These Rules and Regulations are stated to help ensure safety and we ask for your assistance in making sure that everyone follows them.

 1. Training Requirements: All volunteer training is conducted by the Volunteer Department and PATH Int’l Certified Instructors. Prior to performing any volunteer duty or participating in a therapy session, volunteers must complete and pass all required training.

a. Orientation: Anyone wishing to volunteer at ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, must complete orientation and agree to adhere to all ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids policies, rules, and safety guidelines.

b. Side Walker: Volunteers must demonstrate that they can keep a rider safely on a horse during class and successfully dismount the rider in the event of an emergency. 

c. Horse Handler: Volunteers must demonstrate that they can competently lead a horse during a therapy session. Volunteers must complete Side Walker training, Horse Prep training, and have 5 hours of side walking prior to beginning the Horse Handler training. 

d. Advanced Training: ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids offers additional training classes on an as needed basis. Volunteers interested in receiving advanced training must obtain the permission of the volunteer department, Program Director and/or Equine Director. 

2. Age Requirements: Volunteers working with riders or horses must be at least 14 years of age.

3. Physical Requirements: For volunteers who serve clients in the arena must be able to lift 20 pounds, walk at a steady pace for 45-50 minutes and occasionally jog short distances.

4. Volunteer Forms: Volunteers will be required to sign a variety of forms prior to any participation in ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids activities. These forms include, but are not limited to:

a. Authorization for emergency medical treatment 

b. Volunteer/staff information form and health history 

c. Photo release 

d. Liability release e. Confidentiality statement 

5. Background checks: Because we work with children, all volunteers are required to go through a background check.

6. Child Care: Children under the age of 14 are not allowed at ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, unless they are supervised by a parent or guardian. Volunteers must make prior arrangements for child care.

7. Pets: Personal pets, with the exception of service dogs, are not allowed on the property without the prior consent of the Executive Director. 

 8. Photos: All volunteers, staff and families must be granted permission prior to taking photographs or video.

9. Cell Phones: If you feel you must carry your cell phone, please turn off the ringer. Please DO NOT answers your phone while in the middle of class. If it is an emergency please ask the Instructor to be excused from class to take the call.

10. Dress Code: Volunteers should dress appropriately for horse related activities around children.

a. Wear comfortable, safe shoes for walking in the sand. No sandals, open-toed shoes, or clogs.  No steel-toed shoes/boots. 

b. Wear weather appropriate attire for physical activity (dress in layers). 

c. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, midriffs or halter tops. No shorts with an inseam of less than 5 inches. 

d. No revealing clothing 

e. No dangling jewelry that can get caught or tangled on straps, or grabbed by small hands. 

f. No clothing advertising drugs, alcohol, firearms or other inappropriate subject manner. 

11. Parking: ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in your car. Park in designated areas: Along the north (office) side of the building or along the fence on the end (front) side of the arena near the tack room. The handicapped parking spaces and the spaces along the fence across from the handicapped spaces are reserved for client parking.

12. Designated Areas: Only staff and volunteers are allowed beyond the visitor arena. Off limit areas include, but not limited to, the horse pastures, tack room, horse grooming area, stall areas, mounting area, west end of the arena and the arena.

13. Arrival times: It is very important that classes begin on time. Side Walkers should arrive no later than fifteen (15) minutes before their scheduled class time, and Horse Handlers should arrive no later than thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes prior to their scheduled class time.

14. Name Tags: Always wear your name tag. It is very important that everyone knows who you are and what training you have had.

15. Bad Weather Notice: In the event of bad weather, ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, follows the Georgetown ISD closure policy and will also be closed. For all other weather conditions, do not assume classes are cancelled. If there are last minute cancellations, the ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, office will make every effort to call the volunteers for that day.

16. Attendance: Regular attendance is very important. Whether you can commit to one hour or ten hours a week, we appreciate every hour you can give to ROCK. We ask that volunteers commit to a full session and/or set times. It is your responsibility to keep track of the days and times you have agreed to work.

17. Absences: It is your responsibility to notify ROCK at least 24 hours in advance of your shift if you will be absent or late. If you are sick at the last moment, please call ASAP to allow the Volunteer Team time to find a sub.
There are three methods of notification:

1. Call the front office at 512-930-7625. 

2. Email rockateers@rockride.org the dates you will be out.

3. Complete and expected absence form found in the volunteer office and give to the Volunteer Team. 

18. Dismissal: Volunteers serve at the request of ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids. Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the organization are subject to the ROCK volunteer dismissal policy. Any volunteer may request an opportunity to discuss the reasons for dismissal with Volunteer Department, staff and/or Executive Director. 

19. Assignment Board: There are assignment boards on the ROCK web site, by the volunteer office and the tack room door. These boards have the class schedule and volunteer assignments for the day. Please refer to these assignment boards for the most up-to-date information. 

20. ROCK phones: Phones and Emergency Plans are located in the tack room and front office, as well as every office at ROCK. Familiarize yourself with these locations and emergency procedures. 

21. Fire Extinguishers: Four fire extinguishers are located at either end of the stalls and on the columns on the office side of the arena. Familiarize yourself with these locations. 

22. Change in medical condition: Following a hospital stay or a significant change in health, ROCK requires a letter of release from a physician to return to regular volunteer duties 

23. Medical Conditions: If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely perform your volunteer duties, please discuss this with the Volunteer Department prior to entering the arena for the first time. 

24. Medications: Please be aware that some medications (such as allergy medications or muscle relaxers) may cause drowsiness or interfere with your reaction times. If you are experiencing any side effects from medications that may hinder your ability to safely perform your volunteer duties, please notify your Team Leader or Instructor. 

25. Stay Hydrated: Participation at ROCK can require strenuous activity. It is very important- especially during summer months-to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and take frequent breaks. 

26. Never Hand Feed the Horses: We ask that you never feed the horses snacks.  

27. Follow ROCK Procedures: ROCK has many volunteers, students, and families that come through our gates each week. Follow procedures and techniques demonstrated in training when working with our horses and our students. This will help guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

28. As of September, 1995, Texas enacted the following law: Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), an equine professional is not liable for the injury or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities. 

29. THE UNAUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE PREMISES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. 

30. SMOKING ON THE PREMISES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. 

31. Fire arms policy: Pursuant of Texas Penal Code (30.07) we are not an open carry campus.