1.1 A "competition" refers to any event held with the authorization of the Association including any event held under the jurisdiction of the International Association or The Mounted Games Association (Great Britain) Ltd. Membership of the Irish Association incorporates acceptance of the Code of Conduct for disciplinary purposes of both International and G.B codes when members of the Irish Association travel abroad.

1.2 A "chief referee" is a person who is appointed to have overall control of a competition by the general committee. Acceptance of the role of chief referee infers that the person in question is fully familiar with the rules of the particular competition/s to be held.

1.3. An " official" is any person who at the time was performing a function to ensure the smooth running of a competition.

1.4. "Minor misconduct" includes, but is not limited to, fits of pique, immediate dissent by word or action to any decision made, abuse of equipment such as deliberate throwing to the ground and unsporting behaviour.

1.5 "Serious misconduct" includes, but is not limited to cases alleging assault, indecency, dishonesty, criminal damage, unlawful possession of drugs, offensive, insulting or abusive language/behaviour or of bringing the Association into disrepute.

1.6 A Disciplinary Commission shall consist of not less than three and not more than five members appointed from the general committee and should consist of members from outside the accused’s region where possible in the interests of fairness.

Procedures

2.1 Before the commencement of each competition, the organizers shall appoint a chief referee for that competition. Any complaint of misconduct occurring in relation to, or whilst travelling to or from a competition and committed by a member of the Association, shall be reported immediately to the chief referee for that competition. He shall take note of the complaint and if he considers that a case has been made out he shall, if he considers it appropriate and practicable, briefly advise the member complained of about the nature of the complaint and take note of any comments he may make. In the case of a child this shall be in the presence of a parent, guardian, or appropriate adult. If the misconduct alleged is within the minor category the chief referee shall administer a verbal warning as soon as practicable.

2.2. In the cases of alleged serious misconduct, the chief referee will require the member complained of to take no further part in that competition. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, as accepted by the chief referee, that member will be required to leave the show ground as soon as possible. Formal disciplinary procedures will then be commenced.

2.4. IT IS EXPECTED THAT COMMON SENSE SHALL PREVAIL AT ALL TIMES.

Timing

3.1. In ALL cases of serious misconduct the chief referee must send a report to the Association secretary within 7 working days. This must be together with details of any known witnesses and other written reports he may have received. In the case of minor misconduct the chief referee must note the warning given and a brief record must be sent to the secretary for filing purposes. The member must be advised that this has been done.

3.2. If formal disciplinary procedures are to take place this must be done within 28 days of the alleged incident and the outcome determined no later than 35 days from receipt of the report on the alleged incident or otherwise is void.

3.3  Within 14 days the Secretary of the Association must acknowledge receipt of the chief referees report and send          a  copy to the relevant member, offering a punishment in accordance with the circumstances of the offence and using the under mentioned list of recommended punishments.

GUIDE TO RECOMENDED PUNISHMENTS.

WARNING IN A SEASON

The following wherever committed shall be the subject of a Disciplinary Commission: -

Not acting in the best interests of the Association. Acting in a manner that is deemed to be improper. Consuming alcoholic drinks under age or supplying such drinks to any under age person for consumption by any under age person. Bringing the association into disrepute. In the event that the member does not accept the offer of the recommended punishment, as determined from time to time by the association he can: -

(a) Make a written request to the secretary for a personal hearing to rebut the charge or

(b) Submit a written plea to the secretary for leniency, setting out any mitigating factors, which the member wishes to be considered.

Option (b) entails acceptance of the report of the chief referee on which the charge is based, and in either case a disciplinary commission will be appointed to consider the plea made by the member.

3.4. Any failure to comply with the conduct code of the association will incur suspension of the member.

3.5.Upon receiving a request for Personal Hearing in respect of an alleged offence, the secretary will appoint a Commission to hear and adjudicate upon the charge. In the case of a member who is a child on the date fixed for the hearing, it shall take place either in the presence of a parent or guardian of the member or another appropriate adult.

3.6.If the charge is found not proved, any record of it will be expunged. If the charge is found proved the Commission will decide what punishment, if any, is to be imposed. In so doing, members of the Commission must consider the overall nature and effect of the offence(s) and member’s previous record and any plea for leniency.

3.7.The decisions of Commissions are final and binding on all parties subject only to a right of appeal to an Appeal Board. The member may appeal within 14 working days of the sending of the decision notification.

3.8 The commencement date of any suspension imposed on a member is at the discretion of the adjudicating Commission.

3.9  The decision of the Association will be sent by first class post to the member's last known address.