As we prepare for the new Hurling season, we would like to thank you once again for your ongoing support of Sixmilebridge GAA and in particular our vibrant Minor Club.

We are excited to get back on the field to provide a safe facility, fun environment, and training to assist our valued young players in developing self-esteem, values and skills, both in hurling and in life.

The Minor Club will discharge its primary duty to provide meaningful games for all players in an age group, by entering teams in various competition levels to match the underage groups differing levels of ability i.e. A competition, Academy, Shield, B or C competitions.

Sixmilebridge GAA Club is grateful to our voluntary Coaches who give of their time and skills to ensure the proud tradition and success of Hurling in Sixmilebridge is maintained.

The Minor Executive Committee would like to draw your attention to the following Statement of Club Policy to ensure enjoyment and participation in the playing season ahead.

Give Respect – Get Respect

Coaches

Sixmilebridge Minor Club coaches will

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each person.
Treat each one equally regardless of ability, age, cultural or ethnic origin.
Set realistic goals.
Lead by example and emphasise the basic skills of the hurling game.
Ensure maximum participation for all players.
Injured players are not encouraged or forced to play.

Players

Sixmilebridge Minor Club players will

Respect all coaches, mentors and officials.
Show respect to others regardless of ability, age, cultural or ethnic origin.
Play by the rules and take responsibility for one’s own behaviour.
Always concentrate on playing the ball.
Do not use foul language.
Do not behave in an unsporting manner.
Accept the decisions of match officials.
Shake hands with opponents and the referee after each game regardless of the result.

Parents / Guardians

The Minor Club encourages the involvement of Parents / Guardians in organising Club activities and to ensure that every player enjoys his involvement in our Club. Parents / Guardians of underage players should act as role models for their children as they participate in Gaelic Games.

Parents / Guardians should lead by example:

Adopt a positive attitude to their children’s participation in our games.
Respect officials’ decisions and encourage children to do likewise.
Do not exert undue pressure on your child.
Never admonish your own child or any other child for their standard of play.
Be realistic in their expectations.
Show approval for effort, not just results.
Never embarrass a child or use sarcastic remarks towards a player.
Applaud good play from all teams.
Do not criticise playing performances. Identify how improvements may be made.
Do not seek to unfairly affect a game or player.
Do not enter the field of play unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge.

Game Time / Team Selection

Ultimately Managers / Coaches as appointed by the Minor Club Executive and their management teams will have the full discretion to select players from their squad based on ability and performance in training sessions and matches, especially for the A competitions.
The Club endorses the view that players should be challenged at a level commensurate with their skills and ability.
All players will be facilitated across all the teams we have in all the age groups at various ranges of ability and competition. This may be Academy, Shield, B or C competitions.
The Club will ask Management/ Coaching teams to facilitate players "on the age" where possible. This is contingent on players adhering to normal rules around regular attendance at Training/Challenge matches. If a player is absent please text via the Clubzap players group only to advise of same, with a short reason to the Management
Parents / Guardians will NOT be allowed to approach Management teams before or after matches to query selection/substitutions etc. Please follow the procedure as outlined below.
If Parents / Guardians wish to discuss issues of concern due to team selection with a Manager/Coach regarding their Player, they are asked to make contact in writing via email or via the Clubzap players group with the Manager / Coach to have a discussion outside of the Training session/Match time and at a time and venue that suits both. This is subject to a cooling off period of 24 hours where no meeting between Parents / Guardians or the Manager / Coach can take place.
The Club will require the Manager/ Coach be accompanied by a fellow Coach/Minor Committee member in such discussions.
The Club has put in place a Parents / Guardians Liaison sub-committee of the Club Children’s Officer and Minor Club Chairman. A third member of the Minor Club Committee will also make part of this sub-committee. This member will be decided upon at the time when an issue arises to be actioned. This sub-committee is available to deal in particular with any contentious issues which may arise during the year, both for Management teams and Parents / Guardians.

Bullying

Bullying is defined as repeated aggression, be it verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others.
Sixmilebridge Minor Club have a zero tolerance to unacceptable bulling behaviour of any player (child), manager or coaching member of our club. We are committed to achieving an ethos of respect so as to maximise the potential of all our members when playing or participating in our club.
Incidents of bullying behaviour will be addressed appropriately with mechanism’s in place via the Minor Club Executive and our Club Children’s Officer.
If you become aware of or have a concern that bullying behaviour is happening within our Minor Club setup, you should report the matter to our Minor Club Executive and our Club Children’s Officer without hesitation.
The Minor Club will follow all correct guidelines as outlined by the ‘GAA Code Of Behaviour (Underage)’ during any bullying instances in our club. All parties involved will be provided with a fair hearing and due diligence during the process.

Injuries

First and foremost, the Club, through the relevant Management team or Chairman/Secretary, has to be informed about any acute injuries which require Medical Assessment. The Minor club has arranged with local GP Dr Quinn, that where acute injuries occur, they can be referred to him for assessment, and a letter be provided where further medical treatment may be required in specialist units such as A&E. Your own Family GP, if different, will be informed of such details through the appropriate Medical/HSE channels.
Failure to inform Club personnel about such injuries incurred in Official Training sessions/matches, and if there is a subsequent visit to A&E, will mean that the Club shall NOT be liable to pay those A&E Fees.

We ask all Parents / Guardians to accept this form as an undertaking to abide by the above Policy for the year ahead and we look forward to a great season of action as always.

Yours sincerely,

The Sixmilebridge Minor Club Executive

Sixmilebridge

Founded 1904

Sixmilebridge

Clare

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