Coaches have a crucial role in the development of the sport and a responsibility to support and promote equestrian sport, maintain standards of appearance, and conduct and act with due respect for the reputation of the governing body. Coaches must put the welfare of the horse first at all times, in accordance to the Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse, whilst ensuring that their students also follow these regulations.

Malta Equestrian Federation (MEF) Code of Conduct is built on the principles of integrity, fair play, equality and respect for others (including animals). These ethical principles apply to all levels. Malta Equestrian Federation core values are for all involved in equestrian activity and coaches are asked to demonstrate:

·      Performance: That you will strive to be successful in all your endeavours and deliver high standards in every session, lesson, class, or workshop.

·      Partnership: No coach has all the answers, and we ask that you collaborate and find solutions to shared issues and are open and honest at all times.

·      Professionalism: That you will remain objective and professional at all times. You act with integrity in an ethical way and treat everyone with respect.

·      Passion:  You will be passionate in all your endeavours, working with others to the benefit of the rider, horse, or pony. 

Safety 

Coaches should:

·      Share with riders the responsibility for rider and horse safety.

·      Ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, the creation and maintenance of a safe environment.

·      Ensure that all training and activities take account of the age, maturity, experience and ability of both rider and horse.

·      Recognise their duty to protect riders from harm and abuse and, in particular, should understand the duty of care when working with young and vulnerable people.

·      Place the well-being and safety of both horse and rider above the development of performance.

·      Work with other specialists as necessary, for example, officials, vets, and other coaches.

·      Ensure good supervision of all participants, especially participants who are younger or more vulnerable.

Competence 

Coaches should:

·      Hold nationally recognised governing body teaching/coaching qualifications.   

·      Confine themselves to practice in those areas for which their training and competence are recognised by the Malta Equestrian Federation.

·      Recognise their responsibility to themselves and their students to maintain their effectiveness as an equestrian coach and should regularly seek ways to develop their personal and professional development, taking advantage of opportunities provided.

·      Plan and prepare for sessions. Their students should have a programme that is appropriate and progressive.

Personal Standards and Dress Code 

Coaches should:

·      Display high personal standards and project a favourable image of equine activity to member bodies of the Malta Equestrian Federation, performers, parents and the wider public.

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

·      Recognise that appropriate dress codes should be followed whilst training and competing. The dress code is mandatory at all MEF events, whether mounted or assisting students. Coaches who do not respect the dress code will not be allowed into the competitive arena or warm up areas. These include:

-       Helmets must be worn at all times when mounted at any MEF sanctioned events. Helmets must have the chinstrap fastened and adjusted to prevent movement. Coaches should never advise their students to buy second hand helmets unless they are sure these helmets have not been subjected to a blow or been damaged in any way. If a helmet has sustained a blow or is in any way damaged, coaches should recommend that it is replaced immediately. Event organisers can prevent entry into competition if the participant is wearing an ill-fitting helmet. Care should also be taken to ensure any helmet worn is compliant with latest safety standards related to the sport.

-       Attire - Coaches should always wear a riding jacket, jodhpurs, and a plain-coloured shirt during whilst competing, unless the event organisers stipulate alternative dress codes. Clothing should be clean, and always appear smart. Shoulders must be covered for all riding activities. If an event has a theme or alternative dress code, then all clothing must be safe and suitable for riding with no clothing which could get caught on the horse or tack and no accessories which could cause distress to the horse. When assisting students from the ground, long trousers, boots and a smart top with sleeves are mandatory. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that their students are appropriately dressed and wearing the correct, well-fitted safety equipment.

-       Hair must be tidy and tied back securely at all times during events, evaluations, or in-hand work.

-       Glasses and contact lenses are permitted whilst riding but care must be taken that the materials these items are made of are safe and shatter proof. Riders may wear safety strap with their glasses if they wish to do so.

-       Boots - Coaches should always wear standard riding or jodhpur boots with well-defined square cut heels to be accompanied with black or brown half chaps. These must be of the same colour. Tassels and fringes are not allowed. No other footwear will be permitted.

-       Jewellery - A wristwatch, wedding ring and stock pin are permitted but necklaces and bracelets must be removed with the exception of medical bracelets. Large or noticeable body piercings which may get caught on clothing or increase risk of injury should be removed before going near horses. Piercings should be only studded.

-       Body protectors are permitted during all events. They are mandatory for children under 14. Body protectors must be well fitted as badly fitting body protectors can unbalance the rider and can also increase the risk of injury.

·      Coaches should demonstrate the following personal standards, not only at MEF events, but also throughout the training process:

-       Good appearance, personal hygiene, and efficiency.

-       Avoiding smoking in sports venues – both at competition and training areas. Smoking in stable areas is strictly prohibited[RZ1] . 

-       Do not consume alcohol in the area of the sports facility.

-       Do not compromise on the safety of their riders – eg: mandatory use of helmets, equipment etc.

-       Educate and encourage underage competitors, respecting moral and ethical standards.

Confidentiality

Coaches should understand that they 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 relevant National and European Legislation such as GDPR.  Coaches must ensure that an agreement is reached with riders/participants or their parents/guardians about the collection, storage, and potential boundaries of sharing information.  

Integrity

Coaches should:

·      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.

·      Show respect to others involved in the sport including judges, official and volunteers, other riders and teams, other coaches, instructors, spectators, parents/carers, and equines.

·      Should not intentionally maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or indirectly the Malta Equestrian Federation or of any other member body or coach.

·      Prepare riders to respond to success and failure in a dignified manner and treat fellow competitors with respect.

·      Recognise the responsibility to instil good values and behaviour in their riders and discourage inappropriate behaviour in training and competition.  

·      Operate in an open environment with transparent communication and actions. Where possible, coaches should share knowledge and their experience.

·      Observe the rules and regulations set by the Malta Equestrian Federation.

·      Never engage in, or tolerate any form of bullying.

·      Always appropriately challenge bullying behaviour.

Ethical Behaviour

Coaches should:

·      Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g., fair play) and must never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.

·      Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment, especially when working with young participants.

·      Ensure that all employees and volunteers in any equestrian business or establishment under their control comply with the standards laid down by the Malta Equestrian Federation and follow all appropriate legal and ethical considerations to ensure open and fair recruitment processes and working conditions.

·      Recognise that any failure on the part of a coach to comply with the provisions of this code may render the coach liable to disciplinary proceedings. 

·      Be aware of, and abide by, Malta Equestrian Federation Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This includes:

-       No coach, instructor, or trainer should have sexual related contact with a participant, fellow coach, instructor, teacher, trainer or, volunteer under the age of 18. This includes sexual innuendo, flirting, inappropriate gestures, in person or through social media, texts and emails and taking part in sexting or otherwise sending inappropriate sexual images through technological systems.

-       Recognise that participants under 17 cannot have alcohol.

-       Report any concerns related to a child, young person, or adults at risk in line with national legislation and recommendations laid out by the Maltese Competent Authorities such as Social Services.

-       Report any concerns you have about a colleague, volunteer or any adult working with children, young people, or adults at risk in line with the relevant national legislation.

-       All coaches, instructors and trainers should actively involve parents and carers throughout all stages of a young person (under 18) training /coaching and ensure you have parental consent for all activity.