Safeguarding Training | Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to do this training?
The Safeguarding courses are applicable to ALL adults in sports clubs who deal with children on a regular basis. This includes coaches, committee members and parents.
Who delivers Safeguarding courses?
Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) deliver generic Safeguarding courses on behalf of Sport Ireland which are suitable for members of sporting organisations with the exception of the GAA/Ladies Football/Handball (GAA club members must attend a GAA specific Safeguarding course). It is recommended for individuals to always check with their National Governing Body (NGB) regarding specific Safeguarding course prior to enrolling on a WSP course.
How many stages of safeguarding training are there?
There are three Safeguarding courses and each is three hours in duration.
Safeguarding 1: Basic Awareness Workshop in Child Welfare & Protection.
Safeguarding 2: Club Children’s Officer (CCO) Workshop.
Safeguarding 3: Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Workshop.
Do you have to attend all three?
It is recommended that:
- all coaches and volunteers working with children attend the Safeguarding 1 course.
- all clubs appoint a Club Children’s Officer and a Designated Liaison Person.
- the individuals nominated for these roles attend the appropriate training. A person appointed to Club Children’s Officer position in a club must attend workshop 1 and should also attend workshop 2. A person appointed as the Designated Liaison Person of their club must attend the first workshop and should also attend workshop 3.
What is the duration is each course?
Each course is 3 hours in duration.
How do I register for this course?
All Waterford Sports Partnership Safeguarding courses are available to book online at eventbrite. For National Governing Body training courses, please visit your NGB’s website.
How old must I be to attend this course?
Participants must be over 18 years of age to attend a WSP course. Some NGB’s deliver the course for 16 years and above with parental permissions. If you are aged under 18, you must contact your NGB and register for a place on an NGB course and complete the parental permission slip that they will issue you with.
How much does each course cost?
WSP charge €15 per person per course.
Do I get certification for the course?
Yes, the courses are certified by Sport Ireland.
How long is my certificate valid for?
The certificate is valid for 3 years.
Do I have to redo the courses after my certificates expire?
You can redo the Safeguarding 1 course online. However there are currently no online refreshers available for Safeguarding 2 and 3.
Must I redo the course if I did the old Club Children’s Officer Training course?
Yes, as the old 6 hour Children’s Officer Training Course has been replaced by two separate three hour courses, Safeguarding 2 and Safeguarding 3.
Can a person be appointed as both Children’s Officer and Designated Liaison person?
Yes, however best practice advises that they are kept as separate roles.
What is involved in each Safeguarding course?
Safeguarding 1.
The course is a mix of theory and group work. On completion of the course attendees should . . .
(a) Have a basic knowledge of Children First (2011) and relevant legislation
(b) Know how to implement best practice in protecting the welfare of participants in your facility
(c) Know how to recognise child protection and welfare concerns
(d) Be able to list categories of abuse and some indicators associated with abuse
(e) Know how to respond appropriately to child protection and welfare concerns
(f) Understand the importance of agencies having effective child protection policies, procedures and practices
Safeguarding 2.
This course will help the Club Children’s Officer to carry out the function of their role in the club and support the implementation of best practice in the club. Participants will also receive a Club Children’s Officer action planning document as part of the training. On completion of the course attendees should . . .
(a) Be aware of necessary legislation regarding child protection.
(b) Know what is required of their role as a Club Children’s Officer.
(c) Understand the policies and procedures that the club needs to implement for best practice.
Safeguarding 3
The course is a mix of theory and group work. On completion of the course attendees should . . .
(a) Be aware of the role and responsibilities of the Designated Liaison Person in relation to protecting and safeguarding children.
(b) Be aware of their organisation’s responsibilities in relation to keeping children safe.
(c) Have gained appropriate knowledge of the child protection system and its processes.
(d) Be able to ensure that their organisation’s policies and procedures are in-line with Children First.
Must I be Garda vetted before I do this course?
No, but current law dictates that if you are to undertake a position which involves interaction with children e.g. coach, that you must be Garda Vetted before undertaking coaching responsibilities. This can be organised through your NGB via your Club.
Article Modified: December 11, 2018 9:41 am
