Codes of Conduct

The Irish FA strives to contribute to the sporting and social development of children and young people by presenting them with an opportunity to engage in Association programmes.

In order for football to be a positive experience for all children and young people, the Association expects high standards of behaviour to be demonstrated by all players so that everyone can benefit from the positive aspects of the game.

Children and young people have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner which does not bring the Association into disrepute. Any behaviour in breach of Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

As a player participating in Irish FA programmes, I will:

• Behave and listen to all instructions from staff and volunteers
• Take care of and respect equipment owned by the Irish FA or a rented facility
• Refrain from behaviour that will bring the Association into disrepute
• Refrain from the use of foul, abusive, racial, discriminatory and sectarian references
• Refrain from bullying behaviour or the persistent use of rough and dangerous play
• Refrain from engaging in inappropriate use of social media – this includes posting comments or images on social media sites that may cause harm to other users or bring the Association into disrepute
• Report inappropriate behaviour
• Never tell lies about other adults, children or young people
• Respect my coach and teammates
• Show respect to other players, staff and volunteers
• Respect officials and accept their decisions
• Respect opponents and not cheat
• Play fairly
• Be gracious in defeat
• Not use violence
• Shake hands with the other team and the referee at the end of the match
• Keep within the defined boundary of the playing/coaching area unless instructed otherwise
• Ensure I am punctual for training, matches and any other Irish FA activity
• Advise team manager/coach of any injury or medical condition sustained before or during Association activities
• Advise the team manager/coach of I am unavailable to play or participate in Association activities
• Be collected on time
• Be responsible for my own kit
• Wear appropriate footwear/shin pads
• Bring my own water bottle/fluid

Children and young people participating in Irish FA programmes have the right to:

• Feel safe and protected
• Be respected and listened to
• Contribute by offering constructive comments/feedback
• Privacy
• Enjoy football in a protective environment
• Be referred to professional help if needed
• Be protected from inappropriate behaviour/abuse from staff and volunteers
• Appropriate levels of confidentiality
• Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability
• Experience competition and desire to win
• Be believed when they ask for help

The Irish FA requires adherence to all Codes of Conduct and will take appropriate action if any person is deemed to be in breach of a code as set out in this policy.

As primary carers for their children, parents and guardians assume overall responsibility for the positive development of their child and therefore have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner which supports this process.

Your club should expect all parents and guardians to promote the positive aspects of football by demonstrating exemplary behaviour at all times – this includes encouraging their child’s participation in the game, demonstrating respect for staff and officials and behaving responsibly on the sidelines.

Persistent breaches of the code may result in the parent or guardian being asked to stay away from club activities and may also result in their child being removed from the club.

As a Parent / Guardian I will: 

• encourage my child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best
• show appreciation and respect for coaches, volunteers and other players
• be realistic and never exert undue pressure or expectations on my child
• praise effort and participation rather than focusing on performance and results
• accept decisions made by match officials
• behave responsibly on the sidelines (this includes not screaming or shouting)
• encourage children to show respect to their coach, team mates, opponents and match officials by demonstrating exemplary behavior myself
• promote my child’s participation in playing football for fun
• encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best
• refrain from engaging in inappropriate use of social media – this includes posting comments on social media sites that may cause harm to others or bring the club into disrepute
• complete and return the Registration / Consent Form pertaining to my child’s participation
• deliver and collect my child to and from coaching sessions and matches punctually if required – depending on the age of the young person, venue and arrangements with club coaches / volunteers
• ensure my child is properly and adequately attired and equipped – particularly for seasonal weather conditions
• ensure that proper footwear and protective equipment are worn at ALL times
• detail any health concerns relating to my child on the consent form, in particular breathing or chest conditions. I will also inform the coach of any changes to my child’s health.
• inform the coach / co-ordinator if my child has been ill or hurt recently
• inform the coach prior to departure from the field of play if my child is to be collected early from a coaching session
• ensure my child’s hygiene and nutritional needs are met
• never attempt to fulfill my own ambitions and aspirations through my child’s involvement in football

Parents / guardians have the right to: 

• know their child is safe
• be informed of problems or concerns relating to their child
• be informed if their child is injured
• speak to staff and voice any concerns about their child

Match officials are responsible for officiating in a manner that not only upholds the rules of football, but promotes values to young people involved in Irish FA programmes.

Officials should always adhere to the rules of the game, to ensure that safety, respect and fair play prevail throughout a match. Quite often, match officials can evoke strong emotions both on and off the field of play. As a result, match officials are also bound by codes of behaviour, to which they are required to adhere to at all times.

When officiating a match, I will:

• Put the welfare of children and young people first
• Remain impartial at all times
• Officiate fairly and consistently
• Officiate the game in a positive manner
• Respond appropriately to inappropriate behaviour (e.g. violent, aggressive and unsporting behaviour and foul play) in a fair but firm manner
• Challenge offensive and abusive language from players and managers
• Support my colleagues at all times
• Be a positive role model at all times by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game
• Encourage fair play
• Submit accurate match reports
• Remain calm and maintain composure at all times

The Irish FA requires adherence to all Codes of Conduct and will take appropriate action if any person is deemed to be in breach of a code as set out in this policy.

While spectators are allowed to show support for their team and bring atmosphere to a football match, they sometimes display abusive and intimidating behavior.

This type of behaviour is unacceptable and needs to be eradicated from the game so that football can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Spectators have a role to play in promoting high standards of behavior in the game so that everyone benefits from the positive aspects of football.

As a spectator at club activities, I will:

• never enter the field of play unless permitted to do so by the referee
• refrain from the use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• not condone violent behaviour from coaches, players, match officials, opponents or spectators
• respect decisions made by match officials
• praise effort and achievements and never criticise mistakes
• let the coaches do the coaching
• encourage young players to respect their opponents and the match officials
• promote the importance of respect and fair play

Children and young people who represent the Irish FA during international duty or residentials have the right to receive the appropriate care, support and supervision required to safeguard their welfare.

However, they also have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the good reputation of the Association and does not bring it into disrepute.

• Show respect for everyone involved in the international programme.

• Demonstrate equitable practice: Treat everyone involved equally and ensure they feel valued.  

• Never engage in any form of bullying or violent behaviour. Bullying is not acceptable behaviour towards anyone and must be challenged. All instances of bullying (whether experienced directly or witnessed) must be reported to staff.

• Do not use any form of foul, sectarian, abusive or discriminatory language.

 • Be punctual: Arrive at all group meeting points on time.

• Stay in groups in the departure area and do not wander off on your own.

 • Respect the accommodation / facilities / equipment and refrain from engaging in behaviour which will cause damage.

• Remain in your designated bedroom at night and do not leave the premises during this period unless instructed to do so by a staff member.

• Refrain from using mobile phones in changing rooms, unless it is an emergency.

• Adhere to all health and safety requirements, including emergency exit plans, in the event of a fire.

• Be punctual for all training sessions, matches, group meetings etc.

• Be a good ambassador for your team, club and country.

• Behave and listen to all instructions from the staff.

• Show respect for staff members, team mates, match officials and opponents alike.

• Do not leave the grounds of the residential / training area without permission.

• Be a role model – display good behaviour and be courteous at all times.

• Have fun and enjoy the experience.

• Adhere to the required dress codes.

 • Promote an ethos of fair play and respect.

• Do not engage in rough or dangerous play.

• Wear the appropriate kit, including foot wear and shin pads.

 • Do not chew gum or wear jewellery during training or matches.

 • Show respect for members of the public.

• Respect the rules of the game. Do not cheat.

• Encourage your team mates.

• Be positive, dedicated, disciplined and committed.

 • Have pride.

 • Always do your best and give 100%.

• Stay in pairs (at least). Do not go off on your own at any time.

Staff and Volunteers during Away Trips

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and place their welfare before all other considerations at all times.

• Provide a safe and fun environment for children and young people.

• Do not leave children and young people unsupervised at any stage during the course of the away trip.

• Show respect for everyone involved.

• Demonstrate equitable practice. Treat everyone involved equally and ensure they feel valued.

• Never engage in bullying behaviour. Bullying is unacceptable and must be challenged.

• Do not use any form of foul, sectarian, abusive or discriminatory language.

• Be a good role model at all times, and demonstrate a high standard of behaviour – this includes not drinking alcohol, smoking or taking illegal / performance-enhancing drugs in front of children and young people. Staff and volunteers must also ensure that they take care of their appearance and are presentable.

• Never take advantage of your position of trust.

 • Ensure children and young people are presented with an opportunity to voice any concerns that arise during the course of the tournament or residential.

• Be punctual and arrive at all departing venues well in advance of children and young people so they are not left standing alone.

 • Ensure children and young people stay in groups while in the departure area so that no child or young person is left isolated.

• Arrange a group meeting point prior to boarding the mode of transport (i.e. bus, plan, train).

 • Undertake a health and safety risk assessment of the accommodation / facilities upon arrival.

• Ensure, where possible, that everyone is located on the same floor of the accommodation.

• Ensure that children and young people are designated ‘age-appropriate’ and same-gender rooms, and that each child or young person is designated an individual bed. Staff members must never share a room / bath / shower with a child or young person.

• Staff members should organise a rota to check that players are safely in their rooms at night. No staff member or volunteer should enter a player’s bedroom unless it is deemed necessary and unless they are accompanied by another adult staff member or volunteer.

 • Familiarise the group with the emergency exits in the event of a fire, and agree a group meeting point – this includes at the stadium where the match(es) will take place.

 • Ensure that children and young people cannot gain access to adult television channels or bar facilities in their designated bedrooms.

• Work in an open environment with children and young people at all times.

• Never exert unnecessary physical or emotional pressure / stress on children and young people.

• Avoid spending time alone with a child or young person and ensure that the team doctor and physiotherapist are accompanied by another member of staff when treating players.

• Do not engage in any form of inappropriate physical contact.

• Medical staff (i.e. Doctors and Physiotherapists) must always treat a child or young person for illness or injury in a manner that reflects the ethos of their profession. This includes not gaining access to or inappropriately touching players for personal satisfaction.

• Staff who are the opposite gender to the players must remain outside the changing room while the players are showering and changing.

• Refrain from using mobile phones in changing rooms unless it is an emergency situation.

• Should a child or young person have to remain in the hotel during the course of the tournament or residential due to injury or illness, try to ensure two staff members remain behind to look after their welfare.

• In the event that a child or young person falls ill, or is seriously injured, and has to remain behind after a tournament or match, ideally two members of staff should remain with the child or young person. Staff have a duty of care to ensure that the child or young person returns safely to their UK residing address.

• Children and young people should be allocated an appropriate amount of recovery time from matches and training so that they are not physically exhausted and susceptible to fatigue and injury.

• If ‘time off’ is permitted by the head coach, staff and players should sightsee or partake in recreational activities as a group. Staff should undertake a risk assessment for each excursion in advance. Mobile phone contact between the team administrator and / or head coach and players must always be in place during such excursions. Parents and guardians and children and young people should be informed of any free time and related supervision arrangements in advance of the trip.

• Ensure that all players partake in group excursions, so that no child or young person is left alone in accommodation. During excursions, staff should walk both in front of and behind players to ensure no one wanders off alone. Arrange a ‘meeting point’ for players in the event of a player becoming separated from the group. • Be approachable at all times.

• Make the match, tournament or residential an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

• Demonstrate good listening skills.

• Recognise the different developmental needs and capacities of children and young people.

 • Be positive by encouraging children and young people, and praising their efforts.

• Encourage team-work.

 • Promote an ethos of fair play and respect.

• Ensure disciplinary procedures are in place should they be required.

• Have access to telephones and be contactable 24/7. Staff should have contact numbers for parents and guardians, and vice versa, in case of emergency.

Coaches and volunteers will create a positive football environment by displaying exemplary behaviour and implementing practices that make football a safe, fun and positive experience for all children and young people who participate in football. Football is a very passionate game that can evoke different emotions and reactions and sometimes these emotions and reactions can be negative and can spill onto the pitch. Coaches and volunteers have a responsibility to ensure their conduct does not compromise the welfare of a child or young person, or bring the sport or their club into disrepute. Any behaviour which compromises this ethos may result in disciplinary action.

As a coach / volunteer I will: 

• show respect to everyone involved in the game (i.e. coaches, players, match officials and spectators)
• be an excellent role model and display exemplary behaviour at all times. This includes not smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or using foul, racial, sectarian or discriminatory language in the presence of children and young people.
• only develop open, honest, professional and respectful relationships with children and young people
• promote the positive aspects of football and never condone rule-violations or the use of prohibited substances
• not equate success purely with results / winning, or equate losing with failure
• respect decisions made by match officials and never publicly criticise their decisions
• never enter the field of play without permission from the referee
• never use offensive, insulting, abusive or inappropriate language

When coaching/volunteering children and young people I will:

• always put the welfare of children and young people before winning or achieving goals
• work in an open environment and avoid spending time alone with children and young people away from others
• only partake in one-to-one coaching with a child or young person if it is absolutely necessary, part of the overall team training session and is done with the knowledge of the club and agreement with the child/young person and parent
• make them feel safe and ensure that coaching and volunteer ratios are appropriate to the needs of the group
• make football a fun experience
• communicate in a constructive, effective and age-appropriate manner
• be positive by giving constructive feedback, praising efforts and encouraging achievements
• ensure that if any form of manual / physical support is required, it is provided openly and according to agreed club guidelines. If physical support is needed, I will talk openly to the child or young person, explaining what I am doing and why, but I understand that for coaching purposes within football there are limited reasons for physical support. I agree that children and young people should always be consulted before they are touched and their agreement gained. Parental / guardian views about manual support will always be carefully considered
• recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children and young people, including those with a disability, avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing any child against their will
• carry out a risk assessment and ensure that the equipment and environment used for every club activity is safe
• keep a written record, and inform senior coach and parent of the young person, of any injury that occurs, including details of any treatment given
• never engage in bullying behaviour
• challenge any form of bullying behaviour and report it to club Welfare Officer and parent of the young person
• avoid spending any time alone with children or young people away from others.

The following actions will never be sanctioned. I will never:

• engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
• share a changing room, bath or shower with a child or young person
• allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
• allow children or young people to use foul, abusive, racial, or discriminatory language unchallenged
• make sexually suggestive comments to a child or young person – even in fun
• engage in sexual relationships with any player under 18 years of age while that unequal power relationship exists, and will notify the Club Welfare Officer of any relationships where there is a potential or actual abuse of trust
• engage in inappropriate use of social media – this includes never posting comments on social media sites that compromise the welfare of a child or young person, cause them harm, or bring the club or sport into disrepute
• reduce a child or young person to tears as a form of control
• encourage or bully a child or young person into playing while injured
• show favoritism
• allow allegations made by a child or young person to go unrecorded or not acted upon.
• undertake personal care for children or young people
• remain in the changing room while players are showering or changing. This applies to all coaches and volunteers who are working with children and young people that are the opposite gender to themselves.
• invite or allow children or young people to stay with me at my home.

The Irish FA requires adherence to all Codes of Conduct and will take appropriate action if any person is deemed to be in breach of a code as set out in this policy.

The following guidance applies to all forms of social media platforms

 • Before engaging in social media use, staff and volunteers are required to seek permission from their line manager and to inform the Director of Football Development and the Child Welfare Department of their intentions.

• All social media accounts must be set up using an official Irish FA address, and never a personal one, in order to reduce the risk of the establishment of impostor or fake profiles.

• Staff and volunteers who use social media assume overall responsibility for managing and moderating their accounts. However line managers have a responsibility to police such accounts to ensure that all content is appropriate and in line with Association policies.

• Staff and volunteers have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with safety aspects pertaining to social media use – this includes awareness of what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour as an employee / volunteer on a social-networking service.

• Staff and volunteers must keep abreast of current legislation and good practice guidance pertaining to social media companies and adhere to all relevant legislation relating to communications, e.g. Communications Act 2003, Malicious Communications Act 1998 etc.

• Staff and volunteers must be aware of how this policy feeds into other policies outlined in this document, i.e. the Equality and Anti-bullying Policies and the Reporting Procedures.

• Staff and volunteers have a legal and moral duty to respond to any indications that illegal activity (e.g. grooming for abuse) is taking place by informing the Child Welfare Department, who will refer the concern on to the relevant statutory agencies and service providers.

Staff and volunteers must:

• use their social-networking page as a communications platform only – mainly to communicate on a generic basis with parents and guardians and children and young people, e.g. ‘training has been cancelled tonight due to adverse weather conditions’

• ensure that the highest privacy and security settings remain activated at all times

• activate all swear filters in order to block any foul language from being disseminated to users

• where possible, monitor and view all written and visual content before accepting and posting it live

• delete and remove any inappropriate written content or images that would compromise the welfare of children and young people and / or the ethos of the Association

• be safety-conscious when adding content to an Association webpage / profile

 • obtain written parental / guardian consent before posting pictures of children and young people who engage in Association activities

• communicate to third parties (i.e. spectators or venues) that it is their responsibility to obtain parental / guardian consent before passing on images of club activities to Association staff to be posted on social-networking sites. The Irish FA will not be held liable for third party actions.

• ensure, if using Facebook, that they only communicate with children over the age of 13 (in line with network provider’s guidelines), always through an official site, and that communication relates directly to Association activities (e.g. training / matches)

• not accept children or young people, who they are in a position of responsibility for during Irish FA programmes, as friends on their personal social-networking site

• respond to online bullying and report it to their line manager - what is said online should be treated as if said in real time

• never post any written or visual material that compromises the ethos and values of the Association

• post factual comments only. Do not enter into a debate regarding a match result etc.

• display details of their social-networking page on the Irish FA website so that children / young people and parents / guardians know that it is an authentic Association forum

• promote safe and responsible use of social media

• promote the safeguarding page and sign post users to this so that they can obtain links to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency (CEOP)

• maintain professionalism at all times

• adhere to all best practice guidelines, as outlined in this document

Staff and volunteers must never:

• become friends via their own social media account with young people for whom they are in a position of responsibility

• communicate or share images via their personal social-network account with children and young people involved in Association programmes

• post any written or visual material that compromises the ethos and values of the Association

• engage in inappropriate communication with children and young people

• engage in grooming behaviour or behaviour that could be misconstrued as grooming

 • engage in bullying behaviour on social networking sites

• ridicule a child or young person by posting video images, whether intentionally or not. What may be funny to you may not be funny to others.

 • use foul, abusive, sectarian, racist, discriminatory or sexualised language

 • comment on individual players

Remember: Think before you post. If you wouldn’t say it in front of your mother or granny, then don’t post it!

All comments on Irish FA social-networking sites will be considered as public comment and will be treated as such. The Irish FA therefore reserves the right to take disciplinary action in cases involving social networking where the welfare of a child or young person is compromised or where the actions of a staff member / volunteer bring the Association into disrepute.