Kilcullen AFC

Kilcullen AFC Club Information

Kilcullen AFC Code of Conduct and Ethics

We at KILCULLEN AFC Football Club are very conscious of our responsibilities as coaches and indeed as parents. Every effort is made by the club to ensure that both players and coaches alike achieve the highest standards possible, on and off the field. Every week in excess of twenty coaches take care of and are responsible for approximately 200 players. Our standards are constantly under review and collectively we make amendments to improve these standards. At the end of each season the club hosts an AGM. This gives the club and the parents an opportunity to meet face to face and to discuss the previous season and the forthcoming season. The Club Chairman, speaks on topics such as players/coaches expectations, bullying, parent’s roles, future plans and much more. All Team Managers also present a report on the development of the players within their squad over the previous season. Parents are invited to ask questions regarding their own child’s team and about the Club itself. The following is a summary of the codes of conduct and ethics that we actively support:

Parents

•     Remember, young people are involved in soccer for their enjoyment, not yours.
•     Encourage your child always to play by the laws of the game.
•     Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
•     Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
•     Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
•     Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
•     Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs
•     Do not force an unwilling child to participate in playing soccer. If the child is to play he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement. There are many aspects of soccer other than playing which can be equally fulfilling
•     Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from soccer
•     As a spectator, do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players. Do not publicly question the referee’s judgement and never their honesty.
•     Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.
•     Encourage in your child an appreciation of mutual respect for teammates and opponents.

Players

•     Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach.
•     Play by the laws of the game and always accept the referee’s decision.
•     Play with control. Do not loose your temper.
•     Play for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
•     Be a "good sport". Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opponent.
•     Respect your opponent. Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not "bully" or take advantage of any player.
•     Co-operate with the coach, teammates and opponents.
•     Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.
•     At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
•     Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
•     Win with humility – loose with dignity.

Spectators

•     Remember that although young people play organised soccer they are not miniature Internationals.
•     Be on your best behaviour and lead by example.
•     Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own
•     Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
•     Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
•     Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or form.
•     Encourage young players to play by the laws of the game.
•     Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.

Club Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy

KILCULLEN AFC Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, color, religion or disability. Equality of opportunity at KILCULLEN AFC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favorably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, color, religion or disability. This includes:

•     The advertisement and the selection of candidates for volunteers.
•     Courses including external coaching and education activities and awards.
•     Football development activities and selection for teams.
•     Appointments to honorary positions.

KILCULLEN AFC Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behavior, whether physical or verbal and will work to ensure that such behavior is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs. KILCULLEN AFC Football Club is committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and in the wider context, within football as a whole. Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

Club Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct  have been broken should follow the procedures below. They should report the matter to the Children’s Officer or the Club Secretary at KILCULLEN AFC.

Your report should include:

•     Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.
•     Any witness statement and names.
•     Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
•     Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
•     A preference for a solution to the incident.

The Club’s Executive Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested. The Club’s Executive Committee will have the power to:

•     Warn as to future conduct;
•     Suspend from membership;
•     Remove from membership;

Any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.

Photographic & Video Permission

All Club Members may be used in photographic or video material for promotional purposes by KILCULLEN AFC.  In addition all Parents/Guardians also agree that the League or its representatives may video/photograph their child/children whilst playing/Training or competing under the jurisdiction of the Kildare & District Underage League. Any video/Photograph may be used by the League in local/national papers or brochures to promote the League as they deem fit.

Club Policy Documents

Copies of the following Club Policy Documents

•     Club Codes of Conduct and Ethics
•     Club Complaints Procedure
•     Club Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy
•     Club Rules and Constitution
•     Club Child Protection Policy

Can be obtained by contacting any member of the Club’s Executive Committee