Blackrock A.C. is dedicated to a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. While we work tirelessly to prevent issues, we have clear, robust procedures in place to address accidents, incidents, allegations, or complaints should they occur.

Our Safeguarding Framework

Our approach to safety is built on four key pillars:

• Best Practice: We follow Athletics Ireland guidelines for all policies and codes of conduct.

• Safe Recruitment: Every volunteer is Garda Vetted before they begin working with athletes.

• Clear Ownership: We have a nominated Children’s Officer and a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) specifically trained to handle sensitive reports.

• Education: We ensure our volunteers are trained to recognise, identify, and respond to signs of neglect or abuse confidently.

How We Handle Issues

We categorise reports to ensure they are handled by the right people with the appropriate level of urgency:

Step-by-Step Reporting Process

If you witness an incident or have a concern, follow these steps:

Immediate Safety: Ensure the immediate safety of any athletes involved.

1. Verbal Report: Inform the Lead Coach of the session immediately (for accidents or minor conduct issues).
2. Formal Notification: For more serious matters or safeguarding concerns, contact our Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or Children’s Officer directly.
3. Documentation: You may be asked to complete a standard Incident Report Form to ensure an accurate record is kept.
4. Resolution: The Club Committee or Welfare team will investigate the matter discreetly and provide a resolution or escalate to Athletics Ireland/Tusla if required.