Dealing with Minors and Vulnerable People
It is required that every club with underage and vulnerable players involved follows Sport Ireland guidelines and requirements on Child Welfare. These requirements are applicable for any club that has a at least one minor in their club.
Squash Ireland is committed to ensuring that the best interests of children and young people playing squash is of paramount importance. The Safeguarding Policy for Children and Young People playing Squash is underpinned by national policy and legislation in ROI Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, and the requirements under The Children First Act 2015, and in Northern Ireland – the Children (NI) Order and Cooperating to Safeguarding Children and Young People 2017.
For safeguarding concerns, you can reach out to:
Mandatory for Coaches, Leader, Junior Event Directors and Organisers, Club Children’s Officers (CCO) and Designated Liaison Persons (DLP)
This workshop offers foundational information on key topics such as codes of conduct, bullying, recruitment, and child protection guidelines. By adhering to the principles, policies, and practical guidance outlined in the Code, sports leaders contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Next available course: December 12th 2024, 6.30-9.30pm online workshop. REGISTER HERE
Club Children’s Officers (CCOs) ensure the well-being and interests of young members remain at the core of the club’s activities. Their primary role is to foster and maintain a child-centered ethos within the club. Acting as a vital bridge between the children and adults, the CCO facilitates effective communication and understanding. Additionally, they are responsible for monitoring how club policies influence young members and leaders, providing regular reports and feedback to the Club Management Committee to ensure policies are supportive, inclusive, and effective.
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is responsible for reporting any allegations or suspicions of child abuse to TUSLA Child and Family Agency or Social Services (NI) and/or An Garda Síochána or PSNI. Ideally, this role should be filled by a senior club member. However, if it is challenging to identify a separate individual, the Club Children’s Officer (CCO) may also take on the role of the DLP, provided the club clearly defines and differentiates the responsibilities of each role.
“Under the terms of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts, 2012-2016 (“the Acts”), all persons who are employed in positions where they have regular access to children and vulnerable persons must be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau. Section 21 of the Acts provides that it is an offence for an employer to employ a person who works with children or vulnerable persons where an application for vetting has not been submitted to the National Vetting Bureau for that person by 31 December 2017.”
For those residing or working in Ireland, vetting is conducted through the National Vetting Bureau (NVB). For those in Northern Ireland, it is conducted through Access NI (ANI) (see below).
Full Vetting Process & Procedure can be found below, with relevant required forms.
An AccessNI check provides information on an individual’s criminal history for those working in Northern Ireland. Its primary purpose is to assist organizations in making safer recruitment decisions when In some cases, organizations are legally obligated to assess applicants’ suitability for specific roles or verify that they are not barred from working with vulnerable groups.
You will be required to apply for AccessNI if you are coaching or working closely with children and young ones.
To get more information regarding the AccessNI process, please contact Augusto Azuara-Blanco, safeguarding person for Squash Ulster.
