Athletics is a physical activity, which should be enjoyed by all those who participate. At Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club we want all our athletes and their families to feel welcome and know that they are in a caring and safe environment.

This code of good practice was laid down to assist the committee and coaches at Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club in providing a safe, friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for all athletes. The rules are not meant as a threat to any athlete but instead as a guide to assist the committee and coaches in achieving their aim of a safe and caring environment.

Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club want each athlete to be proud of and feel a part of this Club. Be proud when wearing the clubs colours at competition and always give your best effort. The coaches will want you to be competition ready both mentally and physically so always listen to and follow their advice. Above all have a good time while at the club, make many new friends, strive to achieve your own personal goals and remember you can achieve your potential. We want you to use your time at the Club as on opportunity to make new friends, improve your skills and play by the rules.

• Normal training times are 6pm to 7pm (juveniles) and 7pm to 8pm (seniors) on Tuesday and Thursday. Other training sessions are organised from time to time depending on the particular requirements of the athletes.
• A good attendance record is required from athletes wishing to take part in competition. The coach may, at their discretion, contact the parents of an athlete whose attendance is unsatisfactory.
• Athletes taking part in non-club athletic training must inform their coach in advance. The playing of other games, especially football, is strictly forbidden during training sessions.
• The use of mobile phones is not permitted during training.
• Runners and spikes must be correctly laced and tied at all times.
• An athlete who is unable to attend training should contact their coach and give a genuine reason for non-attendance.
• Athletes should follow the training programme, outlined by their coach, at all times.
• Late arrival for training causes disruption to the training programme and the athlete may rush their warm-up, therefore any athlete arriving late may be refused permission to train.

• Club colours must be worn in all competitions. Athletes will not be allowed to compete without club colours.
• Athletes should consult with, and seek the advice of, their coach when choosing what events to take part in at competitions. Athletes should follow this advice and once their name has been registered for an event they cannot withdraw except through illness or injury.
• If necessary relay trials will take place to select members for relay teams. Coaches will give reasonable notice to athletes in training of the place, date and time of such trials. Any athlete who wishes to be considered for trial must attend at the place, date and time specified. Trials cannot be rearranged except by agreement of the coaches and athletes involved in the trial.
• If an athlete is chosen to represent Lucan Harrier Athletic Club, Dublin, Leinster or Ireland in any individual or team competition they must inform their coach. once selected, an athlete cannot withdraw from such an event without the permission of their coach.
• The club will give athletes as much notice as possible of upcoming competitions. This notice is normally given at training sessions so failure to attend training may result in an athlete missing a competition.

The following are strictly forbidden at all times during training, competition or at any time while an athlete is in the care of Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club:

• Bullying
• Intimidation
• Horseplay
• Physical abuse
• Use of bad language
• Aggression
• Smoking, alcohol consumption or substance abuse is strictly forbidden at all times.
• Good behaviour is expected of all athletes.
• Athletes must not chew gum during training or competition.
• The playing of cassette tapes, CDs, radios etc is forbidden at all times during training and competition. Personal stereos using ear phones may be used while travelling to competitions.

It is the aim of Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club to provide an environment where each athlete will feel safe not only to train and take part in competition but also where they will have an opportunity to progress and make many friends. The coaching staff are dedicated to your safety and we would ask you to follow any instructions they issue as they do so with your safety and welfare in mind. In particular please complete all exercises especially warm-up and warm-down as failure to do so can result in serious injury. Be aware of any dangers when travelling to and from athletics especially during the darkness of winter months.

• Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to athletes personal belongings.
• All equipment and facilities provided by Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club or any other event organiser must be respected at all times.
• Transport to and from training and competition remains the responsibility of the athlete and/or their parents. Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club will assist with transport, to and from competitions, where possible. Where transport is arranged by Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club athletes should use this transport in an effort to assist with costs.
• All normal sessions are free but where extra training takes place at local schools or elsewhere athletes may be asked to make a small contribution.
• Annual membership subscriptions must be paid on request to the club unless arrangements are made for exemption
• Senior athletes and the parents/guardians of juvenile athletes are expected to attend the Club Annual General Meeting (notice will be given in advance).
• Athletes and their families are expected to assist in fundraising.

Step 1: The athlete will receive a verbal warning from their coach and this verbal warning will be recorded by the coach.

Step 2: The athlete will receive a verbal warning from their coach and this verbal warning will be recorded by the coach.

Step 3: The athlete will receive a written suspension notice, which will be signed by the Chairperson of the Club. This written suspension notice will also contain details of any sanction imposed including length of suspension, details of suspension from competition etc. When an athlete is suspended their Parent/Guardian will be informed.

Breaches of discipline fall into two categories:
1. Minor breaches
2. Serious breaches

Where a minor breach of discipline occurs, the disciplinary procedure will be used commencing at stage 1.
A second minor breach will result in the use of stage 2 etc.

Where a serious breach of discipline occurs stages 1 and 2 will be by-passed and stage 3 will immediately be invoked. The decision of the management committee on all matters relating to discipline will be final. Athletes wishing to appeal a decision of the management committee can do so in writing.

This code of good practice has been has been drawn up primarily with juvenile members in mind. It is based on the principles outlined in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland as published by the Irish Sports Council. This code of good practice is also binding on all senior members who are expected to set a good example for our juvenile members. Coaches within Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club are expected to adhere to the principles outlined in the Code of Ethics and in particular should ensure that they are proactive in the areas of behaviour and safety outlined in this document.

The discipline procedures outlined in this document apply to all members of Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club.

This Code of Good Practice has been drafted and implemented by Lucan Harrier & Athletic Club on 10^th November 2003.