Code of Conduct for Those working with Young People

This Club recognises the right of every individual to participate in the sport of soccer regardless of race, ability, religious belief, cultural identity sexual orientation or political opinion.

The aim of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that those working with young people in Banbridge Rangers Football Club at all times provide a quality sporting and social programme for the junior members by working to an agreed philosophy and set of standards. Enforcement of this Code of Conduct is the responsibility of every member of Banbridge Rangers Football Club. Any queries about the Code should be referred to any member of Banbridge Rangers Football Club Committee, the Junior Club Co-ordinator or the person looking after Child Protection.

All members of this Club must

1 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all and treat everyone equitably;
2 Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

Coaches within Banbridge Rangers Football Club Must

Place the well-being and safety of the young person above the development of performance and follow all guidelines laid down by the Governing Body of the Sport. Coaches must ensure they are working at a level commensurate with their coaching qualifications and are insured.

Ensure that training is kept up to date and undertake relevant training courses that are organised by Youth Sport, the Northern Ireland Institute of Coaching, the National Governing Body etc.

Ensure that the activities which they are directing and advocating are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of the young people.

Always promote the positive aspects of sport and never condone or participate in rules violation, bad sportsmanship, the use of foul language, the use of sectarian language and banter, the use of prohibited substances, the use of gestures, emblems, flags or salutes which could interpreted as provocative.

Display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance and respect the Club facilities and equipment.

Never overtly criticise other players/performers or officials judgement or use language or gestures that may cause a young person to lose self-esteem or confidence.

Arrive on time for all coaching sessions, matches, competitions, social occasions and inform an appropriate person if ill or unable to attend.

Ensure that car insurance is appropriate for transporting young people too and from events if necessary. Please note, normal car insurance may not be sufficient.

Ensure that all sports programmes will be safe, enjoyable and progressive and will cater for all young people who wish to take part.

Encourage and guide young people to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance and encourage young people to feel confident and comfortable in making personal choices.

Ensure that attendance records are kept of all recognised Club sessions and social activities with the attendance of each participant noted appropriately. A Club incident form must be used to record any accidents, injuries or untoward event.

Ensure that all those working with young people hold appropriate qualifications in coaching, leadership, officiating. Any helpers, during coaching sessions, or competitions, must work under the guidance and supervision of a qualified coach.

Notes on Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures for Evacuating a Building.

1.Emergency exits should be clearly marked and everyone should be made aware of the closest exit. Ensure that emergency exits are never blocked.
2. Everyone must leave the building immediately in an orderly fashion. Do not waste time collecting personal belongings.
3. There should be a designated area for congregating outside the building and far enough away from the danger.
4. A head count should be taken by the person in charge of the session.
5. The emergency services should be called as soon as possible do not delay evacuating the building.
6. Check for any injuries and take appropriate action.
7. Parents should be informed if appropriate, and always if a young person has been injured.
8. Return to the building only after clearance has been given by the emergency services. The person in charge should liase with the emergency services.

Emergency Procedures for an Incident During a Session

1. Before the session, the person in charge must carry out the following;
A. Ensure that the playing area and equipment are safe and free from obstacles, glass etc.
b. Ensure that a vehicle has excess to the play area.
c. Ensure that a qualified first-aider is available.
d. Ensure that a well-stocked first aid kit is available.
e. Ensure that a telephone is available and in working order.

2. Following an injury, alert the first aider who should have assess the situation and take appropriate action

3. In the event of a serious injury, where the injured person cannot be moved, other participants should be taken away from the situation and kept under supervision.

4. In the event of removing an injured person to another area, ensure at least two people are present.

5. Emergency services must be called, if appropriate.

6. Entrances to the playing area must be checked, to ensure easy access for the emergency services.

7. Parents/guardians must be informed as soon as possible.

8. Accident reporting procedures must be implemented.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Behaviour when Working With Children

As a general rule, coaches, helpers and other members involved in the Club must not:

Spend amounts of time alone with young people away from others.
Take young people alone in car journeys, however short.
Take young people to their home.

If it should arise that such situations are unavoidable, they should only take place with the full knowledge of someone in charge in the Club and/ or a person with parental responsibility for the young person.

If physical contact is necessary, it should be done openly. Care is needed as it is difficult to maintain hand positions if the young person is constantly moving. Some parents are becoming increasingly sensitive about touching young people and their views should always be carefully considered.

Where possible, parents must take responsibility for their children in changing rooms. If groups are to be supervised in changing rooms, those responsible should always ensure that adults work in pairs and that gender is appropriate. If travelling to an event is necessary, make sure that verbal (preferably written) permission is given by the parents. Parents should be asked to ensure children are collected on time.

Where mixed teams compete away from home, at least one male and one female adult should always accompany them.