Code of Practice - Pages 1-2

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Football Association of Ireland

Health & Safety of Young People
Code of Practice

Every potential and existing Irish player should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from any form of abuse. The Football Association of Ireland recognises and accepts its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people and children by protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and from bullying and neglect. It is determined to meet these obligations to ensure that all those in the FAI who provide opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care.

This code of practice has been produced as clear guidance to ensure the health and safety of children and young people at any FAI International Youth Team events. Events include International development and selection courses, International Matches and Tournaments. This includes those events where all players are under the age of eighteen and also senior events where young players are included.

1. Introduction

1.1 The health and safety of all children and young players under 18 and involved in any activity run by the FAI is of paramount importance.

1.2 Players may be vulnerable while attending FAI events as they are likely to be away from home and may be on trips abroad. Detailed planning for events and supervision of children and young players at an event is vital.

2. Definitions

Event Leader refers to the National Coach, Course Director, or any nominated member of staff assigned the responsibility for any given event.

Parents are the people who have parental responsibility for the children and young people and includes carers.

Young people, children or player refers to any player under the age of 18 at an event registered as one of our participants.

Event refers to any event run by the FAI, including International development or selection courses, International matches, and International Tournaments.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Each event must have a designated event leader, normally the National Coach or Course Director who is responsible for the safety of young players at all times and for every aspect of the Event. The Event Leader must:

• Have experience in supervising players of all of the age groups participating in the Event
• Ensure that all staff have complied with the FAI staff screening requirements
• Be capable of organising the Event, staff and players effectively
• Ensure that all coaches are qualified for the work allotted to them
• Complete a risk assessment form for each Event
• Appoint a Designated Person for Child Protection who is responsible for all child protection issues and the general well being of players under 18.
• Reference should be made to best practice guidelines. See Appendix 10
• Complete and submit the Event Report Form. See Appendix 12

3.2  Appointed staff are responsible to the Event Leader and must:

• Have appropriate knowledge of the FAI child protection and best practice guidelines
• Be aware of their specific responsibilities at all times throughout the Event
• Have completed and returned Staff Personal and Medical Consent Forms
• Have complied with all FAI vetting and screening procedures

4. Risk Assessment

4.1 The Event Leader must carry out a risk assessment for the Event. The Event Leader must consider potential hazards and what safety measures should be taken to avoid them and produce a contingency plan. The Event Leader should consider what will be done in the event of a serious accident, injury or emergency.

See Appendix 1

4.2 If players are allowed to swim or be involved in any water activity while on the Event, including the use of pools for rehabilitation work, the Event Leader must establish the swimming competence of each player. The Event Leader must arrange appropriate lifeguard supervision. See Appendix 4

4.3 If the Event is to involve experience of adventure or other high risk activity and a specialist provider is engaged, the Event Leader must obtain written confirmation from the provider that a current licence issued by the appropriate Licensing Authority is held for the activity in question. The Event Leader must check with the FAI Financial Controller that the insurance covers these activities both at home and abroad.