The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the Athlete Protection Policy at its November 2025 Board meeting, marking a significant step toward strengthening safeguards within the organization and community. The policy was recently presented at both the UPHA Professional and Associate Membership meetings at the UPHA National Conference, where it received positive feedback and support from members.

The Athlete Protection Policy clearly defines prohibited conduct, including child abuse, sexual abuse, emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, bullying, harassment, hazing, and other forms of misconduct. All such behavior is intolerable and directly conflicts with UPHA’s long-standing approved Code of Ethics.

According to Tammie Conatser, chair of the UPHA Governance Committee, the Athlete Protection Policy is the result of more than a year of careful review, research, and collaboration focused on safeguarding all participants.

“After a thorough review of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 by independent legal counsel and careful research into policies adopted by other non-Olympic sports organizations, UPHA’s Governance Committee thoughtfully drafted this policy. Throughout the process, our focus remained on ensuring the policy reflects both fairness and accountability. Our committee worked diligently to ensure the guidelines are clear, enforceable, and address misconduct appropriately, while also reinforcing our unwavering commitment to athlete safety and the well-being of everyone who participates in our sport through the United Professional Horsemen’s Association."

All members are responsible for knowing and adhering to the policy. The Athlete Protection Policy may be reviewed and updated annually, following Board of Directors approval, to ensure it remains current and effective.

"The safety and well-being of both our horses and athletes are not optional—they are essential," says UPHA President, Paul Boone. "We will not tolerate misconduct of any kind and remain dedicated to enhancing the safety and welfare of athletes and participants in equestrian sport. The UPHA Athlete Protection Policy reflects UPHA’s strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect—values that are demonstrated not only in this policy but also in our Member Code of Ethics. We stand behind the policy and the procedures it establishes to protect our community fairly and equitably for everyone involved. By holding ourselves accountable to these standards, we preserve the trust of our members, strengthen our community, and protect the future of our sport."
 

The Athlete Protection Policy Includes the Following Areas:

A Commitment to Safety
Affirms UPHA’s dedication to creating a safe, positive environment for athletes and participants in equestrian sport.

Prohibited Conduct
Defines and prohibits emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, harassment, bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct, child sexual abuse, peer-to-peer sexual abuse, and grooming.

Authority, Trust & Imbalance of Power
Addresses willful tolerance of misconduct, violations, and other potentially disqualifying factors related to positions of authority and trust.

UPHA Safe Athlete Environment
Establishes clear standards for appropriate one-on-one interactions, individual training sessions, physical contact with athletes, and identifies prohibited one-on-one interactions and inappropriate physical contact.

Electronic Communications & Social Media Policy
Provides guidelines regarding Facebook, blogs, and similar sites, Twitter (X), instant messaging, texting, electronic imagery, requests to discontinue communications, and reporting misconduct through digital platforms.

Changing Areas
Outlines reasonable procedures designed to limit one-on-one interactions between an athlete and non-familial adults in enclosed spaces such as tack rooms, dressing rooms, private lessons, and travel.

Reporting Procedures
Details when and how to report misconduct or policy violations, who is responsible for reporting, proper forms and procedures, confidentiality standards, handling of bad-faith allegations, and disciplinary rules and processes.

The UPHA Athlete Protection Policy reflects UPHA’s commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and ethical environment where athletes, families, and professionals can participate with confidence and trust.