At Sugarloaf Gymnastics, we abide by the Rules & Regulations set out by our Governing Body, Gymnastics Ireland.

All gymnasts & parents at Sugarloaf Gymnastics are required to abide by the Code of Conduct set out to ensure the protection of our gymnasts. Please read through Gymnastics Ireland’s Code of Conducts for: Young Gymnasts (here) and Parents/Guardians (here). View our Child Safeguarding Statement (here)

Club Children’s Officer: Martina Johnston info@sugarloafgymnastics.ie

Child Safe Guarding Statement 2023

As an affiliated Club to Gymnastics Ireland, we provide sporting activities and opportunities for young people through participation in our club, national events, and national teams. We are committed to safeguarding children who participate in our Club under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies. 

 

Principles to safeguard children from harm

This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and the requirements of our Policies that the welfare and interests of children are paramount. The aims of our Safeguarding policies –  Ethics & Welfare (gymnasticsireland.com) is to ensure that all children have a positive, developmental, and enjoyable experience of Gymnastics and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.  

 

Risk Assessment

As per Section 11 (7) of the Children First Act 2015 , our Club has undertaken a review of our  Child Safeguarding Statement & in conjunction with the review, we conducted a risk assessment of the potential for harm* to children when they are participating in and attending our activities under the following headings: Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Discipline; Reporting Procedures; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications/Social Media and a further heading of General Risk of Harm. Below is a list of areas of risk identified and the list of procedures for managing these risks.

RISK IDENTIFIEDPROCEDURE/POLICY IN PLACE
*Risk of harm means in relation to a child – including assault, ill treatment, or neglect of a child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect the child’s health, development or welfare or sexual abuse of a child.Child Safeguarding Policy – reporting procedures for staff & volunteers

Recruitment Policy

Child Safeguarding Training Policy

Vetting Policy & Complaints/Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

Risk of harm of abuse when hosting an activity and/or an away tripChild Safeguarding Policy – Hosting, Away Trips, Supervision, Transport & Codes of Conduct
Risk of harm through online abuse and social mediaGI Social Media Policy 
Bullying of a childChild Safeguarding Policy – Anti-Bullying Policy,  & Safeguarding Training

 

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements contained in the Children First Act 2015, Children’s First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), the Children (NI) Order 1995, Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice 2017.

 

The procedures contained in our risk assessment support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our services. We have the following procedures in place as part of our Safeguarding Code and Policies:

 

  • Procedure in respect to the management of allegations of abuse against any member, non-member, staff, or volunteer
  • Procedure for the safe recruitment and vetting of any individual with regard to their suitability to work with children
  • Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training (face to face/virtual) and information including the identification of the occurrence of harm – for coaches, Children’s Officers, Designated Liaison Persons, and others who work with children
  • Procedure for the reporting allegations of abuse, protection, or welfare concerns to Gymnastics Ireland, Tusla (ROI) and or Gateway Team (NI)
  • Procedure for appointing a) a relevant person – the Club Children’s Officer shall be the relevant person, first point of contact in respect of this statement and b) Designated Liaison Person and Children’s Officer in our Club
  • Procedure for maintaining a list of Club members who are Mandated Persons (if known), in accordance with the Children First Act 2015 regardless of what role (if any), they hold in the Club

 

The Gymnastics Ireland Mandated Person, who has a legal obligation to report harm of children as per Children First Act 2015 is Dermot Howlin (Policy, Welfare & Compliance Manager), email dermot@gymnasticsireland.com or phone 01/6251125

We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process which we are committed to. This Child Safeguarding Statement is binding on all our members and has been agreed by our Club  in accordance with our policies, procedures and our legislative requirements. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed within 24 months of the date below

Jamie Mullen / Sharon Doyle (Club Chairpersons) 

Martina Johnston (Club Children’s Officer)