SUPA Policy on Polo Instruction
Guidelines for SUPA Recognised Instructors
The following policy was ratified by the SUPA Assembly and implemented from 1st May 2010.
Purpose: Identification and interpretation of minimum standards required for SUPA Instructors from 2010 onward. Compliance with this policy will form an integral criteria for the SUPA Instructors Annual Report which is required as a precondition for a SUPA Grant.
Whereas SUPA has the legal responsibility and duty of care to its member institutions and their players , Pony Suppliers and Coaches by law and convention as a Limited Company, SUPA therefore, in executing its mandate and in pursuit of “good practise”, has set forth the following guidelines and standards, consistent with the majority of sporting associations within the UK.
In setting these higher standards, SUPA will elevate the public awareness of health and safety guidelines demanded for our members, raise the welfare standards of polo ponies and protect the interests of our members, SUPA recognised Polo Pony Suppliers, members Ponies and SUPA Recognised Instructors.
We have outlined this policy for our members, so that they can make “informed decisions” and assume the requisite responsibility for their actions. To this end, SUPA has published a list of SUPA Recognised Facilities and Instructors, who have historically been associated with and are qualified to serve members of SUPA. The Stewards have quantified the optimal and minimum qualifications required; specified accreditations and legal documentation required to be RECOGNISED by SUPA members and deemed suitable for SUPA insurers.
The introduction of this policy will help protect the Instructors who are associated with SUPA clients, protect the clients directly and assist in the improvement of instruction, welfare and standards required by our entire member educational Institutions within the UK.
From May 1st 2010 onwards, SUPA will publish and update this list on its website (www.supa.org.uk). Continued non-compliance, bad practise or substantiated complaints will be noted.
POLICY
All suppliers of Instruction, group clinics or individual lessons, if engaged with SUPA Member-Players will be required to meet the following standard, which conform with NOS (National Occupational Standard)requirements. These NOS requirements will be phased in throughout 2010. SUPA considers NOS compliance the minimum standard which will be implemented and discussed with all coaches.
The following headings are numbered 1 through 10 and form the basis assessment for each SUPA Instructor. The information posted on the www.supa.org.uk website has been verified by SUPA as of May 2010 and will be updated periodically. Requirements for RECOGNISED SUPA coaches shall be:
1. Membership of the Hurlingham Polo Association Coaching Scheme. To be fully paid up, insured and assessed by them as a Governing body. (If own insurance is used then a copy of this must be sent to hobdaypolo@yahoo.co.uk). SUPA will confirm compliance with the HPA.
2. First Aid Certificate. Current and valid certificate. THIS IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
3. Criminal Records Bureau Certificate. As from October 2010 this will be a legal requirement for all who instruct Under 18 year old members.
4. Experience of teaching to this marketplace. Instructors will be assessed by SUPA. Minimum time as an Instructor will be considered.
5. Instruction Facilities used, to be Risk Assessed by SUPA and ponies used to be covered by a current Riding School License.
6. All ponies used for SUPA member instruction or matches shall possess a current and valid Equine Passport, over stamped by the HPA.
7. Guideline pricing to be made public and targeted to SUPA clientele based on group or individual instruction
8. Membership of Sports Coach UK, an independent UK Authority.
9. Instructors to be responsible in processing and authenticating the Roxton Basic Riding Proficiency Certificate in line with standards set by SUPA for novice riders.
10. Coaches adhere to dress and behaviour codes as identified by the H.P.A.