Irish Rugby Football Union – Child Safeguarding Statement

The IRFU 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 policy of the IRFU with respect to safeguarding children is to respect the dignity and rights of Age Grade Players. The IRFU will strive throughout its organisation and spheres of influence 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, http://www.irishrugby.ie/safeguarding and the Sports Councils’ Code of Ethics should be used where the IRFU has not published specific guidelines.

Following a risk assessment for any potential harm to a child while involved in rugby we have identified areas of risk and the list of procedures to be put in place to manage these risks.

Our child safeguarding statement has been developed in lines with requirements 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 following procedures are in place as part of the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and support our intention to safeguard children:

• Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children
• Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm
• Procedure for the reporting of child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla (Ireland) and Gateway (Northern Ireland) through the Club Welfare Officer and Mandated Person within IRFU: Anne Marie Hughes (086 0485977 / annemarie.hughes@irfu.ie)
• Procedure for the management of allegation of abuse or misconduct against workers/volunteers of a child availing of our service

All procedures listed are available on the IRFU website, http://www.irishrugby.ie/safeguarding . The IRFU expects those involved with age grade rugby to adopt and supervise the implementation of these safeguarding principles and standards.

The IRFU recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. It is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policy to keep children safe from harm involved in rugby.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed  in March 2019, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

Signed:_ Martin O’Sullivan                                         John Holland

Chair U.L. Bohemian R.F.C.                     Child Welfare Officer

Chair & CWO

Provider’s name and contact details : U.L. Bohemian R.F.C..

For queries please contact John Holland 086 6232002