in

1. Core Values 3

2. Policy Statement 4

3.1 Code of conduct for Young Players

3.2 Code of conduct for Parents/Guardians

3.3 Code of conduct for Mentors

3.3 Guidelines for Children’s Officers

4. General Guidelines 13

4.1 Mentor Recruitment / Selection policy

4.2 Traveling with young players

4.3 Supervision

4.4 Away Trips/ Overnight Stays

4.5 Safety

4.6 Touching

4.7 Guidelines on use of photographic and filming equipment

5.1 Dealing with a complaint

5.2 Dealing with Suspected Abuse

5.3 False Allegations

5.4 Confidentiality

5.5 Anonymous Complaints

5.6 Rumours

6.1 Mentor Recruitment Forms

6.2 Travel Forms

6.3 Format for Disciplinary Committee’s Report

6.4 Anti-Bullying Policy

6.5 Grounds for Concern

6.6 Categories of Abuse

Laune Rangers G A A Club is based on the following principles that will guide the development of our sport for young players. The stages of development of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the Association. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the physical, emotional and personal needs of young players.

Integrity in relationships:

Adults interacting with young players in Laune Rangers G A A Club should do so with integrity and respect for the child. There is a danger that sporting contexts can be used to exploit or undermine children. All adult actions 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 Gaelic Athletic Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Assocation.

Laune Rangers G A A Club involving young players should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centered ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization are kept in their appropriate place.

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 an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children.

Fair Play:

Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players in Laune Rangers G A A Club.

All 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 a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption’.

(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).

A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young players, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. If competitive demands are placed on children too early, excessive levels of pressure are placed on them and thus contributing to a high level of dropout from sport. Mentors should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second.

The Laune Rangers G A A Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the Association should at all times, show respect and understanding for members rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Association and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players.

In Laune Rangers G A A Club, one of our first priorities is the welfare of young players and we are committed to providing an environment, which will allow players to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation. As part of our commitment, we have adopted a code to protect our underage players (all persons under 18 years of age) and all mentors and members involved with our underage teams.

Laune Rangers G A A Club wish to provide the best possible environment for all young players involved in Gaelic Football. Young players deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These players have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept.

Parents / guardants should ;

1. I will respect the rules and procedures set down in the Gaelic Athletic Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport

2. I will respect my child’s teammates, mentors (e.g. managers, coaches, referees, selectors) and parents, as well as players, parents and coaches from opposing teams. I will encourage my child to treat other players, coaches, selectors, and managers with respect

3. I will give encouragement and applaud positive accomplishments whether from my child, her teammates, their opponents or the officials

4. I will respect my child’s mentor(s) and support his / her effort.

5. I will respect all officials and their authority during matches

6. I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behavior or use foul language.

7. I agree to abide by the rules and guidelines of Laune Rangers G A A Club and of official guides as per Rule 13 (a) (b) (c) Gaelic Athletic Assocation and Rule 248 Ladies Gaelic Football Assocation. ( Any member of the association found guilty of conduct calculated to bring the Association into disrepute shall be liable for expulsion or suspension by the committee or council concerned.)

8. Should any player, official or supporter of a team be responsible for the termination of a game the team concerned shall be liable for disqualification.)

 

 

Name: ____________________ Name of Child/(ren) ___________________

___________________

___________________

Date _______________________

Laune Rangers G A A Club recognises the key role mentors play in the lives of children in sport. Mentors should strive to create a positive environment for the young players playing Gaelic Football. Mentors have an overall responsibility to take the steps necessary to ensure that positive and healthy experiences are provided.

1. I will respect the rules and procedures set down in the Gaelic Football Association’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players

2. I will act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of sport and of Gaelic Football

3. I will respect all players and treat all players equally

4. I will encourage fair play and praise effort as well as results

5. I will not use any form of punishment (verbal or physical) on a player

6. I will not exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward

7. I will respect the referees, officials and their authority during matches

8. I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behavior or use foul language

 

 

 

 

Name: _______________________________________

Date: __________________

The Club Children’s Officers should be player centred in focus and should have as his/ her primary aim the establishment of a player centred ethos within the club. S/he is the link between the young players and the adults in the club. S/he also takes responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Club Management Committee on how club policy etc. impacts on young players and their mentors.

Every club must appoint a Children’s Officer. Appointment of this person should be done in consultation with the juvenile members of the club and their parents/ guardians. The Children’s Officer maybe a member of the Club Management Committee.

At start of club year it is recommended to:

Laune Rangers G A A Club will take all reasonable steps to ensure that mentors working with young players are suitable and appropriately qualified. All mentors will be expected to go through appropriate recruitment and selection procedures.

The decision to appoint a mentor is the responsibility of Laune Rangers G A A Club and not of any one individual within it. The Club committee should ratify all recommendations for appointment.

Responsibilities of the role and the level of experience/ qualifications required should be drawn up and clearly stated beforehand – it is recommended that all mentors hold appropriate qualifications

Each mentor should undergo a ‘sign-up’ procedure, whereby the appointed/ reappointed mentors agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young People and to the policies of

Laune Rangers GAA Club.

All mentors, new and existing, should fill in an application form, giving names of two referees that may be contacted (Appendix 6.1) and where possible all new mentors should be interviewed and a probationary period is advisable.

Existing mentors should not be excused from either the ‘sign-up’ or application form procedure. If is not necessary for existing mentors to undergo an interview.

No exceptions should be made in relation to the recruitment procedures.

All forms should be filed as a matter of record.

All mentors should be given a copy of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young People and they should be made aware of good practice procedures contained within the Code.

Every effort should be made to manage and support appointed mentors. Adequate supervision should always be provided - a mentor should not have to work alone.

There is extra responsibility taken on by mentors when they travel with young players to games/ tournaments.

When traveling with young players you should:

All clubs should have a safety statement, including specific and potential risks attached to Gaelic Football. They should also have procedures in place for safeguarding against such risks.

In addition clubs should:

Keep a record of emergency contact numbers for parents / guardians

- Such records such be readily attainable

Coaching, at certain times, may require a ‘hands on approach’, e.g., it may be necessary to support a child learning a new skill but the following should be taken into consideration

4.7 Use of Photographic Equipment

Laune Rangers GAA Club accepts that organizations, which include young people among its members, are vulnerable to the occurrence of child abuse. Child welfare and the protection of young people is the concern of all adults at all times, irrespective of their role within the organization.

Below are the procedures for dealing with any welfare or protection issue that may arise.

A report may be made by any member in the club but should be passed on to the Children’s Officer who may in turn have to pass the concern to the Local Statutory Authorities.

It is not the responsibility of anyone working within Laune Rangers G A A Club in a paid or voluntary capacity, or those working in affiliated organisations, to take responsibility or decide whether or not child abuse is taking place - that is the job of the Local Statutory Authorities.

However, there is a responsibility to protect young players by assisting the appropriate agencies so that they can take any necessary action to protect the young person.

All members should follow both procedures outlined below, firstly the procedure for responding to a young person in distress and secondly the procedure for reporting a concern.

Club/ County Chairperson should be notified of the complaint

Written records of all complaints should be safely and confidentially kept.

If, in the opinion of the Chairperson/ Children’s Officer, there are grounds for concern, the Statutory Authorities should be contacted. (See section 5.2)

*If the complaint is submitted at Club level it is the responsibility of the Club to deal with the complaint.

*If the complaint is submitted at County Board Level the County Board must take responsibility to deal with the complaint.

5.1.2 Appointment of Disciplinary Committee

The Disciplinary Committee should consist of a representative from the Management Committee (e.g. the Chairperson), the Children’s Officer and an ordinary registered member of the club. Regular turnover of this committee is recommended. The issue of confidentiality is important. Information is on a need to know basis.

It is the responsibility of the Disciplinary Committee to resolve problems relating to the conduct of its members. A complaint of any incident of suspected misconduct, including bullying, but does not relate to child abuse should be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee should inform the individual with details of the complaint being made against him/ her and afford him/ her the opportunity of providing a response either verbally or in writing.

It is recommended that the Disciplinary Committee meet with all parties involved, affording each party the same rights and opportunities.

The Disciplinary Committee should form a written report outlining the procedure followed, findings, conclusions and any disciplinary actions to be taken. All parties should receive a copy of this report. This report should also be kept on record.

The Disciplinary Committee should, as soon as possible, inform the Management Committee of the progress and conclusions of the disciplinary process.

Where it is established that an incident of misconduct has taken place, the disciplinary committee should notify the member of any sanction being imposed. The notification should be made in writing, setting out the reasons for the sanction. If the member is under 18 years of age, correspondence should be addressed to parents/ guardians.

If the member against whom the complaint was made is unhappy with the decision of the Disciplinary Committee s/he should have the right to appeal the decision to an Appeals Committee (independent of the Disciplinary Committee).

Any appeal should be made in writing within 7 days after issue of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. The Chairperson of the Appeals Committee should be a member of the Management Committee or elected by the members at an AGM.

The Appeals Committee have the power to confirm, set aside or change any sanction imposed by the Disciplinary Committee.

If there are grounds for concern (Appendix 6.5) or (see code 5-13-1 page 41) about the safety or welfare of a young player you should react to the concern. If unsure about whether or not certain behaviours are abusive (Appendix 6.6) or (see code 5-13-2 page 42) and therefore reportable, you should contact the duty social worker in the Local Health Board or Social Services Department where you will receive advice. Grounds for concern include a specific indication from a player, a statement from a person who witnessed abuse or an illness, injury or behaviour consistent with abuse.

Observe and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information

Report the matter as soon as possible to the designated officer within the club responsible for reporting abuse, e.g. Children’s Officer. If the Children’s Officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the player has been abused or is at risk of abuse, s/he will make a report to the Health Board/Social Services who have statutory responsibility to investigate and assess suspected or actual child abuse

In cases of emergency, where a player appears to be at immediate and serious risk and the Children’s Officer is unable to contact a duty social worker, the Garda Authorities should be contacted. Under no circumstances should a player be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the Statutory Authorities

If the Children’s Officer is unsure whether reasonable grounds for concern exist s/he can informally consult with the local health board/social services. S/he will be advised whether or not the matter requires a formal report.

Any Children’s Officer reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities should first inform the family of their intention to make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the player or undermine an investigation

5.2.2 Response to a Young Player

Deal with any allegation of abuse in a sensitive and competent way through listening to and facilitating the player to tell about the problem, rather than interviewing about details of what happened

Stay calm and not show any extreme reaction to what the player is saying. Listen compassionately, and take what the player is saying seriously

Understand that the player has decided to tell something very important and has taken a risk to do so. The experience of telling should be a positive one so that the player will not mind talking to those involved in the investigation

Be honest with the player and tell them that it is not possible to keep this information a secret

Make no judgmental statements against the person whom the allegation is made

Not question the player unless the nature of what he/she is saying is unclear. Leading questions should be avoided. Open, non-specific questions should be used such as "Can you explain to me what you mean by that"

Check out the concerns with the parents/guardians before making a report unless during so would endanger the player

Give the player some indication of what would happen next, such as informing parents/guardians, Health Board or Social Services. It should be kept in mind that the player may have been threatened and may feel vulnerable at this stage.

Carefully record the details

Pass on this information to the designated officer within the Club, the Children’s Officer.

Always reassure the player that they have done the right thing in telling you

If an allegation of alleged child abuse is made against a mentor working within Laune Rangers GAA club, the following procedures should be followed:

The safety of the player making the allegation should be considered and the safety of any other players who may be at risk. Laune Rangers Gaa Club club should take any necessary steps that may be necessary to protect its players.

The issue of confidentiality is important - the mentor should be treated with respect and fairness.

While the designated Children’s Officer makes the report to the local Health Board, the Chairperson of Laune Rangers GAA club should deal with the mentor

Laune Rangers GAA club Children’s Officer should inform the National Children’s Officer that the mentor has been asked to stand aside and is under investigation by a statutory authority.

Gaelic Athletic Association/Ladies Gaelic Football Association can consider disciplinary action on the mentor but should ensure that this does not interfere with the investigation of the Statutory Authorities - the outcome of the investigation and any implications it might have will be considered during the Disciplinary procedure.

It should be noted 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.

The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 provides immunity from civil liability to persons who report child abuse ‘reasonably and in good faith’ to the Health Board or the Gardaí (See 5.13.1 – ISC. Code). The act also covers the offence of ‘false reporting’.

1. The provision of immunity from civil liability to any person who reports child abuse "reasonably and in good faith" to designated officers of Health Boards or any member of An Garda Siochána

2. The provision of significant protections for employees who report child abuse. These protections cover all employees and all forms of discrimination up to and including dismissal

3. The creation of a new offence of false reporting of child abuse where a person makes a report of child abuse to the appropriate authorities "knowing that statement to be false". This is a new criminal offence designed to protect innocent persons from malicious reports.

 

This law does not exist in Northern Ireland, but an individual who reports concerns in ‘good faith’ is not deliberately attempting to slander another person’s name.

In Northern Ireland there is legislation, the Criminal Law Act (NI) 1967 which places the responsibility on everyone to report offences or to forward information to the police by emphasizing the, ‘duty of every other person.

Confidentiality should be maintained in respect of all issues and people involved in cases of abuse, welfare or bad practice. It is important that the rights of both the player and the person about whom the complaint has been made are protected

Anonymous complaints can be difficult to deal with but should not be ignored. In all cases the safety and welfare of the player/s is paramount. Any such complaints relating to inappropriate behavior should be brought to the attention of the Children’s Officer. The information should be checked out and handled in a confidential manner.

Rumors should not be allowed to hang in the air. Any rumors relating to inappropriate behavior should be brought to the attention of the Children’s Officer and checked out without delay.

Position applied for: _____________________________________________

I hereby agree to abide by the guidelines and regulations contained in Laune Rangers G A A Club’s Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Young Players

Name: __________________________ Role__________________________

Date: ___________________________

I have read and accept the conditions and rules set down by the Gaelic Athletic Association/ Ladies Gaelic Football Association for young players traveling to matches and events.

Name of Child(ren): _______________________________________________

Parents/Carers Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Emergency Contact Number(s): ______________________________________

I have read and accept the conditions and rules set down by Laune Rangers GAA for young players traveling to matches and events. I agree to abide by the rules of my Club and Association

Name: ____________________________________

Date: ______________

Below is a suggested outline of how to write up a report following a complaint. Additional information may be added to the format.

State the nature of the complaint and individuals involved

State

1. Who the Disciplinary Committee consisted of

2. Who the Disciplinary Committee met with

3. Any additional parties who the Disciplinary Committee met with/ spoke to, for example the Health Board may have been contacted

Summarize the main findings from the above meetings and the final decision met by the Disciplinary Committee following these meetings

State any sanctions, which the Disciplinary Committee have imposed on any individuals as a result of the complaint

State any recommendations which the Disciplinary Committee feel are necessary to prevent such a complaint occurring again e.g. all club members involved with underage players attend a Child Protection course

All members of the Disciplinary Committee should sign and date the report

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

It is behaviour that is intentionally aggravating and intimidating and occurs mainly in social environments such as schools, clubs and other organisations working with young people. It includes behaviours such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting and extortion behaviour by one or more players against a victim.

All bullies operate using furtiveness, threats and fear. Bullying can therefore only survive in an environment where the victim does not feel empowered to tell someone who can help or in which it is not safe to do so.

The following indicators are warning signs that a young person might be getting bullied.

While the more extreme forms of 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 Mentors within the Laune Rangers Gaa Club club

If you find that there has been an incident of bullying, first talk to the victim. At this stage find out who was involved and what the victim is now feeling. Try asking the following questions:

Arrange to meet with all those involved; this should include some bystanders, those who may have colluded, those who joined in and those who initiated the bullying.

The distress being suffered as a result of the bullying incident is explained. At this stage the details of the incident or the allocation of the blame is not discussed. Explain the feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, rejected, laughed at. Try asking questions:

Explain what steps / controls may have to be introduced to prevent further incidents and how everyone will loose out as a result

At this stage the group is encouraged to suggest ways that would make the victim feel happier. All positive responses are noted. Use phrases "if it were you" to encourage a response. Listen to all suggestions and note them

Now the problem has been identified, solutions suggested, the problem is now handed over to the group to solve. Arrange to meet again in a week’s time. Pass responsibility over to the group and give a time frame within which something must be done

Each member of the group, including the bully, discuss how things are going, who is doing what and have there been other incidents. This allows for continual monitoring and also keeps all involved in the process.

Again enforce the idea of the ‘team’ looking after each other at regular intervals to ensure it is known that bullying or intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated.

Examples of reasonable grounds are:

1. a specific indication from a player that she has been abused

2. a statement from a person who witnessed abuse

3. an illness, injury or behavior consistent with abuse

4. a symptom which may not itself be totally consistent with abuse, but which is supported by corroborative evidence of deliberate harm or negligence

5. consistent signs of neglect over a period of time

In some cases of child abuse the alleged perpetrator will also be a young person and it is important that behavior of this nature is not ignored.

Grounds for concern will exist in cases where there is an age difference and/ or difference in power, status or intellect between the children involved.

However, it is important to distinguish between normal sexual behavior and abusive behavior.

Persons unsure about whether or not certain behaviors are abusive and therefore reportable, should contact the duty social worker in the local Health Board or Social Services department where they will receive advice.

Neglect is normally defined in terms of omission, where a young person suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection from adults, or medical care. It may also include neglect of a young person’s basic emotional needs.

Neglect usually becomes apparent in different ways over a period of time rather than at one specific point. For instance, a young person who suffers a series of minor injuries is not having her needs for supervision and safety met. The threshold of significant harm is reached when the young person’s needs are neglected to the extent that his/her well being and/or development is severely affected.

Emotional abuse is normally to be found in the relationship between an adult and a young person rather than in a specific event or pattern of events. It is rarely manifested in terms of physical symptoms.

Examples of emotional abuse include

Physical abuse is any form of non-accidental injury that causes significant harm to a young person, including:

Sexual abuse occurs when a young person is used by another person for his or her gratification or sexual arousal, or for that of others.

For example: