Sport Ireland & Sport NI are committed to ensuring that the best interests of children and young people attending their services are of paramount importance. Their guiding principles and the guidance document are underpinned by national policy and legislation in ROI Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and the requirements under The Children First Act 2015, and in Northern Ireland – the Children (NI) Order and Cooperating to Safeguarding Children and Young People 2017.

The Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport is a Sport Ireland (and Sport Northern Ireland) programme for coaches, volunteers, parents and committee members in sports clubs. The programme delivers a 3-hour introductory workshop, which provides information on codes of conduct, bullying, recruitment, etc. as well as child protection guidelines.

By following the principles, policy and practical guidelines contained in the Code, sports leaders are playing their part in providing a safe and enjoyable environment in which children can learn and thrive.

Monaghan Sports Partnership, on behalf of Sport Ireland coordinates the follwing workshops locally for sports club volunteers.

1. Safeguarding 1 – Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course

All Coaches, Children’s Officers and Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) must first complete the 3 hour Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course. This course educates participants on the implementation of best practice in protecting the welfare of children involved in sport.

*Courses are available on an ongoing basis provided by Monaghan Sports Partnership or contact your relevant National Governing Body of Sport (NGB)

2. Safeguarding 2 – Club Children’s Officer (C.C.O.) See other dates for this workshop

A person appointed to the Club Children’s Officer position in a club must have completed Safeguarding 1 (Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness workshop) and should complete the Safeguarding 2 (Club Children’s Officer) 3 hour workshop. 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.

Participants will also receive a Club Children’s Officer Action Planning document as part of the training.

Club Children's Officers

Club Children's Officers should be child centred in focus and have as the primary aim the establishment of a child centred ethos within the club. S/he is the link between the children and the adults in the club. S/he also takes responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Club Management Committee on how club policy impacts on young people and Sports Leaders.

3. Safeguarding 3 - Designated Liaison Person (D.L.P.) - see other dates for this workshop

A person appointed to the Designated Liaison Person position in a club must have completed the Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course and should complete the Safeguarding 3 (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.

Designated Liaison Person

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 TULSA Child and Family Agency or Social Services (NI) and/or An Garda Siochán / PSNI. It is recommended that this person is a senior club person. However, if there is difficulty identifying a separate individual to take this role, the Club Children’s Officer can be appointed as Designated Liaison Person once the club/organisation is clear about the responsibilities of each role. 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.

Please note the following:

Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance

Participants must be over 18 years of age.

Certificates of attendance are issued on completion of the course

Participants arriving late will not be accepted onto the course

Please be advised that workshops are subject to cancellation/postponement if there are insufficeint numbers for the workshop to proceed.

Participants must inform their Club Secretary and Club Children's Officer of their intention to attend this course in the name of the Club.