‘‘It's not one thing we do 100% better than anyone else, but 100 things we do 1% better than everyone else’’.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of BBC United F.C. is to provide all players at our club with the maximum opportunities to develop their footballing ability to its full potential. This will be achieved through the full cooperation of mentors, players, and parents in a safe and friendly environment. Everyone who wants to play soccer is welcome, regardless of race, religion, gender, or level of ability, and this will never change. We will continue to work hard to offer all players the opportunity to improve their skills and develop a love for playing soccer.
Code of Conduct for Mentors
The role of a mentor is to help the players on their team to develop their skills as individuals and as players within their team. Their attitude to the game directly informs the attitude of the players under their supervision and is critical to the establishment of good practices in football. BBC United operates in alignment with the FAI Player Development Plan and coaches are required to adhere to this model.
Mentors are expected to:
Complete Garda Vetting and the Safeguarding 1 Course before commencing their role and refresh these requirements at least once every 3 years
Obtain coaching qualifications appropriate to the age group that they are coaching
Mentors will show respect for all players and officials and lead by example.
Clarify with the players (and, where the players are under the age of 18, their parents) what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from the mentor
Guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Be fully prepared for coaching sessions and matches.
Ensure a safe environment for learning and development.
Be self-critical and not afraid to seek assistance.
Liaising always with BBC United FC’s Child Welfare Team (bbcunitedchildwelfare@gmail.com)
Liaise with parents but do not share confidential information with them regarding players other than their own child.
Ensure that all players are aware that all forms of bullying will not be tolerated.
Be a link between the Club, parents and the community to encourage engagement and participation
Promote a positive approach to the game e.g. fair play, honest endeavour and genuine team-work and not to subscribe to the ethos of “win at all costs”
Code of Conduct for Players
Behave as a team player and show good Behaviour, Manners, Courtesy & Respect to all.
Always turn up on time for matches and training.
Agree to complete any homework set by the coach, if required.
Wear BBC United Football club kit and safety shin guards,when training and playing.
Always play to win but accept defeat like proper Sportsmen/Sportswomen.
Always have commitment to the club, your team, and always take pride in your performance.
Play for enjoyment, not just to please my parents or coach.
Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
Be a “good sport”. Respect all good play whether by my team or an opponent team.
Respect my opponent. Treat all players, as I would like to be treated.
Do not “bully” or take advantage of any player.
Do not accept “bullying” (Speak to a coach or parent).
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.
Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents and fellow team mates.
Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
Abide with all final decisions made by Referees and coaches.
Play by the Laws of the Game.
Code of Conduct for Parents
Always show respect for all players, opponents, Managers/Coaches and Officials.
Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
Have realistic expectations for your son/daughter and don’t put him/her under undue pressure.
Ensure that your son/daughter arrives on time for training and matches and that safe arrangements are in place for getting them home afterwards.
Leave coaching to the coaches.
Respect the Managers/Coaches decisions.
Assist when asked.
Accept disappointment, praise good work and refrain from criticising.
Support the club’s fund-raising activities where possible.
If your son/daughter requires hospital treatment a parent must attend.
Emphasise skill development and practice over winning and how they benefit your child (and other children/players).
De-emphasise games and competition in the lower age groups.
Pay your child’s registration fees on time.
Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
Foul and abusive language will not be tolerated under any circumstances
Child Protection Policy
BBC United believes that concern for the general well-being and welfare of all children and young persons under its care is of paramount importance in developing the young players of the future. The club recognises the responsibilities and trust placed on it by all players and their families. It will seek to respond to that responsibility by encouraging best practices in child protection matters and encouraging everyone involved in the club to recognize this. The protection of the child must be the number one priority of all its members.
All mentors must know the club’s policies and procedures, be encouraged to listen to the concerns of players, and take their complaints seriously. All current and potential mentors shall consent to be screened as to their suitability to work with children as specified by the FAI Child Protection guidelines. BBC United FC will emphasize to all members that they have a duty to report any concerns they have over the possible abuse of children.
This duty also applies to concerns they might have about a colleague. These should be reported to the designated person.
BBC United Child Welfare Contacts:
Celina Cawley
Simon Prendergast
Email: bbcunitedchildwelfare@gmail.com
The club will provide guidance to anyone who makes a report of suspected abuse and will fully support them when voicing these concerns.
Definition of Child Abuse
Neglect: The neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from any kind of danger, including unnecessary exposure to cold and rain. Physical Abuse: Actual or likely physical harm to a child. Sexual Abuse: Actual or likely sexual exploitation of a child where a person involves a child in any activity that leads to their own or others' sexual gratification. This might involve intercourse, touching, exposure of sexual organs, showing of pornographic material, or talking in an erotic way. Emotional Abuse: Failure to exhibit care and attention, particularly where a child is threatened, taunted, or shouted at, which can lead to a loss of self-esteem and confidence. Similarly, undermining a child by ignoring effort or progress will have a negative effect.
Guidance to Promote Good Practice
The following guidelines are suggested to mentors to reduce situations that could lead to the abuse of children, as well as attempting to protect those who are working with children and young people.
Always try to work with children and young people in an open and public view.
With very young children, where possible, try to encourage parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms.
It is possible that a manager/coach might have to help young children with undressing, changing, and dressing. Such tasks should only be carried out after discussion and consent of the player and parents.
Always ensure managers/coaches work in pairs when children need to be supervised in the changing rooms.
Always try to develop a climate that encourages development and enjoyment of the sport.
Always take steps to challenge bullying and always listen to complaints from team members who feel that they are being bullied.
Always try to avoid being alone in a car with a child/young person. Sometimes this will be unavoidable, but try to make sure the child/young person sits in the back of the car.
Always try to avoid taking a child/young person home with you, especially if they would be alone with a manager/coach.
It is advisable that managers/coaches identify who will be collecting a child/young person following a match or training session.
Managers/coaches should take steps to know who will care for a child/young person if their parents are not at home when the child is returned home following a match or training session.
Anti-Bullying Policy
It is vital that everyone within the club understands that bullying will not be tolerated and that the following conditions must be met. In being confronted with a possible case of bullying, all managers/coaches must be prepared to:
