Coaches Code Of Conduct

The Nemo Rangers code of conduct for under-age is based on the national GAA code of behaviour for underage 2016 and is available (in full) for review at GAA.ie. Success in any sport requires loyalty, respect and discipline; at Nemo Rangers we encourage these attributes in a positive fashion as stated in the GAA code of behaviour for underage ‘Our games, Our code’ 

Young players can benefit greatly from sports in terms of personal development and enjoyment.  Our players are encouraged to realise that as a result of their participation in our Gaelic Games that they also have a responsibility to treat other players and officials with fairness and respect. With rights there will always be responsibilities. Young Players and Coaches, who work with them in our Association’s are required to ‘sign up’ and abide by this Code of Behaviour.

PLAYERS ARE ENTITLED TO:

  • Be safe and feel safe.
  • Have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment.
  • Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity.
  • Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner.
  • Be afforded appropriate confidentiality.
  • Participate in games and competitions at levels with which they feel comfortable.
  • Make their concerns known and have them dealt with in an appropriate manner.
  • Be protected from abuse.
  • Be listened to.
  • Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club Children’s Officer with any concerns or question’s they may have
  • Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.

BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE DEALT WITH AS FOLLOWS:

  • Initially should be discussed by Selectors and appropriate action taken.
  • Repeat / serious breaches will be discussed with the Underage Committee and appropriate action will be decided.
  • Damage to club property including the Building and/or its contents, fixtures & fittings, safety equipment will be deemed as a serious offence and could result in club suspension as well as liability to right any damage caused by payment in monetary terms to the value of the cost of repairs. Suspensions in this regard can be dealt with by the management committee of the Club.
  • Breaches of the “players code of conduct” attendance at games and training will be penalised as followed:-
  1. First offence - notified for next game but will not be started.
  2. Second offence - will be notified as usual but will not be played.
  3. Subsequent Offences will be dealt with at Under-Age Committee level.
  4. Should a player furnish an acceptable excuse after the game, the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman can lift the suspension or other penalty.
  • Each suspension begins on the day of the meeting following the offence.
  • Players are also asked to note that any grievances that they may have concerning any item, should be brought to the attention of the Under-Age Committee through the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman

ROLE OF COACH:

  • Promote the RESPECT (see link outlined above) campaign amongst your players, fellow coaches, parents and supporters.
  • Do not smoke while working with underage players.
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with children based on mutual trust and respect.
  • Challenge Bullying in any form whether physical or emotional. Bullying is not acceptable behaviour be it from a young person, coach, parent/guardian, spectator or match official.
  • Coaches should encourage players at all times and when necessary offer direction and  constructive feedback
  • Children learn best through trial and error. Children and young people should not be afraid to risk error so as to learn.
  • The use of any form of physical punishment is prohibited as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour, unless it is by way of restraint.
  • Avoid incidents of horse play or role play or telling jokes etc. that could be misinterpreted.
  • Never encourage players to consume non-prescribed drugs or take performance enhancing supplements.

AVOID COMPROMISING YOUR ROLE AS A COACH

  • Some activities may require coaches to come into physical contact with underage players in the course of their duties. However, coaches should;
    • Avoid taking coaching sessions on your own.
    • Only deliver one to one coaching, if deemed necessary, within a group setting.
    • Avoid unnecessary physical contact with an underage player and never engage in inappropriate touching of a player.
    • Be aware that any necessary contact should be determined by the age and development of the player and should only take place with the permission and understanding of the player and in an open environment in the context of developing a player’s skills and abilities.

BEST PRACTICE

  • Ensure that all of your players are suitably and safely attired to play their chosen sport. e.g. helmets (Hurling and Camogie), goggles (Handball), shin guards, gum shields  (Football).
  • As a coach always be punctual and properly attired.
  • Be accompanied by at least one other adult at coaching sessions, games and in underage team dressing rooms.
  • In the case of girls teams at least one female coach should be present at all times.
  • Set realistic – stretching but achievable – performance goals for your players and teams.
  • Rotate the team captaincy and the method used for selecting teams.
  • Keep a record of attendance at training and at games by both players and coaches.
  • In the case of an injury during a game, ensure the referee has noted the name of the player and the type of injury for the official match report.
  • Keep a record of any injuries and actions subsequently taken.
  • In the case of an injury during training, ensure to report the name of the player and the type of injury at the next underage meeting.
  • Ensure that another official/referee/ team mentor is present when a player is being attended to and can corroborate the relevant details.
  • Make adequate provision for First Aid services.
  • Do not encourage or permit players to play while injured.
  • In the case of head injuries, ensure players are not allowed back on to the field of play if there is any chance of concussion. If in doubt leave the player out.
  • Be aware of any special medical or dietary requirements of players as indicated on the medical consent/registration forms or as informed by parents/guardians.
  • Ensure that all dressing rooms and the general areas that are occupied by your players and other Club personnel, prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any match are kept clean and are not damaged in any way.
  • Be willing to keep the necessary and emergency medication of players in a safe and accessible place in accordance with the wishes and permission of the parents/guardians.
  • Do not administer medication or medical aid unless you are willing to do so and have received the necessary training to administer such aid.
  • Use mobile phones, if deemed appropriate, only via a group text or email system for communicating with the parents/guardians of players. Any exception to this form of group texting can only be proceeded with following written permission from parents/guardians.
  • Do not engage in communications with underage players via social network sites.
  • Encourage parents/guardians to play an active role in organising and assisting various activities for your teams and your Club.
  • If it is necessary to transport a child/young person in your car, ensure that they are seated in a rear seat with seat belts securely fastened and that all drivers are adequately insured.
  • With the exception of their own child a coach should not transport a child alone, except in emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Any issues/concerns of parents can be brought to the attention of the Clubs Children’s Officer and/or the Underage Committee Chairman