19/10/2026
Dear Members,
I would like to take a moment to explain the Board of Directors' decision to continue following Equestrian Australia's Accepted Helmet Standards.
The SCA has aligned itself with Equestrian Australia's helmet safety guidelines since the early 2000s, and we believe it is important to maintain this approach.
First and foremost, the safety and wellbeing of our members must remain a priority. As an Association, we have a responsibility to ensure we are keeping up to date with the latest safety standards and requirements surrounding protective headgear.
Following these recognised standards also plays an important role in managing our insurance costs. By maintaining strong safety practices, we are better positioned to keep insurance premiums at a manageable level, which in turn helps us keep membership fees as affordable as possible.
Another important consideration is insurance coverage. In the unfortunate event of an accident, a member wearing a helmet that does not meet the Association's accepted standards may risk having their insurance claim declined due to failing to comply with the Association's safety requirements. This is something we take seriously, as we want our members to have the best possible protection both on and off the competition ground.
It is also important to reinforce that the responsibility for wearing a compliant helmet rest with each individual member, as is currently the case. Every competitor is responsible for ensuring their helmet meets the accepted standards, and the helmet is less than 5 years old from the date of manufacture before entering the competition arena as per the SCA rule book.
We understand that changes to helmet standards can be frustrating and may involve additional costs for some members. To assist with this transition, the Directors and SCA Office will be providing further information and guidance on the range of compliant helmets available, with the aim of making the purchasing process easier and helping members make informed decisions.
These decisions are not made lightly, and while we appreciate that not everyone will agree, the Board must consider the long-term interests of our members and the Association as a whole.
Ultimately, the Board believes that continuing to follow Equestrian Australia's Accepted Helmet Standards is the responsible approach. It allows us to maintain high safety standards, meet our insurance obligations, help keep membership costs down and, most importantly, protect our members and the future of our sport.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Luke Jackson
SCA President
