Misty Mountain Club Policy Statements

Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Purpose of Club Policy Statements REVISED These policy statements clarify policies and processes that are unique to the Misty Mountain Pony Club. References to national or regional policies are mentioned as needed to indicate that the club is following those policies. Attitude: Politeness reflects not only on the member and member sponsor but also on Misty Mountain Pony Club (MMPC). Please be courteous and respectful of your instructor as well as other adults and members. It is polite to ask permission from the instructor before leaving the lesson and to thank the instructor at the end of the instruction. Also be courteous also to your Pony Club parents. Parents are the backbone of the club. Without them, the Club cannot function. Remember that our reputation can be damaged by a few discourteous acts. Attendance at Unmounted and Mounted Meetings: Regular unmounted meeting attendance is considered essential and is required for both MMPC members and MMPC member sponsors. MMPC members are allowed to miss a total of three (3) unmounted meetings in one year (September through June). If a MMPC member misses more than three meetings, the member may no longer be a “member in good standing” and his/her membership spot may be given to someone on the new member waiting list. A MMPC member is required to ride or otherwise participate in at least one (1) mounted meeting each year (September through June.) This mounted meeting attendance is a prerequisite for rally participation and ratings. The club recommends that MMPC members be in regular riding lessons apart from MMPC activities. In order to advance in USPC upper-level ratings, MMPC members rated C1 and higher are required to teach other members at unmounted meeting. Also upper-level rated MMPC members may instruct at mounted meetings but only with instructor or qualified adult supervision. Member in “good standing” A Misty Mountain Pony Club member in “good standing” is:       Current on all dues (member, sponsor, regional, and national) Attends unmounted meetings and misses 3 or less unmounted meetings in one year (September – June) Participates in at least one mounted lesson each year (September – June) Participates in or buys out of fund raising activities Consistently exhibits courteous, respectful, and sportsman-like behavior. Has a sponsor that actively participates in sponsor duties Page 1 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS MMPC Member Sponsors and MMPC Sponsors: MMPC member sponsors and MMPC sponsors are voting members of the club. A parent/legal guardian of a member(s) is required to be MMPC member sponsor. One MMPC member sponsor is allowed per member family. A member may not have more than one MMPC member sponsor. A person over 18 years of age, who is not a parent/legal guardian of a member, may become a MMPC sponsor by invitation and approval of the MMPC board. Sponsors REVISED There are two types of sponsors: Member Sponsors and Sponsors. Both are voting members of the club. Member Sponsors: A parent or legal guardian of a member(s) is required by MMPC to be a member sponsor. One member sponsor is allowed per family member. A member may not have more than one member sponsor. Sponsors: A person over 18 years of age, who is not a parent/legal guardian of a member, may become a MMPC sponsor by invitation and approval of the MMPC board. MMPC Officer Elections and Term: Club officers must be MMPC member sponsors or MMPC sponsors. Club officers are nominated in May, presented in June, elected in September and serve January 1 through December 31st of the following year. Newly elected officers will work with current officers to bring about an orderly transition of club officers. The MMPC board is composed of the current club officers. Club officers Club officers are:     DC (District Commissioner) Joint-DC Secretary Treasurer. Club officers must be club sponsors. Election of club officers follows process spelled out in National Bylaws. Newly elected officers will work with current officers to bring about an orderly transition of club officers. Role of DC USPC National office outlines the role and scope of authority of the DC. In short, the DC is the primary decision-maker of the club and has ultimate accountability for the continued well-being of the club. While the DC may ask for input from sponsors or opt to run the club in a democratic manner, club decisions are the DC’s responsibility. Page 2 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS MMPC Member Sponsor Participation: All MMPC member sponsors are expected to actively participate on a committee and in other club activities. A MMPC member sponsor is required to attend unmounted and mounted meetings at which the member is present, attend all MMPC sponsor meetings and timely pay sponsor dues. MMPC sponsor meetings are typically held September through June but special sponsor meetings may be held in July and August. A MMPC member sponsor who does not actively participate in MMPC may be assessed an additional fee. If the assessed fee is not paid, the member may no longer be a “member in good standing.” Sponsor participation REVISED All sponsors are expected to:      Actively participate on a committee and in other club activities. Attend unmounted and mounted meetings at which their member is present Attend all sponsor meetings (which are usually held September through June with special meetings as needed in July or August) Assist in the mounted meeting set-up, arena adjustment and break-down. Pay sponsor dues on time. Membership Parameters: MMPC members must be at least 7 years of age or in the second grade at the time they join. Total number of members in the MMPC will be limited to twenty-four (24). New members will be admitted in September, and space permitting, again in January. Priority for new members will be given to those on the club new member waiting list. Club membership Club membership will be limited to a total number of twenty-four (24). A waiting list for new members will be kept if needed. New members will be admitted in September, and space permitting, again in January. Priority for new members will be given to those on the club new member waiting list. Member age requirements Members must be at least 7 years of age or in the second grade at the time they join. Page 3 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Member and Sponsor Dues: MMPC member dues are $20 per month and MMPC sponsor dues are $5 per month from September through June. September through June is the typical MMPC club year. MMPC dues will be collected in September for September through December, in January for January through March and in April for April through June. Required regional dues and national dues are collected in September. All checks are made payable to Misty Mountain Pony Club and delivered to the treasurer. Club dues pay for mounted meetings, club ratings and other MMPC expenses. If MMPC member dues and related member sponsor dues are more than thirty days in arrears from the first day of the collection month, a member may not be allowed to participate in unmounted meetings, mounted meetings, ratings, rallies, clinics and will not be a “member in good standing” until member/member sponsor account is made current. Occasionally MMPC may organize mounted meetings and clinics that exceed the budgeted amount. Participant members may be required to pay the additional cost for these special mounted meeting and clinics. Dues REVISED All dues (see the chart below) are collected by the club. Checks, made payable to either “Misty Mountain Pony Club” or “MMPC”, will be collected by the Treasurer. When dues are more than thirty (30) days in arrears from the first day of the collection month, the member is considered to not be in “good standing” until the account is made current. Consequences include the member not being able to participate in unmounted meetings, mounted meetings, ratings, rallies, and/or clinics. Pony club dues are as follows: Level National $ When Due Paid in full in September for next year or prorated when member joins in mid year. Paid in full in September for next year or prorated when member joins in mid year. Paid for the months September – June. Collected quarterly. Paid for the months September – June. Collected quarterly. Paid in advance if required. Regional Club Member Club Sponsor Mounted meeting fee 20/month 5/month $10/meeting Page 4 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS REVISED Additional costs Club dues pay for mounted meetings, club ratings and other MMPC expenses. Funds earned via fundraising are used to subsidize the cost of club ratings, mounted meetings, clinics and other club expenses. Occasionally MMPC may organize mounted meetings and clinics that exceed the budgeted amount. Participant members may be required to pay the additional cost for mounted meeting and clinics. Members are also expected to pay for rallies, rating prep clinics, and ratings retakes. Members rating at some upper levels will also be expected to pay for part of the fee for the initial rating. Page 5 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Fundraising Activities: MMPC members and MMPC member sponsors are expected to actively participate in club fundraising activities. Funds earned are used to subsidize the cost of club ratings, mounted meetings, clinics and other club expenses. Funds raised during a club year, September through June, will typically be used in the budget of the following club year. To encourage MMPC member involvement in USPC regional and national activities such as rallies, clinics and meetings, MMPC may allocate a portion of the funds equally among the prior club year active members. This allocation may not be used for club mounted meetings and retesting of ratings. If a MMPC member and/or MMPC member sponsor does not actively participate in club fundraising, the member sponsor may be assessed an additional fee. If the MMPC member sponsor does not pay the assessed fee, the member may no longer be a “member in good standing.” Fundraising REVISED Members and sponsors are expected to actively participate in club fundraising activities. Funds raised during a club year, September through June, will typically be used in the budget of the following club year. A member and/or sponsor can opt to “buy out” of a fund raiser. The dollar amount is to be determined by estimating the reasonable amount of “profit” each member would earn for the club of the given fund raiser. Fundraising stipend per member To encourage MMPC member involvement in USPC regional and national activities such as rallies, clinics, rating preparation, and meetings, MMPC may allocate a portion of the funds equally among the prior club year active members. This allocation may not be used for club mounted meetings and retesting of ratings. Page 6 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Mounted Meetings: For the MMPC member’s safety and the safety of others, a member parent or guardian must be present at all mounted meetings. It is expected that a MMPC member sponsor assist in the mounted meeting set-up, arena adjustment and break-down. MMPC may collect additional mounted meeting fees. These fees will be collected in advance. Sign up: Instructors are busy people who are contracted and reserved for clinics based on the sign-up and interest of the members. MMPC is committed to pay the instructor the agreed upon fee whether we have cancellations or not. Regardless of circumstances, MMPC requires a four day notice if a member must cancel participation in a mounted meeting. For example, if the mounted meeting is scheduled for Saturday you must cancel by 1800 on Tuesday. Otherwise, MMPC member sponsor may be required to pay for the instructor’s time allocated and/or forgo the additional mounted meeting fee. Attire: The rider should always give the appearance of being neat and clean both when mounted and unmounted. Polished boots add the finishing touch. Dark gloves are optional but encouraged for both comfort and completing the total picture. Headgear: A proper fitting, ASTM/SEI approved hard hat must be worn and fastened whenever you are mounted. This is a 1989 ruling by USPC and no member will be allowed to participate in a mounted meeting without one. Hair: Hair should be kept neat and out of the way. Hairnets should be worn on long hair. Clothing: No bulky sweaters or loose fitting sweatshirts. (The instructor must be able to see the position of your back.) Belts should be worn. (Belts can also be used as emergency tack.) Breeches and jodhpurs are recommended for mounted meetings and functions where you are representing the club. Mounted meeting sign ups REVISED Instructors are contracted and reserved for clinics based on the sign-up and interest of the members and MMPC is committed to pay the instructor the agreed upon fee whether riders cancel or not. Regardless of circumstances, MMPC requires a four day notice if a member must cancel participation in a mounted meeting. Otherwise, the sponsor may be required to pay for the instructor’s time allocated and/or forgo the additional mounted meeting fee. Safety at meetings Safety is the first priority. A member’s parent or guardian must be present at all mounted meetings. Wear appropriate headgear, clothing, and footwear. Tack should be clean, safe, and in good repair. See the Pony Club Manual for details. Page 7 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Footwear: While riding, a conventional type of riding footwear with a heel, such as leather or rubber boots, jodhpur boots, or the equivalent, is required. “Waffle” type soles are not allowed. When dismounted, acceptable footwear is a shoe that is securely fastened, entirely closed, covers the ankle and is in good condition. Canvas or cloth shoes of any kind are not allowed. Spurs: If spurs are necessary, they should be fitted and worn properly. Spur straps should rest on the seam of the boot above the heel with the longer to the outside and facing towards the back. Rowel spurs are never allowed. Pins: United States Pony Club (USPC) pins should be worn at all USPC events. Tack: Your tack should be clean, neat, and in good repair. The stitching, especially on the stirrup leathers and girth, should be checked periodically to make sure that it is in good condition. Make sure your tack fits properly. If you have a question, check your Pony Club Manual or ask an older Pony Club member or an instructor. If a saddle pad is used, it should be clean and well fitting. Stirrup irons should be one inch larger than the ball of your foot. Leather: All leather should be good quality, kept supple and clean. Stirrup leathers should be alternated and kept even. Riders tend to lean more to one side that the other, stretching the leather on that side. Bits: Bits should be sparkling clean and fit your horse properly. Snaffle, pelham, and kimberwick bits are acceptable. The instructor should be able to advise you on the bit that will fit your horse and be safe for you to ride with. Stainless steel is the best material. REVISED Page 8 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS The Horse at Pony Club: A MMPC member should demonstrate that her/his horse has been given good regular care and attention. A MMPC member’s horse should be seen regularly by a Veterinarian, a Farrier and be current in inoculations. A horse deemed unsafe or unhealthy by the MMPC board may not be allowed to participate in MMPC activities. All grooming equipment must be kept clean. A MMPC member with a D-3 or higher rating level will be required to keep appropriate horse health and maintenance records Suitable mount REVISED Safety is the top priority of Pony Club. A horse deemed unsafe or unhealthy by the DC or Joint DC will not be allowed to participate in MMPC activities. A Word about Trailering: Books on safe trailering is available for purchase at the USPC Bookstore. Finding transportation to a mounted meeting is the responsibility of the MMPC member and the MMPC member sponsor. The volunteer trailering a horse for another MMPC member should have a “hold-harmless” agreement. A MMPC member must inform the volunteer of undesirable and/or unsafe habits of member’s horse. If MMPC member’s horse damages the trailer or hurts another horse, MMPC member sponsor should pay for all damages incurred. Trailering Finding transportation to a mounted meeting, rally, or rating is the responsibility of the member. The volunteer trailering a horse for another member should have a signed “hold-harmless” agreement. The member must inform the volunteer of undesirable and/or unsafe habits of member’s horse. If the member’s horse damages the trailer or hurts another horse, member’s sponsor should pay for all damages incurred. Page 9 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Ratings: USPC Ratings are designed to be a positive educational experience, designed to show the riding abilities and knowledge of the member. Safety at the desired level is a primary factor for consideration of a rating candidate. A MMPC member must be a member in good standing to take a rating. Club Ratings: Club ratings, D-1 through C-2, will be offered twice a year – usually one in the fall and one in the spring. MMPC may pay for the cost of the club rating. The MMPC member is responsible for the cost of any re-testing on any portion of a club rating. The MMPC member is responsible for the cost if a second rating is taken within one year. To encourage upper level USPC ratings (C-3 and higher), MMPC may pay up to $150 for each member to take one upper level rating per year. The MMPC member must be an active club member for one club year and must be a “member in good standing.” The MMPC member is responsible for the cost of any upper level rating retest. Club ratings and costs REVISED Club ratings, D1 through C2, will be offered twice a year – usually one in the fall and one in the spring. The club may pay for the cost of the club rating. The member is responsible for the cost of any re-testing on any portion of a club rating. The member is responsible for the cost if a second rating is taken within one year. To encourage upper level USPC ratings (C-3 and higher), MMPC may pay up to $150 for each member to take one upper level rating per year. The MMPC member is responsible for the cost of any upper level rating retest. Page 10 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Rating Requirements:  You must be a “member in good standing.”  A new member must be a club member for one month before consideration for club ratings.  You must be a D-3 for one year or more before taking the C-1 rating, with the following exceptions:  Current USPC Rater/Examiner recommends Pony Clubber to advance sooner.  Pony Clubber exceeds standard in 8 of 17 sections on the D-3 test.  Assessment and recommendation by both the MMPC regular clinician and the DC.  C-2 candidates must teach at unmounted meetings, with a confirmation letter from the DC to take the rating.  C-3 candidates must be 13 as of January 1st to take the rating.  C-3 candidates and up must compete at a mounted rally before taking their rating (either as a competitor or stable manager.)  Interviews are suggested prior to the rating to cover the following: 1. Reasons for taking the rating 2. Discuss planned preparation for rating 3. Review rating standards 4. Review attendance, rally participation, teaching, and dues 5. Discuss strengths and weaknesses  Members are responsible for the entire cost of rating prep clinics. Ratings requirements REVISED The following criteria must be met before the DC will approve a member for rating:  Member must be a member in “good standing” as follows Rating level Time with Club D1 – C2 1 month C3 and higher 1 year   Requirements for the given standards (record book, teaching, etc.) are documented as being met. DC has determined (via personal observation or input from club instructors) that rider and mount are ready to rate at the given standard. Page 11 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04) Comparison of Trish’s Suggested Changes to Bo’s Proposed Changes Misty Mountain Pony Club Club Policy Statements PREVIOUS Rallies: You must be a “member in good standing” to participate in rallies. The rally schedule will be announced as rally dates and information become available. MMPC members should sign up for rallies in which they are interested. The Rally Chair will confirm with members and their parents. MMPC Members are responsible for the cost of member rally participation. MMPC members should always strive to be a team player and exhibit outstanding behavior at rallies. Rallies and costs REVISED The rally schedule will be announced as rally dates and information become available. Members should sign up for rallies in which they are interested. The Rally Chair will confirm with members and their parents. Members are responsible for the cost of member rally participation. Selection of teams will be made using the following criteria: 1. Those who must attend a rally to qualify for a rating 2. Those who want to qualify for Nationals 3. Team selection must be well-balanced (i.e. experience levels) 4. Team requesting to stay together from a previous rally can do so if it doesn’t interfere with another team 5. Individuals who have not rallied before will be picked before those who have rallied 6. Behavior exhibited at a previous rally 7. Rally Chair will call other clubs to form a catch team to provide each member interested with the opportunity to go 8. A MMPC member sponsor who volunteered for a specific rally will organize the participant pre-rally meetings and activities. Rally team selection The following selection criteria will be considered to determine rally team members: 1. Member must be in “good standing”. 2. Member must attend a rally to qualify for a rating 3. Member wants to qualify for Nationals 4. Members who haven’t rallied before. 5. Behavior exhibited at a previous rally 6. Team is well-balanced with a variety of experience levels. Page 12 of 12 05d9dfc8-aee2-4327-8298-c2f38c89a95d.doc (Word 2000 file)Updated by Trish Camozzi-Ekberg, Joint DC (5/6/04)