All coaches and sports leaders at Gurrane Boat Club are required to commit to the following Code of Conduct. Breaches of this code will be investigated and addressed in line with the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures.

Our Commitment

At Gurrane Boat Club, we strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment where young people, club members, and all vulnerable individuals are placed at the heart of everything we do.

Coaches and Sports Leaders Should:

• Act as positive role models at all times.
• Create a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere during training that fosters a sense of achievement.
• Set challenging but realistic goals tailored to each individual’s development.
• Use group messaging for team communications and inform parents/guardians of this approach.
• Prepare thoroughly for each session, ensuring appropriate supervision is in place.
• Ensure activities are inclusive and enjoyable for all participants.
• Prioritise the wellbeing and enjoyment of athletes over competitive outcomes.
• Promote fair play and treat every individual with dignity, equality, and respect.
• Understand the developmental needs of all participants and avoid overtraining.
• Actively involve parents, guardians, carers, and club members in the activities and progress of athletes.
• Stay qualified and informed with up-to-date coaching practices.

Coaches and Volunteers Must Never:

• Abuse their position of trust for personal gain.
• Share accommodation with a junior or vulnerable person during away events.
• Engage in inappropriate physical contact or make sexually suggestive comments.
• Use any form of corporal punishment or physical discipline.
• Perform fitness assessments without another adult present.
• Undertake therapy or other treatments on junior or vulnerable athletes.

Coaches Should Avoid:

• Spending excessive time alone with a young or vulnerable person.
• Running sessions without a second adult present (“Two-Person Rule”).
• Transporting young people alone in a vehicle.
• Bringing young or vulnerable persons to their own home.

Safety Responsibilities:

Coaches must do everything within their control to provide a safe environment:

• Carry out regular safety checks on facilities and equipment.
• Follow and enforce safety protocols and procedures.
• Ensure parents/guardians are informed of session times and locations.
• Have a first aid kit available at all sessions and log all injuries according to club procedures.
• Never allow an injured participant to compete or train.
• Notify parents/guardians of any injury or illness incurred during club activities.

Promoting Sport for Fun:

• Encourage participation and enjoyment over competition.
• Focus on skill development and teamwork.
• Recognise and praise efforts and improvements.
• Maintain realistic expectations of performance.
• Actively discourage abuse of coaches, officials, teammates, or opponents.
• Teach respect for all, regardless of background or ability.
• Be mindful of the emotional wellbeing of all athletes.

Responsibility to Report:

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a young or vulnerable person has a duty to report these concerns to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or to the appropriate statutory authorities (Tusla or Gardaí). Concerns will be handled in line with Rowing Ireland's reporting procedures and treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Use of Mobile Phones & Social Media:

• Use group messages only and keep communication professional.
• Inform parents/guardians of communication methods used.
• Avoid private messaging with junior athletes.
• Do not 'friend' or 'follow' junior athletes on social media.
• Copy another adult on emails or messages to junior athletes.
• Never post photos or videos of junior athletes without parental permission.
• Avoid mobile phone use in restricted or sensitive areas.
• Be cautious about language and tone in messages and posts.
• Report any concerns raised via social media in accordance with club and Rowing Ireland procedures.

Final Note:

Young people and vulnerable individuals at Gurrane Boat Club are also expected to follow their Code of Conduct and treat all coaches, volunteers, and fellow members with respect. Coaches should regularly remind athletes of this responsibility as part of building a safe and respectful club culture.