Fingal Orienteering Club Child Protection
Fingal Orienteers Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS).
In order to create a culture of safety which promotes the welfare and protection of children, organizations working with children and young people are required to carry out a risk assessment of harm and produce a Child Safeguarding Statement.
As stated in the Children First Act 2015 (ROI) the risk assessment is a legal requirement that must be undertaken by the providers of relevant services* who engage in sporting activities with children and young people in Ireland.
The Children First Act 2015 (ROI) requires organizations in Ireland that are providers of relevant services* to prepare a Child Safeguarding Statement. This is good practice and funding requirement for all sporting organizations throughout Ireland.
*Children First Act 2015. SCHEDULE 1 Section 2 (5) Any work or activity which consists of the provision of— (a) educational, research, training, cultural, recreational, leisure, social or physical activities to children …
Earlier this year Sport Ireland launched ‘Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport’. This explains in detail the obligations and responsibilities that organisations and their clubs have with regard to safeguarding children and I would recommend that as many members of Fingal Orienteers as possible should read it.
You can download the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport with the following link. https://www.sportireland.ie/Participation/Code_of_Ethics
Fingal Orienteers Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS)
Fingal Orienteers provides various sporting activities and opportunities for young people through participation in clubs, regional/provincial events and through our national teams.
Fingal Orienteers is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our NGB Safeguarding Policies our volunteers, working with our young people, throughout the organization, seek to create a safe environment for young people to grow and develop within sport. The following set of principles should be adhered to:
Importance of childhood – The importance of childhood should be understood and valued by everyone involved in sport.
Needs of the child – All children’s sport experiences should be guided by what is best for children. This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people.
Integrity in relationships – Adults interacting with children in sport are in a position of trust and influence. They should always ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect, and the self-esteem of young people is enhanced.
Fair Play – All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. The principles of fair play should always be emphasized, and organizers should give clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.
Quality atmosphere & ethos – Children’s sport should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Competition – Competition is an essential element of sport and should be encouraged in an age appropriate manner. A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.
Equality – All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, gender, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.
Gabrielle King, Childrens Officer
Kathryn Walley, Childrens Liason Officer
Ian Murphy, Chairman
Tommy Burke, Secretary