Skip to main content

Home 


Castleblayney Faughs Coaches' Code of Conduct


Castleblayney Faughs is committed to providing a child centred environment for all our underage players (u18) where the welfare of the children participating is held above all other objectives. Ensuring that all children are participating in a safe and fun environment will help the club meet its coaching philosophy of ‘as many as we can for as long as we can’ in terms of player retention.


As a registered member of the GAA, you have already agreed to the GAA code of conduct for coaches: Part 2 of Section 3 of the GAA Child Safeguarding Policy (read at this link ).


The code of conduct presented below is a summary of some of the key requirements however all coaches should be familiar with and adhere to the full code of behaviour (63 bullet points in the full code).

Coaches within the Club are reminded of the following requirements:

  • Ensure that they are Garda vetted under the GAA Garda vetting program and ensure that their Garda vetting is up to date.
  • Ensure that they have in date GAA Safeguarding 1 training.


  • Treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion.


  • Be positive during coaching sessions, games and other activities.


  • Never engage in horseplay/rough play with underage players;


  • This includes pushing, shouldering, shoving, kicking of players. Young players find thisbehaviour uncomfortable and don’t feel safe
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with underage players;
  • Coach involvement in drills/games involving physical contact should be minimised. Where coach involvement is deemed necessary then coaches should exercise caution and avoid contact with players that could result in injury to a player and/or a player feeling uncomfortable/unsafe.


  • Afford meaningful playing time to all young players to assist in their development.
  • Never engage in inappropriate touching of a player.


  • Do not equate losing with failure and do not develop a preoccupation with medals and trophies. The level of improvement is the best indicator of effective coaching.


  • Never use foul language or provocative language/gestures towards any player, fellow coach, match official or supporter.


  • Do not enter the playing field with permission of the referee and do not question a referee’s decisions or integrity.


  • Promote RESPECT and FAIR PLAY amongst young players, fellow coaches, parents and supporters.


  • Challenge bullying in any form.


  • Do not shout players, lecture them, reprimand them or ridicule them when they make a mistake;


  • This includes making jokes at the expense of the underage player, this may be funny to the coach but not the player
  • This also applies to coaches coaching their own children

 
  • Ensure at least two coaches are at training/matches and abide by the required ratios of coaches to players. In all female teams, ensure at least one of the coaches present is female. In all male teams, ensure at least one of the coaches present is male. If the group is a mixed group then there should always be at least one male and one female present.


  • Always be accompanied by another adult when in dressing rooms with underage players.


  • Any delivery of one-to-one coaching must be within a group setting. It is preferred and advisable to deliver focused coaching to two players at a time.


  • Never engage in the use of physical interventions as a form of response to misbehaviour, unless it is necessary by way or restraint.


  • When dealing with cases of misbehaviour/indiscipline always ensure a second coach is present.


  • Keep a record of attendance at training/games of both players and coaches.



  • Make adequate provision of first aid services and make a record of all injuries/actions taken.


  • Do not communicate individually by text, email or other social media with any underage player

(group text only allowed).


  • With the exception of their own child, a coach should never transport a child alone expect in exceptional/emergency circumstances.


  • Never use a camera/ camera phone in a dressing room.


  • Be familiar with club policy with respect to taking photographs of teams/players and the sharing of photographs on social media


  • If you have concerns regarding the possible abuse of a child you should report this without delay.


Notes:

  • Coaches involved in organising camps should ensure the necessary safeguarding and vetting requirements are in place and that all coaches involved are familiar with this code of conduct.


  • Coaches involved with organising trips for underage players should familiarise themselves with the GAA Child Safeguarding Policy requirements in this regard and implement all necessary measures.




Home