Parents / guardians play an important role in promoting children’s happiness and success in Gaelic Football, Hurling, Girl’s football and Camogie. Parental expectations and behaviour have a significant bearing on children’s attitude and behaviour while participating in Gaelic Games. Support and encouragement from parents / guardians will contribute to children having:
- A sense of personal achievement.
- An enjoyment of Gaelic Games.
- Improved physical fitness.
- Higher self-esteem.
- A greater level of skill.
- Improved Social Skills
It is important for parents / guardians to find out what their children want from Gaelic Games, and help them to set realistic targets to achieve this. This may involve controlling their own aspirations and avoiding the desire to force their own dreams or unfulfilled ambitions on them.
I as a parent /Guardian agree to…
- Encourage but not force my child(dren) to be active.
- Know when he / she is ready to play.
- Encourage healthy lifestyle habits.
- Attend training and games where possible.
- Promote and teach fair play.
- Teach your child to treat referees, other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, sex or ability.
- Help children to set realistic targets.
- Help children with decision making.
I as a Parent/Guardian should not…
- Ignore or dismiss complaints or concerns expressed by a child which relate to his/her involvement in Gaelic Games.
- Ridicule or shout at a child for losing a game or making a mistake.
- Treat any club as a child minding service.
- Take safety for granted.
- Put undue pressure on any child to please or perform well.
I as a Parent /Guardian should never:
- Insult players or club personnel.
- Argue with, or shout abuse at officials and they should actively discourage children or young players from doing likewise.
- Suggest or encourage cheating, aggressive or “dirty” play.
- Placing undue or inappropriate criticism on a player, causing the player unnecessary or unhealthy levels of stress.
- Behave with physical or verbal aggression towards another person (actually uses force or threatens the use of force).
- Engage in any “harassment” type of behaviour.
Parent / Coach Co-Operation
It is important that parents / guardians establish contact with the individual responsible for coaching their child.
- I will where possible…
- Give the coach help when asked and show appreciation for a job well done.
- Support the coach’s and referee decisions. These individuals are only doing the best they can and they need support not anger.
- Refrain from contacting the coach unless it is necessary, respect they have a private life.
- Inform the coach about any illness, injury, holidays, etc.
- Make an effort to attend games.
- Communicate any concerns you may have to the coach.
- Make sure the child has appropriate equipment/clothing/refreshments.
- Encourage fair play at home and do not instil a “win at all costs” attitude in children.
- Be positive or be quiet, negative comments are counterproductive.
- Be prepared to be asked to leave by officials or club personnel if behaviour is contrary to the definition of fair play.
- Make sure the coach is informed if a child will be absent from training.
Most importantly parents / guardians should: “Lead by example”