Statement on child welfare

Gowran AC is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all of its members. Every individual in this club should at all times, show respect and understanding for members’ rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Gowran AC and the guidelines contained in the Athletics Ireland Code of Ethics and Good Practice.
In line with the Athletics Ireland Code of Ethics and Good Practice, Gowran AC leaders and coaches will:

• Be positive, praise and encourage effort as well as results
• Put the welfare of young people first, striking a balance between this and winning
• Encourage fair play and treat participants equally
• Have the relevant knowledge and experience to work with young people
• Understand developmental needs of young people

Parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for the care and welfare of their children within sport.

Parents/guardians should encourage their children to participate in athletics for fun and enjoyment and should ensure that their child’s experience of athletics is a positive one. Lessons learned in children’s sport will shape values and attitudes in adult life. They should always remember that children play sport for their own enjoyment not that of the parents/ guardians.

Parents/guardians have a duty to ensure that the context in which their child is participating is appropriate.

Parents/guardians should remember that children learn best by example. To assist in the promotion of good practice within Gowran AC, we ask parents/ guardians to:

• Be aware of the relevant club leaders and their role within Gowran AC
• Show appreciation of and respect for club leaders, coaches and officials and their decisions
• Encourage their child to play by the rules
• Behave responsibly at competitions
• Focus on their child’s efforts rather than performance
• Focus on the fun and participation of the child in the activity
• Liaise with the leaders in relation to the times/locations of training sessions, medical conditions of their children and any requirement for their child’s safety.
• Listen to and address complaints or concerns expressed by a child which relate to their involvement in athletics
• Not ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake
• Not put undue pressure on their child to please or perform well, including forcing a child to participate when ill
• Not treat Gowran AC as a child-minding service