Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport
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.
Code of Ethics/ Child Protection Awareness Workshops
- Child Welfare and Protection in Sport is the responsibility of all involved in promoting sport for young people.
'The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport' in Ireland is designed to provide guidance for those working with young people in sport. It is a practical set of guidelines for those involved in sport for young people. - Meath Local Sports Partnership offer a basic 3-hour awareness training course on "Child Welfare & Protection in Sport" for leaders within sports clubs/organisations.
- The workshop will highlight the main principles of the Code and look at measures that clubs can take to create and maintain the safest possible environment for sport for young people.
As well as undertaking child protection training, all clubs are encouraged to adopt child protection policies and procedures as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport. As many club members as wish can attend the Code of Ethics Awareness Workshop.
Children's Officer Training
Children's Officer training is the next stage in this module and is six hours in duration.
Recommendations from the Irish Sports Council is that every club involved with children and young people should appoint a Children's Officer. Only one club member needs to train as a Children's Officer, or in clubs with boys and girls it is suggested that one male and one female become Children`s Officers.
The Children`s Officer should be child centred in focus and should have as their primary aim the establishment of a child centred ethos within the club. They are the link between the children and the adults in the club and also take responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Club Management Committee on how club policy etc. impacts on children and their Sports Leaders.
The Children's Officer should have the following functions:
- To promote awareness of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland within the club and particularly among the children and their parents/guardians. This could be achieved by the production of information leaflets, the establishment of children's/age-group specific notice boards and by regular information meetings for the children and their parents/guardians.
- To influence policy and practice within the club in order to prioritise children's needs.
- To provide an accessible resource to children through the creation of forums.
