The BEF has been awarded the licence to accredit Clubmark clubs in the Equestrian Industry. The British Horse Society has been instrumental in leading on a pilot of this scheme, supporting a number of their approved centres to progress towards gaining the accreditation. In the long term the BEF plans to utilise the BHS model to support many of its Member Bodies to allow a variety of clubs to gain the mark. The British Horseball Association has also been one of the first successfully to accredit a club British Equestrian Vaulting, the Riding for the Disabled Association and Pony Club are all currently considering the scheme with a view to running pilots.
Why choose a Clubmark accredited club?
Clubmark, introduced in 2002, is the Sport England mark of high quality clubs, reassuring both parents and participants that the club is a high quality, welcoming environment for young people.
The mark is awarded to clubs that can satisfy minimum operating requirements in the four areas of
- The playing programme
- Duty of care and child protection
- Sports equity and ethics
- Club management
The mark is an accreditation scheme covering a variety of different sports and is specifically designed for clubs with junior sections. The scheme is designed to ensure the well being of young people whilst participating in sport, enable them to use their leisure time creatively and optimise their talents and personal ability.
What are the benefits of Clubmark accreditation for my club?
Accredited clubs will gain assistance in many areas from structure to direction. Through the attraction of a strong youth membership clubs will be able to develop; membership should increase; clubs will receive assistance in developing coaches and volunteers and will develop an increased profile via a listing on the Clubmark national database.
In the long term, accredited clubs should find that they have a distinct advantage when they come to work with local authorities and other government agencies.
More detailed information about Clubmark and the benefits of accreditation to both clubs and participants can be found on the Clubmark website.
Sainsburys Active Kids gives Clubmark accredited clubs the chance to take part in and benefit from the Active Clubs scheme. Read more here (pdf flyer)
How can I get my club accredited?
Please contact Ellie Vajcovec at The British Horse Society for a Clubmark information pack and application form. For more information see here
e.vajcovec@bhs.org.uk / 02476 840481 or via the British Horse Society, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ
How can I find an accredited club?
The scheme was only rolled out to include equestrian clubs in May 2008 but we will be adding accredited clubs all of the time. In the future the BEF hopes that a wide variety of equestrian clubs will be able to gain accreditation. For more information on the benefits to you as a rider see here
You can view a current list of accredited clubs here.
Download our leaflet on the benefits of Clubmark accreditation for parents and young children and Clubs here (pdf)
