Membership

Code of Conduct

Rules and Regulations

The Queensland Working Cow Horse Club (QWCHC) establishes the following code of conduct for all members,

competitors, and participants. Horse welfare is our paramount concern. All competitors and participants must

ensure the welfare of their horses, treating them humanely and with dignity, respect, and compassion at all

times.

Professional conduct is essential at all QWCHC events. Competitors and participants must maintain professional

behaviour, demonstrating integrity in all dealings with sponsors, officials, and fellow competitors. All members

must uphold QWCHC rules and regulations while demonstrating good sportsmanship and treating others with

the respect they deserve.

Regarding horse health and safety, participants must submit horse health declarations to the QWCHC

committee or email them to the secretary no more than one day before any event. Any signs of sickness in

horses within two weeks of competing must be reported to the QWCHC committee immediately.

When at Kilcoy Racecourse, all competitors, participants, and spectators must strictly adhere to venue rules.

This includes respecting the designated exclusion zone near the race track, with no access permitted to the

track itself at any time. Dogs must remain leashed and under control, kept away from competition areas.

Before departing, all participants must ensure manure and hay are properly spread across the grounds.

For any grievances, our complaints procedure requires written submissions signed by the complainant on each

page, or a formal letter from a judge. The committee will notify the subject of any complaint in writing and

provide an opportunity to respond before reaching a resolution. Disciplinary actions may include a warning

letter, three-day club suspensions, membership cancellation with no refund of fees paid, or combinations

thereof.

Dress Code and Equipment Standards

Proper competing attire is mandatory and includes a western style hat (no caps) or safety helmet, boots, a

collared (not frilled) full or half buttoned long sleeve western shirt, and long trousers or jeans. Junior division

competitors must wear approved helmets at all times. All competitors must maintain a neat and presentable

appearance throughout the event, including presentations. The club reserves the right to withhold winnings if

participants fail to meet dress code requirements during presentations.

Equipment regulations prohibit head checks, rings, or tie downs in the arena. All reins must be of the split type.

Social Media Guidelines

Our social media policy applies to all members, who bear personal responsibility for their online content. This

covers public domain communication platforms including Facebook and email. Members must refrain from

posting racist or vilifying comments, bad language, insulting remarks, religious connotations, personal attacks,

slander, or any content that could harm the reputation of judges, competitors, committee members,

volunteers, officials, or administrators.

QWCHC upholds member rights to fair, open, and non-discriminatory treatment, including opportunities to

respond to accusations. We respect personal dignity, privacy, and rights, protecting all members from

discrimination and harassment. Breaches of social media conduct may result in formal warnings, three-day club

suspensions, membership cancellation, or combinations of these penalties.

The QWCHC expects all members to conduct themselves honestly and ethically, treating fellow members fairly and with respect at all times.

Declaration

I understand that if I am accepted as a member:

• I am obliged to abide by the QWCHC, regulations, by-laws and Codes of Conduct.
• I also understand that by becoming a member of QWCHC, I may be the subject of disciplinary action should I fail to abide by this.
• In the case of an emergency, I may be transported for medical assistance.
• In the case of an emergency, veterinary help may be obtained for my horse/pony at my expense.
• I am aware that the club has public liability insurance cover with a sum insured of $20,000,000.00 (any one occurrence).
• The responsible person nominated by the club, may use the information contained within this form to enter information into a computerised membership system on my behalf.
• My information contained within this form may be provided to QWCHC Sponsors.
• I understand and agree that images of club activity, that may include me or my family/children, may be used by the club for publicity purposes including but not limited to being posted publicly on social media platforms such as Facebook or websites.
• I understand that I may be requested to become involved and participate in certain aspects of the club affairs i.e. setting up and packing down of equipment etc.

Liability, Waiver, Release and Indemnity Form

WARNING: The following pages affect your legal rights and obligations.  Please read these carefully and only sign if you fully understand their contents.  For Participants under 18 years of age, these documents must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. If you do not understand any part of this document, consult a lawyer (at your own cost) before signing.

The Queensland Working Cow Horse Club Inc., and their respective Representatives and Volunteers. In consideration of QWCHC accepting my membership and/or allowing me to participate in club events or activities, including riding:

1. I (including my family, if applying for family membership) have read this document and fully understand it and agree to abide by the rules, regulations and Codes of Conduct referred to above.
2. I have permission to accept this waiver on behalf of all persons for whom this membership is for.
3. I understand and acknowledge that horse riding is a dangerous activity & may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death.
4. By participating, I accept all risks necessarily following from my participation which could result in loss of life, temporary or permanent injury, or economic loss, including loss or damage relating to my equipment and the death or injury of my animal.
5. I consent to receiving any medical treatment or injury assistance if required, including veterinary treatment for my animal.
6. I understand that any insurance cover for participants may not cover me for any, or all, injury, loss or damage sustained by me or loss of income.
7. I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct as listed in this document.
8. I indemnify and will keep indemnified QWCHC, and all others referred to above.
9. I declare that I am medically and physically fit and able to participate in the Activities. I acknowledge that I must, and agree that I will, disclose any pre-existing medical or other condition, injury or concern that may affect the risk that either I or any other person will suffer injury, loss or damage during the course of the Activities and notify the Provider of any injuries, illness or concerns that may arise during the Activity.  I will not engage in any reckless, negligent or foolish behaviour or any other behaviour that is likely to cause injury to me, any other participant or person.

Exclusion of liability

I agree to and unconditionally release, waive, discharge and forever hold harmless, the Provider or any of its employees, agents, directors or officers, from any claims as a result of any personal injury sustained, whether caused by the Provider’s negligent act or wilful act or omission, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty, error, or otherwise in connection with or arising out of the Activities.

 

I agree that QWCHC will not be liable for any claims for personal injury that may be brought against it as a result of or in connection with any act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of the Provider, and agree to indemnify and keep indemnified the Provider in respect of any such claims.

Agreement to exclude, restrict or modify your rights:

I agree that the liability of QWCHC for any personal injury that may result from the supply of the recreational services that may be suffered by me (or a person for whom or on whose behalf I am acquiring the services) is excluded.

I have read carefully and understand this risk warning and waiver of liability and sign it feely and voluntarily without inducement of any kind and confirm that I have not made any modifications to the information contained within this form.

Bank Deposit Details

Name: QWCHC

BSB: 014 740

Account: 497 268 458