Update on coaching transition, Trainee Coach supervision and guest specialists
Pony Club Victoria has confirmed the transition arrangements for coaches who do not yet hold a PCA qualification. It has also confirmed supervision requirements for Trainee Coaches and registration requirements for guest specialists.
The information below sets out the key dates, what coaches and clubs need to do, and the support available during the transition.
Thank you to everyone who has raised questions or given feedback in recent months. Your feedback helped us see where more clarification was needed.
Transition period for unqualified coaches ends 1 January 2027
Coaches who currently instruct without a PCA qualification have until 1 January 2027 to move into an approved coaching category.
By that date, affected coaches must have either:
- applied for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or
- enrolled in a PCA accredited coaching course ($30) and registered as a Trainee Coach in JustGo ($50).
Already hold a recognised coaching qualification or accreditation? RPL may give you a pathway to a PCA qualification. Email [email protected] to discuss your options.
No formal qualification or accreditation? You can also contact [email protected] to talk about whether your experience may be suitable for RPL.
Costs to note
- The $30 PCA course fee is separate from the $50 annual PCV Coach Membership Fee. Where both apply, coaches should allow for both.
- Assessment weekends are currently free. A fee will apply from 1 January 2027, so coaches who want to complete their practical assessment at no cost should do so before then.
Club requirement: During the transition period, clubs must keep a record each time an unqualified coach instructs at a rally.
Support available to coaches
You don’t need to work through the transition on your own. Support currently available includes:
- help with RPL applications, including guidance on the evidence required and whether RPL suits your situation
- a mentor and assessor register, organised by zone and accreditation level, to help you find local support (being finalised now)
- a step-by-step JustGo registration guide (to be published shortly)
- access to the coaching team for questions about registration and the transition process.
For help, email [email protected].
Trainee Coach supervision: one-to-one
A qualified coach may supervise one Trainee Coach at a time.
If a qualified coach supervises more than one Trainee Coach at the same time, this does not meet PCV’s supervision requirements and is not covered under the PCA Insurance Program.
Clubs should check their coaching rosters to make sure this requirement is met.
Approval required for trainee-led theory and unmounted sessions
A Trainee Coach may deliver a theory session or an unmounted activity involving a horse, such as bandaging, conformation or gear checks. A qualified coach must review and approve the lesson plan first.
The qualified coach does not need to attend the session, but the lesson plan must be approved in advance. Sessions delivered without prior approval are not covered under the PCA Insurance Program.
Guest specialists must register as a Third-Party Provider
Some guest specialists are not already registered PCV/PCA members in JustGo. This includes farriers, saddle fitters, equine dentists, professional coaches and photographers. They must register as a Third-Party Provider before attending a PCV activity, whether they are paid or volunteering.
Register using the Third-Party Provider form.
By-Law 40 is being updated
The By-Law covering qualified coach requirements, including the small-club exemption, is being replaced.
Clubs will receive the amended By-Laws once they are finalised. Until then, the requirements above apply.
What’s coming next
- Updated policies: The Lapsed Coach Policy and supervision definitions on the Coach Resources page are being updated to their approved versions.
- JustGo coach registration guide: A step-by-step guide covering entity selection, category choice and how to confirm your registration is complete will be published shortly.
PCV will keep publishing operative rule changes on the website before they take effect. Each change will show a clear effective date, and the relevant By-Laws will be updated to match.
We know some of these changes mean clubs and coaches will need to adjust how they do things. Thank you for working through the transition with us.
For help with registration, RPL or how these requirements apply to you, contact [email protected].
This information is also attached as a document.
Regards,
Pony Club Victoria
