Code of Ethics & Good Practice
for
Young Players
in
Ladies Gaelic Football Association
Table of Contents 2
1. Core Values 3
2. Policy Statement 4
3. Guidelines 5
3.1 Guidelines for Young Players
3.2 Guidelines for Parents
3.3 Guidelines for Mentors
3.4 Guidelines for Children’s Officers
4. General Guidelines 12
4.1 Mentor Recruitment
4.2 Traveling
4.3 Supervision
4.4 Away Trips/ Overnight Stays
4.5 Safety
4.6 Touching
4.7 Guidelines on use of photographic and filming equipment
5. Child Protection Procedures 17
5.1 Dealing with a complaint
5.2 Dealing with Suspected Abuse
5.3 False Allegations
5.4 Confidentiality
5.5 Anonymous Complaints
5.6 Rumours
6. Appendices 24
6.1 Mentor Recruitment Forms
6.2 Travel Forms
6.3 Format for Disciplinary Committee’s Report
6.4 Anti-Bullying Policy
6.5 Grounds for Concern
6.6 Categories of Abuse
7. Useful list of Contact Numbers 33
8. References 36
Core Values in Ladies Gaelic Football for Young Players
Ladies Gaelic Football Association is based on the following principles that will guide the development of our sport for young players. The stages of development of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the Association. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the physical, emotional and personal needs of young players.
Integrity in relationships:
Adults interacting with young players in Ladies Gaelic Football should do so with integrity and respect for the child. There is a danger that sporting contexts can be used to exploit or undermine children. All adult actions should be guided by what is best for the child and in the context of quality, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within Ladies Gaelic Football.
Quality atmosphere and ethos
Ladies Gaelic Football involving young players should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centered ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization are kept in their appropriate place.
Equality
All children should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children with disability should be involved in an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children.
Fair Play:
Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players in Ladies Gaelic Football.
All sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland has contributed and is committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as: “much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption’.
(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).
Competition
A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young players, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. If competitive demands are placed on children too early, excessive levels of pressure are placed on them and thus contributing to a high level of dropout from sport. Mentors should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second.
Policy Statement
The Ladies Gaelic Football Association is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the Association should at all times, show respect and understanding for members rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Association and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players.
In the Ladies Gaelic Football, one of our first priorities is the welfare of young players and we are committed to providing an environment, which will allow players to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation. As part of our commitment, we have adopted a code to protect our underage players (all persons under 18 years of age) and all mentors and members involved with our underage teams.
In compliance with the Code Ladies Gaelic Football Association will:
· Ensure that the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players is adopted, agreed to, implemented and signed up to by all members
· Amend, as necessary, the Constitution to reflect a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting, selecting and managing
· Appoint a National Children’s Officer
· Ensure that effective disciplinary, complaints and appeals procedures are in place
· Have in place procedures for dealing with a concern or complaint made to the Statutory Authorities against a committee member or mentor
· Ensure that all clubs are fully affiliated and signed up to the Code
· Be represented by appropriate personnel at all education/ training workshops dealing with the Code
· Review child protection procedures regularly through open discussion to its members, Sports Councils and Statutory Authorities
· Examine and take appropriate action in response to any reports of unusual incidents (high rate of transfers, dropouts) received from clubs
3. Guidelines
3.1 Guidelines for Young Players
Ladies Gaelic Football Association wish to provide the best possible environment for all young players involved in Ladies Gaelic Football. Young players deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These players have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept.
Young players are entitled to:
§ Be safe and to feel safe
§ Be listened to and be believed
§ Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity
§ Have a voice in the club / organisation
§ Participate on an equal basis
§ Have fun and enjoy sport
§ Experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable
§ Make complaints and have them dealt with
§ Get help against bullies
§ Say No
§ Protect their own bodies
§ Confidentiality
Young players should always:
§ Treat all mentors (coaches, managers, selectors, club officials etc.,) with respect
§ Play fairly
§ Respect team members - even when things go wrong
§ Respect opponents - be gracious in defeat
§ Abide by the rules set down by team managers when traveling to away events
§ Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the sport of Ladies Gaelic Football into disrepute
§ Talk to children’s officer if they have any problems
Young players should never:
§ Cheat
§ Use violence or physical contact that is not allowed within the rules
§ Shout or argue with officials, team mates or opponents
§ Harm team members, opponents or their property
§ Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player
§ Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage
§ Take banned substances
§ Keep secrets, especially if they have been caused harm
§ Tell lies about adults / other players
§ Spread rumours
3.2 Guidelines for Parents
Ladies Gaelic Football Association believes that parents should:
· Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, officials and organizers
· Always behave responsibly and do not seek to unfairly affect the game or a player
· Never intentionally expose any young players to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks
· Always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers who provide sporting/recreational opportunities for your child. Do not publicly question the judgment or honesty of referees, coaches or organisers. Respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players
· Encourage your child to play by the rules. Teach your child that honest endeavor is as important as winning and do all you can to encourage good sportsmanship
· Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides. Encourage mutual respect for teammates and opponents
· Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying behaviour in all its forms
· Read the Anti-Bullying policy within the club / organisation’s
· Sign up to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players in Ladies Gaelic Football
· Ensure that your child’s club has adopted and implemented the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players
· Know the start and finish times of training – ensure that you arrive at the end of training
· Volunteer to assist with training – helping with equipment, in dressing rooms, at games, when traveling to games
Parents Code of Conduct:
1. I will respect the rules and procedures set down in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport
2. I will respect my child’s teammates, mentors (e.g. managers, coaches, selectors) and parents, as well as players, parents and coaches from opposing teams. I will encourage my child to treat other players, coaches, selectors, and managers with respect
3. I will give encouragement and applaud positive accomplishments whether from my child, his/her teammates, their opponents or the officials
4. I will respect all officials and their authority during matches
5. I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behaviour or use foul language.
Name: ______Name of Child/(ren) ______
Date ______
3.4 Guidelines for Mentors
Ladies Gaelic Football Association recognises the key role mentors play in the lives of children in sport. Mentors should strive to create a positive environment for the young players playing Ladies Gaelic Football. Mentors have an overall responsibility to take the steps necessary to ensure that positive and healthy experiences are provided.
Mentor Behaviour
· Mentor must act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of Ladies Gaelic Football and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct - your behaviour to players, other officials, and opponents will have an effect on the players in your care
· Mentors should respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat each player equally, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or ability
· Encourage the development of respect for opponents, officials, selectors and other coaches and avoid criticism of mentors and officials
· Avoid working alone at all times. Ensure there is adequate supervision for all activities. It is important to realise that certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted by the participant or by outsiders
· The use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco must be actively discouraged as being incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity. Mentors should avoid the use of alcohol, before coaching, during events and on trips with young players
· When travel/overnight stays are involved, the mentors traveling with child must sign a separate agreement. Parents and players will also be asked to sign permission forms in these instances
Dealing with Players
· Be generous with praise and never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or for losing a game
· Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill development and personal satisfaction have priority over highly structured competition. Never make winning the only objective – see Player Pathway
· Set realistic goals for the players and do not pressurize young players
· Be careful to avoid the “star system”. Each player deserves equal time and attention
· Care must be taken not to expose a player intentionally or unintentionally to embarrassment or disparagement by use of sarcastic or flippant remarks about the player or her family
· Physical punishment or physical force must never be used. Never punish a mistake - by verbal means, physical means, or exclusion
· Insist that players in your care respect the rules of the game. Insist on fair play and ensure players are aware you will not tolerate cheating or bullying behaviour
· All mentors should keep an attendance record of all training sessions and matches
· All mentors should ensure that parents are aware of training start and finishing times. All parents should be encouraged to assist with training or to assist in dressing rooms
· All mentors should keep a brief record of injury(s) and action taken both during a training session and during a game. For convenience it is recommended that an injury report form is kept in the first aid bag at all times
· When young players are invited into adult groups/squads, it is advisable to get agreement from a parent/ carer. Boundaries of behaviour in adult groups are normally different from the boundaries that apply to junior groups/squads
· Mentors should communicate and co-operate with medical and ancillary practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of their players’ medical or related problems. Avoid giving advice of a personal or medical nature if you are not qualified to do so. Any information of a personal or medical nature must be kept strictly confidential unless the welfare of the player requires the passing on of this information
· Keep a brief record of problem/ action/ outcomes if behavioural problems arise
Relationship with Players
· Mentors are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with players. It is advisable for coaches not to involve young players in their personal life i.e. visits to coaches home or overnight stays
· When approached to take on a new player, ensure that any previous coach-student relationship has been ended by the student/others in a professional manner
· Mentors who become aware of a conflict between their obligation to their players and their obligation to the governing body must make explicit the nature of the conflict and the loyalties and responsibilities involved to all parties concerned
· The nature of the relationship between mentor and a player can often mean that a mentor will learn confidential information about a player or player’s family. This information must be regarded as confidential and except where abuse is suspected, must not be divulged to a third party without the permission of the player/family
· Parents should always be informed when problems arise except in situations where informing parents may put the player at risk