CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
This policy was adopted at a meeting of the Committee of Turloughmore Hurling Club on the 10th March 2003 and is in force at all facilities and during all activities conducted under the control of Turloughmore HC.
The Child Protection Policy seeks to support children’s development in ways, which will foster security, confidence and independence.
Turloughmore HC is a Child Friendly Club and is fully committed to safe guarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for each others rights, safety and welfare regardless of a persons religion, gender, age, race, or ability and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principals of Turloughmore HC and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the GAA ‘Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport’.
PRINCIPALS
Turloughmore HC believes young people have a lot to gain from sport. It is important that all young players are valued and are always treated with the highest level of respect. Their personal dignity and physical integrity are paramount and participation in sport should enable them to have fun, make friends and become better players.
Turloughmore HC believes that a youth centred approach should be adopted by everyone involved in the promotion and development of Gaelic games at underage level.
Turloughmore HC will ensure that all their players are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with the Club by mentors / coaches adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Club’s Child Protection Policy, the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the GAA ‘Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport’.
Turloughmore HC will ensure all team mentors are offered the opportunity to attend Child Protection Awareness training.
Turloughmore HC will ensure that all team mentors and club members are well informed about Child Protection issues and that they are familiar with the club’s procedures for reporting concerns to the club’s designated officer (Chairperson of the Club). In the case of concerns against the designated officer concerns should be reported to the Secretary of the club.
Turloughmore HC will promote co-operation with statutory agencies in response to Child Protection.
Turloughmore HC will ensure all team mentors are offered the opportunity to obtain the appropriate level of coaching accreditation.
Turloughmore HC will if appropriate take sanctions in the event of suspected / confirmed breaches of their Child Protection Policy as required.
TURLOUGHMORE HURLING CLUB:. EQUALITY STATEMENT
Turloughmore HC’s aim is that the composition of the club reflects that of the community
Turloughmore HC will encourage people from all ethnic backgrounds to become involved with the club.
Turloughmore HC’s membership is open to all persons regardless of age, gender, race, religion and ability, political opinion, martial status or sexual orientation.
Between men and women generally.
Between persons with a disability and persons without.
Between persons with dependants and persons without.
Turloughmore HC permits all members over 16 years of age to vote, where possible. One parent / guardian may have one vote for all their children under 16 years of age, where relevant.
ROLE OF THE COACH / TEAM MENTOR
All Team Coaches and Mentors can ensure that sport has a beneficial impact when they adhere to the following guidelines:
CODE OF CONDUCT
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat each one equally regardless of age, gender, race, religion or ability.
- Be positive during coaching sessions so that the children leave with a sense of achievement and an increased level of self-esteem.
- Don’t shout at or lecture players or reprimand / ridicule them when they make a mistake.
- Encourage parents / guardians to play an active role in the club.
- Never use foul language or provocative language / gestures to a player, opponent or match official. (A coach should only enter the field of play with the referee’s permission and should not question their decision or integrity)
- Ensure that all equipment, dressing rooms and areas occupied by the Team, are kept clean and are not damaged in any way. (Any damage should be reported to a member of the Executive Committee of the club)
- Ensure that players are safely attired and that proper insurance arrangements are in place. (Names, addresses and DOB’s for all players under your control should be forwarded in writing to the Club Secretary)
- Ensure the unrestricted access to the Internet is not provided on the club premises.
- Ensure fair play Turloughmore HC has long been associated with fair play. Winning or striving to win is essential for enjoyable competition but should not be seen as an end in itself. (The level of improvement made by young people is the best indicator of effective Coaching)
- Never use any form of corporal punishment or physical force.
- Arrange training sessions to start and finish on time, lead by example, properly attired, avoid smoking in the presence of young people.
ROLE OF PARENTS / GUARDIANS
All parents / guardians have an influential role to play in assisting their children adopt positive attitudes and encouraging them to maintain an involvement in sport. Parents should not attempt to meet their own needs for success and achievement through their children’s participation in Gaelic games. The following guidelines will be of assistance:
Show approval for effort, not just for results.
Try to make words and actions match.
Attend games on a regular basis, become a member of Turloughmore HC and assist in the organisation of the club’s activities.
Give your child advise on the important of a balanced lifestyle.
Listen to what young people have to say.
Try to appreciate the strength of a young person’s emotions.
Realise the power of example
Don’t exert undue pressure on young people.
Don’t do one thing and say another.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Don’t ask ‘How much did you win or lose by.
Don’t just show approval when the Team wins.
Don’t criticise playing performance – seek areas where improvements can be made.
Don’t criticise Team / Match Officials.
Arrange to take and lift your children from training and matches when required.
THE ROLE OF THE YOUNG PERSON
Young people must be encouraged to realise that they also have responsibilities to treat others with fairness and respect.
YOUNG PLAYERS SHOULD UNDERTAKE TO :
Play fairly, do your best at all times even in training and enjoy yourselves.
Represent their family and Club with pride and dignity.
Always shake hands with your opponents before and after a game regardless of the result.
Respect officials from within and from outside the Club and respect their decisions gracefully.
Respect your opponents.
Respect fellow team members giving them support when they do well and even when they do not so well.
Accept apologies from opponents when offered.
Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
Let your team mentors know when you are not available for training or a match (give as much notice as possible).
Approach your team mentor or any Committee member with any questions or concerns you may have.
Do not tell lies about adults or other children.
THE ROLE OF THE CLUB’S YOUTH OFFICER
To develop and maintain a youth centred ethos within the Club.
To encourage the involvement of parents / guardians in organising activities and to co-operate with parents in ensuring that every young person enjoys his / her involvement in the Club.
To establish and maintain a link between the Underage and Adult sections of the Club.
To establish links with the local schools in the promotion of Gaelic games.
To liase with the Club Secretary to ensure the rules regarding eligibility for competitions are adhered to.
To promote awareness of the Club’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures and the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the GAA ‘Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport’.
To influence policy and practice within the Club in order to prioritise children’s needs.
THE ROLE OF THE CLUB
To ensure the designated officer (Club Chairperson) monitors and updates the Club’s Child Protection / Equity Policy where appropriate.
Ensure that appropriate insurance cover is in place to cover the activities of the club.
Will deal with any allegation of abuse in a sensitive and competent way through listening to and facilitating the child to tell about the problem.
Will investigate and record where necessary any allegation.
Keep records of action taken and inform the relevant authority.
Keep records of attendees at relevant courses.
Organise Child Protection Awareness training courses for its mentors / coaches.
Full documentation will be kept and it will be treated as confidential and held securely.