Good coaching practices to reduce risk
- plan all coaching/instructional sessions
- follow child protection guidelines
- ensure participants warm up prior to activity
- don’t mismatch participants (consider size/experience, not age)
- clearly establish the rules for behaviour and activities
- ensure the safety of riding areas, facilities and equipment
- require participants to use protective devices
- adapt activities for environmental conditions (for example, hot, humid, or cold, wet conditions)
- cater for individual needs
Tips for ensuring the safety of riding areas
Ensure that:
- the riding area is firm and free from obstructions (for example, holes)
- permanent fixtures are highly visible and where appropriate fenced off
- perimeter fences are in good order around the riding area
- spectators are kept well away from the riding area, in an appropriate horse free zone
Tips for ensuring the safety of protective equipment
Check that protective equipment:
- is worn by participants during training and competition
- fits the participant correctly
- is regularly checked and maintained
- is specific and appropriate for the sport, size and age of the participant
- is being used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and the recommendations of the governing sporting body
Tips for ensuring the safety of environmental conditions
In hot or humid conditions:
- Encourage participants to wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing made from a natural fibre (for example, cotton).
- Avoid intense activity in hot or humid conditions and monitor participants carefully for signs of heat illness.
- Help participants avoid sunburn by encouraging them to slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.
- Encourage participants to drink plenty of fluid before the activity begins and schedule regular drink breaks during the activity
In cold and/or wet conditions:
- Encourage participants to wear clothing appropriate for cold conditions (for example, dress in layers to trap heat and wear gloves to reduce heat loss).
- Avoid participants standing exposed to the cold for long periods.
- Encourage participants to change wet clothing as soon as practicable.
- Alternative venues (for example, indoors) should also be considered, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants.
- Long breaks will cause the body to cool down, so participants should be encouraged to wear warm clothing. Instructors should plan training sessions to avoid long breaks. Another warm-up period may be needed if long rest periods cannot be avoided