Version: 13 December 2023
Applicability
The Utrecht Student Equestrian Association Hippeia wants to create a safe and positive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and accepted. That means every member can be involved in their own way. To help with this, the association has created a code of conduct.
This code of conduct, written by Board “Voorwaarts” together with the members of U.S.R. Hippeia, confirms the values and standards we all agree to follow. By doing so, we increase awareness and encourage everyone to act respectfully. Members can speak up when someone’s behavior does not follow this code.
1. The Members
1.1. A member is honest and says something if asked to do something that goes against their personal values or beliefs. You can talk to the board, the confidential contact person at Hippeia, HU/UU, the Sports Council, or the NOCNSF Confidential Point for Sports.
1.2. A member shows respect to others and uses respectful language. They make sure others feel free and safe.
1.3. A member respects agreements, is on time, cancels lessons in advance, listens to instructions, and follows the rules from the stable and the board.
1.4. A member treats the environment, materials, animals, and other people’s property with care—especially when representing Hippeia at events.
1.5. A member does not touch others in an inappropriate way or without their consent.
1.6. A member does not bully others and avoids making discriminatory, hurtful, or intimidating remarks or actions based on religion, beliefs, politics, race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, age, or other characteristics. Everyone should feel included.
1.7. A member completes their assigned association tasks, like mucking out stables.
1.8. A member reports violations of this code to the board or a confidential contact person of Hippeia, HU/UU, the Sports Council, or NOCNSF.
Note: Confidential contact persons may not share private information unless a member’s safety is at serious risk.
1.9. A member does not give alcohol to underage members.
1.10. An underage member does not drink alcohol at the association or during activities.
1.11. A member does not use drugs at the association or during activities, except for legal substances.
1.12. A member does not misuse alcohol or drugs.
2. The Confidential Contact Person
2.1. The confidential contact person at Hippeia listens, advises, and supports members who need help or want to report something.
2.2. They handle all reports privately and take action based on the official rules for confidential contact persons.
3. The Board
3.1. The board helps create a safe environment and makes sure all members feel safe, following the code of conduct, the internal regulations, and the statutes.
3.2. The board knows the rules and follows them—and makes sure members understand them too.
3.3. The board takes reports of inappropriate behavior seriously and has a clear reporting procedure.
3.4. The board does not misuse power and avoids all forms of abuse—emotional, physical, or sexual.
3.5. The board creates a safe way for members to report inappropriate behavior, where they can share their story in private.
4. Sanctions
4.1. The board can give penalties if this code of conduct is broken. Penalties can range from a warning to ending someone’s membership. If a law is broken, the police will always be informed.
4.2. The board decides what kind of penalty is needed and can get advice from the confidential contact person, the advisory council, or external experts like lawyers or the Sports Council.
5. Final Clauses
5.1. The board makes sure everyone follows the code of conduct and acts if someone breaks it.
5.2. The board ensures this code is known to all and easy to find on the Hippeia website.
5.3. New board members will be made aware of this code when they start.
5.4. New members will receive this code along with other important documents when joining.
5.5. This code of conduct became active on 13 December 2023.