Abbeyleix Tennis Club
CODE OF ETHICS & GOOD PRACTICE FOR CHILDREN’S SPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Policy Statement
3. Role of Children’s Officer
4. Principles
5. Code for Sports Leaders
6. Code for players
7. Code for Spectators
8. Guidelines for traveling Officials
9. Recruitment Policy For Volunteers & Sports Leaders
10. Being a Better Tennis Parent
11. Guidelines on use of photographic & filming equipment
12. Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions & Allegations
13. Sports Leaders Declaration Form
1. INTRODUCTION
The basis for this manual was taken from Tennis Irelands Code of ethics as
compiled by ROGER GERAGHTY their National Children’s Officer.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MANUAL IS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES ON
CHILD PROTECTION TO ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CHILDREN’S SPORT
INCLUDING COACHES, ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS, TOURNAMENT
ORGANIZERS, VOLUNTARY PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEES & PARENTS.
2. POLICY STATEMENT
Abbeyleix T.C. is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its
Members. Every individual in the organization should, at all times,
show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare,
and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the
organization and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and
Good Practice for Children’s Sport.
Abbeyleix Tennis Clubs Children’s Officers:
Ms Marie Thompson 057 87 31604
Mr. Garry Luttrell
057 87 39601
Club chairperson:
Ms Emily Mc Donald 085 7085153
Any item such as overnight away trips, Competitive Junior Tour tennis etc are not specifically
covered in Abbeyleix Tennis Clubs code of Ethics, but will be subject to Tennis Irelands more
comprehensive manual.
3. Role & responsibility of Children’s Officer
It has been agreed at AGM that Abbeyleix tennis Club appoint a Male & female
Children’s officer
Appointed officers are responsible for ensuring:
 To the best of their ability that all Members adhere to the Code of ethics
 Code of ethics are updated for changing legislation etc
 That all committee members are aware of the contents of Code of Ethics&
know their responsibilities
 Those proper procedures are followed at all times & any breaches are
brought to attention of Committee
 That where possible all coaches/Volunteers have signed declaration form
 That procedures for reporting & dealing with possible cases of breaches is
displayed in clubhouse
 That contact numbers of relevant bodies are displayed in clubhouse
 That proper records are kept in relation to breaches
4.
PRINCIPLES
Children have a lot to gain from sport. Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity
can blossom in positive sporting environments. Sport provides an excellent
opportunity for children to learn new skills, become more confident and maximize
their own unique potential. These benefits will increase through a positive and
progressive approach to the involvement of children in sport that places the needs
of child first and winning and competition second. Winning and losing are an
important part of sport but they must be kept in a healthy perspective. A childcentered approach to children’s sport will return any benefits in terms of the
health and well being of our future adult population. The organization of sport for
children should be guided by a set of core values that provide the foundation for
all practice:
IMPORTANCE OF CHILDHOOD
The importance of childhood should be understood and valued by everyone
involved in sport. The right to happiness within childhood should be recognized
and enhanced at all levels of sport.
NEEDS OF THE CHILD
All children’s sport experiences should be guided by what is best for children.
This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional,
physical and personal needs of young people. Then stages of development and
ability of children should guide the types of activity provided within the sport.
INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS
Adults interacting with children in sport are in a position of trust and influence.
They should always ensure that they treat children with integrity and respect and
that the self-esteem of the child is enhanced. All adult actions in sport should be
guided by what is best for the child and carried out in the context of respectful and
open relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind or
threat of such abuse is totally unacceptable within sport, as in society in general.
FAIR PLAY
All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland has
adopted and are 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 friendships, respect for others and always playing
within the right spirit. Fair play is defined by a way of thinking, not just as a way
of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating,
gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal
opportunities, excessive commercialization and corruption.
The principles of fair play should always be emphasized, and organizers should
give clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.
The importance of participation for each child, best effort and enjoyment rather
than winning should be stressed. Children should be encouraged to win in an open
and fair way. Behaviour, which constitutes cheating in any form, for example,
calling balls on the line out, should be discouraged.
QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND ETHOS
Children’s sport should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging
atmosphere. Standards of behaviour for leaders and children in the sport and the
organisation should be as important as the standards these organizations set for
sports performance. Standards of excellence should extend to personal conduct.
COMPETITION
A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization are
kept in their appropriate place. A balanced approach to competition can make a
significant contribution to children’s development while at the same time
providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. Through such competition children
learn respect for opponents, officials and rules of the sport.
Too often competitive demands are placed on children too early, which results in
excessive levels of pressure on them. This is one of a number of factors, which
contribute to high levels of dropout from sport. It should always be kept in mind
that the welfare of children comes first and competitive standards come second.
While under-8 is a very different age group to under-18 the same general principle
should apply.
EQUALITY
All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner
regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political
persuasion. Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in
sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus
allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPORTS LEADERS
A SPORTS LEADER IS ANY ADULT INVOLVED IN CHILDREN.S
SPORT INCLUDING, COACHES, ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS,
VOLUNTEERS & PARENTS
THE SPORTS LEADER WILL:
1. Treat all players with respect at all times. Be honest and consistent with
them. Honour all promises and commitment, both verbal and written.
2. Provide feedback to players and other participants in a caring manner
sensitive to their needs. Avoid overly negative feedback.
3. Recognize player’s right to consult with other coaches and advisers.
4. Treat all players fairly within the context of their sporting activities, regardless
of gender, race, place of origin, athletic potential, colour, sexual orientation,
religion, political beliefs, socio-economic status, and any other condition.
5. Encourage and facilitate players independence and responsibility for their own
behaviour, performance, decisions and actions.
6. Involve the players in decisions that affect them.
7. Determine, in consultation with players and others, what information is
confidential and, respect that confidentiality remembering that the child’s welfare
is paramount.
8. Encourage a climate of mutual support among your players.
9. Encourage players to respect one another and to expect respect for their worth
as individuals regardless of their level of play.
10. At all times use appropriate training methods, which in the long term will
benefit the players, and avoid those, which could be harmful.
11. Ensure that the tasks/training set are suitable for the age, experience, ability
and physical and psychological conditions of the players.
12. Be acutely aware of the power that you as a coach develop with your players in
the coaching relationships and avoid any sexual intimacy with players that could
develop as a result.
13. Never ask anyone to keep secrets of any kind.
14. Actively discourage the use of performance- enhancing drugs, the use of
alcohol and tobacco and any illegal substance.
15. Respect the fact that your goal as a coach for the players may not always be
the same as that of the student
16. Recognise individual differences in players and always think of players longterm best interests.
17. Set challenges for each player which are both achievable and motivating.
18. At all times act as a role model that promotes the positive aspects of sport and
of tennis by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and projecting
a favourable image of tennis and of coaching at all times.
19. Do not exploit any coaching relationship to further personal, political, or
business interests at the expense of the best interest of your players.
20. Encourage players and other coaches to develop and maintain integrity in
their relationships with others.
21. Respect other coaches and always act in a manner characterised by courtesy
and good faith.
22. When asked to coach a student, ensure that any previous coach-student
relationship has been ended by the student/others in a professional manner.
23. Accept and respect the role of officials in ensuring that competitions are
conducted fairly and according to established rules.
24. Know and abide by tennis rules, regulations and standards, and encourage
students to do likewise. Accept both the letter and the spirit of rules.
25. Display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance and respect all
facilities and equipment.
26. Arrive well on time for all training sessions, matches, competition, social
occasions and inform an appropriate person if ill or unable to attend.
27. Ensure that attendance records are kept of all recognised training sessions
and social activities with the attendance of each participant noted appropriately.
An incident form must be used to record any accidents, injuries or unusual
incidents.
28. Ensure that car insurance is appropriate for transporting young people to and
from events if necessary. Please note, normal car insurance may not be sufficient.
6. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TENNIS PLAYERS
THE TENNIS PLAYER WILL
1. Play by the rules of the game
2. Abide by the rules set down by team managers when traveling to away
events.
3. Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the game of tennis into disrepute.
4. Respect officials and accept their decisions.
5. Respect opponents and always shake hands at the end of a match.
6. Use his/her best efforts in competitive matches.
7. Refrain from the use of audible & visual obscenity
8. Refrain from ball/ racquet abuse
9. Refrain from the use of coaching during competition
10. Never use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage on or off the court.
11. Never use bullying tactics to isolate another player.
12. Never pass on gossip about another player or adult.
13.
Never make false allegations against other players or adults.
14.
Win with grace and lose with dignity.
YOUNG PLAYERS ARE ENTITLED TO:
1. Be treated with dignity and respect.
2. Be safe and to feel safe.
3. Get help against bullies.
4. Say NO.
5. Be listened to.
6. Be believed.
7. Protect their own bodies.
8.
Refuse inappropriate touches.
Please note that all clubs must have a children’s officer who’s identity should be
known to all members of the club and in particular the children so they can raise
any concerns they may have.
7. CODE FOR SPECTATORS
TENNIS SPECTATORS WILL
1. Be on their best behaviour and lead by example.
2. Applaud good play by visiting players as well as their own.
3. Remember that young players are not miniature adults.
4. Show respect for the opponent of the player that they are supporting.
5. Encourage young players to play by the rules of the game.
8. GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELLING OFFICIALS
1. To become acquainted with team members as soon as possible after selection.
This should mean ensuring that all players are fit and properly prepared to play
in the event
2. To ensure that the team members are acquainted with travel arrangements. To
ensure they arrive at the point of departure if traveling and at the venue, if at
home, in good time to prepare properly for the match.
4. To arrange all practice sessions prior to and during the event.
5. To ensure that all actions at the event are in the interest of the team achieving
the best results.
7. To insist upon the best possible behaviour from the players at all times and to
make sure that nothing happens to bring Irish tennis into disrepute.
8. The drinking of alcohol by any player under 18 years of age is not permitted
and officials are instructed to enforce this rule. This applies to all players under
18 whether playing in senior or under age events.
9. Officials should ensure that those in their charge are aware of the illegality of
prescribed drugs or other banned performance enhancing substances, and are
educated in the rules of the sport and in the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco. The
latter two are incompatible with the sporting experience.
10. Whilst children are present, consumption of alcohol and tobacco should be
avoided. Where the event is a social one with children present, consumption
should be moderate.
11. To submit a report to Abbeyleix T.C. P.R.O. within one week of the event.
12. You are given a position of trust by parents and players and are therefore
expected to show the highest standards of behaviour whilst in the company of
your charges.
13. Officials/Managers/Coaches should not be alone in their car with lone
participants. If this is unavoidable the reason why must be explained to parents
and the child. Details of the journey, duration etc should be passed n to the
parents/children.
14. Permission of parents/guardians must be obtained for all trips.
9. ABBEYLEIX T.C. RECRUITMENT POLICY FOR
VOLUNTERS & SPORTS LEADERS:
Sports Leaders = All adults involved in children’s sport including, coaches,
volunteers, administrators, officials and parents.
Abbeyleix T.C. will take reasonable steps to ensure that suitable people work with
young players. Procedures will be adopted for all persons with substantial access
to young people.
There will be a sign-up procedure, whereby the newly recruited volunteer, agrees
to abide by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for children’s Sport and to
Abbeyleix T.C s Policies and Code of Conduct.
All adults taking responsibility for children in sport should undergo a recruitment
process and adults taking on a temporary coaching role should be aware of the
Abbeyleix T.C. guidelines for coaches, & have signed the Sports leaders form.
Potential sports leaders must complete an application form.
Self declaration
Referees put forward may be asked to fill in a standard questionnaire regarding
the applicant.
A decision to appoint a Sports Leader is the responsibility of the Club or
organisation and not of any one individual within it.
The club management or organisations executive must ratify all recommendations
for appointment.
Sports Leaders must be managed and supported.
10. Being a Better Tennis Parent
INTRODUCTION
Research has shown that tennis is one of the healthiest; least injurious sports
youngsters can play. Tennis is a lifetime sport. It builds self-confidence and selfesteem. It teaches self-discipline, self-reliance and respect for others. But, above
all, it provides a good way of performing physical exercise whilst having fun.
Today, more children than ever before are taking part in tennis.
However, there’s a big difference between learning the basic strokes to play the
game at recreational level, and competing successfully at a high level.
Individual competitive sports like tennis usually teach the youngsters to work
hard, to learn to manage stress to perform under pressure, and test emotional and
physical balance. However, they can also impose pressures, which are damaging if
handled wrongly.
Abbeyleix Tennis Club advocate the following as part of their Code of ethics:
Parents must remember that Children learn best by example and to assist in the
promotion of good practice should:
 Be aware of relevant Sports Leaders & their role within Club
 Show appreciation of & respect for Sports Leaders & their decisions
 Encourage children to play by rules
 Behave responsibly on the sidelines
 Focus on the Childs efforts rather than performance
 Appreciate the fun & participation element
 Regularly liaise with sports leaders re training sessions, medical conditions
& safety issues
To promote the procedures of Good practice Parents/Guardians are:
 Encouraged to become members & to take an active interest in the running
of the club
 Informed if their child sustained an injury during sporting activities.
 Informed of problems or concerns relating to their children
 Encouraged to submit comments, suggestions or complaints on clubs
activities.
 Required to familiarize themselves of Children’s officer’s role and be willing
to become Clubs Children’s Officer.
 Informed of training, coaching & general environment created for their
children
Parents/Guardians should not:
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Ignore/dismiss complaints or concerns expressed by their child
Ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game
Put undue pressure on their child to please or perform well
Take safety for granted
Treat the Club as a child minding service
THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE AND A
PROFESSSIONAL ATTITUDE IN YOUR CHILD
All coaches and parents should realise that to develop a professional attitude in
young players is a long-term process that takes many years. With this in mind we
should start influencing players in this area at a very early stage actually from
the very beginning.
Under 12 At this age they should:
 Prepare things themselves.
 Pack their bags before practice (racket, balls, spare shirt, drinks etc.).
 Always be on time for practice,
 Learn basic tennis rules (how the game is counted, the time between points
and changeovers etc).
Under 14 At this age they should:
 Warm-up correctly before practice and matches,
 Send in entries for tournaments themselves
 Find their doubles partner himself or herself
 Know when rackets require restringing, ask for required tension etc.
Under 16/18, the player at this age should:
 Practice with quality and intensity at all times.
 Maintain emotional control (both in practice and matches).
 Maintain good eating habits (choose the right foods. plenty of fruit and
vegetables, pasta, fish, meat, instead of eating junk food).
 Find their own most effective way to prepare for matches
 Put everything into their bag for the match (including blister tape, spare
laces, pieces of chocolate or bananas, spare shorts, shirt and socks, soft
grips, towel etc.)
 String their own rackets (when home).
11. Guidelines on use of Photographic and Filming Equipment at
competition & practice sessions:
1) Amateur photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or
practice session should seek accreditation with the event organiser or leader of
the practice session and have justifiable reason for wanting to video /
photograph children.
2) During competitions or practice sessions, children must not be photographed or
filmed without their permission and the expressed permission of one of their
parents or person acting for the parent. A record should be kept of any permission
granted.
3) Professional photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or
practice session should seek accreditation with the event organiser by producing
their professional identification for the details to be recorded and have justifiable
reason for wanting to video / photograph children
A record should be kept of accreditation.
4) On no account should children be photographed or filmed without their
permission and the permission of their parents.
5) Video equipment can be used as a legitimate coaching aid. However, permission
should first be obtained from the player and the player’s parent/carer.
6) Abbeyleix Tennis Club Junior & Juvenile committees may use photographs i.e.
Competition finalists, distant group photographs etc as a means of advertisements
in local papers. Parents/Carers not wishing to have their children included should
notify the committee in advance.
12. Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions & Allegations
Abbeyleix T.C. accepts that organisations, which include children as members, are
vulnerable to the occurrence of child abuse and therefore there is a need for
policies and procedures to deal with this issue. The safety of young people is
everyone’s responsibility.
False allegations of abuse can occur though they are rare and easily disproved.
However, if a young person says or indicates that he/she is being abused, or
information is obtained which gives concern that a young person is being abused,
you should react immediately.
The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act. 1998 provides immunity
from civil liability to persons who report child abuse reasonably and in good faith
to the Health Board or the Gardai .The act also covers the offence of false
reporting. This Act came into operation on 23rd January 1999. The main
provisions of the Act are:
1. The provision of immunity from civil liability to any person who reports child
abuse reasonably and in good faith to designated officers of Health Boards or
any member of An Garda Siochana;
2. The provision of significant protections for employees who report child abuse.
These protections cover all employees and all forms of discrimination up to and
including dismissal;
3. The creation of a new offence of false reporting of child abuse where a person
makes a report of child abuse to the appropriate authorities knowing that
statement to be false. This is a new criminal offence designed to protect innocent
persons from malicious reports.
Each Tennis Club affiliated to Tennis Ireland is obliged to have clear procedures
for responding to reports or concerns relating to the welfare and safety of children.
All involved adults, children and parents/guardians should be aware of how to
report, and to whom concerns must be reported, within the club/organisation.
Copies of the Statutory Authority guidelines should be available in each club and
copies are held at the Tennis Ireland Office. Everyone involved in child protection
matters must be aware of their responsibility to work in co-peration with the
statutory child protection authorities.
REPORTING OF SUSPECTED OR ACTUAL CHILD ABUSE
If a Sports Leader or a parent/guardian is uneasy or suspicious about a child’s
safety or welfare the following response should be made:
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React calmly.
Listen compassionately and carefully, keep the questions to an absolute
minimum, facilitating the child to tell about the problem.
Take what the child is saying seriously.
Remember the child has decided to tell about something very important
and has taken a risk to do so.
Reassure the child
If the nature of what the child is saying is unclear, use open, non-specific
questions such as .Can you explain to me what you mean by that
The child should be given some indication of what happens next - informing
parents/guardians, health board or social services. It should be kept in mind
that the child may have been threatened and may feel vulnerable at this
stage.
Carefully record the details.
The following actions should be avoided:
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Do not make promises of confidentiality. it may not be possible to keep
that promise.
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Do not make a judgment or make negative comments about the alleged
abuser.
Do not speculate or make assumptions
Do not interview the child. Do not probe for more information than is
offered.
Do not approach the alleged abuser.
Do not allow your shock or distaste to show.
Reporting Child Abuse
It is not the responsibility of anyone working under the auspices of Abbeyleix
tennis Club or Tennis Ireland, to take responsibility or decide whether or not child
abuse is taking place.
However, there is a responsibility to protect children in order that appropriate
agencies can then make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the
young person.
Actions to Take:
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Observe and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the
incident occurred or suspicion was aroused, together with any other
relevant information.
Report the matter as soon as possible to the Club Chairperson. If
Chairperson has reasonable grounds (See 5.13.1 of ISC code) for believing
that the child has been abused or is at risk of abuse, s/he will make a report
to the health board/social services who have statutory responsibility to
investigate and assess suspected or actual child abuse.
If the incident involves the designated officer the person reporting should
take the matter straight to the Health Board or the Gardai.
In cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and
serious risk and the designated person is unable to contact a duty social
worker, the police authorities should be contacted. Under no circumstances
should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the
Statutory Authorities. Make a record of the report.
If the Chairperson is unsure whether reasonable grounds for concern exist
or not, s/he will be advised whether or not the matter requires a formal
report by the health board/social services/police services.
The chairperson in reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the
statutory Authorities should first inform the family of their intention to
make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the child or undermine
an investigation.
A report should be given by the Chairperson to the Statutory Authorities
in person or by phone, and in writing;
It is best to report child abuse concerns by making personal contact with
the relevant personnel in the Statutory Authorities.
ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST SPORTS LEADERS
Each club/group affiliated to Tennis Ireland. Are obliged to have agreed
procedures to be followed in cases of alleged child abuse against Sports Leaders. If
such an allegation is made, two procedures must be followed:
1. The reporting procedure as outlined in Reporting Child Abuse (as above)
2. The procedure for dealing with the Sports Leaders (below)
The following points should be considered:
The safety of the child making the allegation and any others who are/may be at
risk should be ensured and this should take precedence over any other
consideration. In this regard, the sports club/organisation should take any
necessary steps, which may be immediately necessary to protect children.
If a Sports Leader is the subject of the concern s/he should be treated with respect
and fairness.
Steps to be taken within the Sports Organisation
Where reasonable grounds for concern exist the following steps should be taken by
the club/organisation:
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The matter should be reported to the local health board/social services
following the standard reporting procedure outlined on previous pages.
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Advice should be sought from the local health board/social services with
regard to any action by the club deemed necessary to protect the
child/children who may be at risk.
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In the event that the concern is connected to the actions of a Sports Leader
in the club, the Sports Leader involved in the concern should be asked to
stand aside pending the outcome of any investigation by the Statutory
Authorities. The Club Chairperson will take undertake this task.
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Inform the Governing Body as person may coach in other clubs.
The Sports Leader should be informed, in private:
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That an allegation has been made against him/her.
The nature of the allegation.
Should be afforded an opportunity to respond. His/her response should be
noted and passed on to the health board/social services personnel
All persons involved in a child protection process (the child, his/her
parents/guardians, the alleged offender, his/her family, Sports Leaders)
should be afforded appropriate respect, fairness, support and confidentiality
at all stages of the procedure.
Confidentiality.
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Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentially is maintained for
all concerned.
Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis
only.
Information should be stored in a secure place, with limited access to
designated people.
The requirements of the Data Protection laws should be adhered to.
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Breach of confidentiality is a serious matter.
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Anonymous Complaints
Anonymous complaints can be difficult to deal with but should not be ignored. In
all cases the safety and welfare of the child/children is paramount. Any such
complaints relating to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention
of either of the Clubs Children’s Officer or Club Chairperson. The information
should be checked out and handled in a confidential manner.
Rumours
Rumors should not be allowed to hang in the air. Any rumors relating to
inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the attention of
either of the Clubs Children’s Officer or Club Chairperson and checked out
without delay.