NAOMH OLAF GAA CLUB
Guidelines for Juvenile Mentors

1. Always remember you are representing Naomh Olaf and not just yourself or your own team. Be punctual, properly attired and lead by example.

2. Respect and be fair to all players, regardless of age, gender or ability, under your care both at matches and training sessions. NEVER use any form of corporal punishment or physical force.
 
3. Acquaint yourself with the rules of Gaelic Games, adhere to the letter and spirit of these rules and do not circumvent them to gain advantage

4. The importance of winning must never supersede the players’ safety and welfare. Don’t equate losing with failure and do not develop a preoccupation with medals and trophies. (The level of improvement made by young players is the best indicator of coaching effectiveness).

5. Keep informed about sound principles of coaching and team development techniques. Plan and prepare appropriately for each session and ensure proper levels of supervision. Be positive during coaching sessions so that participants always leave with a sense of achievement and an increased level of self -esteem.

6. The protection of children from any form of abuse must be a priority for all that are involved in children’s sport. Therefor, mentors should ensure that another mentor, or a parent or another adult, is present at all times when s/he are with players. Do not have a situation where you are alone in a car or dressing room with a player. Do not take coaching sessions on your own.

7. Implement Players Code of Conduct and report breaches thereof

8. Play only registered, legal, (Incl. Underage at Juvenile level) players.

9. Club Funds or Property (special responsibility for Players, Kit, adequate First Aid, Footballs, Hurleys etc.) to be used in a proper fashion.

10. Do not expend funds outside the rules as set out by the treasurer under the authority of the Executive Committee

11. Do not intimidate, bully, harass (sexually or otherwise) or commit acts of violence against
- Club Officers
- Players
- Match Officials
- Opposing Team Players/Mentors
- Supporters or other Members of the Public
- Fellow Mentors

12. Ensure that nobody involved with the team acts towards or speaks to another person in a manner or engages in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent, national, ethnic or socio-economic background.

13. Attend Mentors Meetings or Coaching Courses organised by the Juvenile Committee

14. Do not use any other act or word, which in the opinion of the Executive Committee brings the club, Game or GAA into disrepute.

15. Ensure you are familiar with the contents of the Naomh Olaf Mentors Pack.

16. Ensure that all dressing rooms and areas occupied by the Team, prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match are kept clean and are not damaged in any way

17. Encourage parents/guardians to play an active role in organising activities

Enforcement/Application of Code of Conduct

The Executive Committee or Sub-Committee thereof specially appointed shall:

1. Hear complaint from Players, Mentors, Members of the Public, other Club etc.

2. Investigate/Inquire into alleged breaches and satisfy themselves as to their validity

3. Advise those accused of alleged breach of Code of Conduct of the complaint

4. Call those accused of alleged breach of Code of Conduct to a disciplinary meeting (Under 18’s to be accompanied by Parent or Guardian

5. Impose/Apply sanction where necessary and advise verbally and in writing

6. Arrange for hearing of appeal on sanction taking into account (a) Effort on the playing field, (b) Conduct other than that under review (c) Contribution to other Club Projects

I have read the above code of conduct and agree to be bound by it.

Name: ________________ Signed: _________________     Date: ___/____/____