Introduction – Our Games Our Children

We in Ballymore Eustace GAA Club are committed to the development of all players, regardless of ability, in a healthy and welcoming environment. This Code of conduct addresses the levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our Young Players, Coaches, Supporters, Parents/Guardians and Referees.

Please take the time to read the code and become familiar with the it and remember that we all have roles to play in the development of all our players and our club. 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 that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance in our work.

PLAYERS SHOULD ALWAYS

Play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves.
Respect fellow team members regardless of ability, cultural or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or religion beliefs.
Support fellow team members regardless of whether they do well or not.
Represent their team, their Club and their family with pride and dignity.
Respect all coaches, officials and their opponents.
Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.
Shake hands before and after a game as part of the Give Respect Get Respect initiative, irrespective of the result.
Inform their Coach/Mentor/Manager in advance if they are unavailable for training and games.
Take due care of Club equipment.
Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club Children’s Officer with any concerns or questions they may have.
Adhere to acceptable standards of behaviour and their Club’s Code of Discipline.
Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.

PLAYERS SHOULD NEVER:

Cheat – always play by the rules.
Shout at or argue with a game’s official, with their Coach, their team mates or opponents and should never use violence.
Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage or isolate other players.
Spread rumours.
Tell lies about adults or other young people.
Play or train if they feel unwell or are injured.
Use unacceptable language or racial and/or sectarian references.
Bring cameras into the dressing rooms. Phones should be turned off in dressing rooms.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE:

Adopt a positive attitude to their children’s participation in our games.
Respect officials’ decisions and encourage children to do likewise.
Do not exert undue pressure on your child.
Never admonish your own child or any other child for their standard of play.
Be realistic in their expectations.
Show approval for effort, not just results.
Avoid asking a child or young person, ‘How much did you score today’ or ‘what did you win by’ or

‘What did you lose by?’ Ask them ‘Did they enjoy themselves.’

Never embarrass a child or use sarcastic remarks towards a player.
Applaud good play from all teams.
Do not criticise playing performances. Identify how improvements may be made.
Do not seek to unfairly affect a game or player.
Do not enter the field of play unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD:

Complete and return the registration/permission and medical consent forms for their child’s participation in the Club.
Inform the coaches, and any other relevant Club personnel, of any medical or dietary requirements in advance and to notify of any changes in their child’s medical or dietary requirements prior to coaching sessions, games or other activities.
Ensure that their child punctually attends coaching sessions/games or other activities.
Be punctual when picking children up from training or inform another parent if you cannot be, so that children will not be left alone in the GAA grounds. This is a protection for the child and the club.
Provide their child with adequate clothing and equipment as may be required for the playing of our games including for example helmets, shin guards, mouthguards etc.
Ensure that the nutrition/hydration and hygiene needs of their child are met.

PARENTS/GAURDIANS SHOULD ASSIST THEIR CLUB BY

Showing appreciation to volunteers, coaches and Club officials.
Attending training and games on a regular basis.
Assisting in the organising of Club activities and events as requested.
Respecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person and by treating each one equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion.
Not entering team dressing rooms unless deemed necessary by the team coach (es) so as to protect the privacy of other underage players.
Notifying mentors / coaches where children have trained/played already (GAA or any other sport) on the day of scheduled training or matches.
Notifying of any change in health or dietary requirement before a match or training or other activity.
Not approaching coaches and mentors directly before or after a training session or a game if they wish to discuss a matter with the coach. Coaches will be available by phone or in person, if there are any wishes you need to discuss. They will be happy to schedule an appropriate time.
To arrange appointments with Coaches or Mentors to discuss any other issue. The coach and one other committee member will attend the appointment

Coaches should:

Never use foul language or provocative language/gestures to a player, opponent or match official.
Only enter the field of play with the Referee’s permission.
Do not question a Referee’s decisions or integrity.
Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement of match officials.
Promote Fair Play.
Promote the RESPECT campaign.
Do not smoke while working with underage players.
Do not consume alcohol or non prescribed drugs immediately prior to or while underage players are in your care.
Encourage parents to become involved in your team and Club activities wherever possible.

SUPPORTERS ADD TO THE ENJOYMENT OF OUR GAMES BY:

Applauding good performance and efforts from your Club’s players and from your opponents, regardless of the result.
Condemning the use of violence in any form, be it by fellow spectators, coaches, officials or players.
Encouraging players to participate according to the rules and the referees’ decisions.
Demonstrating appropriate behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or officials.
Respecting the decisions of all officials.
Never ridiculing or scolding a player for making a mistake during games or competitions.
Showing respect to your Club’s opponents. Without them there would be no games or competitions.
Upholding the principles of FAIR PLAY and RESPECT for all.