Naas Sports CentreCaragh Road, Naas, W91 TE29
CONTACT US: [email protected]
Code of Conduct for Spectators
Remember that although children play organised soccer, they are not miniature professionals. Donβt place excessive pressure on children to perform to unrealistically high expectations. Children play soccer to develop their skills, to have fun, and enjoy the game.
Lead by Example
Be on your best behaviour. The behaviour of a teamβs supporters will often be remembered long after the result of the game. Be remembered for the right reasons.
Show Respect
Applaud good play, sportsmanship, and best effort by the visiting team as well as your own. Welcome your opponents β without them, there would be no match.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Verbal abuse of players, match officials, or opposing supporters cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players or officials should never be regarded as fair targets for abusive behaviour.
Condemn Violence
Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
Playersβ Code of Conduct
Children in NAAS AFC are entitled to:
| 1 | Be safe, and be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. |
| 2 | Participate in soccer on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability and stage of development. |
| 3 | Receive an equal amount of playing time, as per club policy. |
| 4 | Be happy, have fun, and enjoy soccer. |
| 5 | Make a complaint in an appropriate way and have it dealt with through a proper and effective complaints procedure, while being afforded appropriate confidentiality. |
| 6 | Be listened to, believed, and have a voice in the running of the club. |
Childrenβs Responsibilities
Children should also be encouraged to realise that they have responsibilities to treat other children, fellow players, coaches, and volunteers with fairness and respect. Players should undertake to:
- Play fairly, do their best, and have fun.
- Be on their best behaviour at all times and abide by all club rules.
- Make high standards of Fair Play the standard others want to follow.
- Respect opponents (they are partners in a sporting event, not the enemy) and accept apologies when offered.
- Shake hands before and after the match, whoever wins.
- Give opponents a hand if they are injured, and put the ball out of play so they can get attention.
- Respect fellow team members and support them both when they do well and when things go wrong.
- Treat players from minority groups with the exact same respect shown to others.
- Be modest in victory and be gracious in defeat β βBe A Sportβ.
- Approach the club Childrenβs Officer with any questions or concerns.
Unacceptable Behaviour
Children in NAAS AFC should not:
- Cheat, bully, or use violence (except allowed physical contact within the rules of the game).
- Use abusive language, or argue with the referee, officials, teammates, or opponents.
- Tell lies about adults or other children, or spread rumours.
- Take banned substances to improve performance.
- Keep secrets about any person who may have caused them harm.
- Behave in any manner that may bring the name of NAAS AFC into disrepute.
βSport for Funβ Policy
In NAAS AFC we want children to have fun and develop skills in a safe, Fair Play environment. We recognise that competition and winning is an important goal, but winning at all costs does not meet the needs of young players. Research suggests that increasing numbers of children leave sport between the ages of 8 and 13 because sport is no longer fun, they donβt get to play, or there is an overemphasis on winning. We make every effort to keep a balanced approach.
In promoting βSport for Funβ, Naas AFC will insist on:
- Encouraging participation, fun, and the development of skills as opposed to winning at all costs.
- Ensuring a minimum playing time of 15 minutes per match per player (time may vary according to League Rules).
- Emphasising and praising effort.
- Acting as good role models and insisting on Fair Play (we will substitute offending players).
- Being realistic with our expectations and aware of childrenβs feelings.
- Teaching players to respect different cultures and understand that standards of behaviour are just as important as winning.
Best Practice for Coaches
In keeping children and young people at the forefront of planning and practice, our coaches ensure that participants enjoy their football experiences safely. The welfare of children is of paramount consideration.
Coaches are given a position of trust by parents/guardians and players, and are expected to operate to the highest standards of behaviour whilst in the company of under-age players (under 18 years). Coaches must not engage in any activity that could reasonably be viewed as bringing the club into disrepute.
Supervision
Avoid spending excessive amounts of time with children away from others. Always employ βTwo Deepβ supervision (never take sessions alone). Never take children to your home or alone in your car.
Physical Contact
Certain types of coaching require a βhands-on approachβ to demonstrate technique. This should only occur when necessary, openly, and with the permission of the participant and their parents/guardians.
Professional Boundaries
Never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit. Never share a room with a young person alone on away trips. Never engage in rough physical games or sexually suggestive behaviour.
Discipline
Never use any form of corporal punishment or physical force. Never use bad language or smoke in front of players.
Safety Responsibilities
Coaches have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all players within the limits of their control:
Premises & Equipment
Regular safety checks must be carried out on premises, training facilities, and equipment. Any problems must be reported to the Committee.
FAI Goalpost Safety
The FAI Goalpost Safety Policy must be strictly adhered to at all times.
First Aid
A first aid kit must be available at all training sessions and matches. Injuries must be recorded and parents notified.
Protective Equipment
Appropriate safety rules must be implemented, and protective equipment used in any contact training session.
Injured Players
Never play injured players.
Session Times
Parents/guardians must be informed of the exact starting and finishing times of all training sessions and matches.
