Austin Stacks Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct.

As a member of Austin Stacks GAA Club, I acknowledge that I have the responsibility to read, understand, and accept this Code of Conduct, and agree to be bound by it while participating or attending club and / or its activities / facilities in any capacity.

Mission Statement

Austin Stacks GAA Club aims to promote Gaelic Games and related activities in the Tralee area and is committed to the physical, social and personal development of all members. The Club policy is to encourage active participation by all (players and participants (e.g. Scór) the active participation of Club) members in Gaelic games and related Irish cultural activities in order to achieve their potential in a structured, safe and disciplined environment. The overall aim is to create a community spirit for the benefit of all through committing Austin Stacks GAA Club to excellence and high standards on and off the playing fields.

Austin Stacks GAA Club strives to achieve a family-friendly environment where people show respect for themselves, for others and for their own, others and Club property. Respect is defined as consideration for the well-being of another person’s body, emotions and possessions. The environment is to be free of harassment, defined as any action directed at an individual or group, which creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment. Austin Stacks GAA Club is a club where (players, Scór participants, mentors and) all members should respect and encourage each other and themselves. Austin Stacks GAA Club is a club that is aligned with the GAA Rules, Codes and Guidelines for ensuring player welfare and is consistent with the:

GAA Official Guide and Club Constitution Rules (gaa.ie)

GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage) Code of Behaviour (Underage) (gaa.ie)

Give Respect-Get Respect Initiative Give Respect – Get Respect (gaa.ie); and

GAA Code of Conduct: https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/gxthnk5f0jvqehfhch4x.pdf

As a member of Austin Stacks GAA club all members consent to abide by this Code of Conduct.1

The Austin Stacks GAA code of conduct outlines good practice procedures required of those participating in the GAA within our club, regardless of what role they may play in doing so. It also aims to create an atmosphere of fairness, integrity, and respect among participants, coaches, players, officials, and supporters. It covers the behaviour of all adults involved before, during, and after the game or training or Scór event, etc., is conducted, no matter the sporting environment. Participants, Coaches, Supporters, Parents/Guardians, Referees/Officials and other personnel should recognise the pivotal role that each and many others play in the development of GAA within our club and should always support one another when fulfilling their roles.

Austin Stacks GAA Code of Conduct (General Rules)

A member of Austin Stacks GAA Club is an individual who has paid the annual membership fee under one of the categories of membership available, and this code applies the member, his/her dependents and guests. Non-members cannot be involved in the ordinary business of the club, including involvement in teams, committees, etc.

Members shall:

Pay club membership promptly on an annual basis, and any other relevant payments (e.g. additional gym membership) as appropriate.

Respect all club members, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, ability, disability, cultural background, religion, political views, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic.

Take responsibility for their own actions and respect the interests of others.

Club members must refrain from posting on social media any comments about Austin Stacks GAA Club or its members that could or does bring the club into disrepute or harm the reputation of the club or its members. Posts of this nature will be dealt with severely by the Club Conduct Committee. All members should be aware of the GAA’s policy on the use of social media: https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/ww2l3qhiefc8mvek4lwv.pdf

Behave in a way that does not place themselves or others at risk.

Not engage in bullying in any form (i.e. direct, indirect, relational / social, cyber, etc.), abuse or taking unfair advantage of another club member and such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Have due care for club property and club members.

Engage in fair, considerate, and honest treatment of others.

Give respect, dignity and proper regard to all members’ rights and obligations.

Respect the privacy of others.

Behave in mature and acceptable social behaviour while in the club.

Be mindful of individual safety and the safety of others involved in the club.

Not to knowingly discriminate, abuse, harass, ridicule or embarrass anyone.

Refrain from the use of offensive language.

Refrain from representing the club in any dealings, unless authorised to by the club executive.

Refrain from tarnishing the reputation of the club, club members, employees or bring it into disrepute.

Refrain from entering restricted areas.

Ensure that GAA and Gaelic activities are played and conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behaviour and acknowledge that it is not sufficient to rely solely upon the referees / officials to uphold the Code of Conduct.

Respect the decisions of all referees / officials, judges, Committees and Councils.

Promote fair play at all times.

Show appreciation to volunteers, coaches, clubs, and officials.

Report breaches of the Code of Conduct to the appropriate person or committee.

Avoid engaging in anti-social behaviour or creating undue noise when entering or leaving the premises.

Adhere to club policies regarding the GAA Substance use policy which includes the consumption of alcohol, non-tolerance policy with regard to illegal drugs, and smoking at club events and on club premises [insert links to GAA policies here]. Do not provide, serve or consume alcohol during underage activities or competitions.

Adhere to the GAA policies on substance use and gambling.

Dealing with poor behaviour under the club General Membership / Code of Conduct Rules:

1st Offence – Verbal Warning
2nd Offence – Written warning
3rd Offence – Suspension from club activities for a period of time
4th Offence – Expulsion

The Conduct Committee can escalate the offence, punishment, penalty, sanction, etc., beyond the steps or categories outlined above, depending on the seriousness of the offence. However, expulsion should be invoked only as a very exceptional penalty.

The GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage) applies to all U18 activity. This Code requires alleged breaches to be investigated by a 2 person Determining Committee comprising of 2 members of the Club Executive (not including the Children’s Officer, Chairperson or the Designated Liaison Person (DLP)). If the Determining Committee decides the alleged incident would be a breach of the code of behaviour this will then be dealt with by the Club Code of Behaviour Committee by establishing a Hearing Committee. If the Determining Committee decides that it is poor practice it is referred to the Children’s Committee.

In order to bring consistency to this overall important area and build up experience, expertise and recognition as the appropriate and only forum for conflict resolution, there will be a single CC for the club.

The Club Conduct Committee (CC)

The Club Conduct Committee is:

A place to bring and process reported breaches of the code of conduct for appropriate consideration or action.

A place that does not create unnecessary strife, ill-will and divisiveness.

Membership:

All Club Conduct Committee members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that:

Reflects honesty, integrity and support of the best interest of the club.

Affords the membership a clear and accessible method to voice their concerns in a proper and consistent manner.

The Club Conduct Committee members are:

Unbiased participants in upholding the guidelines / Code of Conduct

Have a professional and healthy regard for confidentiality.

The Conduct Committee shall be made up of a maximum of 6 people appointed by the Club Executive Committee, and will include 2 members of the Club Executive, one of whom should chair the CC, and four non-Executive club members. There is a requirement that a minimum of three members of the CC be in attendance at any review process. The Chairperson and Children’s Officer are exempt from being members of Conduct Committee.

Complaints Process for Senior Section

The procedure below outlines the protocol up to and including disciplinary issues, grievance issues, incidents, etc., outlined by GAA headquarters.

Complaints should be resolved informally where possible by one member of the CC who is known to both parties.

Mediation – either internally by CC Chairman, other CC member, or by a suitable external experienced / qualified person – is an option at all stages, with the club covering any cost that may be required.

Where a complaint has not been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties through informal processes and the complainant(s) wish to have their case pursued, complaints should be submitted in writing through the Club Secretary as is standard for all correspondence, or in the exceptional case that this might not be appropriate through another officer of the club.

The CC Chairman is directed to process the complaint and the Club Executive Committee is notified of complaint in confidence at next Executive meeting.

The CC Chairman or the relevant member of the CC, will convene a meeting of the CC within a reasonable timeframe in the best interests and availability of all parties from receipt of the complaint.

If the complaint is deemed to be admissible by the CC, the CC will inform the member(s) concerned in writing within a reasonable time frame.

The member will be invited to attend a meeting with the CC as determined by the CC and the complainant(s) to discuss the issue. Where a member is invited before the CC, they are entitled to bring one representative to support them. It is the expectation of the Club Exec. that all parties will be in attendance along with a minimum of three CC members.

In the case of in-person meetings the case shall be presented by the complainant(s) in full, after which the member(s) against whom the complaint is being made, can respond, ask questions, etc., as they wish. Witnesses can be called by either party, and this must be notified to all other parties before the meeting. It is not envisaged that witnesses will attend the full meeting, and the CC will determine the stage and length of time any witnesses will spend in the meeting. The meeting is still subject to the overall Code of Conduct and as such all will show respect for others at the meetings and their roles. The CC Chairperson will facilitate the proceedings, or in his/her absence the CC will nominate another member as chair for that meeting.

Members of the senior section of the club who are still under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, with reference to the Code of Behaviour (Underage) and relevant procedures.

The CC will then make a decision regarding sanction(s) as appropriate and required depending on the nature of the breach of code, ranging from a verbal warning, written warning, suspension or expulsion within a reasonable time frame)

Minutes and notes must be taken and submitted to record.

The decision of the CC should be placed before the next Club Executive Committee meeting for ratification.

Actions must be assigned and closed within an agreed timeframe.

Members who are 18 years of age or over have the right of appeal which should be forwarded to the Kerry County Board’s Hearing Committee, as appropriate.

A log will be kept of complaints / issues (both formal and informal) which will be reviewed annually to encourage and promote best practices within the club.

Steps following breaches of the Code of Conduct (Player / Coach)

First offence – notified for next game but player not started or coach involved in management on the day.

Second offence – will be notified as usual but player will not be played, or coach will not be involved in management for the following 2 matches.

Third offence – suspended for 1 month

Fourth offence – suspended for 2 months

Flow Chart of Disciplinary Steps

Grievances: Players and/or mentors are asked to note that any grievances they have concerning any item, should be brought to the attention of the Conduct Committee via Club Secretary for investigation per above process and final ruling.

Conduct in Bar premises: Patrons, paid and voluntary staff of licensed bars and premises are expected to behave at all times with due respect for others. The law on conduct in licensed premises is covered in the Intoxicating Liquor Acts and places an obligation on the license holders and people operating on their behalf in relation to behaviour of patrons on the premises. Any member breaching any part of the law in relation the Intoxicating Liquor Acts may be subject to sanction by the code of Conduct Committee in Austin Stacks GAA Club. The Bar Manager will deal with any complaints and will escalate it to the Conduct Committee if necessary.

Maintaining Good Practice and Behaviour as a Supporter of Games and other Gaelic Activities, including Scór.

Players and participants on other Gaelic Activities, including Scór, are eager to enjoy and benefit from the support they receive from parents, guardians, friends and other members of the Club and Community who attend our games and activities as supporters of the team and Club. Active, loyal and well-behaved supporters add to the enjoyment of our games and activities, and are always welcome to attend our games / activities, but should be aware that their conduct will always reflect upon the team, players, participants and Clubs that they support and represent. 

Fellow supporters have a responsibility to encourage, where possible and appropriate, all spectators to conduct themselves in an acceptable and well-behaved manner at all times when attending our games, activities and competitions or indeed before or after our games / activities. Unacceptable conduct by supporters should be reported to stewards or officials in charge (if appropriate) or at Club level to the Children’s Officer. 

Club supporters and others in attendance should realise and consider that young players are encouraged to participate in Gaelic Games so that they may enjoy themselves while also improving their skills levels. 

We expect our Club members and supporters to: 

Encourage and applaud good performance and effort from players and opponents alike, regardless of the result.

Never engage in the use of violence, on their own or with others.

Demonstrate appropriate good behaviour by not using foul language, and by not engaging in racially abusive language or deeds, or by harassing players, supporters, coaches or officials.

Never enter the field of play, before, during or after a game.

Respect the decisions of all officials.

Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during games or competitions.

Show respect to your Club’s opponents. Without them there would be no games or competitions.

Uphold the principles of FAIR PLAY and RESPECT for all.

Members’ Responsibilities

Show appropriate respect for Club Officials and Fellow Members

Ensure your subscription is paid by the designated date

Respect Club property

Respect all players, participants, volunteers and staff of Austin Stacks Club and visiting clubs

Avoid any misconduct or undue noise when entering or leaving the premises as a consideration to Local Residents

Realise that young people are an integral part of Austin Stacks Club and members should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in their presence.

Support all Fundraising activities organised by the Club or Club members

Any breaches of the Club Rules by a Non-Playing Member shall be dealt with by the Senior/Conduct Committee

It is the duty of all members of Austin Stacks GAA Club (and the Parents of members aged less than 18 years) to familiarise themselves with all the rules of the club and, in particular, to ensure that they have read and understood the Code of Conduct as outlined above.

The Executive Committee of Austin Stacks GAA has the power to deal with any breaches of this code by players, mentors or other members as it sees fit, up to the ultimate sanction of banning the offending individuals or teams from all club activities and revoking their membership of Austin Stacks GAA Club.

This is a club where players, mentors and all members accept that individuals may not always agree with decisions made but decisions will always be taken with the best interests of the club as a whole in mind. All members and their parents are expected to familiarise themselves with the Code of Behaviour for Underage Players in addition to this document which is the club’s Code of Conduct (Adults).

Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

Chairperson / Cathaoirleach

The Chairperson is the senior officer in the Club and, by right of the office, is entitled to the respect and support of the Club membership

The Chairperson is the public face of the Club and should have the personal skills to enhance the progressive and positive image of the Club in interactions with the public and the media

The Chairperson must uphold the constitution of the Association and the Club Constitution / Code of Conduct. This means that he/she must have a thorough knowledge of both.

The Chairperson presides at Executive Committee meetings, related meetings and other meeting she/he feels it necessary to convene.

The Chairperson should foster an amicable and collegial atmosphere throughout the Club and be a champion of open communication and mutual support up and down the Club.

The Chairperson must strive continuously to improve the club. This involves full co-operation with fellow office holders, delegating specific leadership roles to exec. members and appointing subcommittees as appropriate.

To represent the Club at various functions.

To act on behalf of the Club in the interval between meetings.

He/she should ensure that all Officers are familiar with the Club Constitution / Code of Conduct.

Must uphold a high standard of behaviour and show the appropriate leadership in all aspects of their involvement in Club affairs.

The Chairperson should also be ambitious for participation and success on and off the field

Vice Chairperson

The post of Vice Chairperson is a vital job in its own right, and while it may be seen as an opportunity regarded for future Chairpersons, there is no automatic right of succession to that role.

The Vice Chairperson should work closely with the Chairman in promoting the mission, vision, objectives and development of the Club

The Vice Chairman should be amenable to assuming specific leadership roles, within his / her (Vice Chairman) skill-set, as requested by the Chairman

The Vice Chairman should be available to liaise regularly with the Chairman to discuss, advise on, act on issues that arise between Exec. meetings

He/she will act as Chairperson and assume all the responsibilities of the Office in the absence of the Chairperson.

Club Secretary

The Secretaries administrative role/duties will always dovetail with the leadership role of the Chairperson and it is essential that they enjoy a good working relationship. The Secretary will be responsible for the efficient administrative functioning of the Club in association with the Assistant Secretary. The Club Secretary’s administration role in the Club includes:

Meetings – work before, during and matters arising out of meetings including the A.G.M. Correspondence – responsibility for all Club correspondence, i.e. match notices, letters, filling in forms, etc.

Liaison with the County Board and all the Divisional Boards.

The Secretary should keep the Chairperson informed of all matters pertaining to Club activities as they are notified to her/him and to the Club Executive at the monthly meetings.

Club Treasurer / Accountant

The Club Treasurer has responsibility for the safe keeping of the funds of the Club. They should be in a position to give sound advice in the best management of all Club funds. Through their dealings with financial and other institutions there is an opportunity to portray a good image of Austin Stacks GAA Club.

Receive and be responsible for all monies received on behalf of the Club and the prompt lodgement of same to the Club Accounts.

All appropriate fees should be forwarded through the Secretary to the Treasurer

Present an up to date monthly financial statement to the Club Officers

Prepare the annual financial statement and balancing statement and present it to the AGM of the Club. Annual Accounts should be audited.

Ensure that signatories of cheques, banking online transactions and withdrawals are authorised by the Club, usually including any two of the following: The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The treasurer should, where possible and appropriate, sign all cheques and withdrawals.

Club Registrar

Through the Secretary, submit annually to the County Board a list of full members registered with the Club. This list must be on the Official Registration form or as directed.

Check team lists to ensure that all players are properly registered. There is an insurance element involved in this.

Inform the Club if players have not been properly registered. Is responsible for the administration of a Club Statistics Book i.e. age profile, male / female etc.

It is their responsibility to collect all Club Subscriptions from each Club Member, through an online forum or otherwise

The Club President – Honorary Role.

Represent the Club at various functions when asked by the Chairman

Must uphold a high standard of behaviour and show the appropriate leadership in all aspects of their involvement in Club affairs.

Children’s Officer

To maintain the safeguarding of children and young people

To implement the Code of Behaviour (Underage)

To ensure that the legislative requirements governing the participation of children / young people and those who work with them are maintained at all times.

To promote awareness of the Code of Behaviour (Underage) within the Club and particularly among the young players and their parents / guardians and mentors.

To influence policy and practice within the Club to prioritise young player’s needs.

To ensure all mentors are aware of practises within the code i.e. Travel Permission Forms, Anti Bullying Policy, procedures for reporting allegations of abuse etc.

To encourage the involvement of parents / guardians in the club activities and co-operate with parents / guardians in ensuring that every player enjoys their involvement in the GAA

To promote the Give Respect Get Respect initiative.

Coaching Officer

Chairperson of Club Coaching & Games Committee – The Club Coaching Officer will be responsible for organising periodic meetings of all coaches to review and evaluate progress within the club. A function of this committee should be to promote underage activities in the local community and on player and mentor recruitment.

Club/School Link – The Club Coaching Officer will forge close links with the local primary schools ensuring the club provides sufficient support through the provision of coaching and games to the pupils. Where appropriate develop a relationship with local post primary schools.

Coach Education – To promote education and qualification of all coaches within the club. The Club Coaching Officer will encourage all club coaches to attend appropriate courses, workshops and seminars and receive coaching qualifications. The Club Coaching Officer will oversee the recruitment, appointment and development of coaches within the club, e.g. by sourcing mentors.

Club Coach Planning – The Club Coaching Officer will lead out in the development and implementation of a Club Coaching Plan (Request assistance from County Coaching & Games team if necessary). Key areas below:

Oversee the appointment of head and assistant coaches for the year

Child and Youth Games Opportunities (Go Games, Super Games Centres, Feiles, Youth tournaments, Underage leagues and championships).

Learning and Development (Implement best practice concerning Foundation, Award 1 & 2 coaching qualifications) Ø Talent Academies (County Development Squads)

Camps (Summer, Easter and Halloween) Ø Hurling and Football Development Initiatives

School Initiatives (Primary/Secondary School Link)

*** End of Document ***

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