Saint Barnabas GAA Club Mission Statement (Draft) DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF YOUTH It is important that all young players are valued and always treated with the highest level of respect. Their personal dignity and physical integrity are paramount and participation in sport should enable them to have fun, make friends and become better players. Saint Barnabas GAC believes that a youth centered approach should be adopted by everyone involved in the promotion and development of Gaelic games at underage level. The GAA Coaching resources and activity programmes are firmly rooted in this philosophy and highlight the importance of participation, enjoyment and equality. These are also structured to assist young people to value discipline and to strive to achieve their full potential as they mature and develop. ROLE OF PARENTS / GUARDIANS Parents/ guardians have an influential role to play in assisting their offspring to adopt positive attitudes and encouraging them to maintain an involvement in sport. Parents should not attempt to meet their own needs for success and achievement through their children’s participation in Gaelic games. The following guidelines will be of assistance in this regard: ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE Young people must be encouraged to realise that they also have responsibilities to treat others with fairness and respect. YOUNG PLAYERS SHOULD UNDERTAKE TO : • play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves • represent their family and Club with pride and dignity • shake hands before and after the game irrespective of the result • respect officials and accept their decisions gracefully • respect fellow team members giving them support when they do well or not so well • respect their opponents • accept apologies from opponents when they are offered • be modest in victory and gracious in defeat • set high standards of fair play for others to follow • adhere to proper standards of behaviour and the Club Code of Discipline • let the Coach know when they are unavailable for training and competition • approach the Club’s Child Protection Officer with any questions or concerns they may have YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT: • cheat – always play by the rules • bully or take unfair advantage • shout at or argue with an official • tell lies about adults or other children • spread rumours . PUTTING “FAIR PLAY” INTO PERSPECTIVE The following Principles of FAIR PLAY have been designed to ensure that youth sport is conducted in a positive/ empowering environment. YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD PLAY FOR THE “FUN OF IT” ALL YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY PARTICIPATION SHOULD BE USED TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP: PHYSICALLY – by acquiring basic playing techniques, improving physical fitness and developing lifetime health habits. PSYCHOLOGICALLY – by learning to control emotions and develop a sense of confidence in their own ability – technical, tactical, physical SOCIALLY AND MORALLY – by learning to combine with team-mates, play by the rules and respect team mentors and match officials. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO: • be safe • be happy, have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment (There is little or no joy in being a substitute or being continually taken off the team). • be treated with respect • comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner • be afforded appropriate confidentiality • be listened to • be believed CHILP PROTECTION The club and all it’s representatives are all committed to ensuring every child is safe and protected from any harm. - - All club activity will be adequately staffed with at least two adults present at all times. - - All coaching will be supervised by qualified coaches. - - All coaches and other adults who will come into significant contact with young people will be required to submit to a Criminal Record check. - - All coaches and other adults involved in the club will be required to undertake training in child protection. - - The clubs policy will be reviewed regularly, at least annually and following any incident. - - All members will be briefed on their rights and responsibilities. - - Any allegation or report will be treated sensitively and processed according to the club’s policy. If you have any questions or would like further information please don't hesitate to contact us.