Membership Update and a Return to Equestrian Sport

18 JUNE 2020

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORT?

On Sunday 14 June, the Premier announced the further gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions throughout Victoria.

Effective from 22 June 2020:

Indoor arenas can open. Note: no more than 20 participants are allowed per separate space, subject to the four square metre rule, with up to 10 people per group or class. There are no limits on the number of people per group or class if all participants are 18 years old or younger.

For adults, indoor and outdoor equestrian activities are allowed if participants can keep 1.5 metres between them and there are no more than 20 people participating, or no more than 10 participants in a class.

Organised equestrian competitions are allowed for all age groups if participants can keep 1.5 metres between them and there are no more than 20 participants in the competition.

Spectators for equestrian training and competitions must abide by gathering restrictions – spectators should be in groups of no more than 20 and spread out around the venue.

Communal facilities, such as change rooms, can now open for indoor and outdoor equestrian venues.

Subject to government restrictions, it is intended that from 20 July adults can resume full equestrian competition*.

* We note that the easing of restrictions are subject to government guidelines so it is important that we maintain social distancing and good hygiene!

I am sure you will agree this announcement is welcome news as we prepare for a new season and a return to competition, and we will continue to keep you updated.

2020/2021 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

As we begin to implement our ‘return to sport’ plan, like many sports, we have been faced with decisions around how we continue to comply and adapt to the changes in restrictions as well as how we best support our community to get back to training and competition as soon as possible.

Our focus has been, and remains, on ensuring a strong future for our sport. The impact that COVID-19 has had on our community has certainly been considered in our decision making, but it has not been our only challenge.

The news that Equestrian Australia was placed into Voluntary Administration has created some uncertainty, however, we are pleased to confirm that the states, working together with the Voluntary Administrators, are in the process of finalising insurance for the coming 2020/21 year and as a result the Equestrian Victoria Board has confirmed the membership fees for the 2020/21 year will remain unchanged from 2019/20.

While membership fees remaining unchanged is positive, we also recognise that a segment of our members may also be experiencing some financial stress. As a result, the Equestrian Victoria Board has introduced a new category – Recreational Membership.

RECREATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Recreational Membership ensures that as a new or renewing member, you are fully insured 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through to 30 June 2021. It also allows members to secure membership now ahead of a return to competition, with the opportunity to upgrade (to participant or competitor), without penalty at a later date, having already paid a portion of membership fees.

Note: In order to participate in EV discipline squads, clinics or competitions you will still have to have at minimum a 'Participant' Membership.

We hope the introduction of a Recreational Membership goes some way to alleviating the financial burden associated with membership renewal, by providing peace of mind that you are covered and able to enjoy the associated benefits of Equestrian Victoria membership.

Membership renewals will open on Tuesday 23 June 2020 at midday and further information about Membership options, including the cost of Recreational Membership will be published on Monday.

We thank you in advance for your patience throughout this time and rest assured, we are here to support you in your equestrian journey

MATTHEW BROWN
CEO - Equestrian Victoria
"Live Your Equestrian Dream"