Club Charter

Code Of Conduct

1. Chairman's Foreword
2. Code of Conduct for Coaches and Managers
3. Code of Conduct for Parents
4. Code of Conduct for Players
5. Anti-Bullying Policy
6. Ground Regulations Whilst Using Arklow Town Premises
7. Definition of Child Abuse
8. Guidelines for Coaches and Managers on Reporting Procedure for Suspected Child Abuse
9. Bibliography

According to "Children First - National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children" (Department of Health and Children - September 1999), "child" means a person under the age of 18 years, excluding a person who has been married.

Chairman's Foreword

It is our primary goal as a club, to provide a safe and fun environment for all our children to learn and play assocation football. As a voluntary organisation this is what we are about. Any child who wishes to play for this club will be accommodated.

No child will ever be turned away. Idealistic maybe, but never the less these few sentences express the way we strive to behave at Arklow Town F.C. Undeniably there are times when we fall short of these objectives. But we will continue to bring football to the children of Arklow and the surrounding area with these guidelines to the fore.

While success on the field of play is always welcome, we believe it to be much more important for all of our members to enjoy playing for this club. As the children grow into young adults, their own natural competitiveness will drive them on the pitch and the training ground. Some will opt out of football for their own reasons. As long as they are committed to us we will commit to them.

In essence, three distinct groups cooperate to make the junior section of Arklow Town F.C. work. The children, their Parents, and the many volunteers who give of their time to run all aspects of the club both on and off the field. The guidelines in this booklet detail the minimum level of behaviour we expect from all of these groups. While we accept that from time to time individuals may fail to meet these guidelines, continual failure will not be tolerated from any source. This club is about the children and not the parents, committee or coaches.

As Chairman, I give my full support to what is contained in this booklet. As our club grows I feel it is critical that we all know what is expected of us. For the most part what is detailed here is simply common sense. I thank you on behalf of the club for your support to date and look forward to it continuing into the future.

Yours truly,

The Chairman

Code Of Conduct For Coaches / Managers   Download here

All coaches/managers/committee members in the club will be asked to sign a form agreeing for the Gardai to check if they have been convicted in the past, or have a case pending, in relation to offences against children.

1. Managers/Coaches/and Parents/Guardians will show respect for all players and officials and lead by example. Respect should always be shown to Referees and recognition given to their official position on the pitch.
2. Coaches should ensure a safe environment for learning and development.
3. Managers and coaches should be aware of the basic Ground Regulations which are in place for venues run by Arklow Town FC and should ensure that players for whom they have responsibility adhere to the Ground Regulations at all times. The Ground Regulations are listed in section 6.
4. Young players play for fun and enjoyment therefore skill development and playing for fun take precedent over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.
5. Coaches should help and encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship and they should avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
6. Coaches should ensure that all players are aware that bullying (verbal or physical) will not be tolerated.
7. In relation to young players, coaches should ensure that all players participate and average players require and deserve equal time and attention. Do not overburden young players with too much instruction.
8. Coaches should advise players and parents on how and whom to go to if they wish to make a complaint.
9. Where possible coaches should avoid:
   1. Spending excessive amounts of time with children away from others.
   2. Taking sessions alone (always employ "two deep" supervision)
   3. Taking children to their homes.
   4. Taking other peoples children on journeys alone in their car.
10. Coaches should never:
    1. Engage in rough physical games, including horseplay.
    2. Allow children to use inappropriate language.
    3. Make inappropriate comments about, or to a child even in fun.
    4. Let allegations a child makes go without being addressed and recorded.

Code Of Conduct For Parents   Download here

Arklow Town FC needs the help / support of all parents to enable us to develop as a club, for the benefit of all in the community of Arklow and its environs.

1. Parents should lead by example.
2. Parents should always show respect for all players, opponents, managers, coaches and officials.
3. Remember to let the coach do the coaching at matches and training. Too many coaches confuse the children.
4. Parents are encouraged to give all children positive support at matches. Parents should be mindful that negative comments are counter productive and parents are requested to "Be positive or be Quiet". 
5. Parents attending training/matches are asked to conduct themselves in such a way which promotes the definition of fair play. 
6. Parents should be prepared to be asked to leave by coaches/officials if behaviour is felt to be contrary to the definition of fair play. 
7. Parents are required to support the coaches/referees decisions. These people are giving their time voluntarily and need your support. 
8. Parents are asked to be responsible for transporting their children to matches/training. Parents "car sharing" are asked to ensure that at least two adults are in each car. 
9. Parents are requested to positively support and encourage their child's involvement in football with the club. Arklow Town FC is not a child minding service.
10. Parents should ensure that their children are aware of the Players Code of Conduct and that they abide by it 
11. Parents should be aware of the basic Ground Regulations which are in place for venues run by Arklow Town FC and should ensure that their children adhere to the Ground Regulations at all times.

Code Of Conduct For Players   Download here

Arklow Town FC wants all players to enjoy their time with the Club. All players are asked to follow the Code of Conduct for Players.

1. Players should always show respect for team mates, managers, coaches, opponents and officials.
2. Players should arrive at training/matches in good time, and with appropriate gear.
3. Players should let managers know as soon as possible if you are injured or sick and unable to attending training or matches.
4. Players should pay subs every week without being asked.
5. Players should be willing to learn and improve. Players should listen to coaches/managers and not distract others in the team.
6. Players should always play to win but accept defeat and victory with the same spirit.
7. Players should always shake hands with opponents after a game.
8. Arklow Town FC will not tolerate bullying. If a player feels he/she is being bullied, they should feel safe to tell their manager or the Clubs Children's Officer.
9. The Club wishes all players to enjoy football with Arklow Town FC. If a players is not, they should tell their parents/manager or the Club Children's Officer.
10. Players should be aware of the basic Ground Regulations which are in place for venues run by Arklow Town FC and should ensure that they adhere to the Ground Regulations at all times.

Anti-Bullying Policy

It is vital that everyone connected to Arklow Town F.C. understands that bullying will not be tolerated.

When a manager/coach is confronted with or informed of a possible case of bullying all managers/coaches must be prepared to:

1. Take the problem seriously
2. Investigate the incident/report
3. Talk to the alleged bully and victims separately.
4. Inform the Children's Officer or a Committee member.

Decide on an appropriate action such as:

1. Obtain an apology from the bully to victim.
2. Inform parents of the bully (always inform parents of the victim).
3. Encourage/support the bully to change his/her behaviour.
4. If a bully persists with their behaviour sanctions will be imposed.
5. In cases of persistent bullying coaches/managers must inform the Children's Officer or Committee member, who will then decide an appropriate action in conjunction with the Club's Committee.

Ground Regulations

1. These Ground Regulations have been compiled in an effort to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons attending or participating at venues run by Arklow Town FC. Parents, guardians, managers and coaches are requested to adhere to the regulations and to ensure that all children under their care have regard to their own safety and the safety of others at all times.
2. For the purposes of these Ground Regulations, a "child" shall be defined as a person under the age of 18 years - see clarification below.
3. All persons entering the ground are admitted only subject to these Ground Regulations and entry to the ground shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of all of these rules and regulations.
4. Children entering the ground, whether as players or spectators, shall, at all times, be under the supervision and responsibility of accompanying parents, guardians, coaches or managers.
5. Children entering the ground shall have due regard to their own safety and to the safety of others and shall not engage in any activity which could constitute a danger to themselves or others.
6. The climbing of structures within the ground - including gates, fences, trees, stands, dugouts or buildings - is prohibited.
7. Activities such as running down or rolling down the sloping areas surrounding the pitches are forbidden. Any form of horseplay is also prohibited.
8. Unnecessary noise or behaviour likely to cause nuisance of any kind, including foul or abusive language, is not permitted in any part of the ground.
9. Unauthorised persons are not permitted to enter onto the pitch areas.
10. Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any object onto any pitch.
11. Arklow Town FC (Juniors) reserve the right for its servants, agents or representatives to remove from the ground any person who does not comply with the Ground Regulations or whose presence on the ground could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to others within the ground.

Definition Of Child Abuse

Child abuse can be categorised under four headings

1. Physical Abuse
2. Sexual Abuse
3. Emotional Abuse
4. Neglect

If a manager/coach/parent/child has a query regarding a suspicion of what might constitute child abuse they can contact a number of groups for guidance, these include:

1. Childline - 1800 666 666
2. C.A.R.I - 1 800 924 567
3. Social Work Dept - 0404 60800
4. The Clubs Children's Officer

The FAI in their own "Code of Ethics" (2003) has given a definition of what constitutes abuse. "Abuse is any action, physical or verbal which exploits or potentially harms or damages a child's physical, emotional or psychological health in a sporting context". These include:

Physical Abuse:

• Where a child is made to do excessive physical exercise as punishment
• Where training methods are inappropriate for the developmental age of the child.
• When children are allowed to play with an injury.

Sexual Abuse:

• Where there is inappropriate touching
• A child is exposed to or invited to participate in sexual contact, activity or behaviour
• If inappropriate photographs are taken or adapted.

Emotional Abuse:

• Where a child is made fun of, criticised, discriminated against or put under unrealistic pressure to perform by parents, coaches or spectators who abuse their power.

Neglect

• Where a child is not provided with appropriate levels of care and supervision. In soccer, neglect can occur if children do not have proper supervision, clothing, drinks or food or if they are encouraged to play while injured.

Guidelines For Coaches & Managers On Reporting Procedures For Child Abuse

It is important to remember that reporting suspected child abuse in good faith is not the same as making an accusation of abuse, i.e. reporting does not mean accusing.

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 clubs "designated person". The designated person of Arklow Town Juniors FC is the Chairman.

The procedure to follow where a child "discloses" child abuse to any coach/manager/committee member in Arklow Town F.C.

1. Listen to the child rather than question him/her directly. Offer him/her reassurance without making promises. Take what the child says seriously.
2. Do not stop a child who is freely recalling significant events. Explain what you have to do, who you have to tell and the procedures you need to follow (i.e. record what the child has told you and then inform the Chairman).
3. Do not question the child. It is vitally important that the child does not feel intimidated when recalling an instance. Ask questions to clarify a point but do not "interrogate" the child.
4. Record the discussion as accurately and as soon as possible after the event, even if it information you do not understand or like writing down.
5. Contact the Chairman for advice and guidance. The Chairman may then discuss the concerns/suspicions with Social Services.
6. Make direct contact with the local social work team*. If the designated officer is not available, or it is inappropriate to approach him/her.
7. If a child is in immediate danger of abuse, notably physical or sexual abuse, The Gardai should be informed immediately. This should be done through the Chairman if possible. If this is not possible the Gardai should be informed directly.

*Local office 0404 60800 - ask to speak to the Team Leader or duty social worker for the South Wicklow Social Work Team 9.00 am to 5.00 pm). Remember if contact is made with a member of the social work team, take note of his/her response to your concerns and ask him/her to acknowledge your contact in writing.

Bibliography:

"Children First" (1999), National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Dept. of Health & Children.

Code of Conduct (2003), Belvedere F.C. Dublin.

Code of Ethics (2003) Football Association of Ireland.