Code of Ethics and Good Practice
Athletics Ireland: Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children in Athletics
FOREWORD
The publication of Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children in Athletics recognises the commitment of Athletics Ireland to ensure that young people are safeguarded in their participation in athletics in Ireland.
It is essential that we as an organisation take steps to ensure that the early experiences of young athletes in our sport are positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social or ethnic background. This document aims to outline the fundamental principles and policies and address issues relating to the roles and responsibilities of people involved in athletics with children.
It outlines best practice with regard to working with children to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all. We hope that everyone involved in athletics will take the time to read this document and that together we can work to develop a child-centred approach to athletics for young people in Ireland.
Brendan Hackett CEO Athletics Ireland
Lusk Athletic Club Code of Conduct_V1
Irish Sports Council: Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport
Lusk Athletic Club
FOREWORD
The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland published a joint Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in 2000. This major joint publication recognised the commitment of both Councils to ensure that young people are safeguarded in their participation in sport in the island of Ireland.
The Code has been adopted and implemented by governing bodies of sports, clubs, local sports partnerships and community/voluntary groups on an on-going basis since 2000. It has been encouraging to see the common sense approach to the adoption of the code at grass roots level, which has resulted in protection for young people and leaders.
If young people are to stay involved in sport throughout their adult life, they need to be equipped with the fundamentals to remain involved with sport and physical activity. Equally we need to ensure that their early experiences are positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class, race, etc. It is encouraging to see adults, both volunteers and professionals, contribute to these positive experiences by acting as role models in all dealings with young people. In particular the work of Children’s Officers at club and national level is instrumental in implementing the Code. We need to build on this valuable work to ensure that all young people see sport and physical activity as an important and valuable aspect of their lives that they will sustain throughout their adulthood.
The review of the Code in 2005 ensures that the policies and procedures that we implement at all levels in sport are up-to-date and in line with relevant documents, current best practice and legislation throughout the island of Ireland. We thank the committee for its work throughout 2005 and we hope that this will help all sporting organisations to protect and maintain the welfare of all young people through sport.
Mr Ossie Kilkenny Chairman Irish Sports Council
Professor Eric Saunders Chairman Sports Council for Northern Ireland