NEWS > Members
Posted by Corinne Wilson on 25/03/2020.

COACHES, OFFICIALS & CLUBS UPDATE

Equestrian Victoria’s (EV) priority is the safety of our members and our community. 

Our membership has raised several questions about the conduct of equestrian activities, including coaching, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Equestrian Victoria is committed to providing guidance and advice for all members and as a result, we have taken the following actions with regards to the conduct of equestrian activities:

  1. Equestrian Victoria has formally requested that the Equestrian Australia Board approve an amnesty to all officials and coaches regarding required activities to maintain their accreditation for the remainder of the year (to 31 December 2020) – we will be in touch ASAP to confirm the outcome of this request.
  2. We have confirmed the insurance implications for all our members including coaches, officials and clubs with our insurers, Gow-Gates, during what is an unprecedented time. 

Gow-Gates has reaffirmed its advice that all parties covered by Equestrian Australia insurance must act in accordance with the governing body and governmental guidelines and must demonstrate “reasonable care” to prevent bodily injury including sickness to third parties.

As a result, while equestrian activities in Victoria, INCLUDING coaching activities, can FOR THE TIME BEING CONTINUE, all activities must be conducted in line with the up to date advice and conditions imposed by government authorities.

The Stage 1 and 2 shutdown regulations expressly includes the CLOSURE OF INDOOR SPORTING VENUES. Indoor sporting venues are defined as: an area, room or premises that is or are substantially enclosed by a roof and walls, regardless of whether the roof or walls or any part of them are permanent, temporary, open or closed. Equestrian Victoria assesses this as including covered arenas.

Equestrian coaching may continue outdoors. However, if equestrian activities do continue, providers need to ensure they are able to demonstrate reasonable care. Insurers are not able to advise specifically on compliance with the government directives on Covid-19. At the end of the day, if activities are proceeding, the insured party (club, coach etc.) themselves have the obligation to firstly ensure they comply with the relevant government directives and secondly to demonstrate that they are taking Reasonable Care to prevent bodily injury and sickness in line with the policy conditions. 

Please note: the current situation is changing rapidly, and we have been advised that and we should be prepared for further shutdowns and restrictions to be implemented over the coming weeks. 

In the meantime, all Equestrian Victoria Members, Coaches and Affiliates must abide by the rules of EA and Equestrian Victoria as well as adhere to the direction of the relevant Government advice and regulation. 

If continuing with Equestrian activities, in order to ensure ongoing coverage under the insurance program, all members, coaches and affiliates must adhere to this advice and demonstrate reasonable care.

The Board and Management of Equestrian Victoria will continue to work with our members, clubs and affiliate bodies on measures to assist them during this challenging period and we will provide ongoing updates as new information becomes available.

Further Government resources can be found on the CORONAVIRUS SECTION of the Victorian Government website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

If members have questions related to insurance or equestrian activities please email: [email protected]

MATTHEW BROWN
Chief Executive Officer - Equestrian Victoria

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