Clubs/Volunteer

Clubs and Leagues are defined in the Children First Act 2015 as providing Relevant Services and as such have specific statutory obligations under the Act (this includes all clubs and league who allow registration of players aged 16 and 17).

The requirements include:

• Keep Children safe from Harm while they are using the service
• Carry out a Risk Assessment to identify whether a Child could be harmed whilst receiving your services
• Develop a Child Safeguarding Statement that outlines the policies and procedures which are in place to manage the risks that have been identified
• Appoint a Relevant Person to be the first point of contact in respect of the Organisation’s Child 

Safeguarding Statement

Some of the resources on this page will assist you with some of this obligations. 

Important

It is a statutory requirement under the National Vetting Act (Children and Vulnerable Persons) 2012 to 2016, that all individuals, volunteers or paid, working with Children and Vulnerable Persons have completed Garda vetting clearance before engaging with an Organisation or services.

The Act creates offences and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions.

The Act commenced on the 29th April 2016.

Garda vetting is a FAI Regulation for all those working with children and or vulnerable persons (in a paid or voluntary capacity). Please see FAI Handbook Section 3 Regulations 12.3 and 12.4 and the FAI Child Welfare & Safeguarding Policy section 10 for more information. If you are not Garda vetted through the FAI, you should not undertake any work in a paid or voluntary capacity with children or vulnerable persons in football.

Play It Right

Our Safeguarding Awareness Campaign was launched to support measures already in place and to provide a clear way of reporting inappropriate behaviours.

Help to 'Play It Right' at your club by endorsing the positive behaviours that should be expected and support the essential work that is being done by so many coaches and volunteers.

Click here to download our Club Pack