Working with children and young people in a hockey setting can be incredibly rewarding but it also comes with responsibility to keep those who are in your care safe from harm.
Hockey Ireland acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring that safeguarding practice
- reflects statutory responsibilities
- government guidance
- complies with best practice
The Children First Act 2015 has provided a great statutory framework for all, supporting Children and Young People, ensuring that they are kept safe and their welfare maintained to a high standard whilst participating within the services we provide. Additionally, the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, is an excellent reference document when introducing measures to fulfil the statutory obligations of the Children First Act 2015.
There are lots of helpful documents within the Child Welfare section to help in particular with the work of the Child Officers (CO) and Designate Liaison Persons (DLP) who play a very important part in the implementation and application of the Hockey Ireland Safeguarding Policy.
To get started there are 3 requirements for volunteers involved on a regular basis in underage hockey:
- Vetting – Garda / Access NI vetting is required every 3 years
- Safeguarding course – Safeguarding 1/2/3 must be completed depending on your role within your club
- Sports Leader Code of Conduct – must be read and signed every season
In accordance with the requirements of Children First Act 2015 click here for the Hockey Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Statement
The National Children’s Officer for Hockey Ireland is Anne McCormack. She will advise and guide Club Children’s Officers to assist Clubs in following the policies and procedures and is available for any queries or issues that may arise.
National Children’s Officer: Anne McCormack nationalchildrensofficer@hockey.ie
Designated Liaison Person: Shirley Moore ndp@hockey.ie
