Effective January 2007

All those involved with the sport at every level and whether as a rider, official, trainer, administrator or parent has a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the rules of the Sport, to act according to the highest standards of integrity and to ensure that the reputation of the Sport is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in the sport under the auspices of the Mounted Games Association of Ireland.

Equality

The Association is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants

The Association recognizes the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the sport. This includes those who ride, those who train or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators, supporters and parents.

Young People

The Association acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety

The Association acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behavior within the sport, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

Respect for property

The Association requires respect for the property of others.

Violence

The Association rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the sport.

Fairness

The Association is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the sport.

Integrity and Fair Play

The Association is committed to the principle of competing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct for all Members of the Association.

1. All members should set a positive example for others, particularly young riders and supporters.

2. They should share knowledge and experience

3. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

4. Show due respect to Officials and others involved in the sport.

5. Always have regard to the best interests of the sport, including where publicly expressing an opinion of any competition and particular aspect of it including others involved in the sport.

6. Do not use or tolerate abusive language.

Code of Conduct for Trainers

Trainer’s ethics and their attitude directly affect the behavior of riders under their supervision. They must be aware that their decisions and choices of actions as well as strategic targets have implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a concern for trainers but trainers must disassociate themselves from a "win-at-all-costs” attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from trainers involved in training and developing young people. The health, safety, welfare of young people and their ponies as well as the moral education of young people are a first priority before the achievement of the reputation of the team, individual, trainer or parent.

1. Trainers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

2. Trainers must ensure the well-being and safety of each rider and their pony above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

3. Trainers must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

4. Trainers must develop an appropriate working relationship with each rider based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Trainers must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Trainers must encourage and guide riders to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.

7. Trainers must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of riders and their ponies.

8. Trainers should, at the outset clarify with the riders (and where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their trainer.

9. Trainers must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. vets etc) in the best interests of the rider and pony.

10. Trainers must always promote the positive aspect of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the rules of the Association.

11. Trainers must consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.

12. Trainers must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct for Officials.

The Decisions of the chief referee on points of fact connected with a competition are final as far as the running of and the result of a competition are concerned.

Respect for referees and their decisions are a fundamental part of the game.

1. Officials have a duty to help the competition to keep moving, compatible with fair play and to seek to ensure it runs smoothly and that it is not subject to unnecessary halts.

2. Officials must prepare for the competition mentally and physically.

3. They must not be afraid to make decisions. They must be fair and firm and resist any influence from protests on the part of riders, team members or spectators.

4. They must show respect towards all members of the Association.

5. They must be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of teams, riders or members involved in the competition.

6. They must decline to be appointed to a competition if they feel they are not up to the job.

7. The official must use his/her powers with wise judgment and care. Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.

8. An official should help to train less experienced officials.

Code of Conduct for Riders

1. Riders are the most important people in the sport. Riding for a team or as an individual and for the team or individual to win, is the most fundamental part of the sport. But not winning at any cost - Fair Play and respect for all others in the sport is fundamentally important.

Obligations towards the sport.

A rider should: -

1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics, stamina and horsemanship.

2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a competition.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young riders and supporters.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

5. Always have regard to the best interest of the sport, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the sport and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the sport.

6. Not use inappropriate language

Rider’s obligations.

1. A rider should ensure the highest standards of care are maintained towards their pony and should never ride a pony that is unfit or unsuitable for competition.

2. A rider should make every effort consistent with Fair play and the rules of the sport to help to win. They should resist any influence, which might, or might be seen to bring into question their commitment to winning.

3. They must never endanger another member or animal.

4. A rider must know and abide by the rules and spirit of the sport and competition rules and accept failure and success, victory and defeat, equally.

5. A rider must resist any temptation to take or administer banned substances or use any banned techniques.

6. A rider must treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the competition. They must safeguard the physical fitness of their ponies and opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents or ponies.

7. A rider must accept decisions of the Competition Officials without protest.

8 They must avoid words or actions that may mislead an Official and show due respect towards the Officials of the opposition.

9. Riders must show due respect to the interests of supporters.