Shelbourne FC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.
The key principles of The FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy are that:
- the child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
- all children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief.
- all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents/carers is essential.
We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. Shelbourne FC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
Shelbourne FC has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.
We endorse and adopt the FAI Policy on Volunteering for recruiting volunteers and we will:
- specify what the role is and what tasks it involves.
- request identification documents.
- as a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible interview people before appointing them ask for and follow up with two references before appointing someone.
- Where eligible require Garda Vetting in line with current FAI Garda Vetting Guidelines.
All current Shelbourne FC members working in eligible roles, with children and young people – such as managers and coaches are required to hold an in-date Garda Vetting clearance. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Shelbourne FC guidance will be sought from the FAI. It is noted and accepted that the FAI will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via the Garda Vetting process and that all suitability decisions will be made in accordance with legislation and in the best interests of children and young people. It is accepted that the FAI aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.
Shelbourne FC has appointed a Club Children’s Officer. The Club Children’s Officer is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The Club Children’s Officer will liaise directly with the club executive and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of respect, poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
Shelbourne FC acknowledge and endorse the FAI’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Club Welfare Officer in cases of serious bullying the club executive may be contacted.
Codes of conduct for players, officials and coaches have been implemented by Shelbourne FC. To validate these codes of conduct the club has clear actions it will take regarding repeated or serious misconduct at club level and acknowledges the potential sanctions which may be implemented by the FAI in more serious circumstances.
Shelbourne FC adheres to the FAIs Concern/ Complaint Procedure:
