Child Welfare
The Gaelic Athletic Associations (GAA, LGFA, Camogie, Handball and Rounders) in accordance with our Code of Behaviour (Underage), our policies, procedures and our legislative requirements have agreed this Child Safeguarding Statement, which is binding on all members and units of our Associations.
The basic aims of the Gaelic Athletic Associations include fostering and developing our Gaelic Games and Irish cultural activities among young people and children. These games and related activities are organised and promoted by dedicated volunteers at Club,
County, Provincial and National levels with the dedicated cohort of staff all of whom are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people in our Association as we seek to create a safe environment for young people to growPRINCIPLES TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN FROM HARM
This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and with the requirements of our Codes and Rules that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive, developmental and enjoyable experience of Gaelic Games and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.
RISK ASSESSMENT
In preparing this statement we have completed a risk assessment of the potential for harm to children when they are participating in our games and attending our activities under the following headings: Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Discipline; Reporting Procedures; Facilities; Recruitment; Communications and General Risk of Harm.
To the right is a list of areas of risk identified and the list of procedures and policies that address these risks.
RISK IDENTIFIED
RISK IDENTIFIED
Risk of harm including assault, ill treatment or neglect of a child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect the child’s health, development or welfare or sexual abuse of a child
Risk of harm of abuse when hosting an activity and or an away trip
Risk of harm of online abuse through social media
Bullying of a child
.
Code of Behaviour - Underage
Good Practice and Behaviour
Guidance for dealing with and reporting allegations or concerns of abuse
Recruitment Policy
Vetting Policy
Safeguarding Training Policy
Hosting Away Trips & Transport
Social Media Policy
Anti-Bullying Statement, Guideline & Training
Procedures
Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been prepared in accordance with the legislative requirements contained in the Children First Act 2015, Children’s First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), the Children (NI) Order 1995, Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice and as required by our Association rules
Each Club shall maintain a list of members who, if known, and in accordance with the Children First Act 2015 are specified as mandated persons, regardless of what role (if any), they hold in the Club.
The following procedures contained in our risk assessment support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our services.
• Procedure in respect of the management of allegations of abuse against any member, non-member or staff/volunteer of a child availing of our services
• Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children and young people
• Procedure for provision of and access to Gaelic Games Child Safeguarding Training and information including the identification of the occurrence of harm
• Procedure for the reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to the Association, Tusla and or Gateway Team as applicable
• Procedure for appointing a relevant person i.e. the Children’s Officer (National, Club and County as appropriate) who is the relevant person for the purpose of this statement (see name below)
Mandated Person Procedures
The Mandated Person, who has a legal obligation to report harm of children as per legislation and who has been employed for the purpose of performing the child welfare and protection functions within each of our Associations is:
GAA/Rounders Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl mandatedperson@gaa.ie
Camogie Roberta Farrell mandatedperson@camogie.ie
Handball John Kelly mandatedperson.handball@gaa.ie
LGFA Paula Prunty mandatedperson@lgfa.ie
All policies and procedures listed above are available at www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/child-welfare-and-protection
IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW
The Gaelic Athletic Associations recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. The Associations are committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children and young people safe from harm while availing of our service. This Statement adopted and endorsed by our Club Executive Committee will be reviewed by 31st of May 2023 or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.
