Juvenile Mentors
1. Always remember that you are representing Fingal Ravens, not just yourself or your own team.
2. Respect and be fair to all players under your care. Respect and fair play must also be encouraged and emphasised within training sessions and competitions. Treat less talented players with as much respect as stars.
3. Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity. Managers are responsible for their players' actions on the field. Unsportsmanlike tactics (i.e., the intent to injure opposing players), taunting, deliberate faking of injuries and "professional fouls" are unethical and forbidden.
4. Acquaint yourself fully with the rules of Gaelic games, adhere to the letter and spirit of these rules and do not circumvent them to gain advantage. You are responsible for ensuring that players understand the intent and application of the rules, and should impress on players that they must abide by them at all times.
5. The importance of winning must never supersede the players' safety and welfare. Ensure that your players' experience is one of fun and enjoyment. Winning is only one aspect and is the result of good preparation and discipline.
6. Ensure that each player understands what is expected of him/her. The team should also fully understand what is expected of it. Be reasonable in your demands on young players' time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the playing field.
7. Destructive criticism does not result in improved performance. Players respond better to positive comments. Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved.
8. Maintain good relations, despite the heat of battle, with opposing players and mentors. Avoid verbal dissent during a game with an opposing manager.
9. Do not, verbally or otherwise, abuse any player or person involved with the opposing team on the grounds of race or colour. Such behaviour is unethical and against the law. If players on your panel behave in this way, take stern action, including dropping these players from the panel.
10. Respect the match officials and don't let bad decisions deflect you from running the team.
11. Avoid using abusive or offensive language towards players in your charge, towards match officials or indeed in all situations. Such language reduces your credibility.
12. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.
13. Keep informed about sound principles of coaching and team development techniques.
14. The protection of children from any form of abuse must be a priority for all who are involved in children's sports. Therefore, mentors should ensure that another mentor, or a parent or another adult, is present at all times when s/he are with players in dressing rooms, training sessions and matches.
15. If criticism is to be levelled against match officials, complaints must be made in writing by the Secretary of the Club to the appropriate authorities responsible for match officiating assignments.
16. Mentors and players must not address the referee before, during or after the game in a demeaning or intimidating way. Mentors must not incite players, parents or spectators against referees and must avoid any conduct which is construed as physically or verbally abusive. In particular, referees never change match results after receiving "input" from a disgruntled and angry mentor! If you have a well-thought out and positive reason to speak to a referee after a game, ensure your approach is equally well thought-out and positive.
17. It is your responsibility to ensure all players are aware of match times and venues. Under no circumstances should a player be left alone at a pick up or drop off point. You should ensure you have a contact number of a parent or guardian for all players under your responsibility.