The material below is very important within our Club. Read it and make yourself familiar with it.
The Gaelic Athletics Associations (GAA, LGFA, Camogie, Rounders, and Handball) in accordance with our Code of Behaviour (Underage) 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 Games 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 in our Associations as we seek to create a safe environment for young people in which to grow and develop.
We have completed an 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; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications and a further heading of General Risk of Harm.
In addition to our Risk Assessment document described above, the following procedures support our intention to safeguard children availing of our services:
- Code of Behaviour (Underage) which includes:
- Recruitment Policy for those working with children
- Child safeguarding training requirements
- Anti-Bullying statement
- Social Media Policy
- Guidance for Dealing and Reporting Allegations or Concerns of Abuse by staff or volunteers
- Appointing Designated Liaison Persons at Club, County and national levels
- Appointing Children’s Officers at Club, County and national levels who shall be the Association’s relevant persons or first point of contact in respect of this statement
The GAA appointed Mandated Person, who has a legal obligation to report harm of children as per legislation, is Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl. Contact: mandatedperson@gaa.ie.
We are committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures contained therein that outline our intentions to keep children safe from harm.
Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been prepared in accordance with the legislature requirements contained in the Children First Act 2015 and the Children (NI) Order 1995 and as required by our Association rules and will be reviewed in January 2019.
Michael Mc Callion, Designated Liaison Person, Kildress Wolfe Tones Joan Mc Crory, Children’s Officer, Kildress Wolfe Tones
Child Protection Policy Statement
We in KILDRESS WOLFE TONES GAA are committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people to practice Gaelic Games.
We do this by:
- Recognising that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.
- Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.
- Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse and providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
- Appointing a Children’s/Designated Officer who will take specific responsibility for child safety and act as the main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.
- Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Children’s/Designated Officer or the appropriate external authorities.
- Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities each year at the Annual General Meeting.
Children’s Officer and Code of Best Practice
In keeping with the Club’s Child Protection Policy, we shall appoint a Children’s Officer (and assistants, at least one of each gender). The Children’s Officer will act as the link between the children and the adults in the club and will take responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Management Committee on how club policy impacts on children and the club volunteers.
Kildress Wolfe Tones has a Designated Officer for Child Protection. (All names listed below)
Kildress Wolfe Tones is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the club should, at all times show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principals of the club and the guidelines contained in the current GAA’s Our Code Our Games Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport.
KILDRESS WOLFE TONES Safeguarding Team
Children’s Officer: Joan Mc Crory (07920094221)
Assistants: Don Mc Kernan (07789757670), Philip Mc Kenna (07799021726),
Donna Hagan (07814209358)
Club Designated Officer for Child Protection
Michael Mc Callion (07747703797)
Tyrone GAA Children’s Officer is Adrian Nugent: Contact: childrensofficer.tyrone@gaa.ie
The GAA appointed Mandated Person, who has a legal obligation to report harm of children as per legislation is Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl. Contact: mandatedperson@gaa.ie.
Kildress Wolfe Tones Chairman: Sean Mc Crory
