The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland is for the benefit of everyone involved in children’s sport – children, parents/guardians and Sports Leaders, etc. By following the principles, policy and practice guidelines contained in the Code, adult sport leaders are playing their part in providing an enjoyable and safe environment in which children can learn and thrive.
As citizens, adults have a responsibility to protect children from harm and to abide by government guidelines in responding to and reporting child protection concerns. This responsibility exists wherever such concerns might arise, whether inside or outside sport. Guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland took account of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are in accordance with government guidelines in the documents Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (IRL) and Our Duty to Care (N.I.). The guidelines contained in the Code are complimentary to, and do not substitute, the government guidelines, which should be available within sports clubs/organisations.
The full application of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport by everyone in sport will help to ensure the promotion of happy, healthy and successful experiences for children and their Sports Leaders.
All Coaches, Club Children’s Officers and Designated Liaison Persons must first complete the 3 hour Safeguarding 1 course. This course educates participants on the implementation of best practice in protecting the welfare of children involved in sport. Safeguarding 1 is a must for everyone working with children inclusive of parents, guardians, trainers etc – it’s as much about making sure you are protecting the child as well as yourself. It is recommended that you renew your certificate every 3 years for good practice. Participants attending Safeguarding 1 Basic Awareness workshop must be over 18 years of age.
In-house Safeguarding 1 Workshops can be facilitated for clubs in Meath. If you wish to receive more information on this please email mlsp@meathcoco.ie or call 0469067887.
Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland have recently launched a Safeguarding 1 Refresher App. This app is only applicable to those who have completed Safeguarding 1 already and are looking to refresh their certificate.
Sport Ireland recommend that you renew your certificate every three years. This app includes a digital test where you will receive a digital certificate. This certificate is invalid unless you have completed a Safeguarding 1 course previously. The app can also be used as a resource for information. Please click the button below.
It is recommended that all clubs should appoint a designated Children’s Officer. A Club Children’s Officer should be child centered in focus and have as the primary aim the establishment of a child centered ethos within the club. S/he is the link between the children and the adults in the club. This course will help the Club Children’s Officer to carry out the function of their role in the club and support the implementation of best practice in the club.
A person appointed to the Club Children’s Officer position in a club must have completed the Safeguarding 1 workshop and should complete the NEW Safeguarding 2 training course. Participants will also receive a Club Children’s Officer Action Planning document as part of the training.
The third part of the Sport Ireland Child Welfare & Protection Training Programme is the Designated Liaison Person workshop. Every club/organisation should designate a person to be responsible for dealing with any concerns about the protection of children.
The Designated Liaison Person is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to TUSLA Child and Family Agency or Social Services (NI) and/or An Garda Siochána / PSNI. The organisation’s child protection policy and procedures should include the name and contact details of the Designated Liaison Person and the responsibilities attached to the role.
A person appointed to the Designated Liaison Person position in a club must have Safeguarding 1 and should complete the NEW Designated Liaison Person 3 hour workshop. A club may appoint the same person to both the CCO and DLP positions however best practice advises that they are kept as separate roles.
To book please see the Calendar of Courses & Events page.
The cost of the course is €25 if you are in a club in Meath and €40 if you are in a club outside of Meath.
If you wish to book a place on a workshop please email mlsp@meathcoco.ie or call 0469067887. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
As demand for places is high, please make every effort to give enough notice of cancellation. Please note that there are no refunds if you fail to give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Meath LSP reserve the right to reschedule course dates if our minimum required number of participants is not met.