The Association and its sister organisations have put place a
The Code of Behaviour (Underage). This Code has been agreed between the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football
Association, the Camogie Association, GAA Handball Ireland and the
Rounders Council of Ireland.
The Code replaces all previous Codes
and is a mandatory Code of Best Practice for all Gaelic Games
Associations in our work with underage players. It is a comprehensive
good practice guidance publication and we are anxious that as many
players, coaches, parents and other Club personnel have immediate access
to its contents.
The Code of Behaviour (Underage) can be viewed here.
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The Gaelic Athletic Association is committed to creating and
maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who
wish to participate in our Gaelic Games and activities. We will take all
practicable steps 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.
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Ensuring that all of our coaches and volunteers are carefully
recruited and selected and that they accept responsibility for ensuring
the well-being of children in their care.
- Responding swiftly and appropriately to protect the welfare of children who participate in our games and related activities.
- Providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns that they may have.
- Appointing Children’s Officers in each of our Clubs and at County Board level.
-
Appointing a National Children’s Officer to oversee the implementation
of good child protection and welfare practices within the Association.
- Appointing a Designated Person in each Club and County who will liaise with the statutory authorities as appropriate.
- Appointing a National Designated Person to assist in the processing of child protection and welfare matters.
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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 (Fourth Edition 2009) and with
statutory guidelines and relevant legislation.
- Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection procedures and policies on an ongoing basis.
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Ensuring that members, coaches, team mentors, administrators,
parents/guardians and spectators sign up to and adhere to our Code of
Behaviour.