Operating Principles

One of the objectives of Leixlip Handball Club in 2009, its 25th anniversary year, was to develop its vision for the next 25 year period, based on its experience since its foundation.

One of the ways in which this was done was through the development of a series of fundamental operating principles which are now the template for all club activity, within and outside the handball court.

These principles are set out in single statements in Irish and English [though not always in direct translation], preceded by a short contextual note. They are arranged in two categories: Working Culture and Respecting the Game.

Taken together, they reflect our aspiration as a club to be the very best we can and, in so doing, to represent the best in our national sporting culture.

These principles are on display in the club premises.

Is chuige seo atáimid - This is what we are about

Working Culture

Principle 1

It is well recognised that community voluntary activity is seriously under threat. We believe that the most effective response is to encourage a culture of involvement by making it possible for people to contribute in a way that suits their own circumstances. We will broaden the base of activity but will make that activity more focused and quality driven.

An lámh is éifeachtaí thart anseo ná an lámh chúnta
The most effective hand around here is the helping hand

Principle 2

The handball court is the focal point of almost all our activity. Even those courts which are bright and well maintained can be dreary places in the middle of winter – or indeed at any time of year. Above all else, there can be no better antidote for the visitor than a genuine and warm welcome from the host club. We will do our best to provide that.

Cothaíonn dea-aoibh dea-ghnaoi
A welcoming countenance creates goodwill

Principle 3

Good, honest communication is an essential ingredient in successful voluntary group activity. A considered, forthright contribution in discussion, a prompt response to a phone message, regular and timely attendance at meetings, is first and foremost about respect for colleagues. The working culture of this club will be built on that respect.

Briathar séimh; briathar neamhbhalbh;briathar tráthúil
Good communication is respect

Principle 4

An efficient professional approach with attention to detail is something we would expect and are entitled to expect in our working lives. We should expect no less in our voluntary capacity and, as a club, we intend to provide that. But we realize that it will not happen without full engagement and thorough preparation in all our activities.

Slacht is proifisiúntacht- toradh ar réamhobair
Preparation underpins performance

Principle 5

Fresh thinking ; new people; willingness to try new ideas; good leadership – all these elements are essential if an organisation is to flourish. We believe that it is important to create a culture in handball that is actively supportive of this approach and we will encourage this in our strategy and our structures.

Spleodar tuairimí is ceannródaíocht
A thriving club welcomes innovation

Principle 6

Handball is essentially an individual game, with a culture that has been substantially defined by this characteristic. The collective identity, solidarity and support of the club is therefore of crucial importance - but it should always be balanced by the engagement of the individual member with the club and its affairs. This club will strive to secure that balance.

Dlúthpháirtíocht is freagracht aonair ar chóimheá
Individual engagement; club solidarity

Respecting the Game

Principle 7

Respect for the game of handball is shown in many ways, but its essence resides, as with all sporting activity, in the sense of sportsmanship and fairness displayed by those involved, whether it be as players, spectators, competition officials or administrators. We will do our utmost to meet the highest standards in this regard.

Thar aon rud eile, Cothrom na Féinne
Sportsmanship and fairness above all

Principle 8

The promotion of the game hinges crucially on how its skills and values are transmitted to our young players and on the creation of an environment in which those players will find it worthwhile and self-enhancing to play the game. Encouragement and good example are the most positive influences we, as a club, will exert in this respect.

Mol an Óige, tiocfaidh sí; Dea-shompla don Óige, sealbhóidh sí
Praise and good example, the best coaching

Principle 9

To savour to the fullest the thrill, the enjoyment, the satisfaction of the game, and to do it full justice, the skills of the game need to be perfected to the highest degree possible. Skills development is above all, therefore, about respecting the game and is the primary objective of the coaching programme of this club.

Fuinneamh dírithe; scileanna géaraithe
Energies focused; skills sharpened

Principle 10

Competition is the life-blood of handball, as it is of all sport, and all its elements should be fully respected. That respect shows itself not alone in the honouring of fixtures but also in the cultivation of strong and healthy competitive instincts, of pride in the jersey and of will to win, as well as in proper physical and mental preparation. We will respect competition in all of these ways.

Urraim don chomórtas; urraim don spórt
Respect for the competition; respect for the game

Principle 11

The competitive situation, with its tension and emotion, will always present a challenge to the individual player. How players respond to this challenge has to do very much with club ethos and coaching culture. Commitment to winning, crucial though it is, can never preclude the possibility of losing. We intend that our players will 'treat these two impostors just the same'.

Bua nó caill, lúcháir nó díomá, cneastacht i gcónaí
Win or lose, elation or disappointment, good grace always

Principle 12

The future of the game rests, in large measure, with enlightened and dynamic leadership, supported by informed and positive critical input at all organizational levels. This club will do its utmost, as it has done since its foundation, to promote a culture of respect, responsibility and service to the game in this wider and vital sense.

Meitheal an chlub ag cur le mórmheitheal na heagraíochta
Looking outwards from a secure base