​
Child Protection Policy


​

Children are the most important members in our club.
​
The club have a large number of coaches who have attended Child Protection courses this year and in previous years reinforcing the emphasis placed on child protection within the club. It is the club's aim that parents and guardians of all children who are placed in the club's care, should feel that their child is in a safe environment, free from harm, with the focus on enjoyment and fun.

Naomh Muire currently have more members/coaches who have completed the Child Protection course than any other club in the county which is another clear statement of the importance of child protection and safety with the club.
 

 
Child Code of Ethics - Policy Statement

We at Naomh Muire G.A.A. Club aim to promote the participation of children in our club by creating a culture of safety and fun.

“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence.  They must be kept safe from harm and they must be given  proper care by those looking after them”   (Article 19: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play.  Ireland has adopted and is committed to the European Code of Sport Ethics which defines fair play as:

 “much more than playing within the rules.  It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit.  Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination  of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism  and curruption.”  (European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993) 

Children have the right to be safe.  All coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedent over all other considerations.
All club members, through their actions reflect the principles and guidelines contained in the ‘Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland.’   We promote the aims and ideals of our Association, adhere to its policy and nurture our Gaelic culture.

_________________________
Tom Marry
Cathaoirleach 

​

Standards set by Naomh Muire GAA club will be achieved through ensuring the following:

• Awareness of the issues which lead to children being harmed
• Safe recruiting procedures for coaches/volunteers, careful selection
• Provision of Ulster/Sports Council approved Child Protection awareness workshops for coaches and administrators
• Application of codes of behaviour for coaches/volunteers
• Application of codes of behaviour for children/young people
• Application of codes of behaviour for parents
• Application of good and safe working/playing practices
• Establishment of procedures for dealing with child protection issues /recording of complaints/accidents, report books detailing facts, witnesses, circumstances etc.
• Procedures relating specifically to bullying, away trips and photography
• Identification and maintenance of parental responsibility
• Availability of information – each parent should receive a copy or have access to the Child Protection Policy
• Regular review and monitoring of Child Protection procedures by the management committee
• All children are treated equally; the club will promote anti-discriminatory practices.

The policy applies to all those involved in Naomh Muire G.A.A. Club as coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents/guardians and children.
 
DESIGNATED PERSON (with respect to Child Protection)

The Designated Person within Naomh Muire G.A.A. Club is:

   Name:                           
   Address:                          Annagry, Co. Donegal
   Telephone number:         

Then name of designated person shall be made known to all in the club. He is the person to whom child protection concerns will be addressed. 
If the concern is about the designated person, please report to the County Chairman.
The club has procedures in place for dealing with concerns or allegation of abuse or neglect either within the club or externally but the first point of contact for the child, parent/guardian or coach is the designated person.  However, any individual has the right to contact Social Services or the Gardaí directly if they have concern about a child’s welfare.
 
CLUB CHILDREN’S OFFICER (YOUTH OFFICER)
The Children’s Officer (CO) is the chairman of the Youth Committee.
   Name:                               Donald Sharkey
   Address:                           Calhame, Co. Donegal
   Telephone number:                 086 3189331

The Children’s Officer is the link between youth mentors, members and management.  It is essential that this communication line is clear and working.  CO may be assisted by others whose details, along with the club chairperson’s, are prominently displayed in e.g. club changing rooms,.  The Children’s Officer’s function is to engender a child-centred club ethos, promote ethics and good practice, influence club policy and report to the management committee and designated person.
 
GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ACCIDENTS
In the event of an accident the following procedure will be followed:

• Contact parents/guardians in the event of all accidents.
• Fill in 2 copies of the Accident Form for ALL accidents.  One copy to incident book/folder, other to designated person for filing/further action.

For more serious accidents:

• Contact emergency services/G.P. if necessary
• Record detailed facts surrounding accident, witnesses etc.
• Complete accident form/book as above

All serious accidents should be reported through County Secretary to Croke Park 
 
GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS/INCIDENTS

• Record all incidents reported or observed on an incident form, forward to the designated person.
• Ensure confidentiality – a ‘need to know basis’  
• The designated person is responsible for report security

Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse 2
 
GOOD AND SAFE WORKING/PLAYING PRACTICES

NAOMH MUIRE G.A.A. Club will ensure:

• Promotion of a healthy lifestyle by practice and example
• Proper supervision of children within the club with adequate numerical and gender coach : child ratio
• Use of safe recommended equipment
• Supervision of equipment used
• A clearly defined, fenced play area that is safe from vehicular traffic
• Public Liability insurance covering all members of the club
• Only children of similar age will train/play together, no children training/competing with children two or more age groups older than their own age group
• First aid assistance and first aid equipment is available in case of accident, with accident/incident books documented where necessary
• N.B. All accidents will be reported to parents/guardians
• Transport will be provided and supervised by volunteers in possession of driving licences and roadworthy vehicles only.  Prior parental permission is essential as per registration form
• A safe environment for members
• Ongoing training and information for Leaders
• Implementation of policy and procedures in line with guidance from the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport
• Facilitation of open discussion on member protection issues
• Support to members who report allegations of abuse
• Suspected abuse information is treated confidentially
• Coaches to be made aware of any special needs (disability) relating to a child and respond accordingly
• Appropriate action is taken if members breach standards of reasonable behaviour
• The establishment and maintenance of a coaching register
• The setting of standards of good practice
• The Designated Officer has knowledge of child protection procedures and responsibility in reporting concerns  
• That parents/guardians are kept informed and have access to the club’s policy guidelines for away trips/overnight stays and use of photography/videos
• The implementation of good and safe working practice is developed to the mutual benefit of the member, local area and community

 
 
NAOMH MUIRE G.A.A. Club has the right to:

• Expect leaders to comply with its Code of Conduct
• Expect all children to maintain standards of reasonable behaviour
• Take appropriate action if members breach the Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy
• Expect all members to undertake appropriate training when advised to
• Expect leaders will not abuse children physically, emotionally or sexually
• Take appropriate action in the event of accusations
• Acquire pre-employment checks on all coaches
• Maintain records on individuals in line with advice from data protection agency, i.e. only hold records on individuals that they have justifiable reason for holding
• Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse
• Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport

 
CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR CHILDREN
Children are expected to: 

• Enjoy their GAA activity
• Keep within the defined area of the playing/coaching area
• Behave acceptably and listen to the coach
• Respect GAA personnel and equipment
• Refrain from using bad language and racial/sectarian references
• Refrain from bullying and rough/dangerous play
• Respect other children and adults
• Keep safe
• Report inappropriate behaviour and risky situations
• Play fairly
• Respect officials and accept decisions
• Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat
• Respect opponents and team mates
• Not cheat
• Not use violence

 
Children have the right to:

• Safety
• Be listened to
• Respect
• Privacy
• Enjoyment of sport in a safe environment
• Referral to professional help if necessary
• Protection from abuse
• Equality and fair involvement
• Experience competition and a healthy desire to win
• Be believed
• Ask for help

Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with by the immediate coaches and reported to the designated person where deemed necessary.  Persistent misbehaviour will result in dismissal from the club.  Parents/guardians will be informed.
Dismissal can be appealed with final decisions taken by the club committee.
 
CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Parents/Guardians are expected to:

• Complete and return club registration form for Naomh Muire GAA Club.
• Deliver and collect children punctually
• Ensure child is properly attired for weather conditions
• Ensure proper kit is worn at all times
• Detail any health concerns or special needs pertaining to the child on the consent/registration form, particularly respiratory problems, and allergies.  Any health concerns should be notified to the coach before a match/training
• Inform the coach beforehand if the child is to be collected early
• Encourage the child to play to his/her best, fairly
• Show good example
• Encourage all children’s efforts, listen and be positive
• Behave responsibly on sidelines
• Appreciate and respect the coach
• Be realistic
• Ensure child’s hygiene and nutritional requirements are met
• Promote child’s participation for fun

 
 
Parents/Guardians have the right to:

• Know the child is safe
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to the child
• Be informed if the child is injured
• Have consent sought for issues such as trips
• Contribute to decisions within the club
• Complain if there is concern about the standard of coaching
• Have access to any policies or procedures

Any misdemeanour or breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with individually by a club official.  Persistent misbehaviour will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend if their presence is detrimental to child welfare.
The ultimate action would be regrettably asking the child to leave the club.
The Club agrees to work within the guidelines and framework as set out by our governing body – The GAA. For the full policy on child protection please visit GAA.ie to view the policy in full or contact; Donald Sharkey , Youth Officer, Naomh Muire for a copy of the policy if required.
 
Tom Marry
Cathaoirleach
CLCG Naomh Muire
​