Child Welfare & Safeguarding at CTHC

"Here at Carlow Town Hurling & Camogie Club we aim to have a club where all members can play hurling and camogie in a learning, supportive, safe and fun environment." 

Child Welfare Policies: 

The following sections outline the clubs Child Welfare Policies:

1. Anti Bullying Policy

2. Coach Code of Conduct

3. Coach Best Practice and communicating with young people

4. Parents Code of Conduct

5. Young Players Code of Conduct

6. Supporters Code of Conduct

Club Children's Officers: 

Mark Campion - Camogie

Barry Connolly - Gaa

1. ANTI BULLYING

We in CTHC aim to create a supportive environment where any form of Bullying is unacceptable. 

CTHC adopt 'a whole organisational approach' to addressing Bullying and are committed to implementing structures and relevant training to deal with allegations of Bullying.  Incidents of Bullying are regarded as serious breaches of our Code of Behaviour and Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport. 

CTHC  are committed to achieving an ethos of respect so as to maximise the potential of all our members when playing or participating in our Gaelic Games". (GAA Anti Bullying Statement)

CTHC  aims to create a supportive environment where any form of bullying is unacceptable.  We adopt a whole organisational approach to addressing bullying and are committed to implementing structures and relevant training to deal with allegations of bullying.  Incidents of bullying are regarded as serious breaches of THE gaa Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport - Our Games Our Code. We are committed to achieving an ethos of respect so as to maximise the potential of all our members when playing or participating in our Gaelic Games.

DEFINITION: 'Bullying is defined as repeated aggression, be it verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others.

CTHC seeks to ensure that -

•  Incidents of bullying behaviour are addressed appropriately

•  All persons in membership of the Association or attending our games or activities are aware that bullying behaviour is unacceptable in the GAA.

Dealing with bullying:

The Code of Behaviour when working with underage players provides good practice guidance in relation to the prevention of bullying.

If you are aware of or have a concern that bullying behaviour is happening within your Club you should report the matter to your: 

Club Children's Officer: Mark Campion 086-6005272

We recognise that incidents of bullying are a breach of the Code of Behaviour and of our Give Respect - Get Respect initiative and all such incidents will be dealt with accordingly.

2. COACH CODE OF CONDUCT:

Coaches should maintain a child centered approach:

•   Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.

•  Treat each person equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion.

 •  Be positive during coaching sessions, games and other activities so that underage players always leave with a sense of achievement and an increased level of self-esteem.

•  Recognise the development needs and capacity of all underage players, regardless of their ability, by emphasising participation for all while avoiding excessive training and competition. Skills development and personal satisfaction should have priority over competition when working with underage players.

 •  Develop an understanding of relevant coaching methods and ensure that they have the appropriate level of coaching accreditation.

•  Do not equate losing with failure and do not develop a preoccupation with medals and trophies. The level of improvement made by underage players is the best indicator of effective coaching.

Coaches should lead by example:

•  Never use foul language or provocative language/gestures to a player, opponent or match official.

•  Only enter the field of play with the Referee's permission.

•  Do not question a Referee's decisions or integrity.

•  Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement of match officials.

•  Promote Fair Play and encourage all players and fellow officials to always play by the rules of the game.

•  Do not encourage or threaten a player by deed or gesture to act in any unacceptable manner towards an opponent, fellow player or official.

•  Promote the RESPECT campaign amongst your players, fellow coaches, parents and supporters.

•  Do not smoke while working with underage players.

•  Do not consume alcohol or non prescribed drugs immediately prior to or while underage players are in your care.

•  Encourage parents to become involved in your team and Club activities wherever possible.

3. COACH BEST PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE:

Coach guidelines / best practice when working with young people:

•  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.

•  Don't shout at or lecture players or reprimand/ridicule them when they make a mistake. 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 undertake any form of therapy or hypnosis, in the training of children.

 •  Never encourage players to consume non-prescribed drugs or take performance enhancing supplements.

Avoid compromising your role as 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) and 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.

 •  Set realistic – stretching but achievable – performance goals for your players and teams.

•  Keep a record of attendance at training and at games by both players and coaches.

•  Rotate the team captaincy and the method used for selecting teams so that the same children are not always selected to the exclusion of others.

•  Keep a record of any injuries and actions subsequently taken.  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.

•  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 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.

 Parents/Guardians have an influential role to play in assisting and encouraging their children to fully participate in Gaelic Games, whether by playing our games or attending training or coaching sessions.

In common with Coaches and Club personnel the Parents/Guardians of underage players should act as role models for their children as they participate in Gaelic Games.

NB: Communicating with underage players and teams

Coaches and mentors should never place themselves in a compromising position by texting or communicating via social media sites with underage players. All such communications regarding GAA activities should be sent via the parents or guardians of the underage player, unless otherwise agreed with the parents/guardians, in writing.

In general the following should apply when communicating with underage players:

•  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 permission from parents/guardians. (see Juvenile Membership Application form)

•  Do not communicate individually by text/email sites with underage players.

•  Do not engage in communications with underage players via social network sites.

Dealing with Allegations or Concerns of Abuse:

The GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, the Camogie Association, GAA Handball Ireland and the Rounders Council of Ireland all actively work in the promotion of our Games amongst young people and must be alert to the possibility that children with whom we are working may be suffering from abuse or neglect.

We all have a legal duty of care to children and young people. This means that we have an obligation to provide them with the highest possible standard of care in order to promote their well-being and safeguard them from abuse. Organisations are responsible for any failure to provide adequate care and safeguards for children in their care.

Additionally, should any member or employee of our Association be aware of any concerns or reports of abuse by or of an adult such matters should also be dealt with as matters of urgency through appropriate Club channels and in consultation with statutory authorities.

Guidance is available for members or employees on such matters from their relevant Designated Persons.

Each of our Associations has signed up to the joint Code of Behaviour when working with underage players , and we have agreed procedures so as to facilitate our members in the Reporting of Allegations of Abuse to statutory authorities. While additional and detailed guidance is given by each Association on reporting procedures in the event of concerns or allegations of abuse it is important that those who work on our behalf with underage teams and players are aware of the need to apply absolute confidentiality when dealing with all aspects of concern or allegations of abuse. This essentially means that information should only be shared with those that need to know such information in order to protect children or young people.

Any concerns should be made to club Designated Liason Officer, Peter Doran

 4. PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT:

Parents / Guardians should encourage their child to:

•  Always play by the rules.

•  Improve their skills levels.

•  Appreciate everybody on their team, regardless of ability.

 •  Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle with regard to exercise, food, rest and play.  Advice may be  sought if necessary from Club officials on this issue.

 Parents / Guardians should lead be example::

•  Adopt a positive attitude to their children's participation in our games.

•  Respect officials' decisions and encourage children to do likewise.

•  Do not exert undue pressure on your child.

•  Never admonish your own child or any other child for their standard of play.

•  Be realistic in their expectations.

•  Show approval for effort, not just results.

•  Avoid asking a child or young person, 'How much did you score today' or 'What did you win by' or 'What did you lose by.'  Ask them 'Did they enjoy themselves.'

•  Never embarrass a child or use sarcastic remarks towards a player.

•  Applaud good play from all teams.

•  Do not criticise playing performances. Identify how improvements may be made. •  Do not seek to unfairly affect a game or player.

 •  Do not enter the field of play unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge.

Parents / Guardians should:

•  Complete and return the registration/permission and medical consent forms for their child's participation in the Club.

•  Inform the Coaches, and any other relevant Club personnel, of any changes in their child's medical or dietary requirements prior to coaching sessions, games or other activities.

•  Ensure that their child punctually attends coaching sessions/games or other activities.

•  Provide their child with adequate clothing and equipment as may be required for the playing of our games including for example helmets, shin guards, gum shields etc.

•  Ensure that the nutrition/hydration and hygiene needs of their child are met

•  Never encourage your child(ren) to consume non-prescribed drugs or take performance enhancing supplements.

•  Listen to what their child may have to say.

•  Show approval whether the team wins, loses or draws a game.

•  Never attempt to meet their own needs and aspirations for success and achievement through their children's participation in games.

Parents / Guardians should assist their club by:

•  Showing appreciation to volunteers, coaches and Club officials.

•  Attending training and games on a regular basis.

•  Assisting in the organising of Club activities and events as requested.  

•  Respecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person and by treating each one equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion.

•  Not entering team dressing rooms unless deemed necessary by the team coach so as to protect the privacy of other underage players.

Parents / Guardians have the right to:  

 Know their child is safe and to make a complaint if they believe that their child's safety is in any way compromised.

•  Be informed of problems/concerns relating to their child.

•  Be informed if their child gets injured.

•  Complain if they have concerns about the standard of coaching.

•  Have a say in relation to decisions being made within the Club.

5. YOUNG PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Young Players in CTHC  can benefit greatly from sport in terms of personal development and enjoyment. Our players are encouraged to realise that as a result of their participation in our great club 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 those who work with them in CTHC are required to 'sign up' and abide by this Code of Behaviour.

Young players should always:

•  Play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves.

•  Respect fellow team members regardless of ability, cultural or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

 •  Support fellow team members regardless of whether they do well or not.

•  Represent their team, their Club and their family with pride and dignity.

•  Respect all Coaches, Officials and their opponents.

•  Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

•  Shake hands before and after a game as part of the Give Respect Get Respect initiative, irrespective of the result.

•  Inform their Coach/Mentor in advance if they are unavailable for training and games.

•  Take due care of Club equipment Club Gym.

•  Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club Youth Officer, Damian Casey, with any concerns or questions they may have.

•  Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way

Young players should engage in good practice:

•  Never cheat – always play by the rules.

•  Never shout at or argue with a game's official, with their Coach, their team mates or opponents and should never use violence.

 •  Never use unfair or Bullying tactics to gain advantage or isolate other players.

•  Never spread rumours.

 •  Never tell lies about adults or other young people.

•  Never play or train if they feel unwell or are injured.

•  Never use unacceptable language or racial references to an opponent, a fellow player or official by words, deeds or gesture.

 •   Never consume non-prescribed drugs or performance enhancing supplements.

 Young players should be 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.

 6. SUPPORTERS CODE OF CONDUCT

We take the conduct of supporters seriously in CTHC. Supporters must remember that underage games are for fun and participation. The result of the game is secondary. We ask all club members to be an example for all young Village players by respecting players, coaches and referees. The abuse of players, coaches and referees is unacceptable within our club.

Young Players are eager to enjoy and benefit from the support they receive from parents, guardians, friends and other members of the Club who attend our games as spectators and supporters. Active, loyal and well behaved supporters are always welcome to attend and support our games but should be aware that their conduct will reflect upon the team, players and Clubs that they support and represent. 

Fellow supporters have a responsibility to ensure that all spectators conduct themselves in an acceptable and well behaved manner at all times, when attending our games and competitions. Unacceptable conduct by supporters should be reported.

Supporters should realise and consider that Young Players are encouraged to participate in Gaelic Games in CTHC so that they may enjoy themselves while also improving their skills levels.

Supporters add to the enjoyment of our games by:

•  Applauding good performance and efforts from your Club's players and from your opponents, regardless  of the result.

•  Condemning the use of violence in any form, be it by fellow spectators, coaches, officials or players.

•  Encouraging players to participate according to the rules and the referees' decisions.

 •  Demonstrating appropriate behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or  officials.

•  Not entering the field of play, before, during or after a game, unless specifically invited to do so by an    official in charge. 

•  Respecting the decisions of all officials.

•  Never ridiculing or scolding a player for making a mistake during games or competitions.

•  Showing respect to your Club's opponents. Without them there would be no games or competitions.

•  Upholding the principles of FAIR PLAY and RESPECT for all.