Parents/Guardians have an influential role to play in assisting and encouraging their children to fully participate in Gaelic Games, whether by playing our games or attending training or coaching sessions.
In common with Coaches and Club personnel the Parents/Guardians of underage players should act as role models for their children as they participate in Gaelic Games.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILD TO:
• Always play by the rules
• Improve their skills levels
• Appreciate everybody on their team, regardless of ability
• Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle with regard to exercise, food, rest and play. Advice may be sought if necessary from Club officials on this issue
PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
• Adopt a positive attitude to their children’s participation in our games
• Respect officials’ decisions and encourage children to do likewise
• Do not exert undue pressure on your child
• Never admonish your own child or any other child for their standard of play
• Be realistic in their expectations
• Show approval for effort, not just results
• Avoid asking a child or young person, ‘How much did you score today’ or ‘What did you win by’ or ‘What did
you lose by.’ Ask them ‘Did they enjoy themselves.’
• Never embarrass a child or use sarcastic remarks towards a player
• Applaud good play from all teams
• Do not criticise playing performances. Identify how improvements may be made
• Do not seek to unfairly affect a game or player
• Do not enter the field of play unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge
PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD:
• Complete and return the registration/permission and medical consent forms for their child’s participation in the Club
• Inform the Coaches, and any other relevant Club personnel, of any changes in their child’s medical or dietary requirements prior to coaching sessions, games or other activities
• Ensure that their child punctually attends coaching sessions/games or other activities
• Provide their child with adequate clothing and equipment as may be required for the playing of our games including for example helmets, shin guards, gum shields etc.
• Ensure that the nutrition/hydration and hygiene needs of their child are met
• Never encourage your child(ren) to consume non-prescribed drugs or take performance enhancing supplements
• Listen to what their child may have to say
• Show approval whether the team wins, loses or draws a game
• Never attempt to meet their own needs and aspirations for success and achievement through their children’s participation in games
PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD ASSIST THEIR CLUB BY:
• Showing appreciation to volunteers, coaches and Club officials
• Attending training and games on a regular basis
• Assisting in the organising of Club activities and events as requested
• Respecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person and by treating each one equally regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion
• Not entering team dressing rooms unless deemed necessary by the team coach (es) so as to protect the privacy of other underage players
PARENTS/GUARDIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
• Know their child is safe and to make a complaint if they believe that their child’s safety is in any way compromised
• Be informed of problems/concerns relating to their child
• Be informed if their child gets injured
• Complain if they have concerns about the standard of coaching.
• Have a say in relation to decisions being made within the Club.
