Recruitment
The way we work with Age-Grade Players, how we behave around them and our attitudes towards them will contribute to the way young people feel about themselves. It is important that they, and their guardians, feel that their rugby experience is a fun and safe one.
An important step in ensuring this player-centred environment is the selection of appropriate Sports Leaders to work with young people.
All Age-Grade coaches/volunteers working on a regularly basis should be made aware of the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and after reading the document sign the Declaration of Intent on Rugby Connect – tap here to login
Vetting checks should also be completed where necessary.
While clubs are responsible for the recruitment of Sports Leaders, and the allocation of roles and areas of responsibility to them, the IRFU will support them through the provision of vetting checks.
Vetting should not be seen as a stand-alone procedure and should always be done in conjunction with the Declaration of Intent, commitment to training and adherence to this Safeguarding Policy.
Failure to comply with all aspects of club recruitment could result in a Sports Leader not being offered position within the Club / Branch / Union.
Republic of Ireland – All those involved in ‘relevant work’, that is work or activity that is carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable adults.
Northern Ireland – All those (in NI) who work in ‘regulated activity’, that is work or activity that involves teaching training, caring for and supervision of children ‘frequently’ (once a week or more) or ‘intensively’ (4 or more days in a 30-day period or overnight), must complete an enhanced vetting check.
Vetting can be completed online but can only be processed by the IRFU on completion of the id check and verification by the CWO.
Access to vetting forms is through RugbyConnect.
Parents who give lifts to rugby events come under the ‘occasional’ usage term and do not need to be vetted; likewise ‘appointed referees’ who do not work with the same teams on a regular basis. These volunteers should complete the DOI for occasional work through RugbyConnect.
E-vetting is now in operation and the IRFU recruits online through RugbyConnect. The CWO will verify your ID checks through RugbyConnect once you have uploaded the necessary information.
For further information please get in touch with your club Welfare Officer.
