Charlotte GAA Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

Charlotte James Connolly’s GAA is committed to maintaining the utmost character and standards. The following Code of Conduct sets out the fundamental rules, principles, and expectations that the club has for anyone participating in any capacity.

MISSION

In support of, and through a strong sense of community, Charlotte GAA raises awareness and promotes Irish sports, culture and activities throughout North America and the Southeast. Also providing a safe, socially inclusive, fun, challenging and physically active experience for children and adolescents ages 4-18. We promote lifelong participation in Gaelic Games, pastimes and a sense of belonging within the wider club community.

GOAL

To create a unified club that accepts the strengths and uniqueness of each individual member. Through the teachings, and demonstrations, of traditional Irish sports, Charlotte GAA strives to successfully recruit, and retain, a diverse membership base and form unbreakable bonds while also bringing a little piece of home to Irish abroad. As we grow stronger, we strengthen our community through youth, adult, community outreach and scholarship programs.

PURPOSE

The creation of the Charlotte GAA Code of Conduct supports the following goals:

1. Increase the number of games for participants within our club, community and Southeast. Participation is not limited to just Gaelic Games but also encourages participation within Gaelic/Irish Cultural events while creating clear expectations and setting standards of what it means to be an active member in Charlotte GAA.

2. Continue to provide a structure that offers club (be it team or individual) growth throughout the course of an entire season, as well as during the USGAA Finals, while upholding the mission, vision and ethos of Charlotte GAA.

3. Provide a support system, coaching and track that encourage teams in all Divisions and Codes to consistently perform its highest level of play by demonstrating excellence, and meeting set requirements and expectations. In addition, facilitate the ability to play at the appropriate level of play or instances of higher level of play, Junior D to Junior C and Junior to Senior, etc.

4. Support the growth and sustainability of the club through a well-organized administrative board, clear and evolving growth plan and a successful youth program to allow for successful growth.

5. Honor a key club ethos that welcomes every player who is interested, regardless of skill level or athletic potential.

6. All players and prospective players (including youth) are in compliance with registration requirements set forth by the boards and bylaws.

7. Support the development of Gaelic Games and culture in the United States through Gaelic games, demonstrations, educational, cultural and social events.

8. Achieve these goals without significantly increasing the amount of money teams and players are spending to compete.

9. Continuously push, and create, the standard of homegrown clubs in the US while meeting the competitive, financial, and historical sustainability and consistency requirements of competing within the USGAA while not diminishing the integrity of Charlotte GAA.

SEASON

1. Informal non playing season kickoff will take place in the form of a Social and Information Night. Depending on the yearly calendar, this event will take place in late February of each year.

2. Rookie Camps will begin, depending on calendar, within the months of late February through March. A minimum of 3 Rookie Camps will be provided.

3. Official Training will begin in April and run through September.

4. USGAA Nationals will be held in early September (subject to change contingent on USGAA Calendar).

5. Fall Pub Leagues will run from October through November, ending prior to Thanksgiving.

PARTICIPATING PLAYERS (ADULT & YOUTH)

1. Our Mission and Goals represent the beliefs and desired culture, attitudes, and ethos of Charlotte GAA. It is the responsibility of each player to embody, endorse, and enforce these behaviors. Culture first, competition second.

2. Maintain a coachable mindset at all times.

3. Ensure we are physically and mentally prepared for every training and match and take personal accountability when we are not.

4. Speak respectfully with one another and recognize that we all make sacrifices in order to participate in the sports we love.

5. Respect the club by actively participating in club activities, staying up to date on communicated information published through email, social media, WhatsApp, website, etc. while owning the information we seek.

6. Players shall recognize and accept restrictions on perspective players as per Charlotte GAA bylaws.

7. All players, youth and adult, must be registered via Charlotte GAA Club Registration. Any players, youth and adult, participating in training, tournaments, at ANY level, etc. must be registered with both the USGAA and Charlotte GAA.

8. Respect ourselves, teammates, coaches, referees and opposition. 9. Adhere and agree to club Bylaws and implemented policies.

10. Respect and comply with decisions made by coaches and Executive Board Members.

11. Per GAA Guidelines, individual social media postings should not include association or club logos, trademarks or photos without obtaining permission. Individual posting should respect copyright, DMCA, intellectual property, fair use and other applicable laws. This includes any print material and clothing. Use of club name and logo is not permitted without Executive Board permission.

12. Attend training sessions, games or club activities.

13. Ensure you are prepared for and ready to commence training sessions on time unless otherwise communicated to appropriate parties.

14. If you are not able to attend training or will be late for training you must notify the respective team manager, coach or party.

15. Support other codes in gameplay when applicable / able.

16. Condemn the use of violence in all forms (verbal, cyber, etc.) at every opportunity.

17. No individual will use the club’s name, logo and likeness for personal or monetary gain.

COACH/COORDINATOR

Coaches must demonstrate a high degree of honesty, integrity, and competence. The need for coaches to understand and act on their responsibilities is of critical importance to Gaelic games, as is the need to protect the key concept of participation for fun and enjoyment, as well as achievement while upholding the ethos of Charlotte GAA. This person(S) serves as the direct link between teams and the Executive Board. For more information on specific responsibilities of coaches and coordinators see Roles and Responsibilities document.

1. Ensure any club communication with opposing teams, clubs, etc. be conducted on official club email and also include club Chairperson, Vice Chair or Secretary copied.

2. Proper and timely communication to respective teams regarding any club cancellations, urgent news, events, etc. Your job is not only to coach but to serve as a liaison between the Board of Directors and teams.

3. Works in coordination with the Executive Board to ensure that club principles are upheld and that the teams are strategic in its actions toward meeting overall club goals.

4. Promote, encourage, and facilitate a club mentality, growth as a team, as athletes, and as individuals.

5. Focus on growth in Gaelic skillset, in building relationships with one another, in leadership, and in mental and physical preparation.

6. Respect the club by actively participating in club activities, staying up to date on communicated information published through email, social media, WhatsApp, website, etc. while owning the information we seek.

7. Welcome new players, regardless of prior Gaelic games experience.

8. Uphold a positive growth-focused attitude at training, and work to make all new players feel welcome.

9. Work to ensure the club's best interest and ethos is at the forefront of all decisions, at all times.

10. Adhere and agree to club Bylaws and implemented policies.

11. Respect and comply with decisions made by the Executive Board.

12. Per GAA Guidelines, individual social media postings should not include association or club logos, trademarks or photos without obtaining permission. Individual posting should respect copyright, DCMA, intellectual property, fair use and other applicable laws. This includes any print material and clothing. Use of club name and logo is not permitted without Executive Board permission.

13. Condemn the use of violence in all forms (verbal, cyber, etc.) at every opportunity.

14. No individual will use the club’s name, logo and likeness for personal or monetary gain.

SOCIAL MEMBERS/ SUPPORTERS/ PARENTS/ VOLUNTEERS

1. Our Mission and Goals represent the beliefs and desired culture, attitudes, and ethos of Charlotte GAA. It is the responsibility of each member to embody, endorse, and enforce these behaviors.

2. Social members must be registered via Charlotte GAA Club Registration.

3. Respect the club by actively participating in club activities, staying up to date on communicated information published through email, social media, WhatsApp, website, etc. while owning the information we seek.

4. Adhere and agree to club Bylaws and implemented policies.

5. Respect and comply with decisions made by coaches and Executive Board Members.

6. Per GAA Guidelines, individual social media postings should not include association or club logos, trademarks or photos without obtaining permission. Individual posting should respect copyright, DCMA, intellectual property, fair use and other applicable laws. This includes any print material and clothing. Use of club name and logo is not permitted without Executive Board permission.

7. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would not be a match.

8. Condemn the use of violence in all forms (verbal, cyber, etc.) at every opportunity.

9. Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.

10. No individual will use the club’s name, logo and likeness for personal or monetary gain.

GRIEVANCES & BREACH OF CODE

In any sport or club, it is expected that an issue will arise from time to time. It is anticipated and encouraged that any issue be resolved informally, at the local level between members, captains, coordinator, and/or coaches. If informal, local level resolution cannot be achieved then the issue shall be formally submitted, in writing, to the Club Secretary. The formal submission should include what the issue/ grievance is and identify any prior effort that has been made to resolve it. The submission will be reviewed by the Executive Board and will resolve the matter with the relative parties.

If any breach of the Code of Conduct, safety practices or misconduct is suspected, the matter will be addressed first informally with any relevant member(s), captain, coach, and/or coordinator. In the event that there is a further breach or the matter is unresolved, the Executive Board will convene and examine the issues, interviewing any member involved as deemed necessary in order to find a resolution.

The Executive Board will be permitted to take any and all necessary disciplinary action against any individual(s) who are found to be in breach of the above-mentioned rules, Bylaws and Code of Conduct as laid out by Charlotte James Connolly’s Gaelic Athletic Association. These parties reserve the right to impose sanctions such as temporary or

fixed term suspensions or any other agreed upon appropriate sanctions, up to and including termination of membership.

I have read and agree to abide by the club policy as outlined

Charlotte James Connolly's GAA

Founded 2000

Charlotte James Connolly's GAA

North Carolina

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