Child protection in sport is all our responsibility. The wellbeing and safety of all children and young people in athletics is paramount. In our Code of Ethics, Athletics Ireland has outlined its safeguarding policy and guidelines to ensure children and young people enjoy their sport in a safe, fun and fair way.

All children and young people should be allowed to enjoy their sport free from threat of abuse or harassment at all time. All athletics Ireland sports leaders are vetted and undergo safeguarding awareness training and reference checking as required by legislation. Each of our juvenile clubs has appointed a club children’s officer and a designated liaison person to deal with any concerns that may arise. All sports leaders have specific child protection training provided by Athletics Ireland or their local sport partnership.

Athletics Ireland has a full time person employed as the Child Protection Officer and to act as the Mandated Person for the sport. If you have any concerns about child welfare in the athletics community please come forward and contact the AAI National Children’s Officer, Kieron Stout on 086 2450134 or by email at kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child please contact your local Garda station or TUSLA (Child & Family Agency).