1] Aims and Objectives

The aim of Templeogue United Football Club is to provide all players at our club with the maximum opportunities to develop their footballing ability to its full potential.

This will be achieved with the full co-operation of Managers/Coaches, Players and Parents in a safe and friendly environment.

2] Code of Conduct for Managers/Coaches

1 – Managers/Coaches will show respect for all players and officials and lead by example.

2 – Be fully prepared for coaching sessions and matches. (Including First-Aid, Kit, etc.).

3 – Ensure a safe environment for learning and development.

4 – Managers/Coaches to keep themselves up to date with new ideas on coaching and development.

5 – Encourage each player in terms of self-discipline, good behaviour and punctuality.

6 – Be self-critical and not afraid to seek assistance.

7 – Be familiar with the Templeogue United Football Club Child Protection Guidelines.

8 – Liaise with parents.

9 – Ensure that all players are aware that all forms of bullying will not be tolerated.

10 – Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.

11 – Managers/Coaches must always display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

All above is superceded by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as directed by The Irish Sports Council and supported by the FAI. See back of booklet for further information.

3] Code of Conduct for Players

1 – Always show respect for team-mates, managers/coaches, opponents and officials.

2 – Always turn up on time for matches and training.

3 – Always play to win but accept defeat like proper sportsmen.

4 – Always have commitment to your club and pride in your performance.

5 – Ensure that your lifestyle helps rather than hinders your progress.

6 – Pay your subs every week without having to be asked.

7 – Arrive for training and matches with the proper gear and boots.

8 – Listen to advice given and ask questions if you don’t understand.

9 – Help out with equipment before and after matches and training.

10 – Let the manager know, as soon as possible, if you are injured or sick.

11 – Bullying will not be tolerated and if you feel you are being bullied feel safe to tell the manager.

12 – Enjoy playing and training with Templeogue United F.C.

All above is superceded by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as directed by The Irish Sports Council and supported by the FAI. See back of booklet for further information.

4] Code of Conduct for Parents

1 – Always show respect for all players, opponents, managers/coaches and officials.

2 – Have realistic expectations for your son/daughter and don’t put him/her under undue pressure.

3 – Ensure that your son/daughter arrives on time for training and matches and that safe arrangements
are in place for getting your son/daughter home afterwards.

4 – Leave coaching to the coaches.

5 – Respect the managers/coaches decisions.

6 – Assist when asked.

7 – Accept disappointment, praise good work and refrain from criticising.

8 – Support the club’s fund-raising activities where possible.

9 – If your son/daughter requires hospital treatment a parent must attend.

10 – Emphasise skill development and practice over winning and how they benefit your child
(and other children/players). De-emphasise games and competition in the lower age groups.

All above is superceded by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as directed by The Irish Sports Council and supported by the FAI. See back of booklet for further information.

5] Child Protection Policy

Templeogue United Football Club believes that concern for the general well-being and welfare of all children and young persons under its care is of paramount importance in developing the young players of the future.

The club recognises the responsibilities and trust that is placed on it by all players and their families.

It will seek to respond to that responsibility by encouraging best practice in Child Protection matters and encourage everyone involved in the club to recognise this.

The protection of the child must be the first priority of all its members.

All Managers/Coaches must know the club’s policy and procedures, be encouraged to listen to concerns of players and take their complaints seriously.

All current and potential Managers/Coaches shall consent to be screened as to their suitability to work with children as specified by the FAI Child Protection guidelines.

Templeogue United F.C. will emphasise to all members that they have a duty to report to the Designated Person any concerns they have over the possible abuse of children. This duty also applies to concerns they might have about a colleague.

The Club will provide guidance to anyone who makes a report of suspected abuse and they will be fully supported when voicing these concerns.

6] Definition of Child Abuse

Neglect: The neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from any kind of danger including exposure to cold and rain.

Physical Abuse: Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child where a person involves a child in any activity that leads to their own or others sexual gratification. This might involve intercourse, touching, exposure of sexual organs, showing of pornographic material or talking in an erotic way.

Emotional Abuse: Failure to exhibit care and attention, particularly where a child is threatened, taunted or shouted at and as a consequence leads to loss of self-esteem and confidence. Similarly, undermining a child by ignoring effort or progress.

7] Guidance to Promote Good Practice

The following guidelines are suggested to Managers/Coaches in an attempt to reduce situations, which could lead to the abuse of children as well as attempting to protect those who are working with children and young people.

Always try to work with children and young people in the open and public view.

With very young children, where possible, try to encourage parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms.

It is possible that a Manager/Coach might have to help young children with undressing, changing and dressing. Such tasks should only be carried out after discussion and consent of the player and parents.

Always ensure Managers/Coaches work in pairs when children have to be supervised in the changing rooms.

Always try to develop a climate, which discourages the criticising of those who are seen as having less ability.

Always try to take steps to challenge bullying and always listen to complaints from team members who feel that they are being bullied.

Always try to avoid being alone in a car with a child/young person. Sometimes this will be unavoidable but try to make sure the child/young person sits in the back of the car.

Always try to avoid taking a child/young person home with you, especially if they would be alone with a Manager/Coach.

It is advisable that Managers/Coaches identify who will be collecting a child/young person following a match or training session.

Managers/Coaches should take steps to know who will care for a child/young person if his parents are not at home when the child is returned home following a match or training session.

All above is superceded by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as directed by The Irish Sports Council and supported by the FAI. See back of booklet for further information.

8] Anti-Bullying Policy

It is vital that everyone within the club understands that Bullying will not be tolerated and that the following conditions must be met.

In being confronted with a possible case of bullying all Managers/Coaches must be prepared to:

Take the problem seriously.
Investigate the incident.
Talk to the bullies and victims separately.

Decide on an appropriate action such as:

Obtain an apology from the bully to victim.
Inform parents of the bully.
Encourage/support the bully to change his behaviour.
Impose sanctions against bullies up to and including dismissal.

9] Child Protection Advice for Players

You are entitled to:

Be safe

Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect

Experience competition and the desire to win as a positive and healthy outcome of striving for best performance

Be happy, have fun and enjoy soccer

Comment and make suggestions in an appropriate and constructive manner

Be listened to

Be believed

MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO EXPRESS CONCERNS AND MAKE COMPLAINTS IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY AND HAVE THESE DEALT WITH THROUGH AN EFFECTIVE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: Templeogue United’s Children’s Officer is Roy Bardsley, BA Psychology (Hons), MSc Counselling Psychology, and he can be contacted at 086-6093124 or through the club secretary.

10] For further information see:

Code of Ethics & Good practice for Children’s Sport, The Irish Sports Council 2001.

Our Duty to Care, Department of Health & Children, 2002.

Children First, National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 1999.

Or contact: Michael Lynam, FAI National Children’s Officer. Tel: 087-9691422.

Or visit FAI website: www.fai.ie/fai/about/policy.htm

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CODE OF CONDUCT GUIDELINES
IMPORTANT

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