Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland which has been updated in NOVEMBER 2010 is for the benefit of everyone involved in children's sport - children, parents/guardians and Sports Leaders, etc. By following the principles, policy and practice guidelines contained in the Code, adult sport leaders are playing their part in providing an enjoyable and safe environment in which children can learn and thrive.

As citizens, adults have a responsibility to protect children from harm and to abide by government guidelines in responding to and reporting child protection concerns. This responsibility exists wherever such concerns might arise, whether inside or outside sport. Guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland took account of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are in accordance with government guidelines in the documents Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (IRL) and Our Duty to Care (N.I.). The guidelines contained in the Code are complimentary to, and do not substitute, the government guidelines, which should be available within sports clubs/organisations.

The full application of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland by everyone in sport will help to ensure the promotion of happy, healthy and successful experiences for children and their Sports Leaders.

Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Awareness Training
A central goal for all those involved in sport for young people is to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where children can develop and enhance their physical and social skills. Promoting a child centred ethos should go hand in hand with identifying and eliminating practices that impact negatively on safe and enjoyable participation in sport for young people.

This 'Child Welfare and Protection in Sport' training is a 3 hour basic awareness course, looking at how we can keep adults and young people safe and happy within the club environment.The 2010 Code of Ethics course covers the same areas as the old 4 hour course but is delivered through tutor discussion and case studies. This course is open to sports leaders, coaches, parents, children's officers and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people. This module will help to create and maintain a safe and fun environment for young people within the sports club or organisation. As well as undertaking child protection training, all governing bodies of sport and related organisations should adopt child protection policies and procedures as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport.

Club Children's Officer Training The Club Children's Officer Workshop is a follow on from the 4 hour Basic Awareness course and expands on the material delivered in the Basic Awareness Course. This information will support the Children's Officer in the implementation of best practice in the club. Participants must have completed the Basic Awareness course prior to attending this workshop.

We are currently running a series of Child Welfare and Protection in Sport Training Courses. Details of these courses and other courses run by Waterford Sports Partnership are listed in the Calendar of Events Section of this website.