Introduction

An Chomhdháil sets out codes of conduct for all Executive delegates, members, dancers and parents/legal guardians/legal carers involved in Irish dancing. Every Executive delegate should agree to abide by the code of conduct while serving on the Executive. Members should agree to abide by the code of conduct as part of the application process or when they renew their membership. Dancers and parents/legal guardians/legal carers should agree to the respective codes of conduct when they join a dancing school affiliated to An Chomhdháil.

 

What are the codes?

The purpose of a code is to clarify:

• What behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable
• The standard of conduct expected
• The basis for challenging and improving practices

The Codes of Conduct are therefore a guide for individuals to think about and monitor how they, and others, conduct themselves in their roles. The Codes of Conduct serve to inform everyone of the standard of behaviour which is expected from An Chomhdháil members, dancers and parents/legal guardians/legal carers. When an individual does not meet the expectations set out in the Codes of Conduct, disciplinary action may be taken.

Adopting and communicating clear codes of conduct is an important element in delivering the standards for child protection and welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved in our organisation.

This Code of Conduct works in tandem with our Child Protection Policy, GDPR Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and other relevant rules and policies.

 

As an An Chomhdháil dancer, I will:

 Conduct Relevant to Dancing Lessons 

1. Arrive at all classes on time, ready to participate and show commitment to Irish dancing
2. Always wear appropriate and suitable attire during classes, feisanna and other events
3. Treat all venues with respect and keep them in good condition. This includes leaving toilets and changing areas tidy.
4. Inform my dancing teacher of any injuries or feelings of illness at the start of dancing classes.
5. Respect my dancing teacher.
6. Follow the instructions of my dancing teacher. If I am given instructions I don’t understand, then I will ask for clarification in a calm and respectful manner.
7. Not use mobile phones/electronic devices during classes, unless instructed to do so by my dancing teacher.
8. Not use mobile phones/electronic devices in toilets or changing areas.

 

Social Conduct

9. Demonstrate exemplary behaviour at all times.
10. Treat fellow dancers, both from my own dancing school and other dancing schools, with respect at all times. I will not make derogatory statements about other individuals as these will not be tolerated. I am aware that on stage bullying will also not be tolerated.
11. Treat other dancing teachers with respect at all times.
12. Show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of myself and others at all times.
13. Demonstrate respectful behaviour in all areas of my life including on social media. Posts, likes or shares can reflect on me as an individual, as a member of my dancing school and as an An Chomhdháil dancer.

 

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following is the definition of unacceptable behaviour which will not be tolerated:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions.
• Unwelcome and/or uninvited attention or contact.
• Offensive verbal or written comments or nonverbal expressions related to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, medical condition, partner status, age, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Deliberate intimidation, threatening or stalking or following of others.
• Physical or verbal abuse, aggressive verbal confrontations, and threats of violence or disruptive behaviour.
• Sustained disruption of presentations or other events.
• Sharing access for web‐based events or making shared content public.
• Retaliation against anyone reporting prohibited conduct or participating in an investigation of a claim.
• Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately

The above list is not exhaustive.

 

If you feel that a fellow dancer is in breach of this Code of Conduct, please speak with your dancing teacher.

 

An Chomhdháil members reserve the right to ask any dancer to leave a dancing lesson, feiseanna or event if they are in breach of any aspect of this code of conduct.

An Chomhdháil recognises the vital role which parents/legal guardians/legal carers play in the development of an Irish dancer. We understand that dancers perform at their best and enjoy their dancing more when they have the encouragement of supportive family members. This Code of Conduct works in tandem with our Child Protection Policy, GDPR Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy and other relevant rules and policies.

 

As a responsible parent/legal guardian/legal carer, I will:

 Conduct Relevant to Dancing Lessons

1. Ensure that my child arrives on time for dancing lessons.
2. Assume responsibility for safe transportation of my child to and from dancing lessons, feiseanna and events.
3. Help my child to enjoy their Irish dancing by recognising good performance, not just results.
4. Never force my child to take part in Irish dancing.
5. Respect my child’s Irish dancing teacher. They are accessible for conversation, but only at the beginning/end of dancing lessons.
6. Share any relevant information about matters affecting my child’s wellbeing as appropriate with my child’s Irish dancing teacher eg. medical conditions, additional support needs, allergies, family bereavement etc.
7. Respect the right of my child’s Irish dancing teacher to allow me to be present during lessons.
8. Keep communication with my child to a minimum if I am allowed to be present during Irish dancing lessons. Any communication will be to encourage my child to fully take part in the lesson and practise while not receiving direct teaching from their Irish dancing teacher.
9. Provide any necessary medication that my child needs for dancing lessons, feiseanna or events.

Social Conduct

10. Demonstrate respectful social behaviour at all times towards fellow parents/legal guardians/legal carers and An Chomhdháil members.
11. Set a good example by applauding the performances of all.
12. Never speak negatively to, or about, other dancers, parents/legal guardians/legal carers or An Chomhdháil members.
13. Treat all dancers with the same respect granted to my own child.
14. Use correct and appropriate language at all times.
15. Not post photos/videos of other peoples’ children on social media without prior permission from their parent/legal guardian/legal carer.
16. Report any concerns about a child’s welfare to the Designated Child Protection Branch Administrator. This does not affect your right to contact your local statutory authority or the police if you feel it is necessary.

 

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following is the definition of unacceptable behaviour which will not be tolerated:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions.
• Unwelcome and/or uninvited attention or contact.
• Offensive verbal or written comments or nonverbal expressions related to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, medical condition, partner status, age, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Deliberate intimidation, threatening or stalking or following of others.
• Physical or verbal abuse, aggressive verbal confrontations, and threats of violence or disruptive behaviour.
• Sustained disruption of presentations or other events.
• Sharing access for web‐based events or making shared content public.
• Retaliation against anyone reporting prohibited conduct or participating in an investigation of a claim.
• Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately

The above list is not exhaustive.

 

If you feel that a fellow parent/legal guardian/legal carer is in breach of this Code of Conduct, please speak with your dancing teacher in the first instance. If the matter remains unresolved, please contact, in writing, the Secretary/Chairperson of the branch which your child’s dancing school is affiliated to.

 

An Chomhdháil members reserve the right to ask any parent/legal guardian/legal carer to leave a dancing lesson, feiseanna or event if they are in breach of any aspect of this code of conduct.