Club Forms

St. Kevin’s Club, Phillipstown is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all who wish to participate in our Gaelic Games and activities. The club will endeavor to take all practicable steps to protect participants from discernable forms of abuse, harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings. We do this by following The Irish Sports Council and GAA guidelines in the following four key areas:

1. Child Welfare
2. Alcohol and Substance Prevention
3. Health & Safety
4. Emotional Well-being
5. Garda Vetting
6. GAA Code of Behaviour 2014

This document summarises the key points within each of the four policy areas and provides a link for further information, and contact personnel.

The standard disciplinary procedure for all concerned when in breach of any of the practices held within the club policies is as follows;

• a verbal warning,
• first written warning,
• second written warning,
• and finally disqualification from the club.

Your official registration with the club assumes that you have received this document and therefore implies your adherence to club policies and practices.

Child Welfare Policy

The attached is a summary of the main points taken from the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for children’s sport’s booklet (The Irish Sports Council, 2005). Parents/Members and Leaders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the complete original copy which is available from the club on request or from   www.irishsportscouncil.ie/    or
http://www.gaa.ie/clubzone/child-welfare-and-protection/gaa-code-of-behaviour/

The role of the Child Welfare Officer is to promote Child Welfare throughout the club. The role of Child Liaison Officer is to simply pass on information to the HSE on any category of child abuse as reported by another person, witnessed or learned. Your Child Liaison Officer is Michelle MacMahon, telephone number 087 1204545


Parents Role
Examine the role you can play to enhance the quality of your child’s involvement in sport. Encourage your child to: Put in their best effort, improve their skills, make friends, play by the rules, appreciate/accept everyone in the group, and accept winning and losing as part of the game.

Parents can work with the club/organisation to ensure that procedures of good practice are created and adhered to;
• Check that the club has a copy of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. A copy will be made available to every club in the country. It will also be available on the Irish Sports Council’s web site.
• Check that the Code has been adopted by the club.
• Be willing to become a member of the club and be committed to upholding a code of good practice.
• Take an active interest or offer to help in the running of the club, club events or any sporting activities in which your child takes part.
• Be willing to become the Club Children’s Officer or offer to help the officer.
• Be aware of their child’s training and/or competitive programmes and its suitability for the child.
• Be aware of the club’s procedures and policies, in particular where changes are made that effect your child.

Leaders Role
As Leaders our aim is to create and maintain a safe and fun environment, where we put our participants at the centre of all our activities. To promote this good practice and create and maintain a child centred approach we:
• Act as good role models.
• Are encouraging and positive during sessions so that the participants leave with a sense of achievement.
• Plan and prepare appropriately for each session, so that each session suits the needs of the group, all activities are age appropriate and inclusive and allow each person to participate in a fun and enjoyable way.
• Put the welfare and enjoyment of the participant first, striking a balance between this and winning or achieving results.
• Enforce the principles of fair play, treating each participant equally, with respect and dignity and ensure that all participants abide by the rules.
• Recognise the developmental needs of the child, (avoiding excessive training and over competition).
• Involve parents/guardians and club members in what we do.
• Show the necessary attributes to work with young people or to take on the roles within the club/organization.
• Are qualified or up-to-date with the knowledge and skills related to what we are leading.

Guidelines for Children - Children should not:
Cheat, use violence, using physical contact only when it is allowed within the rules. Shout at, or argue with, the referee, officials, team mates or opponents. Take banned substances to improve performance. Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another player. Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage. Harm team mates, opponents or their property. Tell lies about adults or other children. Spread rumors or keep secrets about any person who may have caused them harm.

Alcohol & Substance Prevention Programme (ASAP) Policy

The GAA Alcohol & Substance Prevention Programme (ASAP) is designed to help clubs and individuals respond in a positive way to the difficulties that alcohol and other drugs may cause at club level or for individuals in our clubs. St. Kevin’s ASAP officer is Johnny Meehan, telephone number 087 809 0995. Johnny invites you to ask any questions concerning further information or advice on the support that is available to members of the public. Ask Johnny for a copy of the club policy. Further information is available on request or from http://www.gaa.ie/content/files/GAA%20ASAP%20Programme(2).pdf

Health & Safety Policy

Your Health & Safety office is Damien Johnston (086 0226134).

As a club member (parent, coach, player) you have a duty to:
• Take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do
• Co-operate with the club on health & safety issues
• Correctly use all equipment provided by the club
• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare
• Provide your own, and wear recommended health & safety clothing and equipment at all times for games.

Emotional Well-being

The GAA in association with the HSE, the GPA and Headstrong the National Centre for Youth Mental Health have set up programmes to help remove the stigma associated with youth mental health. St. Kevin’s Headstrong Ambassador Aiden Carter, telephone number 087-6671095, welcomes anybody within the club who may be experiencing or know somebody experiencing any emotional distress to ask any questions regarding supports available within the community. Whatever your particular worry, there is always something you can do to make yourself feel better. The most important thing overall is to talk to someone. Any phone call or enquiry will be strictly confidential. “There is no community, parish or club that has not been affected by somebody taking their own life, we have all heard stories about young people who are in trouble and we know what lies behind these stories is often things they cannot talk about . . . feeling very down, worry, drinking too much or gambling. It’s important to get the message out that “It’s Okay not to be Okay” Useful links http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/minding_your_mental_health/
http://www.headstrong.ie/content/getting-help-0#01

Garda Vetting

The Gaelic Athletic Association (Cumann Lúthchleas Gael) is pleased to confirm the implementation of Garda Vetting in the Association as we promote best practice in the recruitment and ion of persons to work with children in the GAA. St. Kevins GAA Club want to promote this implementation and hereby invite members to complete a Garda Vetting application form so they are approved to work with the children. You will find application forms below and further information is available by clicking here. Please note that a person vetted by the GAA will not have to be re-vetted  by Ladies Gaelic Football, by Camogie or by Handball or Rounders. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Club Child Welfare Officer Michelle MacMahon on 087 1204545 or macmahonmichelle1@gmail.com.

Refer to Garda Vetting section for forms in both English and Gaeilge.