The work of Palmerstown Football Club is based on the following principles that will guide the development of sport for young people in this club. Children and young people’s experience of soccer should be guided by what is best for the child or young person. The stages of development and the ability of the child should guide the types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal.
Integrity in relationships:
dults Adults interacting with young people in soccer should do so with integrity and respect for the child.
All adult actions in soccer should be guided by what is best for the child and in the context of quality, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within soccer.
Quality atmosphere and ethos
Soccer for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place. Too often unhealthy competitive demands are placed on children too early and result in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a consequence, high levels of dropout from sport.
All children should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.
Children with disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children.
Fair play is the guiding principle of the Irish Sports Councils Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport. It states that “all children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play”. Ireland has contributed and is committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as “much more than playing within the rules”. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving.
It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption.(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).
A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time, providing some fun, enjoyment and satisfaction.Coaches/Managers should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second.A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.