Code of Conduct for Coaches / Leaders / Officials

Coaches agree to:

Ensure the safety of all children by careful supervision, proper pre-planning of coaching/ playing sessions, using safe methods at all times.
Actively encourage all children not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability.
Emphasise fun and participation.
Not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour.
Always be positive and to promote the objectives of the club at all times.
Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind to go unchallenged or unrecorded if appropriate.
Incidents and accidents to be recorded in the club incident/accident book. Parents will be informed.
Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse to the designated person.
Administer minor first aid in the presence of others and where required refer more serious incidents to the club “first aider”.
Have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required.
Foster team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care.
Ensure the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced.
Report suspected abuse to the appropriate designated officer.
Not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually.
Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information.
Be a role model (disciplined / committed / time keeping), remember children learn by example.
Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions.
Hold current coaches’ insurance.
Never ask anyone to keep secrets of any kind.
Ensure that car insurance is appropriate for transporting young people to and fromevents.
Ensure that all those working with young people do so under the guidance of the coach.
As a coach keep my knowledge updated through the Tennis Ireland Continuous Professional Development.

Protect themselves from false accusation by:

Not spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others.
Avoid taking children alone in a car on journeys, however short.
Never taking children to your home.
Not administering First Aid involving the removing of children’s clothing unless in the presence of others