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Paite Gabha CLG - Code of Conduct for Children's Sport
Click below for:
Cumann Paite Gabha CLG is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the club should at all times show respect and understanding for members? rights, safety and welfare. Our members should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Paite Gabha as outlined in the Bunreacht (Constitution) and the guidelines contained in the code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland.
The guidance given in this code of conduct is based on the principles set out in the following publications:
-'Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children?s Sport'(Irish Sports Council)
-?Guidelines for dealing with Allegations of Abuse? (Cumann L?thchleas Gael, March 2001)
-'Children First', National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Department of Health and Children, Sept. 1999)
The aim of this code is to promote good practice by everyone involved in Paite Gabha and to provide a safe, healthy, enjoyable environment for young members.
Integrity
-Adults interacting with young people should do so with integrity and respect for the young person.
-All adult actions in the game 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 Paite Gabha.
Fair Play
All young people's involvement in sport should conducted in an atmosphere of fair play ('Fair Play' is defined in the European Code of Sports Ethics as "... much more than playing within the rules .It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing in the right spirit.")
Quality Atmosphere and Ethos
-The atmosphere in Paite Gabha should always be safe, positive and encouraging.
-Competitiveness and specialisation should be appropriate and carefully managed.
-Excessive levels of pressure and demands should not be placed on young players. (There is evidence to suggest a link between excessive pressure and high levels of drop out from the game)
Equality
All young people in Paite Gabha should be treated in an equitable and fair manner. Children with disability should be involved in an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other players.
Paite Gabha wishes to provide the best possible environment for all it young members involved in the game. They deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free from abuse of any kind. Our players have:
-rights which must be respected, and
-responsibilities which they must accept.
Young players are entitled:
-to be treated with dignity and respect
-to be safe and to feel safe
-to get help against bullies
-to be listened to
-to be believed
-to say No
-to protect their own bodies
-to refuse inappropriate touches
Young players should always:
-treat all coaches, managers, club organisers and officials with respect
-abide by the rules set down by team managers when travelling to 'away' venues
-behave in a manner that avoids bringing the name of Paite Gabha or the game itself into disrepute.
-be conscious that not all players have the same levels of skill and abilities
Young players should never:
-use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage on or off the pitch
-use bullying tactics to isolate another player
-make false allegations against another player or adult in the club
-pass on gossip or sensitive information about another club player or adult
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Paite Gabha is committed to providing a safe and fair environment for our young players. Our first priority is the welfare of our members and we are committed to providing an environment, free from bullying and intimidation.
Parents/Guardians should:
-maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with other children, young people, other parents/guardians and club managers, officials and organisers.
-encourage your child to play by the rules.
-behave responsibly on the sidelines and don?t seek to unfairly affect the game.
-not expose any player, intentionally or unintentionally, 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.
-respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players
-not publicly question the judgement or honesty of referees, managers, coaches or organisers
-teach your child that honest endeavour is as important as winning and do all one can to encourage good sportsmanship.
-set a good example by applauding good play on both sides
-encourage mutual respect for team-mates an opponents
Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive and bullying behaviour in all its forms:
Player to Player - includes inappropriate physical aggression, verbal bullying, intimidation or isolation.
Adult to Player - includes the use of repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature, or any comment intended to degrade the player.
Adult to Adult - includes verbal aggression towards other adults.
Player to Adult - includes repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature by an individual player or a group of players.
GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS, COACHES and ASSISTANTS
Paite Gabha recognises the key role of mentors, coaches, managers, club organisers,... in the lives of its members.
All mentors, coaches, managers and assistants should have as their first priority the young person's safety and enjoyment of the game. They must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and must treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, ability, ethnic origin,
Paite Gabha will take all reasonable steps to ensure that people working with our young players are suitable. They must agree to abide by the 'Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children' Sport' and to the policies, rules and motto of Paite Gabha.
Guidelines:
-a coach/mentor of teams under the age of 18 has a duty of care, which is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team
-a coach/mentor must act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of the game and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct.
-the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco must be actively discouraged as being incompatible with a healthy approach to the game.
-the behaviour of the coach/mentor to players, other adults in the club and opponents will have an effect on the players in your care
-be generous with praise and never ridicule a player(s) for making mistakes or losing a game
-be careful to avoid the 'star system'; each child deserves equal time and attention
-care must be taken not to expose a player to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of sarcastic or flippant remarks.
-physical force must never be used.
-never punish a mistake by verbal means, physical means or exclusion.
-insist that the players in your care respect the rules of the game. Insist on fair play and ensure that your players know that you will not tolerate cheating or bullying behaviour.
-remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment
-never make winning the only objective
-encourage the development of respect for opponents and officials
-coaches are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with players.
-set realistic goals for the team and for individual players
-avoid giving advice of a personal or medical nature, if you are not qualified to do so. (Information of a personal or medical nature must be kept strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child requires the passing on of .such information).
-record attendance at all training sessions; be very conscious of the player who consistently turns up for training and 'does not get his/her game'.
-keep a record of all injury(s) and action taken
-if behavioural problems arise and a young player has to be disciplined, keep a brief record of the problem, the action taken and the outcome.
-at the first meting of the panel under your care be firm and clear about behaviour that is acceptable and unacceptable according to the club rules.
-explain clearly, and in language appropriate to the age group, the code of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour of the club
-explain clearly the sanctions that will be imposed for breaches of conduct and impose such sanctions, when necessary. (Young people learn very quickly the 'rules' that can easily be broken).
-players with high levels of skill and ability must always be subject to the club's code of discipline and sanctions, even if the team, as a whole, may be weakened.
-the enjoyment of the game and the overall development of each young person is the main priority of Paite Gabha
-avoid unnecessary physical contact apart from the normal coaching, technical area, the congratulatory or consoling 'hug' - always in full view of others.
-in situations where a player is spoken to on a ' one to one' basis by any member of the club, make sure that this takes place in view or earshot of others (on/off the pitch, in changing rooms, in club house, )
Paite Gabha recognises the extra responsibilities taken on by mentors,. coaches and assistants when they travel with children to away fixtures. This responsibility is even more onerous when overnight stays are involved.
Cars used to transport players:
-ensure that there is adequate insurance cover; and be careful not to carry more than the permitted number of passengers.
-where possible, avoid being alone with one player
-casual comments to a young player can be open to misconstruction.
Overnight / residential events:
-adults should not enter a player's room without first knocking.
-all group socialisation should take place in communal areas.
-alcoholic drinks, smoking and other illegal substances are forbidden to players
-the behaviour of the group should at all times be such that the good name of Paite Gabha be upheld.
-there must be at least one authorised adult of each gender with a mixed group.
-parents and young players must sign an agreement that rules laid down be abided by.
GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE
Cumann L?thchleas Gael recognises that it has responsibility to:
- safeguard and promote the interests and well being of all those under 18 years who are involved in its activities.
- take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.
- respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
The following principles apply:
- the child's welfare is always paramount
- all children, whatever their age. have a right to protection from abuse.
- all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, responded to swiftly and appropriately.
(Cumann L?thchleas Gael, March 2001)
Child Abuse is generally divided into four categories which have been defined by the Department of Health and Children:
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used by another person for gratification / sexual arousal or for that of others.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is any form of non accidental injury which results from wilful or neglectful failure to protect a child.
This excludes injury resultant from participation in the Association's sports activities, which are essentially physical contact activities.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when a child's need for security are not met. Examples include persistent criticism, sarcasm, hostility, blaming; where the level of care is conditional on behaviour; inconsistent or unrealistic expectations of the child
Neglect
Neglect occurs where the child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, supervision and safety.
CUMANN L?THCHLEAS GAEL - GENERAL GUIDELINES
Cumann L?thchleas Gael recognises that responsibility for investigation of child abuse, suspected or otherwise, lies with the Garda S?och?na and the Health Board.
"Everyone must be alert to the possibility that Children with whom they are in contact may be being abused. Concerns should be reported to the Health Boards?.It is also a responsibility for staff or volunteers in sport clubs, youth clubs,?. and other organisations catering for children."
The guiding principles in regard to reporting child abuse may be summarised as follows:
" -the safety and well being of the child or young person must take priority
-reports should be made without delay to the Health Board.
-while the basis for concern must be established comprehensively as possible, children or parents should not be interviewed in detail about the suspected abuse."
(Children First - National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of children, Sept. 1999)
"Each club/sports organisation should have agreed procedures to be followed in cases of alleged child abuse again Sports Leaders?.. in the event that the concern is connected to the actions of a Sports Leader in the club, the Sports leader involved in the concern should be asked to stand aside pending the outcome of any investigation by the Statutory Authorities" (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, June 2000)
(refer to Cumann L?thchleas Gael - Appendix 3, page 19)
RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE, SUSPICION AND ALLEGATIONS
Paite Gabha accepts that organisations, which include children as members, are vulnerable to the occurrence of child abuse and therefore there is a need for policies and procedures to deal with this issue. The safety of young people is everyone's responsibility.
False allegations of abuse can occur. However, if a young person says or indicates that he/she is being abused or information is obtained which gives concern that a young person is being abused, the club should react immediately.
The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998, provides immunity from civil liability to persons who report abuse "reasonably and in good faith" to the Health Board or the Gardai. This Act also covers the offence of ?false reporting".
All involved adults, children and parents/guardians 'should be aware of how to report and to whom concerns should be reported, within the club. Everyone involved in child protection matters should be aware of their responsibility to work in co-operation with the statutory child protection authorities.
The term 'Sports Leader' means all adults, in a paid or voluntary capacity e.g. club mentors, managers, helpers, officials,
RESPONSE TO A CHILD REPORTING ANY FORM OF ABUSE
The following actions should be taken:
- react calmly
- listen compassionately and carefully; keep the questions to an absolute minimum, facilitating the child to tell about the problem
- take what the child is saying seriously; the child has decided to tell about something very important and has taken a risk to do so.
- reassure the child
- if the nature of what the child is saying is unclear, use open, non specific questions such as "Can you explain to me what you meant by that?"
- the child should be given some indication of what happens next; informing parents/guardians, Health Boards, Social Services. (The child may have been threatened and may feel vulnerable)
- carefully record the details
The following actions should be avoided:
- do not make promises of confidentiality- it may not be possible to keep that promise
- do not make a judgement or make negative comments about the alleged abuser.
- do not speculate or make assumptions
- do not interview the child; do not probe for more information than is offered
- do not approach the alleged abuser
- do not allow your shock or distaste to show
It is not the responsibility of anyone involved in Paite Gabha to decide whether or not child abuse is taking place.
However, there is a responsibility to protect the child in order that appropriate agencies can then make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the young person.
Actions to take:
-observe and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information.
-report the matter as soon as possible to the person designated for reporting abuse (the senior club official: the chairperson). If the chairperson has reasonable grounds for believing that the child has been abused or is at risk, s/he will make a report to the Health Board/Social Services who have statutory responsibility to investigate.
-in cases of emergency where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk then the designated club person, if unable to contact a social worker, should inform the Garda?. Under no circumstances should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the Statutory Authority .Make a record of the report.
-The designated person reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities should first inform the parents/guardian of their intention to make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the child or undermine an investigation.
-The designated person should make personal contact with the Statutory Authorities in person or by phone, and in writing.
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST CLUB PERSONNEL IN SCOIL U? CHONAILL
If allegations of child abuse by club personnel are made, either of two procedures should be followed:
-the reporting procedure as outlined above in 'REPORTING CHILD ABUSE'
OR
-the procedure outlined below
If a member of Paite Gabha is the subject of concern s/he should be treated with respect and fairness.
Steps to be taken within the Organisation:
Where reasonable grounds for concern exist the following steps should be taken by the club:
-advice should be sought from the local health board/social services with regard to any action by the club deemed necessary to protect he child who may be at risk
-the 'Sports Leader' involved should be asked to stand aside pending the outcome of any investigation by the Statutory Authorities. This task should be undertaken by an appointed committee member other than the chairperson who takes the responsibility for reporting the alleged incident(s).
-the' Sports Leader' should be informed, in private, that an allegation has been made against him/her and given the details of the nature of the allegation.
-s/he should be afforded an opportunity to respond and the response noted and passed on to the health board/social services personnel
All persons involved in a child protection process (the child, his/her parents/guardians, the alleged offender, his/her family,?) should be afforded appropriate fairness, support and confidentiality at all stages of the procedure
Confidentiality
-every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned
-information should be handled and disseminated on a 'need to know' basis only
-information should be stored in a secure place, with limited access to designated people
-the requirements of the Data Protection Laws should be adhered to
-breach of confidentiality within Paite Gabha is considered to be a very serious matter
Anonymous Complaints
Anonymous complaints can be difficult to deal with but should not be ignored. Complaints relating to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson. The information should be checked and handled in a confidential manner.
Rumours
Rumours should not be allowed to 'hang in the air' , Any rumour relating to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson and checked out without delay.
Cumann L?thchleas Gael:
A Central Review Committee (CRC), comprising four designated members of Central Council, will review all complaints against members of the Association following the outcome of the investigations of the statutory authorities. In all cases the Association will take its own decision having due regard to the outcome of the Garda S?och?na/Health Board investigation(s).
