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Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews today (June12) launched the FAI Code of Ethics and Good Practice policy document for children’s football: The Football Association of Ireland has long taken its responsibilities in relation to child welfare very seriously and this document reflects the FAI’s continued determination to ensure a safe and friendly environment for children’s football:
This policy document is now also incorporated into FAI rules and aims to guide and support the dedicated volunteers who deliver our game to 450,000 active participants nationwide:
The policy document outlines requirements in relation to safe recruitment practice, safety, complaints procedures, bullying and burnout as well as providing a code of conduct for parents and for coaches:
Launching the FAI Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s football, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews said;
“The recent focus on child protection serves to highlight that all of society has responsibility for identifying signs that suggest children may be at risk: Statutory agencies have a lead role in this regard: However, it is often through sport, education and other social activities that the signs of concern are first identified:I would like to congratulate the FAI for taking this proactive step in promoting child protection matters in recent years: The launch of the guidelines today relate to children's welfare and support: We must encourage children to continue involvement in sport and not allow them to burn out and drift out of the game: Volunteers are the lifeblood of the FAI and I hope that these guidelines support them in their weekly involvement with children:”
Welcoming today’s launch, John Delaney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland said;
“As an Association we are committed to ensuring that all children who participate in our sport are able to do so in a safe and fun environment: Throughout the years we have received excellent support in this regard from the Irish Sports Council and their local sports partnerships: This new policy document is specifically designed for our game and will ensure that all clubs appoint a children’s officer: Playing football has a very positive impact on the development of children and this initiative will benefit all involved in the game; children, volunteers and communities:”
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
Online film to help sports clubs protect children from abuse
The NSPCC have launched the online film - ‘Play Sport Stay Safe’: The film is free to view on the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit website at www:thecpsu:org:uk:
‘Play Sport Stay Safe’ has been created for sports club staff, volunteers and parents: The film shows examples of how to recognise, respond to and report any concerns over the safety and well being of children involved in sport: