|
Index: ( click on a link to view topic )
|
|||
|
Preamble The Code of Practice detailed in this document is based on national guidelines as outlined in the following policy statements:
Ashbourne United Football Club Guiding Principles The work of Ashbourne United Football Club is based on the following principles that will guide the development of sport for young people in this club.Children and young people’s experience of soccer should be guided by what is best for the child or young person. The stages of development and the ability of the child should guide the types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal. Integrity in relationships: Adults interacting with young people in soccer should do so with integrity and respect for the child. All adult actions in soccer should be guided by what is best for the child and in the context of quality, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within soccer. Quality atmosphere and ethos Soccer for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place. Too often unhealthy competitive demands are placed on children too early and result in excessive levels of pressure on them and, as a consequence, high levels of dropout from sport. Equality All children should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children with disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated way,thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children. Fair Play: Fair play is the guiding principle of the Irish Sports Councils Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport. It states that “all children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play”. Ireland has contributed and is committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as: “much more than playing within the rules”. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption. Competition A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. Coaches/managers should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.
Ashbourne United Football Club Child Protection & Welfare Policy Statement Introduction. Ashbourne United Football Club is committed to ensuring that all necessary steps will be taken to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people who participate in soccer. This Policy document clearly demonstrates the importance placed by Ashbourne United F.C. Football Club on the protection and safety of children and young people who participate in soccer. All children and young people who participate in soccer should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. While doing so they should be protected from any form of abuse, be it physical, emotional, sexual, neglect or bullying. The responsibility for protecting children lies with all adults involved in soccer. Ashbourne United Football Club recognises and accepts its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and from neglect or bullying. Clear policies, practices and procedures in addition to relevant training programmes will ensure that everybody in Ashbourne United Football Club knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to protecting children and young people within soccer. It is vital that children and young people who participate in Ashbourne United Football Club activities are able to do so in a safe, enjoyable and quality environment. In pursuit of this goal Ashbourne United Football Club will:
The Aims of Ashbourne United Football Club’s Child Protection Policy are:
The key principles underpinning this Policy are:
The Football Association of Ireland’s regulations in regard to child welfare and protection are defined in the rulebook as: Rule 68. The Protection and Welfare of Children In line with recent legislation and Government Guidelines (The Child Care Act 1991 and The Protection for Persons Reporting Abuse Act 1998) in relation to child protection and welfare, it is mandatory that all National Associations, Divisional Associations and Affiliated Leagues should operate to Football Association of Ireland recommended codes of conduct and best practice guidelines (see Football Association of Ireland Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Under Age Soccer for Players, Coaches, Parents and Spectators).
Ashbourne United Football Club Procedure for dealing with Child Abuse Concerns or Allegations It is important to note that the investigation of suspected child abuse is the responsibility of the Statutory Authorities (Gardai, Health Board) and should not be undertaken by Children’s Officers or any other Club/League. All allegations of child abuse must be referred to the Statutory Authorities. When an allegation is received it should be assessed promptly and carefully. It will be necessary to decide whether a formal report should be made to the health board and this decision should be based on reasonable grounds for concern. The following examples would constitute reasonable grounds for concern:
Ref. Children First Step One Should the Chairperson be unsure whether reasonable grounds for concern exist s/he can informally consult with the local health board duty social worker. S/he will be advised whether or not the matter requires a formal report. Coaches/volunteers may be subjected to erroneous or malicious allegations. Therefore, any allegation of abuse should be dealt with sensitively and appropriate support should be provided for staff/volunteers including counselling where necessary. Step Two Should Ashbourne United Football Club become aware of an allegation of abuse of a child or children by a coach/volunteer during the execution of that coach’s/volunteer’s duties, the Chairman will privately inform the coach/volunteer of the following: ? the fact that the allegation has been made against him/her; ? the nature of the allegation. Step Three The coach/volunteer should be afforded an opportunity to respond. The Chairman will note the response and pass on this information when making the formal report to the health board. The report to the Health Board should contain observations, dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information. In cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk and the Chairperson is unable to contact a duty social worker, the Gardai shall be contacted. Under no circumstances will a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the Statutory Authorities Step Four The Chairperson, if reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities will first inform the family of his/her intention to make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the child or undermine any investigation. Step Five All subsequent actions following an allegation of abuse against a coach/volunteer will be taken in consultation with the Health Board and An Garda Síochána. An immediate meeting will be sought with these two agencies for this purpose. The Football Association of Ireland National Children’s Officer is also available to provide support and advice. He can be contacted at any time Tel. 0879691422 Step Six Under Football Association of Ireland rules, any coach/volunteer/manager who is the subject of a statutory investigation into alleged child abuse, is required to stand down from all soccer activities until the investigation is completed. Therefore the FAI National Children’s Officer Tel. 087 9691422 must be informed immediately of any formal notification to the Statutory Authorities. When a person is asked to stand down it should be made clear that it is a precautionary measure in keeping with standard procedures/guidelines and will not prejudice any later disciplinary proceedings. The coach/volunteer concerned should be advised that the procedures being undertaken are in accordance with statutory requirements. He or she should be treated with respect and fairness, and also be assured that all information will be dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner. Step Seven The Club will carefully consider the outcome of the statutory investigation and will then assess if there are any outstanding disciplinary issues in relation to their internal rules or infringements of the Football Association of Ireland best practice guidelines. It must be remembered that the fact that the alleged abuser has not been prosecuted or been found guilty does not mean that they are appropriate to work with young people in the future. Internal Club disciplinary proceedings can only be initiated after the Statutory Authorities have completed their investigation.
Ashbourne United Football Club Disciplinary, Complaints and Appeals Procedure While many concerns can be dealt with in an informal manner to the satisfaction of all concerned, it is advisable that detailed records are maintained in respect of all complaints and that all parties are advised of the clubs formal complaints procedure. Step One Any person who has a complaint or concern should bring it to the attention of Ashbourne United Football Club’s Secretary. The complaint or concern should be in writing and should outline all relevant details and other parties involved. Step Two The complaint or concern will then be brought to the attention of the Chairperson who will convene the disciplinary committee and appoint a Chairperson of that Committee unless the complaint or concern relates to a child abuse matter or criminal offence that meets criteria for formal reporting to the statutory authorities. (The Chairperson of the Club does not sit on either the Disciplinary or Appeal Committee) Step Three The disciplinary committee will furnish any individual/s with details of the complaint being made against them and afford them the opportunity of providing a response either verbally or in writing. In the event of a complaint against a child, the parents/guardians shall be informed and advised of the process. Step Four The disciplinary committee will then hear the case of all parties involved and decide if a club rule or regulation has been infringed. Step Five The disciplinary committee will then inform those involved of their decision and sanctions, if any, that are to be imposed. This notification should be in writing, setting out the reasons for the sanction. (Written notification will be forwarded to parents should the proceedings involve a club member under eighteen years of age) Step Six Any party unhappy with the findings of the disciplinary committee can appeal the decision in writing within a ten-day period. Step Seven The appeals committee will then be convened. The appointed chairperson of the appeals committee should be taken from the executive committee and those who have not been on the original disciplinary committee. Step Eight The appeal committee will then rehear the case and all evidence, new and old, will be considered. The appeals committee will have the power to uphold or reject the appeal or to vary, alter or set aside any sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee. Step Nine The Management Committee will, at its next meeting, give effect to the decisions of the disciplinary committee or, if convened, the appeals committee. Written confidential records in relation to disciplinary proceedings will be safely and confidentially kept on file. Anonymous Complaints Anonymous complaints relating to Child Welfare can be difficult to deal with, however they cannot be ignored. All complaints relating to inappropriate behaviour/poor practice should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Club. In all cases the safety and welfare of the child/children is paramount. All complaints will be investigated and handled in a confidential manner. A record will be kept of all such complaints and actions taken. Specific advice on dealing with anonymous complaints can be obtained from the local Health Board duty social worker or alternatively the Football Association of Ireland National Children’s Officer (Tel. 0879691422). Rumours Rumours should not be allowed hang in the air. Any rumour/s relating to inappropriate behaviour/s circulating in the club should be brought to the attention to the Chairperson and will be investigated promptly. All ensuing information will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity. Confidentiality Confidentiality is about managing information in a respectful, professional and purposeful manner. It is important that the rights of both the complainant and the person about whom the complaint has been made are protected. Therefore, appropriate confidentiality will be maintained in respect of all issues and people involved in concerns about the welfare of a child or bad practice within the club. The following points will be borne in mind: • A guarantee of confidentiality or undertakings regarding secrecy cannot be given, as the welfare of children will supersede all other considerations. • All information should be treated in a careful and sensitive manner and should only be discussed with those who need to know. • Information will be conveyed to the parents/guardians of a child about whom there are concerns in a sensitive way. • Giving information to others on a “need to know” basis for the protection of a child is not a breach of confidentiality.
Discipline in Soccer Discipline in soccer should always be positive in focus, providing the structures and rules that allow players to set their own goals and strive for them. It should encourage players to become more responsible for themselves and their actions and therefore more independent. Discipline should be a positive reinforcement for effort. It should encourage the development of emotional and social skills as well as skills in soccer. Players have to be helped to become responsible for the decisions and choices they make within soccer, particularly when it is likely to make a difference between playing fairly or unfairly. There is no place in soccer for fighting, bullying, overly aggressive or dangerous behaviour. At all times, players should treat others in a respectful manner. They should never bully, interfere with or take unfair advantage of others. Guidance on the use of Sanctions The use of sanctions is an important element in the maintenance of discipline. However Coaches/Managers/Volunteers and Administrators should have a clear understanding of where and when particular sanctions are appropriate. It should be remembered that effectively controlled organisations and successful coaches/managers/volunteers are characterised by the sparing use of sanctions. The age and developmental stage of children, in particular, should be taken into account when using sanctions. Sanctions should always be fair, consistent and applied evenly, and in the case of a persistent offence, should be progressively applied. The following steps are suggested:
Adapted from the Irish Sports Councils Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport (2001)
Ashbourne United Football Club Children’s Officer/s The appointment of Club Children’s Officers is an essential element in the creation of a quality atmosphere in any club. They act as a resource to members with regard to children’s issues and also ensure that children have a voice in the running of the club and can freely talk of their experiences. Government guidelines advise that a children’s officer should be appointed by all clubs and this should be done in accordance with recommended selection and recruitment procedures. The Children’s Officer should have the following functions:
Children’s Officers do not have the responsibility of investigating or validating child protection concerns within the club and have no counselling or therapeutic role. This responsibility lies with the Health Boards and Gardai. Ashbourne United Football Club
Ashbourne United Football Club Recruitment Policy Ashbourne United Football Club will take all reasonable steps to ensure that coaches, managers and volunteers are suitable to work with children and young people. All coaches, managers and volunteers are required to complete an application/self declaration form, giving the names of two referees who will then be contacted. Written references will then be verified and kept on file. All coaches/volunteers are subject to Garda clearance (when available). All appointments are subject to approval and ratification by the committee of Ashbourne United Football Club. All coaches, managers and volunteers will be subject to a sign up procedure in which they undertake to abide by Ashbourne United Football Club and FAI codes of conduct and good practice. Once recruited, Ashbourne United Football Club will make all efforts to support and manage coaches, managers and volunteers ensuring that no person is expected to work alone.
Safety All coaches/managers in Ashbourne United Football Club have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the players with whom they work as far as possible within the limits of their control. Therefore coaches should seek to create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to play and train. In this respect:
Ashbourne United Football Club Bullying Policy What is Bullying? Bullying can be defined as repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression conducted by an individual or group against others. It is behaviour which is intentionally aggravating and intimidating, and occurs mainly in social environments such as schools, clubs and other organisations working with children. It includes behaviours such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting or extortion by one or more individuals against a victim. While the more extreme forms of bullying would be regarded as physical or emotional abuse and are reportable to Health Board or Gardai where children are concerned, dealing with bullying behaviour is normally the responsibility of the club where it is taking place. It is important to recognise the impact that bullying and discrimination can have in the lives of young people. Some people may not regard bullying and discrimination as child abuse because of the settings in which this often takes place and also because it is often other young people who are responsible for the behaviour. Ashbourne United Football Club recognises that bullying is an increasing problem. It is imperative that the club should have in place a policy to deal with bullying, and that volunteers/coaches are aware of this policy and of procedural guidelines to deal with bullying. In situations where the incident is serious, concerns children, and where the behaviour is regarded as potentially abusive, Ashbourne United Football Club will consult the relevant Health Board with a view to drawing up an appropriate response such as a management plan. (Children First 1999) All coaches/managers/volunteers/players/parents have a part to play in ensuring that nobody in Ashbourne United Football Club is the victim of any type of bullying behaviour. Everyone in the club should be aware that bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and they have a duty to report any such behaviour to our managers/coaches/volunteers who will in turn report to the Committee. Peer Abuse In some cases of child abuse, the alleged perpetrator will be a child. In these situations, the child protection procedures should be adhered to for both the victim and alleged abuser, that is, it should be considered a child protection issue for both children. Work must be done to ensure that perpetrators of abuse, even when they are children themselves, take responsibility for their behaviour and acknowledge that the behaviour is unacceptable. It is important that clarity exists in respect of which behaviours constitute peer abuse, particularly child sexual abuse. Consultation with the health board should help to clarify the nature of any sexual behaviour by children which gives rise to concern. Bullying is often defined in terms of three components. • It must occur over time, rather than being a single aggressive act. • It involves an imbalance of power, the powerful attack the powerless. • It can be psychological, verbal, or physical in nature. Types of Bullying
A UK study found that the most common experiences of bullying and discrimination reported by young people is at the hands of other young people. These included: • Being called names, insulted or verbally abused; • Being deliberately embarrassed and humiliated by other children; • Being made to feel different or like an outsider; • Being lied about; • Being physically assaulted or threatened with violence; • Being ignored. In the study, boys were most likely to experience physical bullying or threats, have property stolen or damaged. Girls on the other hand, were more likely to be ignored or not spoken to. Bullying by adults was a less common experience however one in ten reported this. Of this type of bullying the most common reported experiences were: • Being deliberately embarrassed or humiliated; • Being unfairly treated or verbally abused; • Being ignored or not spoken to. What makes a child more likely to be bullied? • Being different in any obvious way, e.g. Having a physical disability, an unusual tone of voice, being timid or belonging to an ethnic or racial group. • Lacking confidence and not being able to mix. This can result in name-calling, “slagging” or physical abuse. • Being very clever or good at a particular activity. Others may be jealous and inflict cruel nicknames. • Being very weak intellectually. Children can be very hurt and distressed by associated name calling. • Children from homes where there are problems are also vulnerable. Children can have an alcoholic or drug user in the family, a family member in jail or a relative with mental problems who sometimes acts in a bizarre manner in public. • An overprotective parent can also attract unwarranted attention. • Children whose hobbies are different and are not in line with mainstream culture, anything that can be misinterpreted by others as making them “different”. • Children’s physical appearance, prominent physical features, wearing different or old-fashioned clothes, being awkward or clumsy, too big or small. • Sexual undertones. Children can be jeered about their perceived sexuality or their lack of experience of sexual matters. • Children who react easily, e.g. the child who gets upset easily and is quick to react to jeering. • Wearing glasses, teeth braces. Response to Bullying Vigilance is the most potent deterrent against bullying so that children and young people who bully will know that it will be dealt with, and the victims of bullying will have confidence in this. There needs to be open discussion about bullying and a clear statement of its unacceptability. Managers/coaches/children/parents should be advised at the start of every season that “bullying” in any shape or form is not acceptable or permitted in Ashbourne United Football Club. In confronting the bully or bullies in relation to specific incidents it is important to: • Be absolutely certain about the known facts • Confront the “bully/bullies” with the allegations • Make it clear that the behaviour is unacceptable • See each “bully” separately if appropriate • Be specific about sanctions if the bullying does not stop • Follow up to check that the behaviour has ceased • Record all instances of bullying and action taken. Who should deal with bullying? While the more extreme forms of child bullying would be regarded as physical or emotional abuse and are reported to the Health Board or An Garda Síochana, dealing with bullying behaviour is normally the responsibility of all coaches/managers/volunteers in this club. How can it be prevented? • Ensure that all members follow the code of conduct, which promotes the rights and dignity of each member. • Ensure adequate supervision at all times • Deal with any incidents as they arise. • Use a whole group policy or ‘no-blame approach’, i.e., not ‘bullying the bully’ but working with bullies and the group of young people, helping them to understand the hurt they are causing, and so make the problem a ‘shared concern’ of the group. • Reinforce that there is ‘a permission to tell’ culture rather than a ‘might is right’. • Encourage young people to negotiate, co-operate and help others, particularly new or different children • Offer the victim immediate support and put the ‘no blame approach’ into operation • Never tell a young person to ignore bullying, they can’t ignore it, it hurts too much • Never encourage a young person to take the law into their own hands and beat the bully at their own game. • Tell the victim there is nothing wrong with them and it is not their fault. • All incidents of “bullying” should be reported to the Committee of Ashbourne United Football Club. Club personnel are advised that they are not expected to deal with all situations on their own as sometimes bullying can be very difficult to deal with. They can be assured that the Committee of Ashbourne United Football Club are available to provide support and advice and if necessary professional expertise.
Ashbourne United Football Club Away Trips Policy Attention to the following will help to promote safety:
Adapted from Code of Ethics & Good Practice p.30-31
Use of Photographic and Filming Equipment Many people use cameras and video equipment at soccer activities and the vast majority do so for perfectly legitimate reasons. However there is evidence that people have used sporting events to take inappropriate photographs and video footage of children and young people in vulnerable positions. Ashbourne United Football Club has adopted a policy in relation to the use of images of players on its website and in other publications. Where possible we will try to use models or illustrations when promoting an activity and avoid the use of the first name and surname of individuals in a photograph. This reduces the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people within and outside the sport. Rules to guide use of photography: • If the player is named, avoid using a photograph. • If a photograph is used, avoid naming the player. • Only images of players in suitable dress will be used to reduce the risk of inappropriate use. The content of the photograph should focus on the activity, not on a particular child. • Where team/group photographs are used with accompanying names, a random order of naming will be used which will not correspond with the order of appearance in the photograph. We will follow the child protection procedures for reporting the use of inappropriate images, ensuring either the designated person or, if necessary, the health boards and/or gardai are informed. Amateur photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or practice session should seek permission/accreditation with the children’s officer, team manager/coach and/or event organiser. This club will display the following information prior to the start of an event to inform spectators of the policy: “In line with the recommendation in Ashbourne United Football Club’s Code of Conduct, the promoters of this event request that any persons wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close range photography should register their details with the organisers. Children and young people should only be photographed or filmed with their permission and/or the permission of their parents/guardian”. When commissioning professional photographers or inviting the press to an activity or event we will aim to ensure they are clear about our expectations of them in relation to child protection. Professional photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or practice session should seek accreditation with the children’s officer/event organiser/team manager by producing their professional identification for the details to be recorded. We will then: • Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour. • Issue the photographer with identification which must be worn at all times. • Keep a record of accreditations. • Inform players and parents that a photographer will be in attendance at an event. • Not allow unsupervised access to athletes or one to one photo sessions at events. • Not approve/allow photo sessions outside the events or at an athlete’s home. Videoing as a coaching aid: Video equipment can be used as a legitimate coaching aid. However, permission should first be obtained from the player and, where the player is a child, the player’s parent/carer. Photographic equipment of any sort, and in particular camera phones, may not be used in dressing rooms/changing areas. Anyone concerned about any photography taking place at events/matches or training sessions should bring their concerns to the attention of the team manager, a committee member, a coach or the children’s officer.
Travelling Guidelines When travelling with young people coaches/volunteers of Ashbourne United Football Club should:
Touching All managers/volunteers of Ashbourne United Football Club are advised that:
Comforting/congratulating players is an important part of the relationship between coaches and players. Guidelines for this type of touch are:
Ashbourne United Football Club Substance Abuse Policy In Ashbourne United Football Club the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco shall be actively discouraged as being incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity. Coaches/managers shall not smoke when taking a session or drink alcohol before taking a session. In relation to our under-age teams Ashbourne United Football Club shall endeavour to organise receptions and celebrations in a nonalcoholic environment and in a manner that is suitable for the age group concerned. Our coaches/managers/committee shall act as role models for appropriate behaviour and refrain from drinking alcohol at such functions. The Football Association of Ireland has directed that under no circumstances whatsoever can any person under the age of 18 years consume alcohol and any and all appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this policy is strictly adhered to. Our coaches/managers shall promote fair competition through the development of sound training practice and should actively discourage the use of any substance that is perceived to offer short cuts to improved performances or to by-pass the commitment and hard work required to achieve success. Coaches/managers will also try to ensure that those in their charge are aware of the harmful side effects or the illegality of proscribed drugs or other banned performance-enhancing substances.
Ashbourne United Football Club Code of Conduct for Parents, Guardians & Spectators
Ashbourne United Football Club - Players Charter & Code of Conduct Children in Ashbourne United Football Club are entitled to:
Children should also be encouraged to realise that they also have responsibilities to treat other children, fellow players, coaches and volunteers with the same degree of fairness and respect. In this regard children in Ashbourne United Football Club should undertake to:
Children in Ashbourne United Football Club should not:
In Ashbourne United Football Club we want children to have fun and develop skills in a safe and Fair Play environment where standards of behaviour are just as important as winning. We recognise that competition and winning is an important goal, but winning at all costs does not meet the needs of young players. Ashbourne United Football Club is aware that recent research would suggest that increasing numbers of children leave sport between the ages of eight and thirteen. A number of the most common reasons given are; that sport is no longer fun, lack of opportunity to play; and overemphasis on winning. Therefore we have to make every effort to ensure that we keep a balanced approach to competition, make sure all players get a chance to play and strive to keep the fun in soccer. This, however, does not mean abandoning competition altogether. Balanced competition is a healthy part of our sport and our Club.
Making sport fun. In promoting “Sport for Fun” we in Ashbourne United Football Club will insist on:
|
|||
