Safeguarding

CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Through the IRFU and related Branch, Iveragh Eagles provides rugby activities to young people through participation in mini and youth coaching and competitions and participation programmes in related schools and/or the community.  The club is committed to the enjoyment of rugby by young people. It values and encourages the participation of parents, coaches and volunteers in rugby for participants under 18-years of age. The club will adhere to the IRFU safeguarding policy, which strives to respect the dignity and rights of Age Grade Players. 

The club will strive to promote, create and maintain safe environments for Age Grade Players. It will endeavour to maintain the key values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Excellence and Fun. A detailed safeguarding policy can be found here, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/ and is available through the Club Welfare Officers Deirdre O’Connor or Karis Kelleher . The Sports Councils’ Code of Ethics/Safeguarding Guidance should be used where the IRFU has not published specific guidelines, in particular with regard to the principles to safeguard children from harm, https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/safeguarding-guidance-for-children-and-young-people-in-sport

The club carried out a risk assessment for any potential harm to a child while involved in rugby. These risks were categorised under the following headings Recruitment, Club and Coaching Practices, Reporting, Complaints, Facilities, Communication and General Risk of Harm.  The assessment reviewed the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance and document links required to manage these risks. The written risk assessment and the procedures for managing these risks is available at the end of this statement / in the full version of this statement (virtual or printed version)

Our child safeguarding statement has been developed in line with requirements of the IRFU and under the Children First Act 2015 and in Northern Ireland, the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards. In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the club adheres to the following procedures that are in place as part of the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and our intention to safeguard children:

Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children, http://www.irishrugby.ie/playingthegame/development/safeguarding/recruitment.php
Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm, http://www.irishrugby.ie/playingthegame/development/safeguarding/training.php
Procedure for the reporting of child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla (Ireland) and Gateway (Northern Ireland) through the National Safeguarding Officer and appointed Mandated Person within IRFU: Anne Marie Hughes . The Club Welfare Officer Deirdre O’Connor or Karis Kelleher are the Relevant Persons as per Children First Act. Other staff and volunteers within the club may hold the role and responsibility of a Mandated Person as per Schedule 2 of the Act but have not been appointed by the club/IRFU. They are always expected to act as a Mandated Person and when making a report in their professional capacity that involves rugby should always inform the IRFU Mandated Person that such a report has been made by them.
Procedure for the management of allegation of abuse or misconduct against workers/volunteers of a child availing of our service and can be found in the case management policy, http://www.irishrugby.ie/playingthegame/development/safeguarding/concerns.php
Procedure for appointing a relevant person for the purposes of the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement
Procedures to minimise risk of harm of a child have been put in place and are available in the IRFU Safeguarding Policy, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/ 
All procedures listed are available on the IRFU website, http://www.irishrugby.ie/safeguarding . 

The club management expects those involved within age-grade rugby to adopt and supervise the implementation of these safeguarding principles and standards. The club recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. It is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policy and procedures to keep children involved in rugby safe from harm. We will do this through the implementation of the Club Safeguarding Action Plan and IRFU safeguarding audit,  https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/31120516/Club-SafeguardingAction-Plan.pdf

A link to the IRFU Safeguarding Policy is included in relevant club documentation and is available here, https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/28093801/SAFEGUARDING-POLICY-2021.pdf) . Coaches and volunteers have received a copy of the policy and signed adherence through the Declaration of Intent. The Child Safeguarding Statement and related safeguarding policies are available to all parents/guardians and members of the public though the IRFU website and is available on request from the Club Welfare Officer, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/

The club will work with the Branch Spirit of Rugby Officer on the implementation of the policy and are available to assist Club Welfare Officers and related personnel and to deal with club queries. They can be contacted at: 

Munster: Emily O’Leary – emilyoleary@munsterrugby.ie

 

Club Welfare Officers have completed relevant safeguarding training. Their ID templates are on display within  club websites. The club has completed the necessary risk assessment and published the child safeguarding statement. The club follows the safeguarding club action plan, the anti-bullying statement, uses the club pavement signs and Spirit of Rugby ‘Let Them Play’ video clips. Coaches and volunteers have also received training in vetting and safeguarding through the IRFU. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed in September 2023, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers. For queries please contact the Relevant Person, Deirdre O’Connor 087-9647993 or Karis Kelleher 086-1529805, 

Signed:    Denis Thirion                    Signed: Deirdre O’Connor

                            Karis Kelleher 

Chair                            Club Welfare Officer

SAFEGUARDING RISK ASSESSMENT

 

This risk assessment considers the potential for harm to come to children whilst they are in the care of this club and gives the required policy, guidance or process documents required to alleviate these risks.  This risk assessment has been carried out prior to the publication of the Child Safeguarding Statement (Section 11 (1b) Children First Act 2015). In this context and in accordance with the requirements of Section 11 (1) of the Children First Act 201, that states “as a provider of a relevant service we will undertake an assessment of any potential harm to a child while availing of the service”; the risk is of abuse and not general health and safety risk.  This risk assessment is also in accordance with Sport Northern Ireland’s Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards in Sport and as such can be used by the IRFU’s constituent Provinces and clubs.  

The risk assessment indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or process documents required to alleviate these risks.  The list of risks identified and procedures to manage these risks are listed in relevant categories overleaf and are based on the IRFU Club Action Plan. 

Responsibilities

The club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer to implement the Child Safeguarding Statement and IRFU Safeguarding Policy and to monitor the implementation of the associated Club Action Plan 
The Club Welfare Officer holds the role of Relevant Person for the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement and links with the nationally appointed Mandated Person of the IRFU
This risk assessment has been completed with Club Welfare Officer and other members of Club Committee  
The Committee recorded this risk assessment at the October 2021 club meeting and published a Child Safeguarding Statement thereafter.
All Age-Grade staff and volunteers (e.g. coaches, manager, team assistants) working regularly and continuously with minis or youths (or where their role is a necessary part of working) with young people and/or vulnerable adults have been vetted and have signed the Declaration of Intent.
The IRFU has a Mandated Person and their contact is listed in the Child Safeguarding Statement.
The CSS and related policies are available to parents and the public through the Club Welfare Officer

This document was completed by the Club Welfare Officer on behalf of the Club Committee and approved by the Committee in September 2023. On completion of this the club will now complete and publish the Child Safeguarding Statement signed by Officers of the Club 

 

Denis Thirion                Deirdre o’Connor

                    Karis Kelleher

_______________                ________________________

 

Signed by Chair            Signed by Club Welfare Officer 

 

The Risk Assessment was undertaken in November 2021 and will be reviewed in September 2023 in line with updated Safeguarding Polices

 

 

 

 

Risk Assessment

Risk Identified: Club and Coaching Practices
Level 
Procedures in Place
Monitoring of Risk
Risk if relevant staff and volunteers are not aware of the safeguarding policy as it relates to club and coaching practices

Considerations

Risk of harm if there is not a consent form for each player U-18 years of age, with parental permission, with relevant medical information and permission to participate, photographic permission and travel consent, (use template in IRFU Registration system)
Codes of Conduct for age-grade players and parents published and/or on view
Risk of harm if staff and volunteers do not know policies in relation to supervision, social media and photographs
Risk of harm if staff and volunteers are not aware of travel and away trips procedures
Risk of harm of abuse, including online, through bullying and inappropriate use of social media
These policies have been made known to those working with Age-grade players and available through registration process for parents
High

Safeguarding Policy –  https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/

Codes of Conduct – https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/16153845/Code-of-Conduct-Parents.pdf

Bullying  https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/31120508/Anti-Bullying-Statement.pdf

Social media guidance – https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/31120545/Staying-Safer-Online.pdf

Travel guidance  – including hosting and away trips https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25120840/Travel-touring-hosting.pdf

 

CSS and Codes on display on social media

Information sessions to parents, coaches and members, includes codes of conducts

Anti-bullying statement is on display –

On Social Media 

Risk Identified: Communication
Level 
Procedures in Place
Monitoring of Risk
Risk of harm if not communicating with staff, volunteers, parents and players

Considerations

Child Safeguarding Statement and safeguarding policies communicated to members and staff so there is high awareness of safeguarding information
CWO ID template visible and communicated to parents and volunteers so contact can be made if harm is identified
Safeguarding information made available on sign up so that parents and players know standards of behaviour
High

IRFU Policy and Child Safeguarding Statement visible on website and available to all parents on registration process – https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/

ID template distributed to Spirit staff and made available to CWOs

Policy is available through Rugby Connect membership registration 

CWO ID template on website 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Identified: Recruitment 
Level
Procedures in Place
Monitoring
Risk of recruiting inappropriate people to work with young people

Considerations

There is a CWO that is vetted and trained to SG2 standard
All relevant Age-Grade staff and volunteers successfully completed the necessary vetting requirements
All relevant Age-grade volunteers signed Declarations of Intent that clearly outlines their role
Age-grade section have put in place adequate supervision processes in accordance with IRFU Safeguarding Policy
Copies of reference for visiting / unknown coaches if applicable are sought

 

High

High

 

 

High
Recruitment Policy, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/recruitment/

Audit of Rugby Connect for outstanding vets weekly, emails Spirit of Rugby Officer as necessary for update.

CWO to check with head coaches that adequate supervision is in place according to guidelines, https://d19fc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25120828/Supervision-Safety.pdf

 

 

Vetting and DoI renewals every 2-years through Rugby Connect, CWO has access to confirm coach/volunteer has completed their vet

Risk Identified: Complaints / Concerns
Level
Procedures in Place
Monitoring
Risk of harm if complaints and reporting procedures are not in place

Considerations

Risk of harm (physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect) of a child by a staff/volunteer/child if reporting procedure not known   
Name of Branch & National Safeguarding Person is listed and visible within club
The IRFU Mandated Person is listed on the CSS
Parents know how to raise a concern 
Age-grade member can make their concerns known
Coaches/Volunteers know how to deal with complaints and raise a concern using case management form and/or contact with Spirit of Rugby Officer

 

 

High

 

Med

 

High

High

High

Med

 

Med

 

Reporting Procedures – https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/concerns/

Parents information – https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/parents-guardians/

Case Management Reporting Form

https://forms.office.com/FormsPro/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=JRvazqodokKeM_5uIrGDeIERAZC3HTJNlFmj9hBUz8ZUMllVSjQxNjEzUTQ4MFRRMVBIOVpXSTBGUi4u

Young People rights and reporting procedures – https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/young-people/

 

Necessary links to IRFU policy are displayed within CSS

 

 

 

Spirit Officers deliver training regularly
Risk of harm when using facilities

Considerations

If hiring facilities has the squad / club checked that appropriate safeguarding procedures have been put in place 
Anti-bullying statement is made available to all for display and distribution to children and parents at camps, etc. 
Appropriate medical procedures are in place at the facility

Facilities Information – https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/medical/

Coach/club member hiring facility to request CSS and/or safeguarding policy, along with anti-bullying statement and CWO ID templates

Medical

 

 

Risk Identified: General
Level
Procedures in Place
Monitoring
Risk of untrained people working with young people

Considerations

Safeguarding personnel completed all Sport Ireland / SNI safeguarding training and other necessary staff and volunteers received appropriate safeguarding training as per IRFU training factsheet
Risk of harm (physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect) of a child by a staff/volunteer/child if coaches are not trained   
Coaches completed safeguarding training presentation with Spirit Officer and/or SG1
Coaches working with Age-grade squads are appropriately trained for the level of rugby they are coaching

Training Policy, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/training/

Spirit staff send out link to online training

 

CWO to link with Spirit of Rugby Officer for course delivery and confirmation of coach completion of rugby specific safeguarding training

 

 

Coaches training recorded in Gainline and Rugby Connect