Code of Conduct for Children and Young People

Code of Conduct for Children and Young People

Rowing for Young People

Garda Síochána Boat Club is fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all of its members. It believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the sport should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they have about any aspect of the sport with their parents, the person within the club you are comfortable with (ideally the club Designated Liaison Person but this could be your own coach), an appropriate Mandated Officer or the President of Garda Síochána Boat Club.

Garda Síochána Boat Club should offer a positive experience to young people where they can learn new things in a safe and positive environment.

As a rower within Garda Síochána Boat Club, you are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

Young People are expected to:

· Be loyal and give their friends a second chance

· Be friendly and welcome new members

· Be supportive and committed to other team members, offer comfort when required

· Not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure and push others into something they do not want to do

· Keep within the defined boundary of the rowing centre area and rowing area.

· Behave and listen to all instructions from the leader. Stay within the rules and respect umpires and their decisions.

· Take care of equipment owned by the club/sport.

· All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity

· Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references. This includes bullying behaviour using technologies like chat rooms or texting.

· Refrain from bullying behaviour or persistent use of rough and dangerous play.

· Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform the coach or team manager if you are going to be late.

· Wear/bring suitable kit- to include appropriate clothing, footwear, and a full change of clothing and towel- for training and events, as agreed with the coach/team manager.

· Pay any fees for training and events promptly

· Young people are not allowed to smoke on rowing premises or while representing Garda Síochána Boat Club.

· Young people are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on rowing premises or while representing the Garda Síochána Boat Club

· Show respect to other young rowers/leaders and show team spirit

· Keep yourselves safe

· Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for young rowers.

· Play fairly and be trustworthy

· Show loyalty and be gracious in defeat

· Challenge or report any bullying behaviour being directed at any of your peers

· Respect opponents

· Not cheat or be violent/aggressive

· Not use violence

· Make your club a fun place to be.

Young People have the right to:

· Be safe and happy in their chosen activity

· Be listened to

· Be respected and treated fairly

· Privacy

· Enjoy rowing in a protective environment

· Be referred for professional help if needed

· Be protected from abuse or harm by others in rowing or outside sources

· Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to ability

· Experience competition and the desire to win

· Be believed

· Ask for help

Any misdemeanours or general misbehaviour will be addressed by the immediate coach and reported verbally to the Club Children’s Officer. Persistent misbehaviour may result in dismissal from the Club/sport. Parents / Guardians will be informed at all stages.

Dismissals may be appealed with final decisions taken by the Club Committee

By signing below, you are committing to and agreeing with the above. Any breach in this Code of Conduct will be dealt with appropriately and in accordance with the Garda Síochána Boat Club Complaints and Disciplinary process