Welcome to Supa

Time 2020-07-25 21:03:21

Web Name: Welcome to Supa

WebSite: http://www.supa.org.uk

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Following a meeting of the Board of Trustees of SUPA, the charity announced the further postponement of its National activities due to the uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus Covid 19 and concerns for our Member Institutions. This is an update from previous March and June Press Releases.SUPA is adhering to the Guidelines set by the HM Government [for its operations in England Wales and Ireland], while observing the recent July 9 guidance from the HPA, the polo governing body, our independent insurers. The Trustees are mindful of our Institutional Members and in their players interest for health and safety, social distancing, and open access to the sport. We are therefore directing players to the Government/HPA guidance and to contact their school or university if they are wanting to commence lessons or training of any form. As a public non-profit charity, the preservation of our sport and safety of members are paramount.SUPA/SAPA are associated members of the Hurlingham Polo Association and a supporter of the Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers which support the polo industry generally. This bulletin applies to SAPA as well.The Trustees will be reviewing its future fixtures and events as well as consulting in advance of further information fromwww.gov.uk, www.hpa-polo.co.uk which will be released as the situation evolves on its website,www.supa.org.uk. ##June 14, 2020 IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE Today and as an update from its March 15 Press Release, the Trustees of the Schools and Universities Polo Association, the charity, announced the further postponement of its National activities due to the uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus Covid 19.SUPA is adhering to the Guidelines set by the HM Government [for its operations in England Wales and Ireland], while observing the recent guidance from the HPA, the polo governing body, our independent insurers and are directed by our Institutional members in their players interest for health and safety and access to the sport.We are therefore directing players to the Government/HPA guidance and to contact their school or university if they are wanting to commence lessons or training of any form. As a public non-profit charity, the preservation of our sport and safety of members and are paramount . SUPA/SAPA are associated members of the Hurlingham Polo Association and a supporter of the Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers which support the polo industry generally.This bulletin applies to SAPA as well. The Trustees will be reviewing its future fixtures and events as well as consulting in advance of further information fromwww.gov.uk, www.hpa-polo.co.uk which will be released as the situation evolves on its website,www.supa.org.uk. ## April 8th 2020Please note that as of the 8th April we have sadly had to cancel the University Summer Nationals at Offchurch Bury Polo Club due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown. They were due to be held on the 5th, 6th and 7th June 2020. Unfortunately no event licences can be issued by Warwickshire County Council until 14 June at the earliest. We shall endeavour to reschedule this event as soon as circumstances allow.March 28th 2020Copy of HPA Frequently Asked Questions issued 26 03 2020. FOR GUIDANCEFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS as at 26 March 2020In order to help Clubs and members as much as possible during this very difficult time the HPA has set up a list of FAQs.As we all know, the situation is rapidly changing and we will update this list as frequently as required to reflect current Government advice or directives.The requirements of the Government up until 15 April (after Easter) are clearly set outlink to govt policy note·Except for very specific purposes, everyone is required to stay at home;·Only essential travel;·All non-essential shops are to close. Enclosed spaces in parks, including playgrounds,sports courts and pitches,and outdoor gyms or similar are to close. Individuals may exercise once a day;·Any sort of activity which involves more than a gathering of two people at clubs or anywhere else unless it consists of family members who are already residing together is precluded.What do the new measures mean forHPA members and polo?·No chukkas, lessons or stick ball at any affiliated HPA club until further notice.·Pony welfare allows essential exercise.·Stay at home to protect the NHS and to save lives.The update currently on the website still stands, in that there will be no tournament polo before 1stMay, but the new travel restrictions and stay at home policy has changed things dramatically for everyone. We all have an individual responsibility for our own actions and behavior during such an uncertain time, while the HPA has an additional duty to protect the fabric of the sport and the polo community, which stretches far beyond just clubs and players. The safeguarding of everyone in the sport and in the communities in which we all live is the most important consideration at this time. We also need to be in tune with the actions and guidance given by other sports and sensitive to the wider public perception of the sport and our actions at this time.When will the HPA give clearer guidance on the situation?The HPA has set up a COVID-19 Steering Group chaired by the Chief Executive. This will give updates as and when the situation becomes clearer but will also adjust and add to these FAQs. We also welcome queries. It is probably best if these are submitted in brief by email so that we can ring with a response. We also intend to reach out to every club (this process has already started) to offer support and guidance at this time.Should I bring my horses in and get them ready for the season?Many ponies are already in work in anticipation of the 2020 summer season, but this is a decision for each individual. Ponies take time to get fit from the field so to have them in and at least half fit on tick over might be an option, but must depend on the personal situation, facilities available to each individual and the extent to which you have a choice. The level and competitiveness of the polo that you plan to play may also be a factor. Once in, they will require greater care and regular exercise. It may be that you choose for now to bring into work a restricted number and then review the situation as it develops in the coming weeks. If you subsequently have to self-isolate you will have to make arrangements for someone else to exercise them.Are we allowed to hack out/exercise ponies under the current restrictions?There are restrictions relating to us taking exercise but exercising is essential for horses in work and can continue subject to government conditions.However, it should be limited to what is necessary for the welfare of the horse given the current situation of no chukkas or matches.My ponies are on full livery: am I allowed to go and ride/exercise them?Exercising is essential for horses in work and if the livery yard is unable to exercise them then you may have to do this. You should check with the livery yard that they are happy for you to do so and that they have adopted the hygiene guidance. All must keep 2m apart at all times, including when mounting, riding and dismounting.Can we stick and ball at a club or on a private ground?Stick and balling is part of exercising and can therefore take place if it involves no travel for the pony and is subject to the Government conditions. However, perceptions are important and the HPA requests that there is no stick and ball atclubsas the HPA assess this as non-essential.Can we play chukkas and practices?Chukkas and practicesare not possibleunder the current Government conditions.Can I still go to polo lessons at Polo schools or clubs?The HPA have postponed or cancelled all HPA training days for the foreseeable futureand polo clubs and schools must now do so until after Easter.Are we allowed to travel since the government requested “essential travel” only?There should now be no travel unless it is essential for the welfare of the ponies in work and travelling should be kept to the minimum necessary to maintain the health of the ponies until it becomes clearer as to when tournament polo is going to start. If the travel decree is abused the sport will suffer long term reputational damage.Can we still maintain of our grounds and facilities?In line with other sports, such as Tennis Racing, clubs are asked to reduce physical operations to a minimum in order to maintain the grounds and security of sites. All government guidelines must be followed by clubs.Will the season start on time?No. We have already announced there will be no tournament polo before May 1st. All of us are working hard to start the season as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so and this is a date that we will keep under regular review. Much will depend on the effect of the lock down and the spread of the virus. If the sport risks placing an unacceptable burden on the NHS, it must be likely that there will not be any properly competitive tournaments unless private health care is available.What can I do as an individual to help?The aim of theGovernment’s requests is to save livesbyslowing the spread of the virus.This is affecting the entire population and ignoring the requestsputs everyone, and the sport, at greater risk. Public perception is very important and doing the right thing, supporting the various measures over the next few weeks, will also increase the chances of a season going ahead. Doing too much now puts at greater risk playing later on.Preparation must be limited to the minimum amount necessary to ensure that the ponies are kept healthy and fit enough to be ready for the start of competitive polo as and when that date becomes more certain.We would like to hear from you if you have ideas on how we can support the efforts of those on the front line and/or affected by the pandemic.Can I still use social media?Remember that polo is too often a target for the press. We would encourage the users of social media to keep polo in the forefront of the minds of our members but before posting anything please always apply the test of‘is it good for polo’ and/or ‘could it be twisted to damage polo in any way’?In this respect images or posts of playing at this time are likely to be inappropriate and unhelpful. Images of previous happier times are safe if it is clearly stated that they are historic. You can send images to be shared on the HPA Instagram channel via whatsapp on 44 7310 105412.What practical steps should I take at a workplace such as a club/yard/polo school?·Horses still have to be looked after and exercised.·Checks and Records:oEach individual should sign a declaration to say they have been symptom free for 14 days and have not travelled to an infected zone or been in contact with anyone showing symptoms.oAn entry/ exit log of all individuals is recommended.oThere should be visual checks for Signs Symptoms (S S) of COVID-19. Non-contact thermometers should be used.·Hygiene Measures:oAll must maintain a 2 metre distance between persons at all times. This includes when riding or helping someone to mount or dismount.oThere should be obligatory clearly marked hand wash stations.oWear gloves and wash them frequently.oKeep your yard clothes separate from your home clothes and wash them all frequently.oKeep your tack and any shared equipment clean using an antiseptic sanitizer.What if someone is showing COVID-19 symptoms at my club/ yard?If an individual has S S that individual should self-isolate for 14 days. Other players and the HPA should be informed.For further information and advice please visit:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/Can I give COVID-19 to my horse and can a horse transmit the virus?There is no scientific evidence to suggest that horses can transmit or catch the virus. If you are sharing tack between individuals we would always advise the highest hygiene standards such as disinfecting reins and wearing gloves.I have a groom coming into the country, should they still come?It is up to the individual whether their groom(s) come to the UK but the HPA is planning that the season will continue in some form, subject to Government conditions.Can my club apply for Govt help?If your business is affected by COVID-19 then you should be able to apply for Govt help.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businessesThe following advise is taken from Horse Hound as of24Mar 2020 but is relevant to all equine industries and be of use, but as stated in the article the situation remains every fluid –https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/coronavirus-horse-riding-equestrian-businesses-grooms-riders-710146I’m a freelance groom, is this going to affect me and my income?It may well do — you must follow government health advice even though it is a worrying time when freelancers are not entitled to statutory sick pay. However, yards may need freelancers to help cover staff sickness and/or self-isolation periods, plus the government has announced some measures in a bid to ease financial pressures. These include making it easier to apply for Universal Credit.The situation is changing rapidly and the British Grooms Association has more advice hereI run a club/yard — what happens if my staff cannot work through sickness or self-isolation?The government has announced it will help businesses with fewer than 250 employees by funding two weeks of statutory sick pay. Make a contingency plan as to what to do if staff do need to have time off — the British Horse Society and Equestrian Employers Association have some helpful advicehereandhereWhat happens if a school is closed and my staff need to take time off to care for their children?All employees have a right to emergency time off during working hours where a dependant is concerned. The amount of time should be reasonable to the situation (usually days rather than longer term) and there is no statutory right to be paid for this — whether you are or not comes down to your employer.More information can be found hereIs there government help available for freelancers and businesses?Yes — the situation is changing all the time, but Boris Johnson and theChancellor have announced some measures to help those who will be impacted financially.The very latest information direct from the government for employers, employees and businesses can be found hereWhat should that plan involve and what practical things can I do now to prepare?The British Horse Society has some helpful advice for owners — one tip that all owners can do now is to write a care plan for each horse. This can include things like which rugs he wears, what he eats, any medication, where you keep your equipment and his normal routine. Other tips include ensuring you have sufficient supplies — without panic buying–and keeping in touch with your fellow liveries and yard owner through a WhatsApp group.For more advice, click hereWhat do I do if I notice a neglected pony/ ponies?Please report any welfare issues in the normal way, throughenquiries@hpa-polo.co.uk. In these difficult times we must all be patient and ensure that the HPA are given time to investigate. We fully understand that most pony owners are responsible but also due to no fault of their own, some owners may not be able to attend to their ponies as they would like because of self-isolation.If I fall off and break a leg, will I be a burden on the NHS?Yes, this is a risk, but on balance a small one. Accidents will happen in many different ways and A E will be separate to any treatment for the virus and thus will not directly affect the support in place to tackle those affected by the virus. Clubs are being encouraged to establish a private ambulance service so that the 999 ambulances do not have to be called.March 15, 2020 IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE Today the Trustees of the Schools and Universities Polo Association, the charity, announced the postponement of its National Junior Schools Championships to be held on March 22 at Shiplake, Berks due to the uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus Covid 19. . This annual tournament is one of eight national events which SUPA organises each year for students enrolled in Junior, Senior and Universities throughout the British Isles and Ireland in order to promote the sport and encourage access to the game.With over 900 playing members spanning the region, SUPA and its alumni affiliate, SAPA provide an accessible and affordable bridge to club polo.Managed by an entirely volunteer committee and partnered with polo clubs, the organisation has grown steadily since its inception in 1989 when 6 school masters schedule the first National Polo Tournament for school-aged novices.Today, those same schools and 50 others, 60 universities have enjoyed these annual events held in both winter indoor arenas and in the summer at major polo facilities.SUPA is an associated member of the Hurlingham Polo Association and the inspiration of the Association of Polo Schools and Pony Hirers which support the polo industry generally.The Trustees will be reviewing its summer fixture events and consulting in advance of further information which will be released as the situation evolves on its website, www.supaorg.uk.First off, don’t panic! The SUPA and SAPA Ltd experience is not changing but we are modifying ourwww.supa.org.uk website. This online platform will remain as it has always been: easy to use, read and understand. As part of the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) changes,both SUPA and SAPA wanted to contact their members to reassure you of our policies. Your privacy and the protection of your data is our top priority, so with this in mind, we wanted to remind you of the following points:The way we store your private data is completely protected and secured by White Cobalt, our webmasterNeither SUPA nor SAPA Ltd sell your data or provide your date to third partiesWe are committed to protecting your privacy and will inform you about any changes to the way we use, store and protect your personal dataThrough your SUPA or SAPA subscription, you will continue to receive the your current and any new benefits we are able to develop with our donorsYou don’t have to do anything. These changes will happen automatically as part of your subscription or usual contact with Section Managers, but should you have any queries, please feel free to contact us. If you wish to see the updated privacy policy, please contact us at membershipregistrar@supa.org.uk Most importantly, thank you for your continued support. Should you wish to delete your data merely activate the “unsubscribe “button.Kind Regards,The Trustees and Stewards of SUPA, a polo charity INSURANCE SEPTEMBER 2019We have recently changed our Public Liability Insurance Supplier. (All SUPA members who are paid up, are automatically covered by this policy)Please peruse our new insurance details below:Public Liability Policy Public LiabilityThird Party Property Damage or Bodily Injury where you are held legally liable.Must be held liable (sued) The policy provides 24 hour coverThis means that the member is covered if their horses escape from the field and cause an accident or are out hacking and are held liable for causing damage to a car by kicking it etc (not just whilst playing polo) Horses/Ponies do not have to be HPA registered and these Territorial Limits are worldwide for UK/ROI domiciled membersUK/ROI only for overseas members £10,000,000 per incident, £1,000 Excess in respect of Third Party Property Damage onlyIncludes Grooms IndemnityProvides cover if a groom is held liable for third party property damage or bodily injury arising out of their work for a member whilst at a competition organised by HPA, SUPA, SAPA in UKThis does not include Employers Liability so does not include injury to any GroomIncludes cover for Authorised usersAnyone riding/handling the horse with the members permission (not professional)Excluding Player to Player cover Excluding injury to horses Excludes business use This policy also covers SUPA/SAPA and their various committees for the organisation and running of events (including social events)Personal Accident (Please note that this only covers 'catastrophic' injuries) Personal Accident Does not cover temporary total disablement (eg injury such as broken arm etc)Only cover whilst taking part in SUPA organised/affiliated events including social events (unless resulting directly from the influence of alcohol)Cover also extends to include members whilst competing for SUPADoes not provide cover for HPA events. Cover is worldwide but does not replace a travel policy Schools and Universities Polo Association Type of Cover:Public LiabilityLimit:£10,000,000 per incidentExcess:£1,000 Third Party Property DamageOperative Time:Occurring during the Period of Insurance within the Territorial Limits in connection with the Member’s use and/or ownership and/or control of a Horse and direct participation by the Member in other horse related activities. Territorial Limits:WorldwideDefinition of Member:means: a) any member of the Schools and Universities Polo Association and/or any member of the Schools Alumni Polo Association:(i) normally domiciled in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or the Republic of Ireland.(ii) normally domiciled elsewhere in the World whilst temporarily visiting the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or Republic of Ireland who has paid their membership subscription to the association and is covered under this insurance contract.b) any person granted temporary day membership of the Schools and Universities Polo Association or the Schools Alumni Polo Association by virtue of entering as a participant in a Schools and Universities Polo Association or Schools Alumni Polo Association event. Authorised Users:Covers any person given permission by the Member to use the Member’s Polo Pony or a Polo Pony normally in the Members custody.Grooms Indemnity:Covers Public Liability incurred by any groom whilst working for the Member whilst at competitions in the United Kingdom organized under the auspices of or recognized by the Hurlingham Polo Association from the time of arrival at the site of the competition until time of departure therefrom. Provided always that the Groom observes, fulfil and are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the PolicyThe Excess under this extension shall be £500 for each Incident. Additional Policy Exclusions applicable to this extension:- (a) intentional slaughter except where we have agreed to the destruction or where a Veterinary Surgeon has certified that destruction is imperative for humane reasons provided that we shall have the right to a post mortem examination carried out by a Veterinary Surgeon. (b) injury, illness or disease caused by or arising from any malicious or wilful act of you or any Person Employed.(c) any additional costs other than veterinary bills or the increased cost of keeping an injured or sick animal for a period not exceeding 12 months providing that the cost of all veterinary bills and the increased cost of keeping the Polo Pony shall not exceed the Limit of Indemnity applicable to this extension. Relevant Exclusions:Player to PlayerFor any claim made by one player against another player for injury or damage sustained whilst both parties are playing, practicing or training for polo.Injury or Damage to HorsesFor any claim arising out of injury to any Horse whilst playing, practicing or training for poloInstructiondirectly or indirectly caused by, arising from or in connection with providing instruction or services to do with Horses by way of gain.Professional/Commercial ActivitiesFor Injury or Damage arising out of, or incidental to, any profession, occupation or business of the Member. This Exclusion is deemed not to apply in respect of Grooms working for the Member.Hire or RewardFor Injury or damage directly or indirectly caused by, or contributed to, or arising from the use of a Horse for hire or reward.2019 / 20 SEASONSUPA was established in 1991 to promote and develop polo within Schools and Universities around the UK; England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Acting as a central point of reference for advice, guidance and encouragement. SUPA is a registered charity (No 1150236) and organises tournaments, representative teams for both domestic and international events and seeks to distribute financial support as far as possible.Insurance NewsWe have recently changed our Public Liability Insurer. All SUPA (and SAPA) paid up members are automatically covered. To see our new insurance details please visit the terms and conditions page on this website.Health and Safety Bulletin:2019/20 Helmet RegulationsAll Member Institutions must insure that the latest HPA Regulation below will be strictly monitored from January 2018 and is clearly in the best interest of your players. Any questions, please contact chairman@supa.org.uk Please insure that these safety standard are applied at training sessions and all SUPA Sanctioned Events. All Official Tournaments will be enforcing this standard. From 01 January 2018, helmets must be type approved to the standard PAS015:2011 with CE mark (type approval must be performed by a UK headquartered Noted Body for Personal Protective Equipment), SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015.Casablanca will be introducing a new helmet called the “NEU” which meets PAS015:2011 with a target launch date of 1st November. La Martina are also bringing out a new helmet (no name released) and testing procedures are to be conducted at the end of September. Falcon have decided not to certify their helmet.***PLEASE NOTE :Instinct Helmets, which recently moved to manufacturing for their latest helmets to India. Any Instinct MK2 helmets that say ‘Made in India’ are not currently type approved, and as such do not meet the British Kitemarking and standards required, this said, the MK1 Instinct helmets made in the U.K. are fine and meet the correct standards. Further updated information from the HPA is available here: https://hpa-polo.co.uk/download/2019-Helmet-Rules-for-HPA-website.pdfPlease note, there is a new standard, BSEN1384:2017 which has just been published. Our policy is to follow the BHA helmet standards.Click Here to View BHA Helmet RegulationsList of approved helmets 29.08.17 Horse HireSUPA endorses exclusively Pony Suppliers who are members of the APSPH [ see www.apsph-polo.org.uk ], SUPA only recommends the use of HPA Certified Polo Instructors, Coaches and their various HPA affiliations or associations. SUPA does encourage its members to utilise the HPA website when selecting a polo club or polo instructor (seewww.hpa-polo.com) before engaging or enrolling in polo courses, instruction or lessons of any kind. SUPA and its Institutional Members cannot be held responsible for your selection of ponies or vendors or the consequences related thereto. We strongly recommend you be diligent in the selection of horse hire vendors as this decision is your sole responsibility. We do however reserve the right to refuse the use of a horse which we believe to be a danger or not in the interest of the tournament or jeopardising the welfare of the pony or riders involved in the tournament.All consequences and conditions relating to Pony Hireare the responsibilitybetween the contracting hirer, institution, parentand/or player.Bulletin I: The 2017 annual Tri-Nations tournament was hosted by SUPA Ireland, played at Polo Wicklow and feature SUPA-Scotland, SUPA-England and SUPA-Ireland. In 2018, Dr. Tom Branigan of RCSI is again Tournament Organiser andwill beassisted by James Kennedy, SUPA Trustee and Steward. In 2017 SUPA - England ran out winners in what is always awonderful competition. St Patrick's Day high jinx will kick-off in Dublin with the tournament on March. Nigel Mercer willofficiate at the 2018 event and may becontacted for further details, universities@supa.org.uk Bulletin II: The 2020International Test Series with the USA Intercollegiate All-Stars facing off against the SUPA Universities at Rugby in February.​Thanks again to RJ Polo the Official Sponsor for SUPA throughout 2017 and again in 2018. RJ will also support ofthe annual International Test Series with the SUPA British Universities playing the USA Intercollegiate All-Stars, which alternates annually between the 2 countries. The 2021 eventwill be held in either California, Florida or Arizona to follow the sun! The date in January to be posted late 2020. Come along and support SUPA.For more details contact:chairman@supa.org.uk

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