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We, at Edenderry Town Schoolboys Football Club, are very
conscious of our responsibilities as coaches and indeed as parents. Every
effort is made by the club to ensure that both players and coaches alike
achieve the highest standards possible, on and off the field. Every week over
twenty coaches take care of and are responsible for approximately 200
players. Our standards are constantly under review and collectively we make
amendments to improve these standards.
At the end of each season the club hosts an Annual
General Meeting. Parents of all players are invited to attend. This gives the
club and the parents an opportunity to meet face to face and to discuss the
previous season and the forthcoming season. Club Chairman, Martin Doyle,
speaks on topics such as players/coaches expectations, bullying, parents
roles, future plans and much more. All Team Managers also present a report on
the development of the players within their squad over the previous season.
Parents are invited to ask questions regarding their own sons team and
questions about the Club itself. Overall these meetings are very productive
and produce some interesting and valuable input from a number of parents.
In the future it is proposed to issue each parent with a
copy of the "code of ethics" booklet, published by the FAI, which
underlines a lot of what the club already adheres to. The booklet is one of
the most comprehensive guidelines to date for all connected with schoolboy
football in Ireland. The bulk of the content is plain common sense, however
it acts as a strong clear reminder of our responsibilities as adults that the
welfare and protection of our under-age players is the number one priority.
The following is a summary of the codes that we actively
support at Edenderry Town Schoolboys Football Club:
Coaches/Managers
Lead by example, on and off field, in both football
and moral standards.
Develop to the best of your ability your skills and footballing knowledge
in order to pass this on to your
team and players.
Work in the best interests of the development of players.
Put the interests of the club first in all matters.
Work to ensure your team performs to the best of its ability.
Work within the guidelines set in the coaches manual.
Support positively all activities arranged or promoted by the club.
Keep the club informed on all matters relating to your team, players,
finance, etc.
Attend all coaches meetings.
Be committed to the standards and traditions of Edenderry Town SFC.
Promote at all times the good image and traditions of the club
Allow the club promote the public relations functions and express your own
personal views to the club first.
Assist and help other teams (when required) in the interest of the club.
Parents
Remember, young people are involved in soccer for
their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage your child always to play by the laws of the game.
Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so
that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or
losing a match.
Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs
Do not force an unwilling child to participate in playing soccer. If the
child is to play he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.
There are many aspects of soccer other than playing which can be equally
fulfilling
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from soccer
As a spectator, do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or
players. Do not publicly question the referees judgement and never their
honesty.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. They
give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young
people.
Encourage in your child an appreciation of mutual respect for team mates
and opponents.
Players
Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the laws of the game.
Always accept the referees decision.
Play with control. Do not loose your temper.
Play for yourself and your team your teams performance will benefit and
so will your own.
Be a "good sport". Applaud all good play whether by your team or
the opponent.
Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
Do not "bully" or take advantage of any player.
Co-operate with the coach, team mates and opponents.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills,
and feel good.
At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for
the match.
Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard
but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
Win with humility loose with dignity.
Spectators
Remember that although young people play organised soccer they
are not miniature Internationals.
Be on your best behaviour and lead by example.
Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own
Show respect for your teams opponents. Without them there would not be a
match.
Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or
form. Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.
Encourage young players to play by the laws of the game.
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