Introduction

Sallins GAA promotes and implements a code of behaviour that encourages fair play, respect, equality and safety.  The Sallins GAA Code of Behaviour complements the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and addresses the appropriate levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our young players, coaches, mentors, supporters, parents/ guardians and clubs.

Sallins GAA has adopted the GAA code of behaviour and asks that all our players sign up to this code of conduct.

The Code of Behaviour (Underage) applies to all of the Gaelic Games Associations – GAA, Ladies Football, Camogie, Handball and Rounders.

There are individual sections below addressing unique roles and personas for

· Coaches/Mentors 

· Players

· Parents/Guardians

· Supporters

· Suppliers 

Please scroll down for the appropriate section.

Club Children's Officer

Sallins GAA has a Children’s Officer who promotes our child welfare ethos and associated codes and guidelines.

The key role of the Club Children’s Officer is to ensure the implementation and promotion of the relevant Child Welfare and Protection Codes and Guidelines for good practice so as to ensure that our young people can participate, enjoy and benefit from our Gaelic Games in safe and enjoyable surroundings.

Sallins club childrens’ officer can be contacted via email childrensofficersallinsgaa@gmail.com 

GAA Garda Vetting

The GAA has a long-established principle of vetting any person who, on our behalf, works with children or vulnerable adults in our Association. This principle is enshrined in rule through our Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport. Further information on Garda Vetting and the application process for GAA E-Vetting please visit our dedicated web page on Garda Vetting.

Child Protection Workshop

In line with best practice in the recruitment and selection of persons to work with children all Sallins GAA coaches and mentors are Garda vetted and are required to attend a Child Protection Workshop.

The Child Protection workshop schedule is available from the club child protection officer - childrensofficersallinsgaa@gmail.com 

Code of Behaviour (Underage)

01 Introduction

02 Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment & Child Safeguarding Statement

03 Maintaining Good Practice & Behaviour

04 Dealing with Alleged Breaches of the Code of Behaviour

05 Recruitment & Selection of Coaches, Supervisors & other Volunteers

07 Club & County Children's Officer

08 Club & County Designated Liaison Person

09 Organising Club Activities for Underage Players

11 Dealing with Allegations or Concerns of Abuse

12 Tackling Bullying in our Club

Appendices

Children First

On 11 December 2017 the remaining provisions of the Children First Act commenced in full. Most notably for the GAA our immediate requirements include adopting all provisions in relation to mandatory reporting of child abuse, ensuring the appointment of what can be termed key child safeguarding officers which include Designated Liaison Persons and
Children’s Officers at Club and County level and also appointing the Association’s Mandated Person, we must also provide certain child safeguarding training programmes and commence the process to agree a Child Safeguarding Statement for all Clubs.

For further information on Children First requirements for the GAA please see Children First Information & Guidance for GAA Clubs

Coaches/Mentors

You, the coach to an underage team within our club provide a positive, healthy and encouraging ethos to our young players while at the same time developing the skills levels of all players. Always encourage enjoyment and fun while ensuring meaningful participation in games and activities. and always remember that you are a role model for the players in your care.

Respect all players, give all players an opportunity to play and develop, don’t shout at or lecture players or reprimand 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.

Remember you are a role model for your players!

Best Practice

· Ensure that all players are suitably and safely attired to play their chosen sport.

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

· Be punctual and properly attired.

· 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.

· Set realistic – stretching but achievable – performance goals.

· Encourage parents/guardians to play an active role in organising and assisting various activities for your teams and your club.

· Use mobile phones, if deemed appropriate, only via a group texts system for communicating with the parents/guardians of players and receive such permission at the commencement of each season.

· Do not communicate individually by text with underage players.

· Keep a record of each injury and actions taken. Ensure that another official, referee, and/or team mentor is present when a player is being attended to and can corroborate the relevant details.

· 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.

· 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.

· Make adequate provision for First Aid services.

· Do not encourage or permit players to play while injured.

And always remember to avoid compromising your role as a Coach/Mentor

· Avoid a situation where you are alone in a car or dressing room with a player

· Avoid taking coaching sessions on your own

· Avoid spending time alone with a player or away from others

· Avoid taking young players to your home

Parents/Guardians

Parents and Guardians should

·  Encourage your child to play by the rules

·  Respect coaches, Officials’ and Opponents

·  Assist the team and co-operate with the club as requested

·  Never enter the field of play unless invited to do so.

·  Do not put undue pressure on your child or another child

Young Players

Our YOUNG PLAYERS should always

· Play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves.

· Shake hands before and after the game irrespective of the result.

· Respect fellow team members, coaches, referees and opponents

· Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

· Inform their coach/mentor/manager when they are unavailable for training and games.

· Talk to the Club Children’s Officer with any concerns or questions they may have.

· Take due care of club equipment

Supporters

Supporters should

· Applaud good performance and efforts from players and opponents, regardless of the result.

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

· Encourage players to participate according to the rules and the referees’ decisions.

· Demonstrate appropriate behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or officials.

· Never enter the field of play, before, during or after a game, unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge.

· Respect the decisions of all officials.

· Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during games or competitions.

· Show respect to your Club’s opponents. Without them, there would be no games or competitions.

· Uphold the principles of FAIR PLAY and RESPECT for all.

Suppliers & Service Providers

Suppliers & Service Providers to the club should: 

· Make themselves familiar with the code of behaviour (underage) 

· Confirm to the club that they will comply with their obligations under the code of behaviour 

· Ensure that they, and their employees working with children at the club, have complied with our club vetting and safeguarding training requirements where applicable 

· Present safeguarding and vetting compliance information to the club executive

· Only engage third parties to work with children at the club where they can confirm that they too are familiar with the code of behaviour and comply with their obligations   

Concussion Guidelines

Sallins GAA Club conforms with the GAA Guidelines for Concussion as an official policy of the Club. Sallins GAA Club is also adopting and promoting the GAA Information Sheets on Concussion for Players, Young Players (5-18-year-old), Coaches & Parents and Referees.

If units would like education and training workshops on dealing with concussions please advise each unit secretary. The national office, and then National Committee on Player Welfare, can then respond to these requests as appropriate following notification from each unit secretary.

Concussion is a critically important player welfare issue and your co-operation to promote greater knowledge and understanding of how to deal with it would be very much appreciated.

Concussion Management Guidelines
Concussion Information for Coaches
Concussion Information Sheet for Players
Concussion Information for Players aged 8 to 18
Concussion Information Sheet for Referees

Transition Year program

As part of your TY experience, do you want to become involved in your local GAA club and be associated with something positive and successful? As part of your TY program, Sallins GAA welcomes volunteers.

Sallins GAA in co-operation with local Secondary Schools is running a TY program each year.

If you wish to participate please download and complete the application form and send to the Club Children’s Officer via eMail to childrensofficersallinsgaa@gmail.com

Program

The Program gives students the knowledge and skills to support all roles required in the effective staging of games. Underage players are challenged to organize and run activities within the club and support the coaching of younger players in the schools and club.

· Provision of a TY program that develops sporting skills but also develops planning, teamwork and leadership qualities.

· Provides an opportunity for the school and Club to forge strong sustainable links with the local Primary schools in the area.

· Training in event management that can be utilised by the school for other programs and for TY work experience: e.g. sports day, awards ceremonies, open days etc.

Student/underage Player

Learn coaching and leadership skills leading to student personal development

Volunteering opportunities include

· Coaching – support coaching in both local schools and clubs. Coaching foundation courses and referees courses will be scheduled

· Club Shop – Manage and run the shop including stock, balancing the till in co-ordination with GAA Shop manager

· Club Grounds – various

GAA Garda Vetting
All underage coaches and mentors 16 or over must be vetted for GAA Activities. E-Vetting is available online at GAA Garda Vetting. See Garda Vetting section above.

Missing / Found Child on Sallins GAA grounds

If a child becomes lost or separated from their responsible adult, they should be accompanied to the Club House by a vetted and safeguarding trained coach or supervisor where possible. Club House staff will contact a member of the Club Executive Committee and / or the Club Children's Officer. 

If you discover that a child has gone missing from the Sallins GAA grounds, contact An Gardí without delay. You must also contact the Club Children's Officer or another member of the Club Executive Committee, but only after contacting the An Gardí.  

Additional Resources

Sallins GAA Club Resources – Policies & Procedures

Communications and Social Media

Policy on Contacting Underage Players

Photo Guidelines

Travel Policy Guidelines

Overnight Permission Form

Sallins GAA Player Injury Policy

Accident/Injury Report Form

Coaches/Mentors please complete the form for all injuries and notify the referee at end of the game about any injury to any players as he will need to report it to County Board.

All claims are required to be reported to the insurance company within 60 days of the injury by completing the claim form available from the club secretary.

GAA Policies and Guidelines

Updated Official GAA Social Media Guidelines (2019)

Updated Official GAA Social Media Guide - Go To Guide (2019)

GAA Coaching
Underage Coach GAA Activity Planner