Message to Coaches from the EA Coaching Committee Chair

These are indeed trying and unprecedented times.

Due to the uncertainty of the impact of the virus on our community, many coaches have approached either EA, our State Branches, the members of the EA Coaching Committee or have posted on social media,  seeking guidance as to how coaches ought to conduct their businesses and how to go forward in the current environment.

Many of the State Branches have made announcements in this regard.

Unfortunately, they contain mixed messages based on the status of the virus in each state.

This merely reflects the National political response & status of the virus in each jurisdiction.

Significant financial impact has already been widely experienced and will continue for the foreseeable future until the cases of COVID-19 subside and the nation starts to recover.

The EA Coaching Committee wish to assist coaches with some practical advice and considerations in the current circumstances.

As a community, we want to be a part of the solution not a part of the problem and as such we encourage coaches to consider that, as individuals, we have all to take a responsible approach considering our families, community, associated helpers, volunteers and service providers.

We should, at all times, adhere to the Federal & State authorities and their recommendations as well as those of the Health Minister and relevant Health departments with regard to COVID-19 management.

Amidst the mixed messaging is an overriding premise for Australian citizens:

Stay home unless for essential travel.

It may be your work to feed and manage the horses on your property and to train horses and riders, however, if your clients heed the advice of the Federal and State governments, that they ought not to leave their homes, but for essential travel, then the message is clear.

The EA Coaching Committee, who are all equestrian coaches, are in similar positions to our fellow coaches and are feeling the same financial hardships, however, it is imperative that we consider the greater good in these unprecedented circumstances, rather than our own individual short-term financial benefit considering it is only a matter of time before our hand is forced to isolate.

As we approach potentially tighter social distancing controls, it will become more likely that our coaching activities and businesses may close along with the multitude of Australian businesses.

The EA Coaching Committee (EACC) is in constant consultation with EA Staff and Leadership around coaching related issues and we will advise coaches as direction becomes clearer on a number of coaching-related topics, initiatives and concerns, that the EACC is proposing, as we approach 30th June 2020.

We remain dedicated to working with EA and our State Branches to continue to assist you with your business, coaching needs, compliance and professional development and will communicate further when details or what will become available, are established.

For further information and guidance, check out our FAQs for EA Coaches regarding the impact of COVID-19

Stay safe and well and stay at home.

Robert Stewart

Chair EA Coaching Committee