CHILD WELFARE CODE of PRACTICE

Guidelines on physical contact

All managers/volunteers of Midleton FC are advised that:

• Any necessary physical contact should be in response to the needs of the child and not the adult.
• It should be in an open environment with the permission and full understanding of the player.
• It should be determined by the age and developmental stage of the player. You should not anything that a child can do for him/herself.
• Coaches should not treat injuries out of sight of others. Use a "Two-Deep" (two personnel, or two players) supervision system. Only personnel who are qualified in administering First Aid or treating sports injuries should attempt to treat an injury.
• The comfort level and dignity of the player should always be the priority. Example: Only uncover the injured area, or cover private areas of the athlete's body.
• Any doubts of a medical nature should be passed on to a suitably qualified medical person.
• Coaches should not play injured players.

Comforting/Congratulating players is an important part of the relationship
between coaches and players.

Guidelines for this type of physical contact are:

• Limit touching to "safe" areas, such as hand-to-shoulder. It should not involve touching genital area, buttocks, breasts, or mouths.
• Make your intention to congratulate or comfort clear to the player.
• Get permission from the player before embracing them - remember that personnel are in the position of power.
• Respect a players discomfort or rejection of physical contact.
• Be sure that touching occurs only when others are present. 

Avoid unnecessary physical contact and never engage in inappropriate touching