Child Protection
Child Protection Policy Document
Athlone GAA Club is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. The attached document sets out the Club’s policies regarding underage players. It is intended to help provide guidelines for stakeholders to ensure that all underage players can enjoy the Club’s activities in a safe and fulfilling environment. Every individual in Athlone GAA Club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Athlone GAA Club.
Athlone GAA Club has adopted the GAA’s Code of Behaviour (Underage) as Club Policy and is committed to abiding and enforcing the guidelines set out therein.
The Club’s Child Protection Officer is Sorcha O’Rourke and you can contact her confidentially at athlonegaachildofficer@gmail.com
Bullying
All Athlone GAA Club underage players are strongly encouraged to report any bullying to Team Management or to the Children’s Officer, sooner rather than later. Team Managers and Mentors of underage teams should remain vigilant at all times to ensure that there is no bullying activity taking place, they should also remind young players periodically that bullying will not be tolerated and should always be reported. Comprehensive supervision of all sporting activities is essential to help prevent bullying. The Club, through team management structures and the Children’s Officer must always endeavour to provide a supportive environment for the victims of bullying. Co-operation of parents/guardians is essential to countering bullying.