Sports Club Rules

1. General provisions

1.1. The Hobbyhorse Slovakia Sports Club is an association of athletes in the field of hobbyhorse racing, which operates under the Hobbyhorse Slovakia civic association. The sports club has no separate legal personality and is not a civil association.

1.2 The Club organises training, competitions and events for its members and provides support for their sporting development.

1.3 The Club is governed by these rules, the internal guidelines of the Hobbyhorse Slovakia and the ethical standards of sportsmanship.

1.4 Every member is obliged to respect the rules of the club and to behave in such a way as to contribute to the positive atmosphere and the good name of the club.

1.5 The protection of personal data is governed by the Privacy Policy for Hobbyhorse Slovakia(https://hobbyhorseslovakia.com/ochrana-sukromia/,

1.6 Both the Hobbyhorse Slovakia Sports Club and the Hobbyhorse Slovakia Civic Association may use the image and video material obtained during the events of the sports club to promote the sports club and its activities.

2. Club membership

2.1.1. Anyone who:

2.1.2. Consent for membership in the club for a person under 18 years of age is given by the legal representative during registration by confirming the registration form and paying the membership fee.

2.1.3. Part of the application to the sports club is also the provision of the necessary information for the registration of the member in the Register of natural persons in sport (currently in the scope of name, surname, address, birth number, date of birth), which is maintained by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic, or by the organization designated by it (hereinafter referred to as the Register of natural persons in sport).

2.1.4. Each member of a sports club is registered in the Register of Natural Persons in Sport. This registration allows you to officially represent the Slovak Republic at foreign sporting events and at the same time to receive support in the form of a child’s sports activity allowance.

2.1.5 In the event that a member does not wish to be registered on the Register of Individuals in Sport, he/she may inform the Club within 3 days of registration by email to [email protected]. In this case the member will lose all benefits associated with registration in the Register of Natural Persons in Sport.

2.1.6. In order to claim the benefits of a sports club member – e.g. participation in training, summer camp, discounted registration for competitions, Hobbyhorse Championships… it is necessary to use the email address of the member, which was provided during registration. If a member uses an email address other than the registered email address, it is not guaranteed that they will receive the benefits of a sports club member.

2.1.7. If a sports club member wishes to change his/her current registered email address, he/she must send an email to [email protected] with a request to change from the original registered email address or the email address of the legal representative that was used during the original registration to the sports club.

2.2 Rights of Members

Every member of the club has the right to:

  • participate in training, events and competitions organized by the club.
  • Use membership benefits (discounts, access to special merch, priority registrations, discounted registrations).
  • represent the club in competitions at home and abroad.
  • send suggestions and comments on the club’s activities.

2.3 Obligations of Members

Every member is obliged to:

  • abide by the rules of the club and the principles of fair play.
  • protect the good name of the club and respect other members, coaches and organisers.
  • participate in training sessions and events as instructed by coaches.
  • pay the membership fee by the due date.

3. Club fees and funding

3.1 Members of the Club are obliged to pay the membership fees in the specified amount. The current amount of the annual dues is stated at the time of registration. Prior to the expiry of the paid period, the member will receive notification of the amount of the dues for the next annual period. This notice will be sent at least 14 days in advance to the email address provided at registration. The message will also include payment instructions and the due date of the contribution.

An alternative option is to offer automatic payment of the membership fee – this option, if provided, can be selected by the member when registering or renewing membership. In this case, the member will receive an email at least 14 days in advance informing them of the deadline for automatic processing of the fee. If he/she does not agree with the automatic renewal, he/she can request cancellation of the automatic payment of the membership fee by email to [email protected] or if enabled via the personal profile on https//hobbyhorseslovakia.com.

3.2.Membership fees can be used for the organization of training, events, purchase of sports equipment, but also for the operation of the club – website, communication with members, modifications in registration forms and websites for the use of benefits of members of the sports club.

3.3 If a member fails to pay the membership fee even after being requested to do so by the Club, his/her membership shall automatically lapse. Membership in the club is terminated by the member’s notice of withdrawal from the sports club, which should be sent to the email address [email protected]. Other options for termination of membership are non-payment of the membership fee, even on a recurring date, expulsion of a member due to repeated activities that threaten the sporting ethics by the dissolution/cancellation of the sporting club or death of a member. A new application form must be completed and the membership fee paid in order to be reinstated. Premature termination of membership does not entitle the member to a refund of the membership fee paid or any prorated unused portion thereof.

4. Club management

4.1 The club management shall consist of at least the chairman, vice-chairman, head coach and manager. The club members may decide to add other positions to the club leadership.

4.2 The head coach must be at least 15 years of age, while the chairman, vice-chairman and housekeeper must be over 18 years of age.

4.3 The first election for club leadership shall be held after 50 active paying members have been reached. Until then, the President of Hobbyhorse Slovakia shall act as the President of the Club, who shall appoint the Vice President, Head Coach and Manager.

4.4 The term of office of the club management shall be 2 years. Members shall have the opportunity to nominate candidates. Members of the leadership may be re-elected. In the event of the resignation of a member of the leadership, a temporary replacement may be appointed, to be nominated by the Club President and approved by the Club leadership.

4.4 Club members up to and including 14 years of age shall vote through their legal representative, while members over 15 years of age may vote independently. Only persons over 18 years of age, either Club members or legal representatives of members, may be elected to the Club’s leadership.

5. Changes to the Rules

5.1 The rules of the Club may be amended as necessary. A change to the rules shall be decided by the Club Management by a vote of a majority of the Club Management. In the event of a tie, the President shall have an extra vote.

5.2 Club members will be notified of changes in a timely manner via email or the club website.

6. Club representation

6.1 Members may represent Hobbyhorse Slovakia at competitions and events.

6.2 When representing the Club, the following is expected:

  • sportsmanship and respect for opponents, referees and organizers.
  • use of club clothing (if available).
  • compliance with the rules of competitions and coaches’ instructions.

6.3 Irresponsible behaviour or defamation of the Club’s name may lead to suspension from events.

7. Organisation of training

7.1 The Club organises regular training sessions under the guidance of qualified coaches.

7.2 Training sessions are for club members only, unless otherwise stated.

7.3 Each participant is obliged to:

  • Arrive on time and follow the coaches’ instructions.
  • Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing.
  • Keep yourself and others safe.
  • During training, he/she must not disturb others or endanger the safety of others.

7.4 If a member is unable to attend a training session, he/she is obliged to apologize to the coach in advance.

7.5.Regular unexcused absences may lead to restricted participation in training.

8. Objection to the publication of image and video material

8.1 Every member or his/her legal representative has the right to object to the publication of the image or video material in which he/she is captured. Requests for deletion of material may be addressed to [email protected].

8.2 Objection procedure:

  • If a member is in an individual photo, the photo will not be published or will be removed.
  • If a member is captured in a group photo (2 or more people), the club will attempt to:
    • Anonymise a person (e.g. by blurring or blackening their face).
    • Use a different photo if possible.
  • If a member is captured in a group video, the following procedure is followed:
    • Attempt to edit the video if technically possible.
    • If editing is not possible and the video is important to the club, the principle of legitimate interest may apply.

Rule update: February 2025