Guidelines for Young Archers

The Irish Amateur Archery Association wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport.Young players deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free from abuse of any kind. These players have rights which must be respected and responsibilities which they must accept.

Young people should be encouraged to realise that they have responsibilities to treat other participants and sports leaders with fairness and respect.

Young archers are entitled to:

• be listened to
• be believed
• be safe and to feel safe
• be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
• have a voice in the club and the Association
• participate on an equal basis
• be happy, have fun and enjoy the sport
• experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable
• make complaints and have them dealt with
• get help against bullies
• say No
• to protect their own bodies
• Confidentiality

Young archers should always:

• treat Sports Leaders with respect, e.g. coaches, managers, selectors, club officials etc.
• play fairly at all times and do their best.
• respect team members, even when things go wrong.
• respect opponents and be gracious in defeat.
• abide by the rules set down by team managers when travelling to away events.
• behave in a manner that avoids bringing the sport of archery into disrepute.
• talk to the designated person or children’s officer if they have any problems.

Young archers should never:

• cheat.
• use violence or physical contact.
• shout or argue with officials, team mates or opponents.
• harm team members, opponents or their property.
• bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player.
• use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage.
• take banned substances.
• advise others to take banned substances.
• keep secrets, especially if they have been caused harm.
• tell lies about adults or other young people.
• spread rumours.