cHILDREN & YOUTH

cHILDREN fIRST ACT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

Children First is the title for both the National Guidance that promotes the protection
of children from abuse and neglect and it is also refers to the legislation of the same name.Both The Children First Act 2015 (the Act) and the Guidance work in tandem with each
other.

Club/County Children's Officer

The role of Children’s Officer is central to maintaining the safeguarding of children and young people in our Gaelic Games Associations and to the implementation of the Code of Behaviour (Underage) at both Club and at County level. In addition to these core responsibilities the Children’s Officer must also ensure, with the cooperation of other Officers, that legislative requirements governing the participation of children/young people

GAA DESIGNATED PERSON LEAFLET

All Clubs and County Boards shall appoint a
Designated Person who on behalf of the Club or
County shall be responsible at an initial stage for dealing with any concerns relating to the possible abuse of children as reported or made known to them.

GAA CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

This new Code brings together the collective good practice experiences of our Associations and marks a momentous occasion as we seek, through the implementation of an agreed and joint policy document, that while promoting our
games amongst young people we also seek to provide a safe environment in which we can develop children, under 18 years of age, in a caring and respective environment within our respective Associations.

GUIDANCE FOR DEALING WITH & REPORTING ALLEGATIONS OR CONCERNS OF ABUSE

The publication and adoption of the revised Guidance for Dealing with & Reporting Allegations or Concerns of Abuse underlines our aim to provide a safe environment for Children who participate in our Games and in our associated activities and directs us in meeting our legal obligations.

Child SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and with the requirements of our Codes and Rules that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive, developmental and enjoyable experience of Gaelic Games and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

GAA VETTING POLICY

The GAA provides a vetting or criminal background check for any of our members who may be working in a role of responsibility with children or vulnerable persons. The GAA Vetting Policy“also applies to our colleagues in Rounders, Ladies Gaelic Football, Camogie, Football, and Hurling. By joint agreement our vetting services and the conditions of our vetting policy applies to the members of these Associations.