Code of Conduct

Wheatland Roping Club Code Of Conduct

The Wheatland Roping Club (WRC) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members and guests. By joining the club, members agree to adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

General Conduct:

All members, coaches, visitors, and animals must be treated with respect. Verbal or physical abuse, harassment, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the property.
Members must clean up after themselves and their horses, including disposing of manure in designated areas.
Facility Use:
The Tyrrell arena is open from 8am to 9pm unless previously arranged.
Lessons & Events have priority use of the arena.
If you open a gate or turn on equipment, please close it or turn it off when finished.
Representation:
Members, when representing the Wheatland Roping Club at any event are expected to do so positively, setting a good example for others, and embodying the values of the club.
Safety Rules:
No Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol, Use of Cannabis, and related products, or any other legal or illegal intoxicating substances are allowed on the premises. Smoking, Vaping and Alcohol may be used in areas designated by management (i.e. marked smoking area).
Dogs and Other Animals: Dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved. Dogs and other animals (except horses) are not allowed near horses or in the arena unless specific permission has been granted.
Horse Health and Safety: All horses brought to the facility must be in good health, up to date on vaccines, and free from contagious conditions. If your horse develops a contagious or potentially contagious illness you must advise Wheatland Roping Club and the facility as soon as possible.
Supervision of Minors: Children under the age of 10 must be always supervised by an adult.
Injuries and Damage: Any injuries or property damage must be reported to the arena owner or club officials immediately.
Liability: The arena, owners, staff, and Wheatland Roping Club including the Board of Directors are not liable for any loss, injury, or theft that occurs on the premises.

Dress Code

Proper Attire: All riders must wear boots with a heel, jeans, and long sleeves, unless weather dictates otherwise. Riders under the age of 18 are required to always wear helmets when riding.
Special Events Dress Code: For jackpots, rodeos, and special events, all members are required to follow the specific dress code laid out by the club. This typically includes Western attire with a collared shirt, hat or a helmet, and boots with heels.
Visitor Policy: Visitors are not allowed in pastures or paddocks unless accompanied by a facility coach or other facility approved person.
Feeding Horses: Do NOT feed horses hay, as they are on a controlled feeding schedule. Avoid feeding horses in the tack-up area.
Horses should not be left unattended at any time.
Box Stalls: Use of box stalls is restricted to horses that live in them. If required, please contact the facility.

Livestock and Roping Etiquette

Awareness in the Arena: Be respectful of your surroundings when warming up or roping. Pay attention to your fellow ropers and riders, and ensure the arena is clear before asking for your steer.
Participation and Assistance: All individuals participating in a roping practice or jackpot event must assist with essential tasks, including wrapping and unwrapping, pushing up cattle, and bringing in or turning out cattle. This cooperation helps ensure smooth operations and fairness for all.
Fair Practice for Heelers: To ensure heelers get a fair practice, if a header misses more than two steers in a row, it is recommended they place the rope on the steer in the chute.
Conservation of Cattle: During practice, headers should only pull steers to the far fence. This practice helps reduce wear on the cattle, ensuring their health and availability for the season.
Machinery: Only designated people are allowed to use any facility machinery including, but not limited to the tractor and the Gator. The same applies to any machinery in control of the club.
Roping Dummies: Roping dummies are not to be used in a way that may damage them. These are expensive items and are frequently owned privately.

Confidentiality and Communication

Wheatland Roping Club recognizes the guaranteed right to freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression.

Confidentiality: Members are expected to respect the confidentiality of internal club information. Do not share sensitive or private club information outside the organization. If in doubt, speak to a member of the Board.
Communication: Effective communication is essential. Members should proactively ask for help when needed, communicate openly, and stay informed on club activities and expectations.

Harassment and Bullying

Zero Tolerance: WRC has a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment and bullying. This includes any behavior that intimidates, demeans, or threatens other members, guests, or animals.
Reporting: Any instances of harassment or bullying should be reported to a club official immediately for appropriate action.

Waivers and Permissions

Waivers: All riders must sign waivers before participating in club activities.
All members are required to hold an active membership with the Alberta Equestrian Federation.
No facility owned horses are to leave the property without notifying the arena owner.
Positive Environment

The Wheatland Roping Club is a place for personal development, skill-building, and enjoyment for members of all ages and abilities. Members are expected to contribute to a positive, encouraging atmosphere that supports the growth and success of all participants.

By following this Code of Conduct, members help ensure that the Wheatland Roping Club remains a safe, enjoyable, and respectful environment for everyone involved. Violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.