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Code of Behaviour for all Persons Working with Young People

This Code of Behaviour complements the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport and addresses the appropriate levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our young players, coaches, mentors, supporters, parents/guardians and clubs.

The Code of Behaviour is promoted by the following National Governing Bodies so as to enable and assist those who promote and deliver our games as we comply with the highest possible standards in our work with children and young people.

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael (The Gaelic Athletic Association)
Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael (Camogie Association)
Cumann Peil Gael na mBan (Ladies Gaelic Football Association)
Comhairle Liathróid Láimhe na hÉireann (Irish Handball Council),
Comhairle Cluiche Corr na hÉireann (The Rounders Council of Ireland)

Everyone involved in our sports and activities should accept the roles and responsibilities that they undertake as we commit ourselves to maintaining an enjoyable and safe environment for all. The safeguarding of our members will always be a key priority as we recognise that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance in our work.

It is recommended to use this Code in tandem with each National Governing Bodies own Codes of Best Practice or Codes of Ethics that outline in greater detail our roles and responsibilities when working with children and young people.

We wish to see this code developed, promoted and implemented as an initiative that encourages fair play, respect, equal opportunities and safety.

YOUNG PLAYERS

Young players can benefit greatly from sports in terms of personal development and enjoyment. As part of their participation our players must be encouraged to realise that they also have responsibilities to treat others with fairness and respect. With rights there will always be responsibilities.

There will be a 'sign-up' procedure, whereby young people agree to abide by the Code of Behaviour and to any other policies and codes in your Club and National Governing Body.

YOUNG PLAYERS should be entitled to:

YOUNG PLAYERS should always

YOUNG PLAYERS should not:

YOUNG PLAYERS - Definition

The term Young Players is frequently used throughout this Code of Behaviour. For the purpose of this publication, a Young Player is defined as any person under the age of 18 years of age, who is not or has not been married.

COACHES, MENTORS AND TRAINERS

All Coaches, Mentors and Trainers (referred to hereafter as Coaches) should ensure that young people and children benefit significantly from our games by providing a positive, healthy and encouraging ethos for all. In developing the skills levels of every player you should always encourage enjoyment, fun and participation in our games and activities. Coaches should always remember that they are role models for the players in their care.

Recruitment of Coaches
As a Coach working with young people and children you are required to be suitable for your chosen role(s). Appropriate training and supports will be provided so as to ensure that Coaches are suitable, comfortable and qualified to fulfil their roles. All persons working or volunteering for such roles will also participate in agreed recruitment and selection procedures as outlined in the policies and procedures of each National Governing Body.

Maintaining a child centred approach:

Coaches should lead by example

Avoid compromising your role as a Coach

Best practice

PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Parents/Guardians have an influential role to play in assisting and encouraging their children to adopt a positive attitude and in encouraging them to maintain an involvement in sport. They should always be a good role model for their children.

Parents/Guardians should encourage their child to:

Parents/Guardians should lead by example:

Parents/Guardians should:

Parents/Guardians should assist their club by:

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

SUPPORTERS

Young players are eager to enjoy and benefit from the support they receive from parents, guardians, friends and other members of the club who attend our games as spectators. Active, loyal and well behaved supporters are always welcome to attend and support our games but should be aware that their conduct will always reflect upon the team, players and clubs that they support.

Fellow supporters have a responsibility to ensure that all spectators conduct themselves in an acceptable and well behaved manner at all times when attending under age games and competitions.

Supporters should always realise that young players participate in organised sport for fun.

Supporters add to the enjoyment of our games by:

THE CLUB

All clubs that cater for under age players must do so with a child centred approach and philosophy that recognises that the welfare of the child is paramount, thus ensuring that those chosen by them to work with children and young people are at all times competent and confident as to their roles and responsibilities.

Clubs must provide these people with the necessary supports and ensure in the best interests of the child, the young person and the adult that all those chosen to work on the club's behalf have been selected following thorough recruitment, selection, training and coaching procedures.

Promote Quality Participation by:

Encourage the Participation of Club Members by:

Encourage the Participation of Parents/Guardians by:

Develop Best Practice in Club Structures and Administration by:

Report Filed: 22 July 2009