Code of Ethics:

For more information check out the KHGAA code of ethics>> Download 

For more information check out the GAA's code of behaviour>> Download 

CODE OF ETHICS & GOOD CONDUCT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

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.
Cumann Luthchleas Gael through the Kilmaley Hurling Club believe that a youth
centred 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 full potential as they
mature and develop.

POLICY STATEMENT
Kilmaley Hurling Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its
members. Every individual in the Club should at all times show respect and
understanding for members rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a
way that reflects the principles of Cumann Luthchleas Gael and the guidelines
contained in this Code of Ethics and Good Conduct for Young People. Our first
priority is the welfare of the young people and we are committed to providing an
environment which will allow participants to perform to the best of their ability, free
from bullying and intimidation.

The aim of the code which was ratified by the Club at a meeting
on 9 May 2005 is to promote good practice by everyone
involved in the game of hurling in Kilmaley Hurling Club and to
provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for young
members.

The following extracts from the code set out the code of conduct
for young players and the guidelines for parents/guardians.
Copies of the code are available from the Club Secretary.

Core Values in Young People’s Sport

Principles:
The objective of Kilmaley Hurling Club (CLG Cill Mhaille) is based on the following
principles which will guide the development of hurling for young people in this club, (as
outlined in page 9, Code of Ethics & Good Practise for Children’s Sport produced by
the Irish Sports Council). Young People’s experience of sport should be guided by
what is best for the young person. Consequently the stages of development and the
ability of the young person should guide the approach to coaching and the games
provided within the club. Adults need to have a basic understanding and appreciation
of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal
development.

Integrity in relationships:
Adults involved with young people in sport should do so with integrity and respect for
the child as there is a danger that sporting contexts can be used to exploit or
undermine children. All adult actions in sport should be guided by what is best for the
child and in the context of quality and open working relationships. Verbal, physical,
emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

Fair Play:
Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Ethics and Good Conduct for Young
People. 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. (European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).

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. Too often competitive demands are
placed on children too early and results in excessive levels of pressure on them and
as a consequence, high levels of dropout from sport are experienced.

Equality:
All young people 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. This is particularly relevant to hurling whose
sophisticated skill set needs to be developed with individuals over time. The Club
must aim at all times to put the welfare of the child first and the competitive instincts
second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and
specialisation are kept in proper perspective.

Code of Conduct for Young Players:
Kilmaley Hurling Club wishes to provide the best possible environment
for all young people involved in hurling. Young players deserve to be given enjoyable,
safe sporting opportunities, free from abuse of any kind. These players have rights,
which must be respected, and responsibilities which they must accept.

Young players in the Club are entitled to:

• Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
• Be safe and to feel safe
• Get help against bullies
• Say No in situations which appear threatening
• Be listened to
• Be believed.
• Protect their own bodies
• Refuse inappropriate touches
• Their views being represented in the Club
• Participate on an equal basis
• Have fun and enjoy sport
• Experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable
• Make legitimate complaints and have them dealt with confidentiality

Young players should always:

• Treat all coaches, managers, selectors, referees, linesmen and umpires, club and tournament organisers and officials with respect and respect their decisions gracefully.
• Respect all Club property and equipment and ensure that it is not wilfully damaged.
• Play fairly at all times – do their best and enjoy themselves.
• Set high standards of fair play for others to follow.
• Let the team manager/coach know when they are unavailable for training and games.
• Represent their family and Club with pride and dignity.
• Respect fellow team members even when things go wrong.
• Respect opponents – be gracious in defeat and shake hands before and after the game irrespective of the result.
• Accept apologies from opponents when they are offered.
• Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
• Abide by the rules set down by team managers when travelling to away events.
• Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the game of hurling and the Club into disrepute.
• Talk to Club’s youth liaison officer if they have any problems.

Young players should never:

• Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage on or off the playing field.
• Cheat.
• Use violence or physical contact which is not permitted within the rules of hurling.
• Shout or argue with coaches, managers, selectors, referees, linesmen, umpires, club and tournament organisers and officials.
• Harm team members, opponents or their property.
• Wilfully damage Club property or equipment.
• Take banned substances.
• Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player.
• Pass on malicious gossip about another player or adult.
• Make false allegations against other players or adults.
• Use photographic equipment (including picture mobile phones) anywhere in the vicinity of the dressing rooms.

Guidelines for Parents/Guardians

Kilmaley Hurling Club is committed to providing a safe and fair
environment for all juvenile players. Our first priority is the welfare of young players
and we are committed to providing an environment, which will allow participants to
perform to their best ability, free from bullying and intimidation. Parents and
Guardians have an important role to play in assisting young people to adopt positive
attitudes and encouraging them to maintain an active involvement in the game of
hurling. They should not attempt to meet their own needs for success and
achievement through their children’s participation in Gaelic games.

The Club believes that parents/guardians should:

• Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, with officials and organisers.
• 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.
• Always behave responsibly on the sidelines and do not seek to unfairly affect the game or the player on the field. If you are not directly involved with an individual team as a coach/mentor etc. do not enter dressing rooms prior to or during games.
• Always behave responsibly on the sidelines and do not seek to unfairly affect the game or the player on the field. If you are not directly involved with an individual team as a coach/mentor etc. do not enter dressing rooms prior to or during games.
• Take care not to expose any young player, intentionally or unintentionally, to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks.
• Always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers who provide sporting/recreational opportunities for your child. Do not publicly question the judgement or integrity of referees, match officials, coaches, managers or competition organisers. Respect all officiating match officials and team management.
• Ensure that your child is safely attired e.g. helmets are fitting properly and correctly fastened, all boots have laces tied and that hurley’s are the appropriate weight/ length for the players height and size. Helmets must be worn at all times i.e. for the duration of drills as well as matches. (It is now compulsory for all under-age players to wear helmets.)
• Ensure that your child is collected promptly after training and matches and is not allowed to loiter within the confines of the Club premises or elsewhere – remember that this is essential in the interests of the overall safety of the child.
• Respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players.
• Do not publicly question the judgement or honesty of referees, coaches or organisers.
• Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides. Encourage mutual respect for team-mates and the opposition.
• Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying in all its forms.
• Ensure that your child is collected promptly after training and matches and is not allowed to loiter within the confines of the Club premises or elsewhere – remember that this is essential in the interests of the overall safety of the child.
• Respect referees, coaches, organisers and other players.
• Do not publicly question the judgement or honesty of referees, coaches or organisers.
• Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides. Encourage mutual respect for team-mates and the opposition.
• Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying in all its forms.
• Ensure that your child is fully aware of the contents of the Code of Ethics & Good Practise for Young People in Kilmaley Hurling Club, particularly the section dealing with the code of conduct for young players.

Do’s
DO show approval for effort, not just results
DO try to make words and actions match
DO attend games on a regular basis and volunteer to assist in the organisation of the Club
DO give advice on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle
DO listen to what young people have to say
DO try to appreciate the strength of a young person’s emotions – positive or negative
DO realise the power of example

Don’ts
DON’T exert undue pressure on young people
DON’T say one thing and do another
DON’T make promises you cannot keep
DON’T ask “how much did you score/win or lose by”
DON’T just show approval when the team wins
DON’T criticise playing performance – seek to identify areas where improvements can be made