The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland have worked together on this first major joint publication; to ensure that sport in the island of Ireland is as safe as it can be for children. This code represents the intention of the two Councils to be consistent and proactive in their child centred approach to sport.
It will help to ensure that there is widespread good practice at all levels and that Governing Bodies and their clubs will have a clear direction in the policy and procedures that they will be expected to adopt.
We would like to convey our appreciation to the Chairperson, Dr. Breda McLeavey and the other committee members for their hardwork and expertise in drafting this code. We are confident that it will be a living document used by all involved in children's sport and acted on by those involved in policy decisions.
The code recognises and celebrates the wonderful contribution made by adults both voluntary and professional to the development of sport for young people. It seeks to protect the good name of sport and the well being of participating children.
Pat O 'Neill, Chairman, Irish Sports Council
Eric Saunders, Chairman, Sports Council for Northern Ireland
INTRODUCTION
The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland is for the benefit of everyone involved in children's sport - children, parents/guardians and Sports Leaders, etc. By following the principles, policy and practice guidelines contained in the Code, adult sport leaders are playing their part in providing an enjoyable and safe environment in which children can learn and thrive.
As citizens, adults have a responsibility to protect children from harm and to abide by government guidelines in responding to and reporting child protection concerns. This responsibility exists wherever such concerns might arise, whether inside or outside sport.
Guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland took account of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are in accordance with government guidelines in the documents Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (IRL) and Our Duty to Care (N.I.).
The guidelines contained in the Code are complimentary to, and do not substitute, the government guidelines, which should be available within sports clubs/organisations.
The full application of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland by everyone in sport will help to ensure the promotion of happy, healthy and successful experiences for children and their Sports Leaders.
Dr. Breda McLeavey
Committee Chairperson
Coaching Northern Ireland organise some excellent courses. The Irish Sports Council organise course through their Local Sports Partnerships
Child Protection training for those involved in sport in Northern
Ireland is provided by Coaching Northern Ireland (028 90686940). They
deliver two courses;
Child Protection Awareness: which is 3 hours long & covers;
- Becoming familiar with the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for
Children's Sport
- Identify good practice in sports coaching
- Critically examine current coaching practice in light of good practice
recommendations.
- Develop codes of conduct for all those involved in sport in keeping
with the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport
- Understand the different categories of child abuse and be able to
identify signs of abuse
- Act if abuse is suspected (i.e.. How to recognise, respond, record and report)
Children's/Designated Officer: which is 5 hours long and builds on the awareness workshop which covers;
- Understanding the key messages for protecting children in a sport
settings.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in the
protection of children in sports organisations.
- Identify elements of good practice.
- Examine the role of the designated officer in the implementation of the child protection policy.
- Being aware of the types and signs of abuse.
- Examining a range of potential situations which may give grounds for
concern.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the specific processes involved with
disclosure, recording and reporting.
- Being able to assess information regarding training, materials and
resources for child protection.
Please contact you local Sports Development Officer or Coaching NI for more information. Contact details below
The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline - 0808 800 5000 - is open 24
hours a day, seven days a week to provide advice and support to
anyone concerned about a child's welfare. Calls to the Helpline are
free. Expert advice is also available online at www.nspcc.org.uk
For full reports and details of training courses: See
http://www.coachingni.net/training_courses/training_courses/
http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/code/home_page.asp?PageName=00_00axxx_Home
www.thecpsu.org.uk
