Corrib Celtic FC

Corrib Celtic FC Code of Conduct

1.Aims and Objectives

The aim of Corrib Celtic 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

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions have ethical implications.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude. Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, coach or parent.

Set out below is the Corrib Celtic F.C. Coaches Code of Conduct

1. Managers/Coaches will show respect for all players and officials and lead by example. Respect should always be shown to Referees and recognition given to their official position on the pitch.
2. Be fully prepared for coaching sessions and matches. (Including First-Aid, Kit, etc.). 
3. Ensure a safe environment for learning and development. 
4. Young players play for fun and enjoyment therefore skill development and playing for fun take precedent over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.
5. Be familiar with the Corrib Celtic FC Child Protection Guidelines. 
6. Ensure that all players are aware that all forms of bullying (verbal or physical) will not be tolerated. 
7. Managers/Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour.
8. Managers/Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Where possible managers/coaches should avoid:

• Spending excessive amounts of time with children away from others.
• Taking sessions alone (always employ "two deep" supervision)
• Taking children to their homes.
• Taking other people's children on journeys alone in their car.

Managers/Coaches should never:

• Use any form of corporal punishment or physical force on a young person.
• Exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Engage in rough physical games, sexually provocative games or allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind.
• Make sexually suggestive comments about or to a child.
• Undertake any form of therapy (hypnosis etc.) in the training of children.
• Allow children to use inappropriate language.
• Make inappropriate comments about, or to a child even in fun.
• Let allegations a child makes go without being addressed and recorded.
• Engage in Private messages with a minor.
• Share a room with a young person alone on away trips.

All above is superseded 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

Corrib Celtic Football Club wants all players to enjoy their time with the Club. We expect all players involved with Corrib Celtic Soccer Club to follow the guidelines set out below and all parents must ensure their child understands our Code of Conduct for Players.

1. Players should always show due respect and not use abusive language, argue or engage in disruptive behaviour with the referee, team mates, opponents, managers/coaches or officials.
2. Players should arrive at training & matches in good time, and with appropriate gear.
3. Always play/train with a positive enthusiastic attitude, take pride in your performance and show commitment to your club.
4. Listen to advice given and ask questions if you don’t understand.
5. Help out with equipment before and after matches and training.
6. Let managers/coaches know as soon as possible if they are injured or sick and unable to attending training or matches.
7. Players are required to support the managers/coaches and referees decisions.
8. Players should always play to win but accept defeat and victory with the same spirit.
9. Above all players should enjoy their football & be proud of being a member of Corrib Celtic Soccer Club!!!

Corrib Celtic Football Club will not tolerate bullying of any description. If a player feels he/she is being bullied, they should feel safe to tell their Manager/Coach.

Disciplinary process regarding use of abusive language or disruptive behaviour towards referees, coaches, team mates or opponents.

• On the first occurrence the offending player will be withdraw immediately from further participation in the training session or match as applicable.
• For a second occurrence by the same player that player will again be withdraw immediately from further participation in the current training session or match as applicable, and will be refused participation by the club in the three subsequent team training sessions and/or matches as applicable. A written warning will be issued by the club to the parent/guardian of the player in question outlining the incidents and advising of potential future disciplinary actions should there be a repeat of the incident.
• Having been warned in writing if the player continues with the abusive language or disruptive behaviour he/she will be suspended for a period of two weeks from all club training sessions and matches.
• Should there be a further incident the player will be suspended from all club training sessions and matches for the remainder of the current season and will be notified of this in writing by the club.

If a player suspended in this manner wishes to re-join the team in the following season both the player and at least one parent must first meet with Club Officials and team management and provide personal reassurances that there will be no repeat of the abusive behaviour again.

All reasonable efforts to resolve matters should be exhausted before accessing the appeals procedure as noted in the Corrib Celtic F.C. Code of Practice.

All above is superseded 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/Guardians

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. Respect the managers/coaches and referees decisions. 
5. Assist when asked. 
6. Accept disappointment, praise good work and refrain from criticising. 
7. Promote and teach FAIR PLAY
8. Inform the coach about any illness or injury that your son/daughter has that would impact their ability to take a full active part in training/matches or of any planned extended absences from training/matches.
9. Refrain from contacting the manager/coach unnecessarily, respect they have a private life *
10. Support the club’s fund-raising activities where possible.
11. If your son/daughter requires hospital treatment a parent must attend.
12. 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. 
13. Ensure your son/daughter has read and understands the Corrib Celtic FC Code of Conduct for Players.

Parents/Guardians should never:

• Insult players or club personnel
• Argue with, or shout abuse at officials and they should actively discourage children or young players from doing likewise
• Suggest or encourage cheating, aggressive or “dirty” play
• Placing undue or inappropriate criticism on a player, causing the player unnecessary or unhealthy levels of stress
• Behave with physical or verbal aggression towards another person [actually use force or threaten the use of force]
• Engage in any “harassment” type of behaviour

* Recognise the value and importance of coaches who are all volunteers. They give children their time and resources to provide football for your child. Read the laws of the game to understand better what you are looking at and commenting on. Promote Corrib Celtic FC’s Code of Conduct.

All above is superseded 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.Code of Conduct for Spectators

• Remember that although children play organised soccer they are not miniature professionals. Don’t place excessive pressure on children to perform to unrealistically high expectations. Children play soccer to develop their skills, to have fun and enjoy the game.
• Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. The behaviour of a team’s supporters will often be remembered long after the result of the game. Be remembered for the right reasons.
• Applaud good play, sportsmanship and best effort by the visiting team as well as your own.
• Welcome and respect all your teams’ opponents. Without them there would be no match.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
• Verbal abuse of players, match officials or opposing supporters cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players or match officials should never be regarded as fair targets for ignorant or abusive behaviour.

6.Child Protection Policy

Corrib Celtic 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.

Corrib Celtic 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.

7. Definition of Child Abuse

Neglect: The neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from any kind of danger.

Physical Abuse: Actual or likely physical injury to a child or failure to prevent injury or suffering to a child

Sexual 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.

8. 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 superseded 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

Corrib Celtic FC’s Children’s Officer is <tbd>, and he/she can be contacted at <tel number>or through the club secretary.

11. 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