ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT
ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB
Code of Conduct & Good Practice
Incorporating the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Connacht Football
Association and Galway Football Association
1. Introduction
Athenry Association Football Club is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and
inclusive environment where everyone can participate in football with confidence.
Football is more than a game—it teaches teamwork, respect, discipline, resilience and
community spirit. Every person involved in our club, whether as a player, coach,
volunteer, parent, committee member or supporter, has a responsibility to uphold these
values.
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of everyone involved in Athenry
AFC. It incorporates the principles and guidance of the Football Association of Ireland
(FAI), Connacht FA and Galway FA and reflects our commitment to creating a positive
football environment for all.
Participation in Athenry AFC means agreeing to uphold these standards both on and off
the pitch.
2. Our Club Values
Everything we do at Athenry AFC is built around the following principles.
Respect
Everyone involved in football deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
We expect respect towards:
• Players
• Coaches and Managers
• Referees and Match Officials
• Parents and Guardians
• Volunteers
• Opponents
• Supporters
• Club facilities
Respect also means accepting decisions, valuing differences and behaving
appropriately at all times.
Fair Play
Winning is important, but never at the expense of fair play.
We encourage everyone involved in the club to:
• Play within both the Laws and the Spirit of the Game.
• Show honesty and integrity.
• Respect referees' decisions.
• Treat opponents fairly.
• Accept victory with humility and defeat with dignity.
Cheating, simulation ("diving"), bullying or gaining an unfair advantage has no place at
Athenry AFC.
Equality & Inclusion
Athenry AFC welcomes everyone.
We are committed to providing opportunities regardless of:
• Gender
• Age
• Ability
• Disability
• Race
• Nationality
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Family background
Discrimination, harassment or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated.
Integrity
Everyone involved with the club is expected to act honestly, responsibly and in the best
interests of football.
The club expects the highest standards of:
• Behaviour
• Sportsmanship
• Administration
• Financial responsibility
• Decision making
Any form of corruption, dishonesty or improper conduct is unacceptable.
Safety & Welfare
The welfare of children and young people is always our highest priority.
Every decision made by Athenry AFC should place the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment
of players ahead of results or performance.
The club fully supports:
• FAI Child Safeguarding policies
• Children First legislation
• Safe recruitment of volunteers
• Appropriate coach education
• Safe football environments
Community
Athenry AFC is proud to be a community club.
We recognise the contribution made by:
• Players
• Parents
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Sponsors
• Supporters
• Committee Members
Our club exists because of the dedication of volunteers and the support of our wider
community.
Everyone should contribute towards creating a welcoming, positive and inclusive club
environment.
3. Football for Young People
Football provides young people with opportunities to:
• Learn new skills
• Build confidence
• Improve fitness
• Develop friendships
• Experience teamwork
• Learn responsibility
• Respect others
• Enjoy healthy competition
Children participate in football for enjoyment first and foremost.
Our role as adults is to provide an environment where every player can:
• Feel safe
• Feel included
• Be challenged appropriately
• Learn from mistakes
• Develop at their own pace
• Enjoy coming to football
Success should never be measured solely by results. The true measure of success is
the development, enjoyment and wellbeing of every player.
4. Football for Fun
At Athenry AFC we believe football should always be enjoyable.
While we encourage players to challenge themselves and continually improve, this
should take place in a positive, supportive and enjoyable environment.
Everyone involved in the club should:
• Encourage participation.
• Promote enjoyment.
• Focus on skill development before results.
• Praise effort and commitment.
• Promote teamwork.
• Encourage respect for everyone involved.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Be realistic in their expectations.
• Recognise every player's individual development.
• Promote Fair Play at all times.
Winning is part of football, but it should never come before player welfare, enjoyment or
personal development.
5. Coaches & Managers Code of Conduct
Coaches and Managers are among the most influential people within Athenry AFC. They
play a vital role in creating a positive football experience and are expected to lead by
example at all times.
The welfare, safety and enjoyment of every player must always take priority over winning
matches or achieving results.
All Coaches and Managers must adhere to the standards and guidance set out by the
Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Connacht Football Association, Galway Football
Association and Athenry Association Football Club.
5.1 Our Coaching Philosophy
At Athenry AFC, coaching is about developing people as well as players.
We aim to provide an environment where every player can:
• Enjoy football.
• Learn new skills.
• Improve at their own pace.
• Develop confidence.
• Build friendships.
• Learn respect and responsibility.
• Reach their full potential.
Winning is encouraged but should never come at the expense of player welfare,
enjoyment or development.
5.2 Responsibilities of Coaches & Managers
All Coaches and Managers must:
• Place the welfare and safety of players above all other considerations.
• Act honestly, fairly and with integrity.
• Lead by example on and off the pitch.
• Promote Fair Play at all times.
• Respect referees, opponents, spectators and fellow coaches.
• Create a safe, enjoyable and inclusive football environment.
• Treat every player fairly regardless of ability.
• Encourage teamwork, discipline and good sportsmanship.
• Promote respect for diversity and equality.
• Comply with all FAI Child Safeguarding requirements.
• Follow all Club, League and FAI regulations.
5.3 Relationships with Players
A positive coach-player relationship is built on trust, respect and appropriate
boundaries.
Coaches should:
• Encourage players to become responsible for their own behaviour and
development.
• Promote independence and good decision making.
• Listen to players and treat them with dignity and respect.
• Encourage players to obey both the Laws and the Spirit of the Game.
• Never encourage cheating, simulation ("diving"), intimidation or bullying.
• Never encourage the use of prohibited or performance-enhancing substances.
• Treat opponents with respect in both victory and defeat.
• Accept responsibility for promoting appropriate behaviour within their team.
Players should always feel safe, valued and supported within the football environment.
5.4 Personal Standards
Coaches occupy a position of trust and should always conduct themselves in a manner
that reflects positively on both themselves and Athenry AFC.
Coaches are expected to:
• Behave professionally at all times.
• Be punctual and well prepared.
• Wear suitable club or coaching attire where appropriate.
• Demonstrate respect towards everyone involved in football.
• Use positive, appropriate language.
• Never use abusive, offensive or discriminatory language.
• Display honesty, patience and self-control.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with players.
Coaches must never:
• Smoke in the presence of underage players.
• Consume alcohol during training or matches.
• Attend coaching sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Behave in any manner that could bring the club into disrepute.
5.5 Equality & Respect
Every participant has the right to enjoy football in an environment free from
discrimination.
Coaches must treat all players equally regardless of:
• Age
• Gender
• Ability
• Disability
• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Sexual orientation
• Family background
Discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
5.6 Safe Practice
The safety and wellbeing of players is the responsibility of every Coach and Manager.
Coaches should:
Before Activities
• Carry out appropriate safety checks on pitches, facilities and equipment.
• Ensure a stocked first aid kit is available.
• Know emergency contact procedures.
• Inform parents/guardians of training and match times.
• Ensure appropriate supervision at all times.
During Activities
• Create a safe, enjoyable learning environment.
• Never knowingly allow an injured player to continue.
• Record all injuries and incidents appropriately.
• Inform parents/guardians of any injury or illness.
• Adapt sessions according to weather conditions and player welfare.
• Ensure activities are suitable for the players' age and ability.
5.7 Physical Contact
Football coaching may occasionally require physical contact when demonstrating
techniques or assisting a player.
Any physical contact must always:
• Be appropriate.
• Be necessary.
• Be explained beforehand.
• Be with the player's understanding.
• Respect the dignity of the player.
• Take place in an open environment where others are present.
Coaches should:
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact.
• Never touch intimate areas of the body.
• Respect a player's wishes if they are uncomfortable.
• Ensure congratulatory or reassuring contact is brief and appropriate (for
example, a handshake or hand on the shoulder).
5.8 Child Safeguarding
Child safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
Coaches must:
• Follow all FAI Child Safeguarding policies.
• Comply with Children First legislation.
• Complete all required safeguarding training.
• Report any safeguarding concern immediately.
• Operate within the Club's safeguarding procedures.
Coaches should always use the "Two Adult Rule" wherever reasonably possible.
This includes:
• Avoiding one-to-one situations.
• Avoiding being alone with a player in changing rooms.
• Leaving doors open if privacy cannot be avoided.
• Ensuring appropriate supervision during travel and overnight trips.
Separate accommodation must always be provided for adults and players during
overnight stays.
5.9 Best Coaching Practice
Coaches should always aim to provide a positive learning environment.
They should:
• Plan sessions appropriate to the players' age and ability.
• Focus on long-term player development.
• Encourage creativity and decision making.
• Give every player opportunities to participate.
• Praise effort as well as achievement.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Promote teamwork and enjoyment.
• Encourage communication and feedback.
• Help players build confidence.
Coaches should avoid:
• Over-coaching.
• Excessive criticism.
• Favouritism.
• Over-specialisation at young ages.
• Excessive emphasis on winning.
• Public criticism or humiliation of players.
5.10 Behaviour That Will Not Be Tolerated
Coaches must never:
• Use corporal punishment or physical force.
• Ridicule or humiliate a player.
• Bully or intimidate a player.
• Engage in rough or inappropriate physical games.
• Make sexually suggestive comments.
• Use inappropriate physical contact.
• Exert undue influence for personal benefit.
• Share accommodation with an underage player.
• Spend unnecessary time alone with a child.
• Transport a child alone unless exceptional circumstances exist and appropriate
safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Undertake therapy or counselling beyond their qualifications.
• Use or tolerate abusive language.
• Encourage cheating or unsporting behaviour.
• Ignore safeguarding concerns.
Any breach of these standards may result in disciplinary action by Athenry AFC and/or
the relevant football authorities.
5.11 Registration & Eligibility
Coaches and Managers must ensure that:
• Every player is correctly registered with the Galway FA before participating.
• Every player is a registered member of Athenry AFC.
• Age-group eligibility rules are followed at all times.
• Players are not played while injured.
• Club policies regarding player movement are adhered to.
5.12 Responsibility & Accountability
Coaches and Managers are ambassadors for Athenry AFC.
They are expected to:
• Promote the Club's values.
• Work positively with fellow coaches and volunteers.
• Cooperate with parents and guardians.
• Support Club policies and decisions.
• Accept responsibility for their own behaviour.
• Pay any fines imposed on them by the Club or football authorities where
applicable.
Any breach of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the Club Committee and,
where appropriate, the Club Child Safeguarding Officer.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion
from Athenry AFC.
6. Players Code of Conduct
Every player representing Athenry Association Football Club is an ambassador for the
Club. Players are expected to demonstrate respect, commitment and good
sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.
By registering with Athenry AFC, every player agrees to uphold this Code of Conduct and
to represent the Club with pride.
6.1 Our Expectations
All players are expected to:
• Represent Athenry AFC with pride.
• Respect the Laws of the Game.
• Follow the rules and regulations of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI),
Connacht Football Association and Galway Football Association.
• Play for enjoyment while always giving their best effort.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
• Respect teammates, coaches, opponents, referees and supporters.
• Help create a safe, enjoyable and inclusive football environment.
6.2 Respect
Players must always show respect towards:
• Coaches and Managers
• Fellow players
• Opponents
• Match Officials
• Parents and supporters
• Volunteers
• Club property and facilities
• Opposition facilities
Players should:
• Accept referees' decisions without argument.
• Listen respectfully to coaches.
• Encourage teammates.
• Shake hands with opponents and officials after games.
• Win with humility.
• Lose with dignity.
6.3 Fair Play
Every player is expected to compete fairly.
Players should:
• Play within both the Laws and the Spirit of the Game.
• Always try their best.
• Play with control and discipline.
• Accept both victory and defeat respectfully.
• Applaud good play from either team.
• Help injured opponents when appropriate.
Players must never:
• Cheat or deliberately break the rules.
• Dive or attempt to deceive match officials.
• Deliberately injure another player.
• Intimidate or bully another participant.
• Use offensive, abusive or discriminatory language.
• Incite violence or confrontation.
6.4 Behaviour
Players are expected to:
• Demonstrate positive behaviour at training and matches.
• Follow instructions from coaches.
• Support and encourage teammates.
• Respect club equipment and facilities.
• Wear appropriate football clothing and protective equipment.
• Promote a positive image of Athenry AFC at all times.
Poor behaviour may affect:
• Team selection.
• Playing time.
• Continued participation.
• Club membership.
6.5 Training & Match Commitments
Players should:
• Arrive on time for training and matches.
• Inform their coach as early as possible if unavailable.
• Wear the required club kit on match days.
• Bring appropriate football boots and shin guards.
• Bring water to training and matches.
• Participate positively in all activities.
Selection for matches may take into account:
• Attendance
• Commitment
• Attitude
• Behaviour
• Effort in training
• Team requirements
While every effort will be made to provide appropriate playing opportunities, equal
playing time cannot always be guaranteed, particularly in higher levels of competition.
6.6 Club Membership & Team Selection
Players should understand that:
• Registration is with Athenry Association Football Club, not with a specific
team.
• Team placement is determined by the Club's player development and
assessment processes.
• Coaches will make team selection decisions in the best interests of both the
player and the Club.
• Coaches are responsible for football development, while behaviour outside Club
activities remains the responsibility of players and their parents or guardians.
6.7 Discipline During Matches
Players must accept that:
• Referees are responsible for decisions during matches.
• Yellow cards, red cards and disciplinary sanctions are part of the game.
• Serious misconduct may result in additional disciplinary action by the League,
Galway FA, Connacht FA, FAI or the Club.
• Any fines imposed as a result of player misconduct remain the responsibility of
the player where applicable.
6.8 Anti-Bullying
Athenry AFC has zero tolerance for bullying.
Bullying includes:
• Physical bullying
• Verbal abuse
• Social exclusion
• Intimidation
• Online or social media bullying
• Harassment of any kind
Players should:
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Support teammates.
• Report bullying immediately.
• Never remain silent if they or another player is being bullied.
Players who experience bullying are encouraged to speak with:
• A parent or guardian
• Their coach
• The Club Child Safeguarding Officer
• A trusted Club official
6.9 Drugs, Alcohol & Smoking
Players must not:
• Use illegal drugs.
• Use banned performance-enhancing substances.
• Consume alcohol during Club activities.
• Smoke or vape during Club activities.
These behaviours are incompatible with representing Athenry AFC.
6.10 Looking After Club Facilities
Players are expected to:
• Respect Club property.
• Respect opposition facilities.
• Leave dressing rooms clean and tidy.
• Dispose of litter responsibly.
• Take care of Club equipment.
• Help maintain a positive environment for everyone.
6.11 Discipline
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following:
• Verbal warning.
• Meeting with the player.
• Meeting with parents or guardians.
• Reduced playing time.
• Temporary suspension.
• Removal from the team.
• Suspension from Club activities.
• Expulsion from the Club in serious cases.
Where a player's actions result in fines being imposed on the Club, the Club may seek
reimbursement from the player in accordance with Club policy.
6.12 Player Commitment
By registering with Athenry Association Football Club, every player agrees to:
• Represent the Club positively.
• Respect everyone involved in football.
• Play fairly and honestly.
• Give their best effort.
• Support teammates.
• Follow the instructions of coaches and officials.
• Look after Club facilities and equipment.
• Abide by this Code of Conduct both on and off the pitch.
Above all, every player should enjoy their football, continue to develop as both a player
and a person, and be proud to represent Athenry Association Football Club.
7. Parents & Guardians Code of Conduct
Parents and guardians play a vital role in creating a positive football experience for every
child.
Children benefit most when parents encourage, support and enjoy their football without
placing unnecessary pressure on them.
Athenry AFC asks all parents and guardians to work in partnership with coaches,
volunteers and Club officials to provide a safe, enjoyable and respectful environment
for every player.
7.1 Our Expectations
Parents and guardians are expected to:
• Support their child in a positive manner.
• Encourage participation, enjoyment and personal development.
• Promote Fair Play and respect for everyone involved in football.
• Support the Club's values and Code of Conduct.
• Work cooperatively with coaches and Club officials.
• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Children should always feel that football is fun, safe and rewarding.
7.2 Positive Support
Parents and guardians should:
• Encourage children to enjoy football.
• Praise effort, commitment and improvement.
• Help children develop confidence and resilience.
• Support realistic expectations.
• Recognise that every child develops at their own pace.
• Celebrate participation as much as results.
• Encourage children to take responsibility for their own development.
Children should never feel that their value depends on winning football matches.
7.3 Respect
Parents and guardians must always show respect towards:
• Players from both teams
• Coaches and Managers
• Match Officials
• Volunteers
• Club Officials
• Opposing Clubs
• Other parents and supporters
Parents should remember that children learn more from what adults do than from what
adults say.
Lead by example at all times.
7.4 Matchday Behaviour
Parents and supporters should:
• Applaud good play by both teams.
• Encourage all players, not just their own child.
• Respect the referee's decisions.
• Watch matches from designated spectator areas.
• Support coaches in a positive manner.
• Allow players to enjoy the game without unnecessary instruction from the
sideline.
Parents should never:
• Shout abuse at referees or assistant referees.
• Coach from the touchline.
• Criticise players.
• Criticise opposition players or supporters.
• Use offensive or discriminatory language.
• Behave aggressively or intimidate others.
• Enter the field of play unless invited by the referee or coach.
The touchline should always be a positive environment.
7.5 Supporting Coaches
Parents and guardians should:
• Respect the role of the coach.
• Trust coaches to make football decisions.
• Appreciate the time and commitment given by volunteers.
• Offer assistance when requested.
• Raise concerns respectfully and privately.
• Avoid discussing disagreements during or immediately after matches.
Parents should:
• Inform coaches of injuries, illnesses or absences.
• Ensure children arrive on time.
• Ensure players have appropriate clothing, boots, shin guards and water.
• Encourage children to communicate directly with coaches where appropriate.
Helping children take responsibility for communicating with their coach is an important
part of their personal development.
7.6 Supporting Your Child
Parents are encouraged to:
• Be their child's biggest supporter.
• Focus on performance rather than results.
• Encourage resilience after setbacks.
• Celebrate improvement.
• Reinforce good behaviour and sportsmanship.
• Support teammates as well as their own child.
Parents should avoid placing pressure on children to:
• Win every game.
• Gain selection for particular teams.
• Compare themselves with other players.
• Meet unrealistic expectations.
Football should build confidence—not anxiety.
7.7 Player Welfare
Parents should help children maintain a healthy balance between football, education
and family life.
Parents are encouraged to:
• Promote healthy eating.
• Ensure adequate sleep.
• Encourage hydration.
• Monitor stress levels.
• Support school commitments.
• Encourage participation in other activities where appropriate.
Player welfare should always come before football performance.
7.8 Behaviour That Will Not Be Tolerated
Parents and guardians must never:
• Abuse referees, coaches, volunteers or players.
• Encourage cheating or unsporting behaviour.
• Ridicule a child for making mistakes.
• Place excessive pressure on children.
• Behave aggressively or violently.
• Bully, harass or intimidate others.
• Ignore safeguarding concerns.
• Use social media to criticise players, coaches, referees or the Club.
Children deserve positive role models.
7.9 Respecting Club Facilities
Parents and guardians should:
• Respect Club property and facilities.
• Respect opposition venues.
• Help keep facilities clean and tidy.
• Supervise younger siblings while at the Club.
• Ensure children do not climb on goalposts or use equipment inappropriately.
• Follow any safety instructions issued by Club officials.
7.10 Communication & Concerns
Athenry AFC encourages open and respectful communication.
Parents who have a concern should:
1. Speak with the Team Coach at an appropriate time.
2. If the matter remains unresolved, contact the relevant Club official.
3. Follow the Club's Complaints & Grievance Procedure where necessary.
Concerns should always be raised respectfully and through the appropriate channels.
Social media is never an appropriate forum for raising complaints about the Club,
coaches, players or officials.
7.11 Parent Commitment
By registering their child with Athenry Association Football Club, parents and guardians
agree to:
• Support this Code of Conduct.
• Promote Fair Play.
• Respect everyone involved in football.
• Encourage positive behaviour.
• Support coaches and volunteers.
• Help create a safe and enjoyable environment for every child.
• Work with the Club in the best interests of all players.
Parents whose behaviour falls below the standards expected in this Code may be asked
to leave Club grounds or Club events.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in disciplinary action by the Club and may
affect a player's continued membership where appropriate.
8. Complaints & Grievance Procedure
Athenry Association Football Club is committed to resolving complaints fairly,
consistently and confidentially.
Any concern relating to behaviour, safeguarding or breaches of this Code should be
reported as soon as possible.
Complaints may relate to:
• Coaches or Managers
• Players
• Parents or Guardians
• Spectators
• Volunteers
• Club Officials
• Safeguarding concerns
• Disciplinary matters
8.1 Reporting a Concern
Concerns should be reported to:
• The Team Coach (where appropriate)
• A Club Committee Member
• The Club Child Safeguarding Officer (for safeguarding matters)
Complaints should be made as soon as reasonably possible after the incident.
The Club may request that complaints are submitted in writing to assist with the
investigation.
8.2 Investigation
All complaints will be considered fairly and confidentially.
Depending on the nature of the complaint, the matter may be dealt with by:
• The Club Committee
• The Club Child Safeguarding Officer
• The Club Disciplinary Committee
• The relevant football governing body where required
Safeguarding concerns will always be handled in accordance with FAI safeguarding
procedures and national child protection legislation.
8.3 Possible Outcomes
Following investigation, the Club may:
• Take no further action.
• Issue advice or guidance.
• Issue a verbal or written warning.
• Require mediation between parties.
• Suspend an individual from Club activities.
• Remove an individual from a team.
• Refer the matter to the relevant football authority.
• Terminate Club membership in serious cases.
8.4 Confidentiality
All complaints will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to investigate or
safeguard those involved.
No person will suffer discrimination or victimisation for raising a genuine concern in
good faith.
9. Club Governance
Athenry Association Football Club is committed to maintaining the highest standards of
governance, safeguarding and administration.
The Club operates under the rules and regulations of:
• The Football Association of Ireland (FAI)
• Connacht Football Association
• Galway Football Association
• The Club Constitution
• This Code of Conduct & Good Practice
All members, players, parents, coaches, volunteers and officials are expected to
support these standards and contribute positively to the Club.
9.1 Safeguarding
The welfare of children and young people is the Club's highest priority.
Athenry AFC fully supports:
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
• FAI Safeguarding Policies
• Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance
• All relevant Irish child protection legislation
Every adult involved with the Club shares responsibility for safeguarding children.
Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to the Club Child
Safeguarding Officer or, where necessary, directly to the appropriate statutory
authorities.
The safety and wellbeing of the child will always take precedence.
9.2 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Athenry AFC welcomes everyone who wishes to participate in football.
The Club is committed to providing an environment that is:
• Safe
• Inclusive
• Respectful
• Accessible
• Free from discrimination
No person shall be treated less favourably on the grounds of:
• Age
• Gender
• Disability
• Race
• Nationality
• Ethnic origin
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Family status
• Socio-economic background
Everyone has the right to enjoy football in a positive and welcoming environment.
9.3 Social Media
Members of Athenry AFC are ambassadors for the Club both in person and online.
Everyone associated with the Club should use social media responsibly.
Members should:
• Show respect towards others.
• Think before posting.
• Protect the privacy of players and volunteers.
• Promote the Club positively.
• Report inappropriate online behaviour where necessary.
Members must never:
• Bully or harass others online.
• Post abusive or discriminatory comments.
• Criticise referees, volunteers, coaches or players publicly.
• Share confidential Club information.
• Bring the Club into disrepute through social media activity.
The same standards of behaviour expected at the Club also apply online.
9.4 Volunteers
Volunteers are the foundation of Athenry AFC.
The Club values the time, commitment and expertise given by every volunteer.
All volunteers are expected to:
• Lead by example.
• Promote the Club's values.
• Treat everyone with respect.
• Follow safeguarding procedures.
• Support a positive football environment.
• Work collaboratively with other volunteers.
Without volunteers, community football would not exist.
9.5 Discipline
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.
Depending on the seriousness of the matter, sanctions may include:
• Informal advice
• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Suspension from Club activities
• Suspension from Club membership
• Referral to the appropriate football authority
• Expulsion from the Club
Disciplinary action will always be proportionate, fair and consistent.
9.6 Review of this Code
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed regularly by the Club Committee to ensure it
remains consistent with:
• FAI Regulations
• Safeguarding legislation
• Sport Ireland guidance
• Best practice in youth football
• The needs of Athenry Association Football Club
Members will be informed of any significant amendments.
10. Club Contacts
Club Officers
Position Name
President Peter Gilhooley
Chairperson Alan Eastwood
Secretary Steven McElhinney
Treasurer Gerry McGough
Registrar John Kelly
PRO Kealon Donoghue
Child Safeguarding Officer
Aine Griallais
aine.griallais@gmail.com 087 639 3374
Club Committee (in addition to above)
Tommy Fahy, Brian Sweeney, Eddie Fox, Brian McDermott, Paul Mitchell, Paul Fitzgerald,
Cormac McCarthy, Deirdre Leech, Richie Humprhies
Contact
Website: www.athenryfootballclub.com
Email: athenry@galwayfa.ie
11. Acknowledgement
Every member of Athenry Association Football Club has a responsibility to uphold the
values and standards set out in this Code of Conduct.
By registering with the Club, members agree to:
• Respect the Club and everyone involved in it.
• Promote Fair Play.
• Support a safe and inclusive football environment.
• Follow Club policies and procedures.
• Accept the authority of the Club Committee in administering this Code.
Together, we can create an environment where every player has the opportunity to enjoy
football, develop as a person and achieve their full potential.
ATHENRY FOOTBALL CLUB JUNE 2026