CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES/LEADERS/OFFICALS

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