The role of a Club Children’s Officer (CCO)
- The CCO should be a member of the Club Management Committee.
- Safe Recruitment and Selection of Coaches and Leaders.
- Garda Vetting is one of the key elements of the safe recruitment process.
- The CCO should ensure that Coaches, Leaders and Parents are vetted in line with AAI Garda Vetting Policy prior to taking on their role within the club.
- Liase with Athletics Ireland and/or local sports partnership to secure Child Safeguarding Training for coaches/committee members within the first 6 months of taking up a new role.
- CCO should monitor the 3 year refresh of Garda Vetting and the 4 year refresh of SG1.
- Understand the Athletics Ireland Code of Ethics & Child Safeguarding Guidance.
- The CCO should be knowledgeable about child protection and undertake any training considered necessary i.e. Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 and 2 courses.
- Encouraging the participation of parents /guardians within club activities to ensure maximum enjoyment and participation for each child.
- Acts as a support to Coaches and Sports Leaders on Child Protection issues/concerns.
- Be a presence at juvenile training sessions.
- Ensure that children know how and whom they can report their concerns to within the club.
- If there are grounds for concern about the safety or welfare of a young person you should react to the concern.
- Act as the Relevant Person with responsibility for the club Child Safeguarding Statement.
ATHLETICS IRELAND SAFEGUARDING GUIDELINES: Sport_Ireland_SafeguardingGuidance.pdf (athleticsireland.ie)
ATHLETICS IRELAND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT: Athletics_Ireland_National_CSS_150823.docx (live.com)
THE CLUBS SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:
AAI GARDA VETTING ADULTS AAI_eVetting_Invitation_form_112022.pdf (athleticsireland.ie)
AAI GARDA VETTING UNDER 18s AAI_Parent_Guardian_Consent_Form_290416.pdf (athleticsireland.ie)