code of conduct
North Coast Active-Riders Group (NAGs) is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland where people with an interest in dressage training, dressage riding and dressage competition join together to offer and participate in a range of events and activities including but not limited to instructional clinics, protocol days and dressage competitions.
NAGs key objectives and priorities include:
Creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for riders to participate in dressage related instructional clinics, events, activities and competitions
Providing pathways for riders to increase dressage skills and knowledge and articulate towards higher levels of dressage training and dressage competition at NAGs or other organizations, and
Ensuring the welfare of all horses engaged in events and activities including but not limited to ethical training, fitness and competence to compete, provision of suitable rest periods, access to clean water at all times and enforcement of Equestrian Australia’s (EA’s) Hot Weather Policy.
NAGs events are attended by:
Members and non-members (or affiliate members)
Riders of all levels from beginner to professional
Riders of all ages from junior to adult, and
Horses of all breeds and training levels with age limits for young horses as directed by Equestrian Australia (EA) rules
Pivotal to the achievement of NAGs above stated objectives is the maintenance of harmonious relations between club members, club organisers, club committee members and other stakeholders. This Code of Conduct aims to articulate the mutual obligation placed on all club members to achieve NAGs stated objectives. Furthermore, this Code of Conduct articulates and makes clear the expectations and responsibilities of club members and club committee members.
NAGs Club Office Bearers/Committee Member Responsibilities:
Members of NAGs may expect:
To be treated with courtesy and respect
To enjoy an environment free from discrimination, harassment or bullying
To be offered a suitable orientation to the Club and its usual business and safety practices and regulations on request
To be provided with information about each club activity (major or minor) in an appropriate and accessible format within a reasonable time of the activity commencing
To be provided with feedback to reasonable queries and requests in a timely manner
To be provided with a safe, supportive and inclusive riding / competition environment
To be provided with reasonable opportunities to participate in the functioning of the Club by participating in the Club’s administration
To have access to a fair and efficient complaints and appeals process, and
To have their private and confidential information properly used and protected.
NAGs Club Members Responsibilities:
Members are expected to:
Act in a way that ensures the welfare of all horses engaged in events including but not limited to ethical training, fitness and competence to compete, provision of suitable rest periods, access to clean water at all times and enforcement of EA’s Hot Weather Policy
Treat all club members, club instructors, club officials and competition officials with courtesy and respect at all times including maintaining a polite and non-confrontational tone and attitude when interacting in face-to-face, telephone, email and social media environments
Not instigate or participate in confrontational social media engagements related to club activities where such behaviour could be considered disrespectful, dishonest, bullying, abusive, rude or illegal
Make themselves aware of, and comply with, all NAGs rules and regulations; and where applicable Equestrian Australia (EA) rules and regulations
Treat all equipment and facilities with respect
Comply with Nambour Showgrounds rules and regulations for activities hosted at the Showgrounds
Fulfill volunteer requirements of competition entry such as pencilling, gear check, arena set up, arena pull down etc
Act responsibly and courteously towards others when representing NAGs, and
Act with integrity at all times
It is important to note that abuse of horses, bad sportsmanship, bad temper, bad language and bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It is a condition of NAGs membership that members read, accept and comply with this Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct can and will result in termination of membership (as per Section 9 of the NAGs Constitution), exclusion from member and affiliate member activities and competitions, exclusion from clinics and removal from social media group membership. Where relevant, failure to comply with this Code of Conduct will be reported to other agencies including but not limited to Dressage Queensland (DQ), Equestrian Queensland (EQ), Equestrian Australia (EA), FEI, Sunshine Coast Council and/or the Police.