Policy Statement

Granada Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the organisation 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 organisation and the guidelines contained in the code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland.

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Code of Conduct

The guidance given in this code of conduct is based on the principles set out in the following publications:

“Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport”, Irish Sports Council.

“Children First” National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

The aim of this code is to promote good practice by everyone involved in Granada Football Club and to provide a safe, healthy, enjoyable environment for all members.

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Core Values in Young People's Sport

Integrity in relationships:

Adults interacting with children in sport 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 in sport 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 sport.

 

Fair Play:

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.

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

 

Quality atmosphere and ethos:

Children's sport 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 competitive demands are placed on children too early and results in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a consequence, high levels of dropout from sport.

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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.

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Leaders in children's sport should strive to create a positive environment for the children in their care. They have an overall responsibility to take the steps necessary to ensure that positive and healthy experiences are provided.

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Guidelines for Young Players

Granada Football Club wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport. Young players deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free from abuse of any kind. These players have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities to treat other participants and sports leaders with fairness and respect, which they must accept.

 

Young players are entitled:
•To be treated with dignity and respect

•To be safe and to feel safe

•To get help against bullies

•To say No

•To be listened to

•To be believed

•To protect their own bodies

•To refuse inappropriate touches

•To have fun and enjoy sport

Young players should always:
•Treat all coaches, managers, selectors, club and tournament organisers and officials with respect.

•Abide by the rules set down by team managers when travelling to away events.

•Play fairly at all times, do their best.

•Talk to the children's officer if they have any problems.

•Respect opponents, be gracious in victory or defeat.

Young players should never:
•Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage on or off the pitch.

•Shout or argue with officials, team-mates or opponents.

•Use bullying tactics to isolate another player.

•Pass on gossip about another player or adult.

•Make false allegations against other players or adults.

•Take banned substances.

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