Child Welfare at Portmarnock AC
Portmarnock Athletic Club provides sporting activities and opportunities to children and young people through training and participation in events.
We are fully committed to ensuring that young people are safeguarded in their participation in athletics. Early experiences of young athletes in our sport need to be positive and enjoyable, irrespective of ability, gender, social or ethnic background.
As an affiliated club of Athletics Ireland (AI), we operate under their guidance, safeguarding code and policies, all of which are in line with requirements laid out under the Children First Act 2015.
AAI Child Safeguarding
AAI Complaints & Disciplinary Policy
Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance
PAC Child Safeguarding Statement
PAC Incident & Accident Reporting Form
Neurodiversity Safeguarding Resources
Garda Vetting Policy
Garda Vetting Form
Policies
In line with best practice in Child Welfare, and in full adherence to Athletics Ireland’s recommended policies and procedures, our Club has adopted many of Athletics Ireland’s policies while also developing our own, which are specific to our Club. All of which are available here:
PAC Coach/Parent Volunteer Code of Conduct
PAC Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct
PAC Young Athlete Code of Conduct
PAC Photography, Film and Mobile Phone policy
PAC Social Media Policy
Child Welfare Contacts
Club Children’s Officer: Ciara McGowan, info@portmarnockac.com
Role: The role of the Club Children's Officer (CCO) is child-centred in focus. The primary aim is to establish a child-centred ethos within the Club. The CCO is the link between the children and the adults in the Club. They also have responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Club Management Committee on how Club policy impacts on young people and sports leaders. Other responsibilities include vetting, safeguarding training compliance, safe recruitment of coaches and supporting coaches and sports leaders on child protection issues.
Designated Liaison Person: Caitriona Cosgrave, info@portmarnockac.com
Role: The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to TUSLA Child and Family Agency or An Garda Síochána. The Mandated Person in Athletics Ireland is informed of any reports made from the Club. Working with the Club Children’s Officer, the DLP acts as a resource for children at Board Level.
Mandated Person in Athletics Ireland: National Children’s Officer: Kieron Stout, kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie & 086 2450134
Role: To assist and support the CCO and DLP in all Safeguarding issues, policies and procedures.