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The Fell Pony Society of North America, Inc. Code of Conduct:

The Fell Pony Society of North America, Inc. is committed to promoting and preserving the Fell Pony breed in North America in a manner consistent with the rules and regulations of the Fell Pony Society in the United Kingdom and with the values of a nonprofit membership organization. This Code of Conduct sets expectations for ethical, respectful, and responsible behavior by members, directors, officers, volunteers, exhibitors, breeders, owners, and other participants in Society activities.

1. Scope

This Code applies to all individuals participating in Society-related activities, including membership, meetings, committees, educational programs, inspections, shows, exhibitions, sales, digital forums, social media spaces administered by the Society, and any other activity conducted in the Society’s name or under its authority.

2. Guiding Principles

· Promote the welfare, preservation, and responsible stewardship of the Fell Pony.
· Act with honesty, fairness, integrity, and respect.
· Support a welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free community.
· Encourage good sportsmanship and humane horsemanship.
· Protect the Society’s reputation, assets, and mission.
· Comply with applicable laws, regulations, bylaws, rules, and event requirements.

3. Animal Welfare and Horsemanship

· The welfare of the Fell Pony shall be a primary consideration in all Society-related activities.
· Members and participants must treat ponies humanely and must not engage in or condone abuse, neglect, unsafe handling, or practices that compromise health, soundness, or wellbeing.
· Breeding, ownership, training, transport, showing, and sales practices should reflect responsible care, sound judgment, and respect for the breed standard and long-term preservation of the breed.
· Participants must follow applicable veterinary, biosecurity, competition, and facility rules intended to protect horses and people.

4. Respectful Conduct

· All participants are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally, even when disagreements arise.
· Harassment, bullying, intimidation, threats, abusive language, retaliation, or disruptive behavior are not acceptable in person, in writing, or online.
· Participants must treat fellow members, officers, volunteers, judges, officials, hosts, spectators, and members of the public with courtesy and fairness.
· Disagreements should be addressed through appropriate Society processes ( email to council at FPSNAsecretary@gmail.com) rather than personal attacks, gossip, or public hostility.

5. Sportsmanship and Event Conduct

· Participants must demonstrate good sportsmanship, honesty, and fairness in competition and non-competition settings alike.
· Rules for shows, exhibitions, inspections, virtual competitions, and other Society-sponsored programs must be followed at all times.
· Misrepresentation of a pony, records, eligibility, ownership, breeding status, or competition results is prohibited.
· Participants must cooperate with event officials and respect venue rules, safety requirements, and directions from organizers.

6. Integrity, Governance, and Conflicts of Interest

· Those serving in leadership or acting on behalf of the Society must place the interests of the Society and its mission ahead of personal gain.
· Actual or apparent conflicts of interest should be disclosed promptly and managed in accordance with Society policy and good governance practices.
· Society funds, records, property, and information must be used only for legitimate Society purposes.
· Members and leaders must not knowingly make false, misleading, or defamatory statements about the Society or its participants.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

· Confidential, sensitive, or nonpublic information obtained through Society service or participation must be handled responsibly and shared only as authorized or required.
· Personal information of members, applicants, volunteers, and other participants should be respected and protected.
· Participants must not misuse Society directories, rosters, contact information, or internal communications for improper purposes.

8. Compliance and Reporting

· All participants are expected to comply with this Code, the Society’s bylaws, applicable policies, event rules, and relevant laws and regulations.
· Suspected violations should be reported in good faith to the Council of FPSNA at FPSNAsecretary@gmail.com.
· Retaliation against any person who raises a concern or participates in a review in good faith is prohibited.