10. In the case of dissolution of the Club, all assets are to be sold at full market rate and arrangements will be made for all monies to be held in trust by British Horseball Association until such time as the Club may wish to re-form

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APPENDIX 2 NOTTINGHAM HORSEBALL CLUB

MEMBERSHIP FORM

NAME

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

MOBILE

SENIOR/JUNIOR

HORSES NAME

HORSES AGE

HORSE/PONY HEIGHT

RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION

I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES & CONSTITUTION OF NOTTINGHAM HORSEBALL CLUB. THE CODE OF CONDUCT RELEVANT TO ME AS A COACH/PLAYER/PARENT AND VOLUNTEER THE BHA EQUITY POLICY (http://horseballuk.co.uk) THE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY (http://horseballuk.co.uk) THE RULES OF HORSEBALL (http://horseballuk.co.uk)

I HAVE READ THE HORSEBALL RISK ASSESSMENT AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY ITS SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

SIGNED------DATE------

(PARENT IF UNDER 18) SEND TO:

LAURA SIMMONS ARKENFIELD STABLES LOWDHAM ROAD GUNTHORPE NOTTS NG14 7ER EMAIL [email protected]

Nottingham Horseball Club

APPENDIX 3 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MEMBERS

NOTTINGHAM HORSEBALL CLUB

Nottingham Horseball Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the team coach.

As a member of Nottingham Horseball Club, you are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

All members and their family and friends must act within the BHA/BEF/FIHB rules and respect officials and their decisions.

All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity.

Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.

Members must wear suitable kit – BS standard hard hats, jodhpurs and appropriate foot wear – for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.

Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.

Members are not allowed to smoke on club practice premises

Members are not allowed to consume excess alcohol or any drugs of any kind whilst representing the club and may be tested for either at competitions.

Members must never deliberately cause pain or suffering to any horse.

Signed ------Date------

Parent if Under 18 ------

Nottingham Horseball Club

BEF Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics Revised July 2011

The BEF Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics is built on the principles of integrity, fair play, equality, respect for others (including animals) and a sense of what is right. These ethical principles are integral, not optional, and apply to all levels of ability and commitment, including recreational equestrian activity as well as competitive equestrian sport. This code is a guide for good practice and it is required of all member bodies of the BEF accredited Coaches that they will abide by these principles.

Coaches have a responsibility to support and promote their equestrian discipline and its’ governing body, maintain standards of appearance and conduct and act with due respect for the reputation of the governing body.

• Safety:

Coaches share with riders the responsibility for rider and horse safety. Coaches are also responsible for ensuring, as far as is reasonably possible, the creation and maintenance of a safe environment for helpers and bystanders.

Coaches must ensure they keep abreast of approved coaching practice determined by their member body and other relevant organisations.

All training should take account of the age, maturity, experience and ability of both rider and horse.

Coaches have a duty to protect riders from harm and abuse and in particular should understand the duty of care when working with young [U18] and vulnerable people. Coaches should consult the BEF Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults policy for additional guidance and information.

All coaches will be required to attend a Safeguarding Children workshop prior to certification.

Coaches must ensure that adequate insurance cover for all aspects of their coaching and training is in place.

Coaches and those in support must place the well being and safety of both horse and rider above the development of performance.

Nottingham Horseball Club

1 Coaches should work with other specialists as necessary, for example, officials, vets and other coaches.

• Competence:

It is expected that equestrian coaches will hold up to date nationally recognised governing body teaching/coaching qualifications.

Coaches must confine themselves to practice in those areas for which their training and competence are recognised by their member body of the BEF.

Coaches have a responsibility to themselves and their participants to maintain their effectiveness as an equestrian coach and should regularly seek ways to develop their personal and professional development taking advantages of opportunities provided.

Coaches should plan and prepare for sessions. Their participants should have a programme that is appropriate and progressive.

• Personal Standards:

Coaches should display high personal standards and project a favourable image of equine activity to member bodies of the BEF, performers, parents and the wider public.

Appropriate dress codes should be followed whilst training and competing as laid down by the member body.

Coaches must be a positive role model and behave appropriately at all times .

• Confidentiality:

Coaches are in a position where they gather personal information about riders in the course of a working relationship. The disclosure and use of information gathered is the subject of the Data Protection Act. Coaches must ensure that agreement is reached with riders/participants or their parents/guardians about the collection, storage and potential boundaries of sharing information.

• Integrity:

Coaches must not compromise any rider by advocating measures which could constitute unfair advantage or that may jeopardise the safety or well being of rider or horse. In the event of a registered coach being convicted of an offence involving cruelty to animals, the member body may, at its sole discretion, rescind the registered status of that coach and may subject the coach to disciplinary proceedings.

Coaches must not maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects or business of their member body of the BEF or any other member body or coach.

Coaches should prepare riders to respond to success and failure in a dignified manner and treat opponents with respect.

Coaches have a responsibility to instil good values and behaviour in their riders and discourage inappropriate behaviour in training and competition.

Coaches must not act in any way, nor publish any matter such that the action or publication may be interpreted as carrying the authority of the member body of the BEF unless they have specific authority from the member body to do so.

Coaches should operate in an open environment with transparent communication and actions. Where possible coaches should share knowledge and their experience.

Nottingham Horseball Club

Coaches must at all times observe the rules and regulations made from time to time by the member bodies of the BEF as they apply to coaches.

• Humanity:

Coaches must treat all riders equitably and respect the rights and dignity of all individuals with whom they work.

Coaches and those in support must place the well being and safety of both horse and rider above the development of performance.

Coaches should always promote the positive aspects of our sport (e.g. fairplay) and must never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.

Coaches must ensure that all employees in any equestrian business or establishment under their control comply with the standards laid down from time to time by member bodies of the BEF and follow all appropriate legal and ethical considerations to ensure open and fair recruitment processes and working conditions. Please see BEF Equity Policy for additional guidance and information.

Any failure on the part of a coach to comply with the provisions of this code may render the coach liable to disciplinary proceedings by their member body.

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

Newly qualifying coaches at level 2 and above are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau in order to register or become affiliated to coach within the BEF or by a member body. Existingly qualified coaches will be required to undergo an enhanced disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau to retain current coaches’ registration/affiliation within the BEF or by a member body. Coaches may be asked to produce their certificate as required.

In the event of a registered coach being convicted of an offence that is relevant to their role, the member body may at its sole discretion rescind the registered status of that coach and may subject the coach to disciplinary proceedings.

Coaches should ensure that physical contact is appropriate, carried out using the necessary guidelines and consent and approval is given where possible.

Coaches must receive, record and report allegations of abuse according to BEF guidelines.

Coaches should avoid any form of sexual contact or inappropriate behaviour with any participants but specifically those who are under age or vulnerable.

Any abuse of trust (sexual activity or relationships where an adult holds a position authority, influence or responsibility over a participant) may result in disciplinary action by the BEF member body or organisation.

Coaches should communicate with participants in an appropriate recognised format and should be aware that social networking sites are a very popular medium of communication with many aged much younger than 18 years. Many centres/schools will now host their own social networking sites or pages. One to one interaction via email, text messages or social networks particularly with

Nottingham Horseball Club those under 18 should be avoided. Further guidance is available from the BEF, your BEF member body and the Child Protection in Sport Unit.

Equity & Equal Opportunities

With regard to equity, the British Equestrian Federation:

• aims to ensure that all people, irrespective of race, gender, ability, ethnic origin. social status or sexual orientation, have equal opportunities to take part in equestrianism at all levels and roles; • seeks to educate and guide BEF members, their employees and volunteers on the ownership, adoption and implementation of its Equity plan; • intends to raise awareness of Equity through the implementation of this policy and the adoption of the Equity Action Plan; and, as a result of this process • aims to monitor, review and evaluate progress in achieving the stated aims and objectives and to feed back to member organisations on progress made.

BEF will ensure that its recruitment and selection procedures are fair and transparent, and meet the appropriate legal requirements. Each member body will ensure its own procedures meet these requirements.

Further background information on coaching, registration, affiliation and qualification processes are available from the BEF and its’ member organisations.

Further background information on Safeguarding and Equality is available from the BEF and its’ member organisations.

I, ...... , [print name] confirm that I have read and understood this BEF Coaches Conduct of Ethics and will operate within the guidance provided.

Signed Dave Pettifor...... Date......

Signed Mat Worthington...... Date......

Signed Laura Simmons...... Date......

Signed Jude Lucas...... Date......

Signed Hayley Quinton...... Date......

Signed David Worthington……………………………………………… Date…………………….

Nottingham Horseball Club

Note 1 – This Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics is one of a suite of policies that underpin the ethos and work of the British Equestrian Federation on all levels. The related approved polices are the BEF Equity Policy and the BEF Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Young Adults.

Note 2 – This BEF Coaches Code of Conduct Coaches has been approved and adopted by all member bodies of the BEF. Please refer to your member body who may have additional guidance and procedures notes.

Note 3 – For current legislation within Scotland regarding Criminal Record Checks and please refer to the Horse Scotland website.

Nottingham Horseball Club

2 GENERIC HORSE BALL RISK ASSESSMENT 2012

Assessment Date: …Jan 2012. Assessor: ……Mary Pettifor IOSH Assessment No. 006

Activity: Horseball (Training,/Matches / Persons at Risk Summary: demonstrations) 1. Riders 2. Others eg spectators, venue staff etc General Information: Riders who fall or suffer injury must be assessed by a First Aider before being allowed to continue riding. All accidents should be reported

RISK RATING RISK RATING HAZARD NATURE OF THE PERSONS AT Likelihood CONTROL MEASURE TO ELIMINATE OR REDUCE THE INITIAL RISK HAZARD RISK X Post Control Severity Measures Before Control Measures H M L H M L

Falling from heights Injury to limbs 3 Riders should work with qualified Horseball coach’s and riding instructors to M Head Injury High ensure correct riding methods and improved balance is developed. Back Injury Riders Riders should be matched with a horse appropriate to their standard.

Riders borrowing horses should be assessed and complete a borrowed horse risk assessment. (www.british-horseball-association.btik.com)

Riders should use a correctly fitted pick-up strap to assist the rider to maintain balance.

Players should only be entered in a team by the coach for the appropriate level of competition

BS Standard Riding Hat should be worn with a correctly fitted fastened chin strap

All tack used should be regularly checked for damage and wear by coach, referee and rider.

Riding Boots with a small heel should be worn at all times when mounted with the correct size stirrup iron and tread.

Practice Horseball in an enclosed arena.

Nottingham Horseball Club

Impact and collision Injury and Riders High Riders should work with qualified Horseball coach’s and riding instructors to M bruising/broken bones ensure correct riding methods and improved and developed to have control Spectators over horses during Horseball activity.

Horses Players should only be entered in a team by the coach for the appropriate level of competition

The rules of Horseball are issued to all new players and are available on all Horseball web sites. All players should be reminded of the rules at the start of the season.

Referees of matches will ensure contact is minimal, that no horse contact is made, tacking is legal and that horses do not cross the line of play.

Back protectors may be worn and are recommended for young players.

It is the referees responsibility to remove horses that kick out during a match, depending on the circumstances i.e they must differentiate between a kick that has occurred due to someone riding too close and a viscious attack.

Picking up and Strains and Sprains Riders Medium Warm up and stretching exercises used in training. L passing the ball Practices to include picking up at different levels and different speeds

Horses never allowed to stand or turn on the ball Referees / coaches should supervise tacklling. Riders should be responsible for not holding onto the ball in situations where they do not have an appropriate grasp.

All long hair must be tied up above the collar to ensure it does not get caught up in other tack/horses or trodden on.

Injuries caused by Ripped ear Riders Medium Referees/coaches are responsible for carrying out a safety check on riders L jewelryEarrings and requesting the removal of all jewelry and watches.

Nottingham Horseball Club

Rings Damaged fingers Riders Medium Referees / coaches should supervise tacklling. Riders should be responsible for not holding onto the ball in situations where they do not have an appropriate grasp. L

Watches Scratches/cuts to other Riders Medium Referees/coaches are responsible for carrying out a safety check on riders L players and requesting the removal of all jewelry and watches.

Likelihood X Severity Matrix High = 16 - 25 Medium = 6 - 15 Low = 1 - 5

ASSESSORS SIGNATURE: REVIEW DATE: January 2013

1 2 3 4 5 LOW MEDIUM HIGH