Code of Conduct and Ethics

We at Westcroft Park Polo Clun are here to provide a service for horses and clients alike, and while working for Minninnooka we expect all our employees to conduct themselves to a high standard and endeavor to produce care and service to the best of their abilities.

Performance: That you will strive to be successful in all your endeavor's and deliver 

high standards in every session, lesson, class or workshop.

Partnership: No coach, instructor, teacher or trainer 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, driver, vaulters or horse or pony.

Confidentiality: Recognising that we are involved in a working relationship with clients and the information we gather about them and their sport or horses is subject to the 

Data Protection Act. There needs to be an agreement with riders/clients/guardians about collection, storage and usage of this information.

CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

Horses

Horses are our most important teammates in polo, but they cannot speak up for themselves. It is important that we don't put our wants above their needs. Without them, we cannot play, so we must look after them carefully and with kindness. Think of how to treat your horse kindly, both on the ground and while riding. Understand when you are asking a horse to do something kindly, and when you are asking it to do something in a way that would cause pain: this is not acceptable and not a trait of a good player.

Encouraging Spirit

Polo is a team sport and we play to have fun. Speak kindly and constructively to each other, because the best players understand that they must co-operate with others to play well. Each player on the field is trying their best and wants to improve, so we speak to encourage others. Whether others are better or worse than you, we are all teammates and want everyone to improve, so use words positively and not negatively.

Good Sportsmanship Always

Every player will win, and every player will lose. It is important to do both with grace. Good players understand that the game sometimes does not go their way, and use it as motivation to improve. Good players also understand that when they win, it is not a time to gloat or brag. You are expected to shake every player's hand after each game as a sign of good sportsmanship and gratitude - without the opposing team you could not play, so you must always thank them for their time and stiff opposition.

Respect Rules & Officials

The umpire and coaches have the final say while playing, and expect to be listened to. Good players do not talk back or ignore instructions, and use fouls as an opportunity to learn. 

Understanding the rules of polo and keeping control of your emotions during play is an important part of improving. 

There are many people involved in allowing you to play polo: the grooms who look after the 

horses, the coaches who teach you, the umpires who ensure you play safely, your parents who 

drive you and watch you, the managers and officials who organise the opportunities for you to 

play, the grounds staff who prepare and maintain the fields. It is important to remember to speak 

with respect and gratitude to all the staff involved, because without them, you could not play. 

Good players recognise that polo takes a lot of people's effort to make happen, and appreciate 

the hard work and skill of all involved. You are expected to thank the groom's each time they 

bring you or collect your pony, and thank the umpire after play.