Valley Rovers Juvenile Safeguarding Statement 2023

Valley Rovers as a club holds Child welfare and Child safety at its core. It aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive, developmental and enjoyable experience of Gaelic Games and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment. We will take all practicable steps necessary to protect them from discernible forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

We do this by:

  • Recognising that all children have the right to be protected from harm.
  • Ensuring that coaches & volunteers are carefully selected, vetted, trained and accept responsibility for ensuring the well-being of children in their care.
  • Maintaining all national guidelines and standards in relation to child welfare.
  • Responding swiftly and appropriately to protect the welfare of children who participate in our games/activities.
  • Providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns that they may have.
  • Appointing a designated Children’s Officer to our Club Executive at our Annual General Meeting.
  • Ensuring that all allegations of abuse of young people are confidentially dealt with in accordance the Association’s Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse (Dealing with Allegations of Abuse(gaa.ie)) and with statutory guidelines and relevant legislation.
  • Ensuring that members, coaches, team mentors, administrators, parents/guardians and spectators adhere to GAA Codes of Behaviour.
  • Reviewing all aspects in relations to the club’s commitments to Safeguarding, and our policies and procedures on a regular basis