Child Protection Plan for Athletics

Child Protection and Welfare in Athletics

Athletics Ireland acknowledges it's duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Sport Ireland requirements. Our Child Protection Plan recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount. It aims to ensure that regardless of  age, ability or disability, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport in a safe and child centred environment and are protected from abuse, harrasment or intimidation whilst participating in athletics or outside of the activity. 

As part of our Child Protection Plan Athletics Ireland will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals and maintain a safe recuitment and vetting policy
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The following downloads are our Child Protection Plan, and relevant policies and guideance for working with children and young people in athletics.

1. Code of Ethics document (Child Protection Plan)
2. Garda Vetting Policy
3. Child Safeguarding Training Policy
4. Summer Camp Safeguarding checklist
5. Child Safeguarding travelling checklist
6. Short Medical Consent and Code of Conduct for Young Athletes travelling
7. Allergy Policy for Childrens Sports 
8. Sample Membership form
9. Photography and film policy
10. Social Media and Communicating with Children Policy
11. Anti-Bullying Policy 
12. Code of Conduct for Young Athletes and Children
13. Code of conduct for Sports Leaders and Coaches
14. Code of conduct for Parents and Spectators
15. Critical Incident Response Plan
16. Guidance on use of changing facilities for children
17. Inclusion Policy