The Children’s Officers shall assist in promoting a child and youth centered ethos in the Club. 

The key role of the Children’s Officer is to ensure the implementation of the Child Safeguarding guidelines and the promotion of good practice in the Club, to ensure our young people can participate, enjoy and benefit from playing Gaelic Games in a safe and fun environment. 

For guidance, please contact:

 
Maureen King, Children's Officer (CO)
Mobile: 0857117320
eMail:  childrensofficer.garda.dublin@gaa.ie
 
Paul Curtis, Designated Liaison Person (DLP
Mobile: 0872207927
eMail:   paulcurtis6q@gmail.com

Our Commitment to Child Safeguarding

Garda Westmanstown Gaels GAA is fully committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who participate in our activities.

We do our utmost to take all practical steps to safeguard children from any discernible forms of abuse, harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and we respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

Child Safeguarding Statement

PRINCIPLES TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN FROM HARM

This statement recognises that in accordance with legislation and with the requirements of our Codes and Rules that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive, developmental and enjoyable experience of Gaelic Games and when participating in our activities that they do so, as far as is practicable, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Here is the link to: Child Safeguarding Statement

GAA Code of Behaviour

The GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage) guides best practice among all involved in underage Sport within the GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football.

One of the most relevant sections of the Code of Behaviour is Section 3, now titled Maintaining Good Practice and Behaviour. This revised section outlines the minimum levels of behaviour we expect and accept from Young Players, from their Coaches, their Parents, our Clubs, Referees and Supporters.

Here is the link to: GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage)

Here is the link to: Maintaining Good Practice and Behaviour

Anti-Bullying Policy Statement

The GAA aims to create a supportive environment where any form of bullying is unacceptable. We adopt a whole organisational approach to addressing bullying and are committed to implementing structures and relevant training to deal with allegations of bullying. Incidents of bullying are regarded as serious breaches of our Code of

Best Practice in Youth Sport - Our Games Our Code. We are committed to achieving an ethos of respect so as to maximise the potential of all our members when playing or participating in our Gaelic Games.

Here is the link to: Anti-Bullying Policy Statement

Social Media Policy & Guidelines

All members and officers should keep in mind the overall values and principles of the GAA when using social media. These are:

RESPECT

PLAYER WELFARE

COMMUNITY IDENTITY

AMATEUR STATUS

TEAMWORK

INCLUSIVENESS

We should be careful to ensure that our online actions reflect these values and are not contrary to what the GAA represents. 

See link to: Social Media Guidelines

Club Player Participation Guidelines

We promote player participation in accordance with the GAA Player Pathway (LGFA and Camogie) and Code of Behaviour (underage).

See link to:  Player Participation Guidelines

Give Respect – Get Respect

The GAA Respect initiative seeks to ensure that Gaelic Games are promoted and played in a positive, fair and enjoyable manner were players, coaches, spectators and referees

Give Respect – Get Respect from each other. The Give Respect - Get Respect initiative applies to all in the GAA regardless of age, competition or ability.

See link to: Give Respect - Get Respect

Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017

Children First, National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children was launched on October 2nd 2017. This Guidance is a primary reference for all citizens to report concerns and includes the new legislative obligations. It provides clarity between the legislation and the existing non-statutory obligations which will continue to operate for all sectors of society.

See link to: Children First Guidelines