| Code
of Ethics: a summary. Health & Safety of Young
People. |
This code of
practice has been produced as clear guidance
to ensure the health and safety of children and young people at any FAI
International Youth Team events. Events include International
development and selection courses, International Matches and
Tournaments. This includes those events where all players are under the
age of eighteen and also senior events where young players are included.
Every
potential and existing Irish player should be able to participate in an
enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from any form of abuse.
The Football Association of Ireland recognises and accepts its
responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people and
children by protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and
from bullying and neglect. It is determined to meet these obligations
to ensure that all those in the FAI who provide opportunities for
children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of
care.
1.
Introduction
1.1 The
health and safety of all children and young players under
18 and involved in any activity run by the FAI is of paramount
importance.
1.2 Players may be vulnerable while attending FAI
events as they are likely to be away from home and may be on trips
abroad. Detailed planning for events and supervision of children and
young players at an event is vital.
2. Definitions
Event
Leader refers to the National Coach, Course Director, or any nominated
member of staff assigned the responsibility for any given event.
Parents are the people who have parental responsibility for the
children and young people and includes carers.
Young people, children or player refers to any player under the age of
18 at an event registered as one of our participants.
Event
refers to any event run by the FAI, including International development
or selection courses, International matches, and International
Tournaments.
3. Responsibilities
3.1
Each event must have a designated event leader, normally the National
Coach or Course Director who is responsible for the safety of young
players at all times and for every aspect of the Event. The Event
Leader must:
Ø Have experience in supervising players
of all of the age groups participating in the Event
Ø
Ensure that all staff have complied with the FAI staff screening
requirements
Ø
Be capable of organising the Event, staff and players effectively
Ø
Ensure that all coaches are qualified for the work allotted to them
Ø
Complete a risk assessment form for each Event
Ø
Appoint a Designated Person for Child Protection who is
responsible for all child protection issues and the general well being
of players under 18. Reference should be made to best practice
guidelines. See Appendix 10
Ø
Complete and submit the Event Report Form. See Appendix 12
3.2 Appointed staff are responsible to
the Event Leader and must:
Ø Have appropriate knowledge of the FAI
child protection and best practice guidelines
Ø
Be aware of their specific responsibilities at all times throughout the
Event
Ø
Have completed and returned Staff Personal and Medical Consent Forms
Ø
Have complied with all FAI vetting and screening procedures
4. Risk Assessment
4.1
The Event Leader must carry out a risk assessment for the Event. The
Event Leader must consider potential hazards and what safety measures
should be taken to avoid them and produce a contingency plan. The Event
Leader should consider what will be done in the event of a serious
accident, injury or emergency.
See
Appendix 1
4.2 If players are allowed to
swim or be involved in any water activity while on the Event, including
the use of pools for rehabilitation work, the Event Leader must
establish the swimming competence of each player. The Event Leader must
arrange appropriate lifeguard supervision. See Appendix 4
4.3 If the Event
is to involve experience of adventure or other high
risk activity and a specialist provider is engaged, the Event Leader
must obtain written confirmation from the provider that a current
licence issued by the appropriate Licensing Authority is held for the
activity in question. The Event Leader must check with the FAI
Financial Controller that the insurance covers these activities both at
home and abroad.
