IODAI
Child Protection Policy and Guidelines
Code of Ethics & Good Practice
For
YOUNG PEOPLE
In Sailing.
Updated April 2015
The guidelines in this document are based on the national guidelines as outlined in the following documents
Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, Irish Sports Council, 2000.
Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, Dept. of Health & Children 1999
Our Duty to Care, Dept. of Health & Children 2002
Table of Contents 2
Policy Statement 3
Definition of Designated Person 3
Core Value & Protection Policies 4
Codes of Conduct
· for Young Sailors 5
· for Parents 6
· for Sailing Coaches & Instructors 6
Policies
· Disciplinary Procedures 8
· Recruitment and Selection Policy 9
· General Guidelines with Children
o Travelling, Supervision and Away Trips 10
o Safety & Touching guidelines 11
· Guidelines on use of photographic and filming equipment 11
· Anti –bullying Policy and Procedure 12
Child Welfare & Protection Procedures 16
· Responding to disclosure 16
· Reporting Procedures 17
· Allegations against Sports Leaders 18
Definitions of Child Abuse 19
· Child Neglect 19
· Emotional Abuse 19
· Physical Abuse 20
· Sexual Abuse 20
· Recognizing Abuse 21
· Reporting Abuse 21
Some Points of Importance 23
Useful Telephone Numbers 24
Appendix 1-Parent Code of Conduct 28
Appendix 2-Instructors Code of Conduct 29
Appendix 3-Application Form for Coaches 30
Appendix 4-Confidential Reference Form 31
Appendix 5-Permission Form 32
IODAI Child Protection Policy Statement 2015
As defined in the Children Act, for the purpose of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child.
IODAI, as an organization is fully committed to safeguard the wellbeing of its members taking part in sailing from any physical, emotional or sexual harm. We recognize that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount and that all the children, whatever their age, gender, disability, culture, ethnic origin, religion or belief, social status or sexual identity, have a right to protection from abuse.
Every individual should at all times, show respect and understanding for members safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of IODAI and the guidelines contained in our Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sailing..
This IOADI Policy should be amended and adapted as appropriate by clubs hosting IODAI events.
Designated Liaison Person:
IODAI has appointed the child protection officer ( Aileen Cunnane) as Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and the current IODAI president to act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person in his absence. The role of the DLP is to liaise with all relevant agencies, whether in seeking advice, reporting or in follow up consultations
IODAI Core Value and Protection Policies
Core Values
The work of IODAI is based on the following principles that will guide the development of the sport for young people in this organization, Young People’s experience of sport should be guided by what is best for the young person. The stages of development and the ability of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the organization. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal.
Integrity in relationships:
Adults interacting with young people in sport should do so with integrity and respect for the child. 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, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within sport.
Quality atmosphere and ethos
Sport for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centered ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization 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.
Equality
All children 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.
Fair Play:
Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport.
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.
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. Leaders should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.
Codes of Conduct
IODAI wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport. Young people deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These participants have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept. Young people should be encouraged to realize that they have responsibilities to treat other participants and sports leaders with fairness and respect.
Young sailors are entitled to:
§ Be safe and to feel safe
§ Be listened to
§ Be believed
§ Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
§ Have a voice in the club / organisation
§ Participate on an equal basis
§ Have fun and enjoy sport
§ Experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable
§ Make complaints and have them dealt with
§ Get help against bullies
§ Say No
§ To protect their own bodies
§ Confidentiality
Young sailors should always:
§ Treat Coaches/instructors/Race Officials with respect,
§ Play fairly at all times, do their best
§ Respect other sailors, even when things go wrong
§ Respect opponents, be gracious in defeat
§ Abide by the rules set down by IODAI when travelling to away events.
§ Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the sport of Sailing into disrepute
§ Talk to children’s officer if they have any problems. ( Currently Aileen Cunnane)
Young sailors should never:
§ Cheat
§ Shout or argue with officials, coaches, instructors or fellow sailors
§ Harm fellow sailors or their property
§ Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player or gain advantage over another sailor
§ Take banned substances
§ Keep secrets, especially if they have caused harm
§ Tell lies about adults or fellow sailors
§ Spread rumor’s
Guidelines for Parents
IODAI believes that parents should….
· Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, with officials and organizers
· Always behave responsibly and do not seek to unfairly affect a race / sailor
· Never intentionally expose any young sailor to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks
· Always recognize the value and importance of the volunteers who help provide these opportunities for your child. Do not publicly question the judgment or honesty of officials, coaches/instructors and organizers.
· Encourage your child to play by the rules. Teach your child that honest endeavor is as important as winning and do all you can to encourage good sportsmanship.
· Set a good example by applauding effort rather than performance. Encourage mutual respect for all the sailors.
· Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behavior and bullying behavior in all its forms.
Guidelines for Sailing Coaches and Instructors
· Coaches/instructor’s should strive to create a positive environment for the children in their care. They have an overall responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that positive and healthy experiences are provided.
· IODAI recognizes the key role leaders (coaches, instructors,management etc.) play in the lives of children in sport.
· All coaches/instructors should have as their first priority the children’s safety and enjoyment of the sport and should adhere to the guidelines and regulations set out in the club’s Code of Ethics.
· All coaches/instructors must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and must treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
· Coaches/instructors working with young sailors in IODAI should be suitable and appropriately qualified. They will be expected to go through appropriate recruitment and selection procedures, (see application and reference forms Appendix 2), that apply to all persons with substantial access to young people, whether paid or unpaid. References will be needed and will be followed up.
· There will be a ‘sign-up’ procedure, whereby the appointed / reappointed coaches/instructors agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sailing and to the policies and code of the association. (see appendix 2)
· Coaches /instructors will be agree to read the association’s code of ethics and they should be made aware of the procedures contained within the association’s code.
· Once appointed the coaches /instructors must act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of sailing and of IODAI and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct. Remember your behavior to sailors, other officials, and judges will have an effect on the sailors in your care
· Coaches should avoid the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco before coaching, during events or on away trips. Be generous with praise and never ridicule or shout at sailors for making mistakes or for losing a race. Avoid favoritism. All young sailors are entitled to respect and deserve equal time and attention.
· Never punish a mistake by physical or verbal means or by exclusion
· Insist that sailors in your care respect the rules of racing. Insist on fair play. Never make winning the only objective.
· When travel/overnight travel is involved, the coaches / instructors / team assistants traveling with children must sign an agreement. See Appendix 2
· Parents and participants will also be asked to sign permission forms in these instances.- See APPENDIX 5
· Avoid working alone and ensure there is adequate supervision for all activities. It is important to realize that certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted by the sailor or by outsiders. Avoid doing things of personal nature that children can do for themselves. Avoid any inappropriate touching of any form.
· Coaches/instructors should communicate and co-operate with medical and ancillary practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of their sailors’ medical or related problems. Avoid giving advice of a personal or medical nature if you are not qualified to do so. Any information of a personal or medical nature must be kept strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child requires the passing on of this information
· Encourage sailors to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior, and set realistic goals. Create a safe and enjoyable sailing environment.
Disciplinary and Complaints Procedure
· Complaints may be lodged by all members of IODAI.
· They should be received in writing by the honorary secretary. .
· The complaint should outline all relevant details about other parties involved
· The complaint should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson who will convene the disciplinary committee
· If the complaint involves a criminal offence the chairperson should disband the disciplinary committee and talk to the children’s officer or designated person. The statutory authorities will then be informed.
· The disciplinary committee should hear the case of all parties involved and decide if a rule or regulation has been infringed
· They should, in writing, inform those involved of the sanctions to be imposed. Written notification should be given to parents if the complaint is against a junior member
· Keep all records on file
· If any party does not agree with the disciplinary committee they can appeal the decision in writing within 10-day period
· The appeals committee is convened, whose chairperson should be taken from the executive committee and those who have not been on the original disciplinary committee
· The appeals committee should confirm or set aside or change any sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee.
Recruitment and Selection Policy
· IODAI will take all reasonable steps to ensure that people working with young people are suitable and appropriately qualified.
· Recruitment and selection procedures are therefore necessary and these procedures apply to all persons with substantial access to young people, whether paid or unpaid.
· A decision to appoint coaches and instructors is the responsibility of the association.
· Coaches /Instructors should fill in an application form if requested (see appendix 3), giving names of two referees (see appendix 4) that can be contacted or complete CV if requested. Where possible there should be an interview.
Guidelines on General Issues
Travelling with Children
· It is essential that those accompanying young sailors to away events or training camps and the participants themselves have a clear understanding of their roles and the conduct expected of them. The codes of conducts must be adhered to by those travelling with squads.
· Parents will be notified if there is a “team mom” travelling and will be asked for contact numbers and relevant medical details to be made available.
· Should a child become ill or injured at an IODAI event, the parents will be informed as soon as possible and if necessary, suitable arrangements agreed for the safe and comfortable return home or collection of the child