Safeguarding & Child Welfare

Skerries RFC recognises the duty of care we have towards all children and young people who participate in our activities. The club is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and young people, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sexual orientation or social background.

We are committed to:

• Creating and maintaining a safe environment for children and young people
• Appointing a Children's Officer / Child Welfare Officer in our club
• Ensuring all coaches, volunteers and officials working with underage players are Garda Vetted
• Implementing the IRFU's Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport
• Responding to and reporting any concerns about child welfare without delay
• Reviewing this statement and our safeguarding practices annually

A concern about the welfare of a child should be reported immediately to our Child Welfare Officer, Andy Carabini (085 100 0647). If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the Gardaí (999/112) or Tusla (Child and Family Agency).

All adults who work regularly with players under 18 must be Garda Vetted through the IRFU's RugbyConnect system before taking up any role with youth or mini rugby. This applies to:

• Coaches at all levels (Minis, U13–U20)
• Team managers and selectors
• Any volunteer with regular unsupervised access to underage players

Vetting is managed through RugbyConnect — contact Andy Carabini (acarabini@yahoo.ie) or the Club Secretary (secretary@skerriesrfc.ie) to initiate the process before you begin your role.

Garda Vetting must be renewed every three years. The club coordinator will notify individuals when renewal is due.

The protection of underage players extends to how they are represented online. The following rules apply to all members, coaches, volunteers and supporters:

• Photographs or videos of underage players may only be taken and shared with the prior consent of their parent or guardian.
• Images of underage players must not be shared publicly with names, school, location or any other identifying information attached.
• Do not tag underage players in photos on public social media platforms.
• Individual photographs of a child must not be taken in changing rooms, toilets or other private areas.
• If a parent or guardian withdraws consent for photography, that decision must be respected immediately.
• Any concerns about inappropriate photography or online content should be reported to the Child Welfare Officer.

Official club social media accounts are managed by designated volunteers. Do not create unofficial accounts purporting to represent Skerries RFC or any of its teams.

Skerries RFC has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in any form. Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that causes physical, emotional or social harm to another person. It can be verbal, physical, social or online (cyberbullying).

All members of the club — players, coaches, parents and supporters — are expected to:

• Treat every person with dignity and respect at all times
• Refuse to engage in, or tolerate, bullying behaviour
• Report any bullying they witness or experience to a coach, team manager, or the Child Welfare Officer

What we will do: All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and investigated. Where bullying is confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. The club will support anyone who has been bullied and work to ensure the behaviour does not recur.

Parents who have a concern about bullying involving their child should contact the Child Welfare Officer (Andy Carabini, 085 100 0647) or the Club Secretary in the first instance.

The following protocols apply to all travel involving underage players (under 18), including away fixtures, tournaments and tours:

• All coaches and supervisory adults travelling with underage players must be Garda Vetted.
• A minimum of two adults must be present at all times during travel and overnight accommodation — one must be the team manager or nominated responsible adult.
• A signed parental consent form is required from the parent or guardian of every underage player before any trip away from the club.
• Emergency contact details and any relevant medical information must be held by the team manager throughout the trip.
• Underage players must not share accommodation with adults other than their own parent or guardian.
• Alcohol is prohibited in the presence of underage players at all times during club travel and touring activities.
• Any incident or welfare concern arising during travel must be reported to the Child Welfare Officer as soon as practicable.

Tour-specific consent forms and medical information sheets are available from the Club Secretary.

Skerries RFC operates in full compliance with the IRFU's national safeguarding framework. The IRFU's safeguarding guidelines and Code of Ethics provide the overarching structure within which all club safeguarding policies sit.

You can access the IRFU's safeguarding resources, including the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, at:

IRFU Rugby Safe

All coaches, team managers and club volunteers working with underage players are required to complete the IRFU's online safeguarding course, available through RugbyConnect.