Sport and Young People
Many leaders become involved in sport for young people for a variety of different reasons, from a variety of sporting backgrounds and take on varying roles within clubs and organizations. Yet irrespective of the role or responsibility, we share a common goal in our commitment to sport for young people. We want sport to be safe, we want sport to be fun and we want to ensure that no matter what sport young people are involved in, that it takes place in the spirit of ‘fair play’.
Fair play is the guiding principle of The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport which is
Designed to provide guidance for those working with young people in sport. It outlines for sports organizations the type of issues that need to be discussed and addressed to provide the safest and most enjoyable environment for young people. As Sport Leaders we achieve satisfaction from our work with young people. Focusing on the participants’ needs and performance, encourages young people to achieve and demonstrate enjoyment, equality and fair play. They will come to realize that standards of Behaviour are as important as sports performance. In taking this approach participants will be encouraged to:
Have a go – put in their best effort
Improve their skills
Make friends
Play by the rules
Appreciate/accept everyone in the group, regardless of ability, race, religion, gender etc.
A Child Centered Approach
As leaders we need to keep in mind the reasons why young people want to take part in sport. They want to learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a group, to win and be successful, experience excitement, challenges and action. These too, are the reasons why most leaders are involved – we know sport has a lot to offer young people. As Leaders our aim is to create and maintain a safe and fun environment, where we put our participants at the center of all our activities. To promote this good practice and create and maintain a child centered approach we:
Act as good role models
Are encouraging and positive during sessions so that the participants leave with a sense of achievement
Plan and prepare appropriately for each session, so that each session suits the needs of the
Group, all activities are age appropriate and inclusive and allow each person to participate
In a fun and enjoyable way.
Put the welfare and enjoyment of the participant first, striking a balance between this and winning
Or achieving results
Enforce the principles of fair play, treating each participant equally, with respect and dignity and ensure that all participants abide by the rules
Recognize the developmental needs of the child, (avoiding excessive training and over competition)
Involve parents/guardians and club members in what we do
Show the necessary attributes to work with young people or to take on the roles within the club/organization
Are qualified or up-to-date with the knowledge and skills related to what we are leading
Good Practice
In keeping young people at the forefront of our planning and practice we can be confident that participants will enjoy their sporting experiences and that our actions are regarded as safe. As Sports Leaders we are responsible for setting and monitoring boundaries – where we strike a balance between a working relationship and friendship with the participants. It is important that we follow an agreed code of good practice and are satisfied that we are suitable to lead the activities we undertake. In addition Sports Leaders should never:
Exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward
Share a room with a young person alone on away trips
Engage in rough physical games, sexually provocative games or allow or engage in inappropriate
Touching of any kind, and/or make sexually suggestive comments about or to a child
Use any form of corporal punishment or physical force on a young person
Take measurements or engage in certain types of fitness testing without the presence of another adult
Undertake any form of therapy (hypnosis etc.) in the training of young people
Most leaders will be working in an environment where it is recognized that, in a sporting context,
Certain types of coaching require a ‘hands on approach’, i.e., it may be necessary to support a
Participant in order to physically demonstrate a particular technique. This should only occur when
Necessary and in an open and appropriate way with the knowledge, permission and full understanding
Of the participant concerned and his/her parents/guardians. There are other situations where the
Leader’s role may extend beyond the duties of the club/organization but where possible Sports Leaders
Should avoid:
Spending excessive amounts of time with a participant away from others
Taking sessions alone
Taking young people to their home
Taking young people on journeys alone in their car
Leader’s Role
Training
Experience of working with children
Knowledge of the Code
Awareness of response to abuse
Good communication skills
Leadership Qualification
Knowledge of first aid
In the Club
Involve in organization
Agree a code of good practice
Sign up to a code of good practice
Review the club’s constitution
Review club procedures
Create disciplinary procedures
Maintain a child-centered ethos
With Parents
Communicate with parents
Inform of training programme
Inform of change in location/time
Seek their assistance
Take from the ISC dated1-11-2011
