Code of Practice - Pages 5-6

All forms can be obtained from the NDSL office on (01) 8550922

9. Travel

9.1 Where cars, minibuses and coaches are fitted with seat belts, Players are required to use them.

9.2 Staff members should not travel alone with a young person unless it is unavoidable. If travelling by car the Player should sit in the rear seat.

9.3 A driver of a vehicle who is not a member of Staff carrying a young person should not be given responsibility for their supervision.

9.4 In the case of vehicles hired with a driver, the hire contract must be with an approved FAI company unless in exceptional circumstances. In the event that a vehicle has to be hired from a company that is not on the FAI approved list, the hire contract must be in writing with a reputable operator. The FAI requires that the appropriate insurance applies and that the driver is competent to drive the particular vehicle and holds the correct driving licence.

9.5 The FAI will seek assurances through the approval process that drivers are suitable to transport children.

9.6 Adults who drive young players in their own car must ensure that their passenger's safety is not at risk by ensuring that the vehicle is roadworthy, and that they hold the appropriate licence and insurance cover for carrying young players.

10. Insurance for the Event

10.1 The Event Leader should establish with the FAI Financial Controller what insurance cover the FAI has in place for players and staff at Events. For example:

• Employers Liability
• Public Liability
• Personal Accident cover for players and staff
• Cost of medical treatment and the cost of evacuation for medical reasons when abroad
• Programmed and non programmed activities
• Transport and accommodation in case of emergency
• Compensation for cancellation or delay
• Compensation for loss of baggage and personal effects including money
• Legal assistance in the recovery of claims

The Financial Controllers advice should include information about conditions, limitation of cover and exclusion of certain people or activities from the insurance policies.

10.2 If the Event is to include any potentially hazardous activities, once having taken into account the risk assessment guidelines, (e.g. other sports or adventure experiences) particular care should be taken to ensure that Players and Staff  are covered appropriately.

10.3 Additional insurance may be necessary for Staff or Players with known medical conditions. The Event Leader should check this out, long before departure date.

Note Event Leaders should note and advise parents that whilst insurance compensation for serious disabling accidental injuries to Players may be substantial, compensation for accidental death of children is usually limited.

For foreign Events and for Events involving potentially hazardous activities, the advice of insurance companies and travel firms on suitable insurance should also be sought.

11. Accommodation

11.1 At all times the Event Leader must be satisfied that buildings meet health and safety required standards.

11.2 Young player's accommodation must be close to rooms occupied by Staff. Consideration should be given when groups comprise both male and females by allocating the same gender, rooms within the same area. Where possible similar age groups should be kept together. On arrival, players should be shown the accommodation plan and be made aware of Staff rooms and fire exits. A fire drill should be carried out as soon as possible.

11.3 At no time can a member of Staff share accommodation with any young person.

11.4 Staff must not use changing, shower or cloakroom facilities at the same time as young players, except in the most exceptional circumstances.

11.5 Where groups are of mixed gender, there must be separate male and female sleeping and bathroom facilities for both young people and adults.

12. Communication with Parents/Carers

12.1 The Event Administrator is responsible for ensuring that Parents and young player complete and return all consent forms. These will be issued at the start of every season.

12.2 Parents should be informed that when a young player is still attending school is selected, permission should be sought from the Principle to release the young player from school during term time.

12.3 Prior to any Event, parents will be informed if a player is selected. The Event Leader Administrator must give to parents/carers written details of the Event including:

• Dates of the Event
• Times of departure and return
• Clearly specified pick up and set down points for players and the beginning and end of any Event
• Names of the Event Leader and accompanying Staff
• Details of soccer and non soccer activities (adventure and potentially hazardous activities at the Event must be emphasised)
• Addresses and telephone numbers of the accommodation being used
• Telephone numbers of the FAI, the Event Administrator and the FAI National
• Children's Officer
• Insurances
• Standards of behaviour and dress
• Clothing and playing equipment required
• What expenses are covered

13. Communication with Clubs

13.1 When the player is under the age of 18 and not attending school, permission will be sought from the club as well as from parents/carers.

13.2 When the player selected is still attending school, Clubs will be advised that permission has been sought from the parent/carer and the player's school. Dates of the Event will also be supplied.

14. Communication with Young Players

14.1 The Event Leader must tell young players:

• The standard of behaviour and dress expected of them, both on and off the football pitch
• The safety precautions, including supervision arrangements, to be taken
• To wear seat belts (when provided) when travelling in cars, minibuses or coaches
• Which expenses will be their own responsibility and which will be met by the FAI
• To carry the Group mobile telephone number, identity cards and address and telephone number of their accommodation with them at all times
  The name of the Designated Person for Child Protection at the Event
• That they can approach any member of Staff if they have concerns or worries while at the Event.