Den Haag GAA

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Den Haag GAA – Code of Conduct

Introduction

Den Haag GAA is committed to promoting the highest standards of respect, inclusion, and sportsmanship within the Gaelic games community in the Netherlands. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all members, players, coaches, volunteers, and parents involved with the club.

1. General Principles

All members of Den Haag GAA shall:

  • Treat everyone with respect, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or background.
  • Represent the club positively at all times, both on and off the pitch.
  • Support the spirit of fair play and never engage in verbal or physical abuse.
  • Abide by the rules and regulations set by the GAA and local sporting authorities.

2. Players’ Responsibilities

Players shall:

  • Respect teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials.
  • Attend training and matches punctually and with a positive attitude.
  • Refrain from using foul language or aggressive behavior.
  • Wear appropriate gear and take care of club equipment and facilities.
  • Avoid drugs, alcohol, or any banned substances, particularly around training or match events.

3. SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

  • Den Haag GAA has a zero percent tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.
  • If any player, coach or volunteer is reported to have sexually harassed an individual in the club or in any manner whilst representing the Club

4. Coaches and Mentors

Coaches shall:

  • Lead by example, encouraging sportsmanship and respect at all times.
  • Promote a safe and positive environment for all players.
  • Be mindful of the physical and emotional wellbeing of each individual player.
  • Plan sessions that are inclusive, age-appropriate, and promote skill development.
  • Never ridicule or belittle players for mistakes or poor performance.
  • Report any concerns about child protection or welfare to the club’s Child Protection Officer.

5. Youth Training and Child Protection

Den Haag GAA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all young members.

For Youth Players (under 18s):

  • Play for enjoyment and the love of the game – not just to win.
  • Listen to coaches and try your best at all times.
  • Report to the allocated confidential point of contact if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time.
  • Be a good sport: win with humility, lose with dignity.

For Coaches Working with Youth:

  • Complete vetting and relevant child safeguarding training.This includes the allocation of The Certificate of Good Conduct.
  • The confidential point of contact will share contact details to all and new comers as soon as possible.
  • Avoid any inappropriate physical contact or one-on-one situations.
  • Communicate clearly with both players and parents.
  • Encourage participation from all youth players, regardless of ability.
  • Never shout at or criticize children in a negative manner.
For Parents/Guardians:
  • Support your child’s involvement in the club in a positive manner.
  • Ensure your child attends training/matches on time and with correct equipment.
  • Never coach from the sideline or criticize referees or officials.
  • Communicate respectfully with coaches and club officials.
  • Inform the club of any relevant medical or personal issues that could affect your child’s wellbeing.

6. Disciplinary Procedure

Any breach of this Code of Conduct may be subject to review by the club’s committee. Depending on the nature of the breach, actions may include:

  • Verbal or written warning.
  • Temporary suspension from training and/or games.
  • Permanent removal from club activities.

7. Agreement

By registering with Den Haag GAA, all members, players, coaches, and parents agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Youth Volunteer Onboarding – Den Haag GAA

The NOC*NSF and Gaelic Athletic Association of Ireland (GAA) want to create a safe environment for all children in collaboration with organizations that organize activities for children and young people up to 18 years old. 

One of the ways to create a safe sports environment and prevent (sexual) harassment is to request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) from volunteers and employees who work with minors. 

The board of Den Haag GAA endorses this and has stipulated as part of its policy that all volunteers who have contact with minors must submit a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Introducing a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) within sports, and therefore also within our association, provides more certainty about individuals’ pasts and reduces the chance that someone with prior infractions cannot perform a job that involves working with children.

Effective date and validity

Starting in the 2025/2026 season, Den Haag GAA has made a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) mandatory for all volunteers aged 18 and over. Volunteers who do not (or do not wish to) comply with this requirement will therefore not be able to hold positions that involve contact with minors.

The Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is valid for three years. In line with the advice of NOC*NSF and GAA, volunteers will be asked by the Welfare Officer via email to apply for and submit a VOG again before this period expires. 

Target audience

The VOG applies to the following volunteers: trainers, coaches, referees of youth teams and supervisors of youth camps.

Costs

Thanks to a government subsidy, volunteers of Den Haag GAA can apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) free of charge. (Is it?)

Application of the VOG

The name and email address of a new or active volunteer without a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) are registered with the Welfare Officer. The volunteer will then receive an email with information about the policy and instructions for applying for the VOG.

Two months before the three-year term expires, the volunteer will receive an email to reapply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

Den Haag GAA initiates the application process for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) by completing the first part of the application form; the rest will follow automatically.

All volunteers will receive a partially completed application form by email. Volunteers will then complete the form and formally submit their application. 

The Central Body for Certificates of Good Conduct (COVOG) of the Justice Department decides on behalf of the Ministery of Security and Justice whether a volunteer will receive a Certificate of Good Conduct. This will happen within four weeks. If the COVOG decides that a Certificate of Good Conduct is issued, the volunteer will receive a certified paper certificate at home, which they can show to the Welfare Officer. After verification of authenticity, the name and date of issue of the certificate will be recorded by the Welfare Officer.

More information about the VOG can be found on the website  www.nocnsf.nl/vog

Welfare Officer

This point of contact is responsible in deciding which persons will be appointed as Confidential Contacts within Den Haag GAA. Within this position they are also responsible for tracking the VOG certifications within the club, Issue the Code of Conduct to applicants of the VOG, and will request VOG applications for youth volunteers.

Confidential Contact Information – Ask Angela

The general board under the consultation of the Welfare Officer, has appointed two confidential contacts for our association; these counselors are accessible to all members of all departments. 

Den Haag GAA naturally wants to be a safe club where everyone enjoys playing sports. Appointing a confidential contact might sound negative: after all, we do everything we can to prevent things like bullying, conflict and arguments, discrimination, and sexual harassment within our club. But imagine…

Experience at various sports clubs has shown that there are times and events where inappropriate behavior can be experienced. Den Haag GAA wants to prevent this. That’s one of the reasons we have a confidential contact. A central point of contact to ensure that the way we interact within the club remains pleasant and safe.

A confidential contact isn’t just there for actual problems, but also for questions that may arise before they occur. You can contact a confidential contact with questions you’re uncomfortable asking or that you’re worried won’t be taken seriously. This applies to trainers, coaches, parents, supervisors, and team members. Furthermore, raising the issue promptly, discussing it, and ensuring that an undesirable situation is resolved (early) can prevent it from escalating and prevent recurrence.

When should you contact the confidential contact?

If you have questions about how your team interacts with each other, you’re welcome to contact the confidential counselor. These questions may include:

  • bullying and being bullied;
  • feeling like you don’t belong because of your skin color, religion or sexual preference;
  • transgressive behavior: you experience the way in which you are approached and/or touched by a team member, trainer or coach as unpleasant;
  • a suspicion of inappropriate behavior: you think that someone in your immediate environment is dealing with this;
  • you are concerned about the way your child is being treated within the club/team;
  • you wonder whether your behavior as a trainer and/or coach is sensible;
  • someone has directly or indirectly accused you of unacceptable behavior;
  • whether your question is in the right place with the Den Haag confidential contact
How confidential is a confidential contact?

It’s clear that it can be important to involve other people in a question or problem, but this will never happen without consultation and permission! No one will be informed of the conversations between you and the confidential contact without your:
a. consent;
b. awareness.

The activities of the confidential contact fall under the responsibility of the general board of Den Haag GAA. Any misconduct will be reported within an appropriate time frame to the board so they can act to mitigate and sanction the member. At the end of the year, the confidential contact reports anonymously to the board whether there have been any reports, their nature, and how progress and closure have been achieved.

What if a complaint arises after consulting with the confidential contact?

Various forms of discrimination and intimidation can occur within a sports club. Behavior such as bullying among team members, intentionally harming someone, and discriminatory remarks can also lead to filing a complaint. The confidential contact can help you decide whether to take official action and how best to do so while maintaining anonymity.

The general board of Den Haag GAA and the confidential contact endorse a number of codes of conduct derived from NOC*NSF and additionally the GAA. Depending on the nature of the complaint and the procedure to be followed, an ad hoc confidential committee can be established in consultation with the board. In addition to the chair of the relevant department or the chair of the general board, this committee—related to the complaint at hand—can consist of a professional expert. This ad hoc committee has the status of an independent advisory body, and its members are bound by a duty of confidentiality.

How do you reach the confidential contacts at Den Haag GAA?
The confidential contacts of Den Haag GAA are: 

Name:

Name: 

If you experience sexual harassment, you can also contact the NOC*NSF hotline with initial questions, concerns, or to share your story. This hotline is available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. The number is +31(0)900-2025590 (€0.10 per minute).

Norms and Values

The three core values ​​are:
Sportsmanship, Respect and Responsibility

Sportsmanship:
We all know the rules of GAA. We know what’s right and what’s not. Yet, we all commit fouls now and then. Deliberate fouls are not part of our values. Contact with the opponent before and after the match, for example, shaking hands and welcoming the visiting team, helps create a friendly atmosphere.

Respect:
Respect others. Respect each other; we do not tolerate bullying, foul language, intimidation, or violence. Try to encourage each other with positive comments. Grumbling and name-calling are not constructive and are often counterproductive. Coach your teammates and listen to your team leader/coach. Respect their decisions regarding, for example, lineups. Respect other people’s property. You do not vandalize anything, and you respect other people’s property. You also always leave the dressing room tidy. Respect the referee’s decisions. Accept the referee’s decisions, even if you believe they are wrong. Do not use foul language or aggressive gestures.Responsibility:
Football, hurling, camogie, LGFA and Irish Handball are team sports played at our club. This entails responsibility, both to the team and to the club. Follow the rules and agreements. Always be present; your teammates and club are counting on you. You are accountable for your behavior and contribute to the club’s life.

7. Signatures of coaches and supervisors

Welfare Officer Name: ____________________

Signature:______________________________

Youth Officer:___________________________

Signature:______________________________

Chairperson Name:______________________

Signature:______________________________