CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 2022
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 cooperation and support of an equally
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 grow and develop.
PRINCIPLES 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
RISK IDENTIFIED
PROCEDURE/ POLICY IN PLACE
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 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
Code of Behaviour (Underage)
Maintaining Good Practice and Behaviour
Recruitment Policy
Vetting Policy
Safeguarding Training Policy
Guidance for Dealing with & Reporting Allegations or Concerns of Abuse
Risk of harm of abuse when hosting an activity and/or an away trip
Code of Behaviour (Underage) hosting away trips & transport.
Risk of harm of online abuse through social media.
Code of Behaviour (Underage) & Association’s Social Media Policy
Bullying of a child.
Anti Bullying Statement, Guidelines & Training.
PROCEDURE
The following procedures contained in our risk assessment support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our services.
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.
Procedure in respect of the management of
• Procedure for the reporting of child
allegations of abuse against any member, protection or welfare concerns to the
non-member or staff/volunteer of a child Association, Tusla and or Gateway Team
availing of our services as applicable
• Procedure for the safe recruitment and
• Procedure for appointing a relevant person
selection of workers and volunteers to work i.e. the Children’s Officer (National, Club
with children and young people and County as appropriate) who is the
• Procedure for provision of and access relevant person for the purpose of this
to Gaelic Games Child Safeguarding statement (see name below)
Training and information including the
identification of the occurrence of harm
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
IMPLEMENTATION & 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 ofMay 2023 or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matterto which the statement refers.
St Mochtas
9:33 pm
St. Kevins
29/03/2023
LGFAU16GA
Venue : Páirc Mochta
St Mochtas/St Brides
9:33 pm
St. Kevins
30/03/2023
U14 Division 3
Venue : Páirc Mochta
Shane Russell
Hunterstown Rovers GFC
9:33 pm
St. Kevins
02/04/2023
Paddy Sheelan Shield 2023
Venue : Páirc Baile Fiach
