CODE OF ETHICS & GOOD PRACTICE FOR CHILDREN’S SPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARLEVILLE A.F.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This document is a template code that can be used by sports organisations and clubs. It is based on the Code of Conduct by the Badminton Union of Ireland and has been modified with their permission.

 

The guidelines in this document are based on the national guidelines as outlined in the following documents: -

 

  • Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, Irish Sports Council, 2000.

 

  • Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, Dept. of Health & Children 1999

 

  • Our Duty to Care, Dept. of Health & Children 2002

 

For Northern Ireland Clubs and organisations reference should also be made to: -

 

o       Children Act NI and Safeguarding Children

 

Table of Contents                                                                                          2      

 

Core Values                                                                                                   3

 

Policy Statement                                                                                            4

 

Guidelines & Codes of Conduct(s) 

 

  • for Young Players                                                                                 5

 

  • for Parents                                                                                            6

 

  • for Sports Leaders                                                                                7

 

Policies                                                          

 

  • Disciplinary Procedures                                                                        11

 

  • Recruitment Policy for Sports Leaders / Volunteers                               12

 

  • Application & Reference Form                                                             13

 

  • Bullying Policy                                                                                      16

 

  • General Guidelines with Children

                                                     

                   i.  Travelling, Supervision and Away Trips, Safety & Touching

guidelines                                                                                              19

                  ii.  Permission Form                                                                                   21

 

  • Guidelines on use of photographic and filming equipment                        22

 

Child Protection Procedures

 

  • Child welfare & protection procedures                                                  24

 

  • Responding to disclosure                                                                      24

 

  • Reporting Procedures                                                                           25

 

·        Allegations against Sports Leaders                                                        26

 

·        Confidentiality/Anonymous Complaints & Rumours                               27

                                                                       

 

 
Core Values in Sport for Young People

 

The work of Charleville AFC is based on the following principles that will guide the development of sport for young people in this club, (as outlined in page 9, Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport). Young People’s experience of sport should be guided by what is best for the young person. The stages of development and the ability of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal.

 

Integrity in relationships

Adults interacting with young people in sport 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 in sport 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 sport.

 

Quality atmosphere and ethos

Sport for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.  A child-centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.  Too often competitive demands are placed on children too early and results in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a consequence, high levels of dropout from sport.

 

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 sports activities 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 Children's Sport. All children’s 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 behaving.  It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption.

 

Competition

A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. However, often competitive demands are placed on children too early, which results in excessive levels of pressure on them. This can contribute to a high level of drop out from sport. Leaders should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.

 

POLICY STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charleville A.F.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charleville A.F.C. is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members.  Every individual in Charleville A.F.C. 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 organisation and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.

 

The above statement should be written into the Constitution of the club/organisation

 

In Charleville A.F.C. our first priority is the welfare of the young people and we are committed to providing an environment that will allow participants to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation.

 

A more detailed policy statement may be drawn up for a particular club/organisation, For more information on drawing up policy statements, see Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, page 47 appendix 1 and pages 16/17 sections 2.7 and 2.8

 

Once the policy statement is approved and put into the constitution it can guide all other rules and regulations for sport for young people within the club/organisation. The following pages provide sample codes of conduct, rules for travelling away, supervision of young people, recruitment and selection and reporting procedures for child welfare and protection. They can be used to form rules and policies arising out of the inclusion of the policy statement in the constitution. The pages overleaf can be modified to suit each club and should be approved by the executive and the club’s legal advisors.

 

Code of Conduct for Young People

 

Charleville A.F.C. wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport. Young people deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These participants have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept. Young people should be encouraged to realise that they have responsibilities to treat other participants and sports leaders with fairness and respect.

 

Young players are entitled to: -


  • Be safe and to feel safe
  • Be listened to
  • Be believed
  • Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
  • 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
  • To protect their own bodies
  • Confidentiality

 

Young players should always: -
  • Treat Sports Leaders with respect – list appropriate people in your sport, e.g. coaches, managers, selectors, club officials etc.
  • Play fairly at all times, do their best
  • Respect team members, even when things go wrong
  • Respect opponents, be gracious in defeat
  • Abide by the rules set down by team managers when travelling to away events.
  • Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the sport of soccer into disrepute
  • Talk to children’s officer if they have any problems – list title of person in club/organisation that children can talk to

 

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 – list appropriate in your club
  • 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/young people
  • Spread rumours

 

For more information on Guidelines for Children see Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, pages 29/30 section 4.4

 

Guidelines for Parents

 

      Charleville A.F.C.  believes that parents should: -

  • Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, with officials and organisers
  • Always behave responsibly and do not seek to unfairly affect the game/player/insert appropriate wording, e.g. match, gala, etc.
  • Never intentionally expose any young participant 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 judgement or honesty of referees, coaches or organisers.  Respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players/insert appropriate wording
  • Encourage your child to play by the rules. Teach your child that honest endeavour 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 team-mates and opponents/insert appropriate wording
  • Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying behaviour in all its forms. Please read bullying policy within the club/organisation’s guidelines.

 

Parents Code of Conduct: -

  1. I will respect the rules and procedures set down in Charleville A.F.C.  Code of Ethics for Children in Sport.

 

  1. I will respect my child’s teammates, leaders, coaches, officials, judges, etc. and parents, as well as players, parents and coaches from opposing teams. I will encourage my child to treat other participants, coaches, selectors, and managers with respect.

 

  1. I will give encouragement and applaud only positive accomplishments whether from my child, his/her teammates, their opponents or the officials.

 

  1. I will respect my child’s leader(s) and support his/her efforts

 

  1. I will respect the officials and their authority during sessions and events – list as appropriate

 

  1. I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behaviour or use foul language.

 

Name: ____________________        Name of Child(ren)       ___________________

                                                                                                ___________________

___________________

Date     _______________________                                      ___________________

 

For more information on Guidelines for Parents see Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, pages 28/29 section 4.3

Guidelines for Sports Leaders/Coaches

 

Leaders in children’s sport should strive to create a positive environment for the children in their care.  They have an overall responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that positive and healthy experiences are provided.

 

Charleville A.F.C.  recognises the key role leaders – coaches, selectors and team managers, etc. – play in the lives of children in sport. These roles include: - 

 

  1. All Leaders – list as appropriate – should have as their first priority the children’s safety and enjoyment of the sport and should adhere to the guidelines and regulations set out in the club’s Code of Ethics.

 

  1. Leaders must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and must treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.

 

  1. Leaders working with young people in soccer should be suitable and appropriately qualified. Leaders will be expected to go through appropriate recruitment and selection procedures that apply to all persons with substantial access to young people, whether paid or unpaid. References will be needed and will be followed up.

 

  1. There will be a ‘sign-up’ procedure, whereby the appointed/reappointed leaders agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport and to the policies and code of the club/organisation.

 

  1. Leaders will be given a copy of the club/organisation’s code of ethics and they should be made aware of the procedures contained within the club/organisation’s code.

 

  1. Once appointed the Leader must act