The National Integrity Framework
Pony Club Victoria operates under the Pony Club Australia National Integrity Framework (NIF) — a national set of policies and processes designed to make equestrian sport fairer, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone. The Framework is managed in partnership with Sport Integrity Australia.
Member Protection Policy
Sets out clear expectations for behaviour and defines what is considered Prohibited Conduct. Every member, coach, official, parent, and supporter is expected to understand and uphold this policy.
Child Safeguarding Policy
PCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of child abuse or neglect. All Pony Club members are educated on their responsibility to protect and support children and vulnerable individuals.
How to make a complaint or report
If you believe someone has breached an eligible policy, rule, or regulation — or if you witness any misconduct — you can report it or make a formal complaint. All reports are taken seriously.
Talk to your MPIO first
Your club’s Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) is trained to provide confidential information and guidance on complaints procedures. They are a safe first point of contact and can help you understand your options without committing to any formal process.
Lodge a report or formal complaint
Use the PCA complaints form to direct your concern to the appropriate organisation. A report may not always result in formal action but can be actioned if necessary. A formal complaint will trigger formal action from PCA or Sport Integrity Australia.
Call the PCA Integrity Hotline
If you need help, support, or guidance and are not sure where to start, you can call the PCA Integrity Hotline: 0424 067 045. If you see something, say something.
Who manages which complaints?
Pony Club Australia manages:
- Alleged breaches of PCA policies, rules, and regulations
- Conduct at club, zone, and state level events
- Member protection disputes between participants
Sport Integrity Australia manages:
- Child safeguarding policy breaches
- Discrimination in sport
- Anti-doping violations
Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs)
Every club should have a trained MPIO — the first point of contact for anyone with a member protection concern. MPIOs are impartial: they provide information and guidance, but do not mediate or investigate complaints themselves.
What an MPIO does
- Provides confidential information about the complaints process
- Explains what constitutes inappropriate behaviour under PCA policy
- Helps members understand their options before any formal steps
- Acts as a safe, impartial point of contact at club level
Becoming an MPIO
MPIO training consists of two parts: an online course (Part 1, via Sport Integrity Australia’s eLearning platform) and a face-to-face or virtual session (Part 2, delivered through VicSport). Both parts must be completed.
Does your club have an MPIO? Contact PCV at [email protected] if you need help identifying your club’s MPIO or arranging MPIO training for a committee member.
Working with Children Checks
A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) registered on JustGo is required for specific roles within Pony Club Victoria, including:
Board and committee members
Coaches and instructors
Team managers
All other volunteers working with children are strongly encouraged to obtain a WWCC. In Victoria, WWCCs are free for volunteers. Once obtained, upload your WWCC to your JustGo profile so it can be verified by your club.
Questions about integrity or safe sport?
Contact PCV’s Executive Officer for confidential guidance, or use the PCA Integrity Hotline for immediate support.
Meaghan Densley, Executive Officer
[email protected] · 03 8685 8925