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Code of Conduct & Guidelines for Schools & Volunteers

The following are recommendations for coaches, parents and club members who assist schools and teachers in coaching children and teams in primary and post primary  schools or  for those who spectate at Gaelic games activities. 

1. The playing fields where coaching sessions and games take place are an extension of the classroom and the same rules of conduct apply to the children. All adults should encourage the children to behave to the highest standards expected from the school.

2. The teacher with the school teams carries the ultimate responsibility for the team and is answerable to his/her principal and/or Board of Governors.

3. Coaches, club members and parents should encourage the children positively at coaching sessions and matches. They should promote the model that playing our games is fun and enjoyable.

4. Coaches, club members or parents should not shout in any negative way or verbally abuse the children or each other.

5. Bad language should never be used in the children’s hearing at any time.

6. Coaches, club members and parents should never abuse the referee and  should encourage the idea that the referee is always right even when perceived to being wrong. Children should be discouraged by all adults from questioning the decisions of the referee, linesmen or umpires.

7.  Children who are developing their skills should be encouraged to participate as much as possible as children develop at different stages.

8. The children should be encouraged to shake hands at the end of every game.  The attitude of “winning at all costs” should be eradicated. The participation in our national games is the most important objective.

9. Wearing the school jersey and playing for the school is something to be proud of and to be promoted at all times.

10. If we are positive and consistent with the children, they will stay with our games.

Complaints and Grievance Procedures:

1.  Complaints against adults breaking the Code of Conduct are not the responsibility of the Organising Body of the activities or matches but the sole responsibility of the school to which the adult is attached.

2. If any adult breaks the Code of Conduct, this should be brought to the attention of the teacher in charge of your own school team and the principal of the school.

3. The principal of the school will contact the principal of the school connected with the adult who has broken the Code of Conduct.

4.  It is the responsibility of the Principal and ultimately the school’s BOGs to address the issue.  The outcome of any action taken should be communicated with the principal of the other school.

5.  It is the responsibility of the school to communicate these procedures to parents and volunteers who help at or attend Gaelic Games activities, emphasising the importance of up-keeping the school’s policies and reputation. 

Certificate of Agreement for volunteers and interested parents working directly with or supporting the children: 

School: 

Principal’s Signature: 

Club Volunteer/Parent Signature: 

Date:

Guidelines for schools and volunteers. 

Club/Volunteer coaches are a vital support for schools promoting Gaelic Games to our children.  The ethos of the GAA has been upheld through voluntary help and support and partnerships should be encouraged.  The promotion of Gaelic Games in schools is the ultimate responsibility of the BOGs, Principal and interested teachers in the school as an extension to the ethos and pastoral care of the children.

The following guidelines are set out to help schools and volunteers to foster the ethos of the school and work in partnership for the good of the games and the children participating. 

• All Club/Volunteer/Parent coaches who help at extra curricular coaching sessions and accompany teams to games must be fully qualified with the appropriate coaching and child protection requirements.
• Club/Volunteer/Parent Coaches must provide the principal, prior to the commencement of the first session with evidence of coaching qualification and Child Protection training and POCVA checks. Name badge identification should be worn by all club/volunteer/parent coaches when working with children in school or at extra-curricular events.
• Club/Volunteer/Parent Coaches should adhere fully to Cumann na mBunscol Code of Conduct when helping at or attending coaching activities, matches or blitzes.
• The same Code of Conduct should be circulated to parents of players and participants.
• Pupil behaviour is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the teacher in charge and ultimately, positive Behaviour and sanctions for pupils at all activities are the responsibility of the Principal and BOG.  Standards of behaviour at any Gaelic Games Activities should be an extension of the school’s Positive Behaviour/Discipline Policy.
• The teacher is in charge of the children at all times, whether the activity is school-based or outside the school.
• All club/volunteer/parent coaches must sign up to the Code of Conduct and this should be countersigned by the Principal of the school.
• The school should provide appropriate resources for club/volunteer/parent coaches for use in coaching sessions.
• All volunteer coaches should encourage positive behaviour and the fun of playing Gaelic Games.  The ‘win at all cost’ mentality needs to be eradicated from schools activities.