Safeguarding Policy
The IRFU will strive throughout its organisation and spheres of influence to promote, create and maintain safe environments for Age Grade Players. It will endeavour to maintain the key values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Excellence and Fun.
IRFU and Safeguarding
The IRFU is committed to the enjoyment of rugby by young people. It values and encourages the participation of parents, coaches and volunteers in rugby for participants under 18-years of age. The policy of the IRFU regarding safeguarding children is to respect the dignity and rights of Age Grade Players.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) provides rugby activities to young people through participation in its clubs, Branches and through national programmes and events, including representative panels, mini and youth coaching and competitions, squad camps and participation programmes in schools and related youth events.
Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015 and in Northern Ireland, the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards, a copy of which can be found below. The detailed CSS indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or documents required to alleviate these risks.
The associated Safeguarding Policy can be found below and the Sports Councils’ Guidance documents should be used where the IRFU has not published specific guidelines, in particular with regard to the principles to safeguard children from harm, as outlined in the full version of the IRFU Child Safeguarding Statement.
A safeguarding risk assessment has been carried out. The risk assessment indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or documents required to alleviate these risks. All procedures listed are available on this website.
The IRFU expects those involved within age-grade rugby to adopt and supervise the implementation of these safeguarding principles and standards. The IRFU recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. It is committed to the implementation of its Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policies to keep children involved in rugby safe from harm.
Our Child Safeguarding Statement and associated policies are reviewed every 2-years, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.
For queries please email Stephen Gore
