Mission
The objective of Blackrock Athletic Club is to promote athletics in Blackrock, Co Dublin and the surrounding area. It operates in a safe, caring, friendly and fun-loving environment and endeavours to provide the necessary coaching expertise required to enable young athletes of all abilities to reach their full potential. It lays special emphasis on fair play, community and sportsmanship and works actively to encourage, the development of such attributes as, teamwork and leadership.

Club Principles
The Club and those involved with the Club will abide by the following principles and statements:

• All young people within Blackrock AC, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, or disability have the right to be protected.
• All young people participating in sport have a right to do so in a safe environment.
• All adults involved with the Club will provide a safe, positive, and fun, sporting experience for young people.
• All volunteers, coaches and officials will understand and be supported in their role and responsibility regarding the duty of care of young people.
• All suspicious incidents and all allegations will be taken seriously, managed, and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
• The Club will assist coaches, volunteers, and officials to remain up to date with the latest safeguarding and child protection issues.
• The Club will appoint a Children’s Officer/s to deal with issues concerning child welfare at the club.

Club Commitment to Child Welfare

To maintain an open and transparent approach we have adopted the Athletics Ireland (AAI’s) Child Protection Policy Statement and Safeguarding Statement, related Policies, Codes of Conduct and Guidelines as our own, in some places customised for our club.

We have performed a Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment and adopted appropriate policies and guidelines to address the child safety risks identified. Details of this review can be seen on the Child Safeguarding Statement.

We expect all members, parents, officials, coaches, and volunteers to read the policies to understand and comply with the Club Rules.

Athletics Ireland Child Protection Policy Statement

Athletics Ireland acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with legislation, best practice, and Sport Ireland requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Athletics Ireland in a safe and child-centred environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in athletics or outside of the activity.
• Athletics Ireland acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
• As part of our safeguarding policy Athletics Ireland will :
• promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify, and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
• The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Athletics Ireland. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed every two years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• as required by Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) and Sport Ireland.
• as a result of any other significant change or event.