AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Fivemiletown United Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with Chris McDowell or Michelle McQuigg (Child Protection Officers).

Sports clubs for young people should offer a positive experience where they can learn new things in a safe and positive environment.

As a member of Fivemiletown United Football Club, you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice:

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Be loyal and give their friends a second chance.
• Be friendly and particularly welcoming to new members.
• Be supportive and committed to other team members, offer comfort when required.
• Not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure and push others into something they do not want to do.
• Keep within the defined boundary of the playing/coaching area.
• Behave and listen to all instructions from the coach. Play within the rules and respect the official and their decisions.
• Take care of equipment owned by the club.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity.
• Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references. This includes bullying using new technologies like chat-rooms or texting.
• Refrain from bullying or persistent use of rough and dangerous play.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit – shorts, socks, t-shirt, jacket, tracksuit, boots and shinguards – for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.
• Show respect to other youth members/leaders and show team spirit.
• Keep themselves safe.
• Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members.
• Play fairly and be trustworthy.
• Respect officials and accept decisions.
• Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat.
• Challenge or report the bullying of your peers.
• Respect opponents.
• Not cheat or be violent/aggressive.
• Not use violence.
• Make your club a fun place to be.

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• Be safe and happy in their chosen activity.
• Be listened to.
• Be respected and treated fairly.
• Privacy.
• Enjoy your sport in a protective environment.
• Be referred to professional help if needed.
• Be protected from abuse by other member or outside sources.
• Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability.
• Experience competition and the desire to win.
• Be believed.
• Ask for help.

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

AND VOLUNTEERS

 

Coaches and volunteers involved in sport for young people have a great opportunity to be a positive role model and help build an individual’s confidence.

COACHES/VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Ensure the safety of all children by careful supervision, proper pre- planning of coaching sessions, using safe methods at all times.
• Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
• Treat all young people equally and ensure they feel valued. Have no favourites.
• Encourage all children not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability.
• Not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour.
• Appreciate the efforts of all young people and not over-train the young people. Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Be positive, approachable and offer praise to promote the objectives of the club at all times.
• Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind to go unchallenged or unrecorded if appropriate.  Incidents and accidents to be recorded in the club incident/accident book. Parents will be informed.
• Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse or poor practice to the designated person.
• Administer minor first aid in the presence of others and where required refer more serious incidents to the club “first aider”.
• Have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required.
• Foster team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care.
• Ensure the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced.
• Not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually.
• Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information.
• Respect and listen to the opinions of young people.

 

 

• Take time to explain coaching techniques to ensure they are clearly understood.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Be a role model, displaying consistently high standard of behaviour and appearance (disciplined/committed/time keeping), remember children learn by example.
• Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.

• Protect themselves from false accusation:

1.      Not spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others

2.      Never taking children to their home

3.      Not administering First Aid involving the removing of children’s clothing unless in the presence of others

• Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Make the sport/activity fun.

 

COACHES/VOLUNTEERS HAVE A RIGHT TO:

• Access ongoing training and information on all aspects of leading/managing activities for youths, particularly on Safeguarding.
• Support in the reporting of suspected abuse.
• Access to professional support services.
• Fair and equitable treatment by the governing body/club.
• Be protected from abuse by children/youths, other adult members and parents.
• Not to be left vulnerable when working with children.

 

Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person. Persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from the club/sport.

Dismissals can be appealed by the coach/volunteer with final decisions taken by the club committee or referred to the governing body depending on the disciplinary procedures within the sport.

 

EMERGENCY ACTION/FIRST AID

All coaches, leaders and members should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency and be aware of our First Aid Procedures.

 

This will include:

 

1. Access to First Aid equipment
2. Telephone contact if the participant is a minor
3. Telephone contact to the Emergency Services

CODE OF EXPECTATION FOR

PARENT/GUARDIANS

 

PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Positively reinforce their child/young person and show an interest in their chosen activity.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Do not place their young person under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do.
• Complete and return the Health and Consent Form pertaining to their child’s participation with “Fivemiletown United Football Club” (see parental consent).
• Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from coaching sessions/matches.
• Ensure their child is properly and adequately attired for the weather conditions of the time, including shorts, shirt, socks, tracksuit, sweat-tops, hat, gloves, etc. (insert sports specific requirements)
• Ensure that proper footwear and protective equipment are worn at ALL times in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations. Any child not in possession of the fundamental requirements will not be permitted to participate.
• Detail any health concerns pertaining to the child on the consent form, in particular breathing or chest conditions. Any changes in the state of the child’s health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions.
• To inform the coach prior to departure from the field of play if child is to be collected early from a coaching session.
• Encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all.
• Behave responsibly on the sidelines; do not embarrass your child.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.
• Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
• Show appreciation and support the coach.
• Ensure their child is punctual.

 

• Be realistic and supportive.

• Provide their child with proper clothing and equipment.
• Ensure their child’s hygiene and nutritional needs are met.
• Accept the official’s judgement.
• Acknowledge the importance and role of the club coaches who provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in the club.
• Promote their child’s participation in playing sport for fun.

 

PARENTS/GUARDIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• Know their child is safe.
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children.
• Be informed if their child is injured.
• Have their consent sought for issues such as trips.
• Contribute to decisions within the club.
• Complain if they have concerns about the standard of coaching.

 

Any misdemeanours and breach of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with immediately by a Fivemiletown United Football Club official. Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend games if their attendance is detrimental to the child’s welfare.

The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may mean the Fivemiletown United Football Club officials regrettably asking the child to leave the club.