Minimum Requirements for Starting an Equestrian Club/Team through RIFNA

You must have:

1. A certified school employee who agrees to be the team sponsor

2. The school principal must approve the formation of the team.

3. Each team member must complete the Athletic Form used by the school for all athletes.  This form includes basic student information including parent permission, medical insurance information and a physician's signature indicating sufficient health for a student to participate in the activity.  The original athletic form is kept on file at the school and copies are provided to the team's school sponsor and the team's horse farm sponsor.  Copies of the Athletic Form must be available at each equestrian event.

5. The school team sponsor must monitor each equestrian team member to insure that each member is following the school/county guidelines/rules for active participation.  These rules are usually found in the student handbook and also with the school's athletic director.  For example, members must follow a code of ethics, attendance, and minimum grade point average in order to participate in various school events.

6. If the school has guidelines/rules for school clubs, the equestrian club must follow these guidelines/rules also. These guidelines usually include items such as:

·        Meetings held at regular intervals

·        Attendance and minutes taken at each meeting

·        Minutes to be typed and kept by the secretary

·        Club minutes provided to the principal

·        A projected budget 

·        Officers elected by club members

·        Schedule of events provided to the school's athletic director

7. The team sponsor needs to be supportive of the equestrian team members, assist with the organization of the team, and monitor the team to insure smooth and appropriate team activities.  The school equestrian team sponsor is a liaison to establish a connection between the school and the hosting horse farm.  While equestrian experience is preferred, it is not necessary in order to be a school sponsor.  The hosting horse farm provides education regarding safety, riding, event scheduling, etc.  The school sponsor provides a communication avenue that supports the accomplishments of the members by having those accomplishments formally recognized by the school. The school sponsor is more of a manager who helps to insure that each member benefits in a positive educational manner, and that the team operates in a manner consistent with school guidelines. 

8.  The school sponsor can easily recruit members to form a team by announcing a brief meeting after school through posters, school websites, and PA announcements. This meeting should attract all students with an interest in equestrian sports. Parents should be provided with complete information regarding club membership. The RIFNA horse farm will answer most questions.