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Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

 

Rugby IQ Academy Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is to provide a clear framework for ensuring the safety and well-being of children under the age of 18 involved in the Rugby IQ Academy. The Academy is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for all young players and takes all concerns regarding child welfare seriously. This policy outlines the Academy’s approach to child protection and safeguarding, setting out procedures and responsibilities to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All coaches, staff, and volunteers working with children within the Rugby IQ Academy.
• Players under the age of 18 participating in the Rugby IQ Academy.
• Parents and guardians of children involved in the Academy.
• Any other individuals involved in Rugby IQ Academy activities where children are present.

The policy aims to safeguard all children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation. It applies to all Rugby IQ Academy activities, whether on or off the field, including training sessions, matches, tours, and other related events.

3. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by:

• Children First Act 2015 (Ireland).
• National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012.
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
• Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Safeguarding Standards and Guidelines. 

The policy also complies with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements regarding the protection of personal data, particularly for children.

4. Key Principles

The Rugby IQ Academy is committed to upholding the following key principles in all activities:

• The Best Interests of the Child: All decisions and actions should prioritize the safety, welfare, and well-being of children.
• Respect for Children’s Rights: Children should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, in line with their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Zero Tolerance of Abuse: Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Confidentiality: Information relating to a child’s welfare will be kept confidential, shared only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with safeguarding protocols.

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities

5.1. Welfare Officer

The Welfare Officer (also referred to as the Child Protection Officer) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy. Their role includes:

• Ensuring that all staff, coaches, and volunteers are properly vetted and trained in safeguarding.
• Receiving and managing child protection concerns or complaints in a confidential and professional manner.
• Reporting any concerns of abuse or neglect to relevant authorities such as Tusla (Child and Family Agency) and An Garda Síochána in line with the Academy’s Reporting Procedures.
• Promoting a culture of safeguarding throughout the Academy and offering advice and support to all involved.

5.2. Coaches, Staff, and Volunteers

All coaches, staff, and volunteers have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of children. Their duties include:

• Completing Garda Vetting (background checks) as required by law and Rugby IQ Academy policy.
• Undergoing regular safeguarding training to keep up-to-date with the latest child protection practices.
• Adhering to the Code of Conduct for Coaches and Volunteers, ensuring their behaviour with children is professional and appropriate at all times.
• Ensuring that any concerns about a child's safety or well-being are reported immediately to the Welfare Officer and dealt with according to the Reporting Procedures.

5.3. Parents/Guardians

Parents and guardians have a role in safeguarding their children, including:

• Informing the Rugby IQ Academy of any known health conditions, disabilities, or special needs that may affect their child’s participation in the Academy’s activities.
• Ensuring that their child behaves in a respectful and safe manner and understands the Academy's Code of Conduct.
• Supporting the Academy’s safeguarding efforts and reporting any concerns they may have about their child’s welfare.

5.4. Players

Children are encouraged to:

• Report any concerns or instances where they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or at risk.
• Follow the Academy’s Code of Conduct and understand that their safety and well-being are paramount.

6. Garda Vetting and Background Checks

All coaches, staff, and volunteers who have regular contact with children must undergo Garda vetting in accordance with Irish law (National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012). The Academy ensures that all staff and volunteers are vetted before commencing their roles and undergo periodic re-vetting as necessary.

7. Training and Awareness

To ensure the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding:

• All coaches, staff, and volunteers will complete mandatory safeguarding training (provided by the Academy) before they are allowed to work with children.
• This training will cover areas such as recognizing the signs of abuse, how to respond to concerns, appropriate behaviour, and reporting procedures.
• Safeguarding training will be refreshed and updated regularly to stay in line with best practices and legal requirements.

8. Reporting Procedures

If any individual becomes aware of or suspects a child protection concern, the following Reporting Procedures must be followed:

1. Report immediately: Any concerns about a child’s safety, welfare, or behaviour must be reported as soon as possible to the Welfare Officer.
2. Complete an Incident Report: An Incident Report Form should be filled out as soon as possible, outlining the details of the concern or incident.
3. Action by Welfare Officer: The Welfare Officer will assess the concern and, if necessary, initiate an investigation. If the concern relates to abuse or neglect, the Welfare Officer will report it to Tusla (Child and Family Agency) and/or An Garda Síochána.
4. Confidentiality: All information regarding child protection concerns will be kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know in order to ensure the child’s safety or in accordance with legal requirements.

9. Codes of Conduct

The Rugby IQ Academy’s Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines for all adults working with children. It includes:

• Guidelines on appropriate behaviour and language.
• Expectations around communication (including digital communication).
• Prohibitions against physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, bullying, and discrimination.

10. Safe Recruitment Practices

The Rugby IQ Academy implements safe recruitment practices, ensuring that:

• Only individuals who have completed the Garda vetting process and safeguarding training are allowed to work directly with children.
• All recruitment for coaching and volunteer positions includes interviews and reference checks.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or as necessary to ensure that it remains in line with current legislation and best practices. The Welfare Officer will carry out regular audits of child protection procedures, including ensuring that all staff and volunteers remain compliant with the requirements of the policy.

12. Confidentiality and Data Protection

The Rugby IQ Academy is committed to ensuring that all personal information, particularly relating to children and their families, is handled in a confidential manner. This includes complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for the handling of personal data. Any disclosure of information will be made only in accordance with the law and in situations where a child’s welfare is at risk.

13. Breach of Policy

Any breach of this policy, including failure to report concerns or incidents or failure to comply with safe practices, will be taken very seriously. Breaches may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from coaching or volunteer roles, and, in serious cases, referral to relevant authorities.

Conclusion

The Rugby IQ Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in its care. By following this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, we aim to ensure that children can participate in rugby in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment.