Midleton AC 

Codes of Conduct for Children and Adults 

 

Sport should be safe, fun and conducted in a spirit of fair play. As a child or young person you are entitled to the best possible environment to participate in sport. Young athletes deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These athletes have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept. Athletes are encouraged to treat other athletes and team officials with fairness and respect. 

 

Children & Young athletes are entitled to:

• Be safe and to feel 

• Be listened to

• Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity

• Experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable

• Make their concerns known and have them dealt with in an appropriate manner

• Get help against bullies

• Be protected from abuse

• Protect their own bodies

• Be afforded appropriate confidentiality

 

Children & Young athletes should always:

• Treat Sports Leaders with respect

• Act fairly at all times and do their best

• Represent themselves, all club members and fellow athletes

• Abide by the rules set down by coaches and club officials

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

 

Children & Young athletes should never:

• Cheat – always play by the rules

• Use violence or physical contact that is not allowed within the rules

• Shout or argue with officials, team mates or opponents

• Cause harm or damage property

• Bully

• Play or train if they feel unwell or are injured

• Take banned substances

• Tell lies about adults / other young people.

• Spread rumours

• Use unacceptable language or racial and/or sectarian references

 

 

Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians

 

Midleton AC recognises that parents play a key role in relation to volunteer support for clubs and athletic teams.  Parents/Guardians can ensure that our sport has a beneficial impact when they adhere to the following principles:

 

• Ensure that their child also reads and understands what is expected from them in relation to this code 

• Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, coaches, officials and organisers.

• Always behave responsibly and not seek to unfairly affect the competition or an athlete

• Never intentionally expose young athletes to embarrassment by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks

• Always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers who provides sporting/recreational opportunities for your child. 

• Do not publicly question the judgment or honesty of coaches, organisers, mentors and other athletes

• Their child should not attend training if they are unable to take part due to illness or injury

• Encourage your child not to opt out of part of the session.  Part of training is to learn to keep trying

• Set a good example by applauding good performances regardless of club affiliation. 

• Show approval, give praise and encouragement to your child and their team mates for effort, skill and improvement and not just results.  Praise in defeat is particularly important.

• Encourage your child to play by the rules.  Teach your child that honest endeavour is as important as winning and do all you can to encourage good sportsmanship

• Support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying

• Inform club coaches if your child is unable to attend an event 

• Reply where necessary to communications issued by club mentors/officials

• Know start & finish times of training

• Arrange to collect your child after training and events

• Attend events your child is participating in.

• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to supervise their child at competitions

• Provide accurate information to club officers/coaches relating to medical condition or physical limitations to your child 

• Where possible, assist in helping with equipment & organisation of activities associated with your child’s participation in Midleton Athletic Club  

• Bring any concerns that you may have in relation to club activities to the attention of their child’s mentor or to the clubs Children’s Officer or committee members.

 

Code of Conduct for Coaches, Officials and Volunteers

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a) Sport should be safe, fun and conducted in a spirit of fair play

b) All coaches, officials and volunteers in athletics should:  

• Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before the development of performance

• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and the experience of those taking part

• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play)

• Display consistently high standards of behaviour

• Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body, Athletics Ireland

• Hold appropriate qualifications and insurance cover

• Never exert undue influence over participants to gain personal benefit or reward

• Never condone rule violations, rough play or use of prohibited substances

• Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results

• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants

• Never use foul or inappropriate language

• Never engage in any form of sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18, or vulnerable adults.