UPHA ATHLETE PROTECTION POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The United Professional Horsemen’s Association, Inc. (UPHA) is committed to improving the development, safety and welfare of athletes and participants involved in equestrian sport. The safety and welfare of all athletes and participants is paramount to the UPHA.
The UPHA Board of Directors unanimously approved the UPHA Athlete Protection Policy at its November 2025 meeting, marking a significant step toward strengthening safeguards within the organization and community. This policy identifies types of 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 in direct conflict with the UPHA's long-standing approved Code of Ethics and the newly developed UPHA Athlete Protection Policy.
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.
Protecting Youth Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Act of 2017
The Protecting Youth Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Act of 2017 was signed into law in February 2018. This Act includes the following requirements for all amateur sports organizations that are engaged in interstate or international commerce or activities.
Mandatory Reporting: All adult members interacting with youth athletes are mandatory reporters; however, it is not necessary to be a UPHA member to report an alleged violation. Any suspected child and sexual abuse must be reported within 24 hours to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Refer to the Reporting Procedure section for additional reporting details.
Prevention Policies: Establish reasonable procedures to limit one-on-one interactions between a minor athlete and an adult. Refer to Section IV, UPHA Safe Athlete Environment, for additional prevention policies.
Prevention Training: Offer and provide consistent training to all adult members who are in regular contact with youth athletes. Visit the list below for prevention training resources and information.
Retaliation: Prohibit retaliation by the applicable organization against any individual who makes a report. Refer to the Reporting Procedure, Section V Confidentiality and Bad-Faith Allegations.