Code of Conduct
We, as a club, believe that we exist for our players, who play sport for fun and enjoyment. We measure success by increasing player participation, the fewer children who leave our club, and the development of all players. This guides everything that we do. This is the reason why everyone in the club must abide by the following rules.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Sports Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual should at all times, show respect and understanding for member’s 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.
Our first priority is the welfare of the young people and we are committed to providing an environment that will allow participants to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation.
CORE VALUES:
The work of The Sports Club is based on the following principles that will guide the development of sport for young people in this club, (as outlined on page 9, Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport). Young People’s experience of sport should be guided by what is best for the young person. The stages of development and the ability of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal.
INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS:
Adults interacting with young people in sports 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 sports 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.
Recruitment:
Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practices. Our staff and volunteers have all completed the NSPCC e-learning module on Safeguarding - Child Protection in Sport and Physical Activity as recommended by British Basketball and a recommended First Aiders course.
We also have strict guidelines when recruiting staff and volunteers and adhere to the policy below and ask all volunteers to complete a self-declaration form.
QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND ETHOS:
Sport for young people 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.
FAIR PLAY:
Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport.
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.
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.
COMPETITION:
A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. However, often competitive demands are placed on children too early, which results in excessive levels of pressure on them. This can contribute to a high level of drop out from sport. Coach’s should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.