Culloville GAC adapts a child centred approach and philosophy in the running of the club to ensure that those working with children and young people are at all times provided a quality sporting and social programme, by working to an agreed philosophy and set of standards. Enforcement of this conduct is the responsibility of every member and any queries about the code should be referred to the Children’s Officer/Club Chairman - Kevin Rowland.
Child Protection Policy Statement

We in Culloville GAC are committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people to practice Gaelic Games. We do this by:
 

• Recognising that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.
• Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.
• Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, and providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
• Appointing a Children’s/Designated Officer who will take specific responsibility for child safety and act as the main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.
• Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Children’s/Designated Officer or the appropriate external authorities.
• Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Children’s Officer and Code of Best Practice

In keeping with the Club Child Protection Policy, we have designated the Club Chairman as the Children’s Officer. The Children’s Officer will act as the link between the children and the adults in the club and will take responsibility for monitoring and reporting to the Executive on how club policy, etc impacts on children and the club volunteers. We as a club fully commit to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the club should, at all times, conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principals of the club and the guidelines contained in the GAA’s Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport.

Culloville GAC adapts a child centred approach and philosophy in the running of the club to ensure that those working with children and young people are at all times provided a quality sporting and social programme, by working to an agreed philosophy and set of standards. Enforcement of this conduct is the responsibility of every member and any queries about the code should be referred to the Children’s Officer.

All members must:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all and treat everyone equitably.
• Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

Child Protection Policy

• To ensure that this club is following the best practice we shall work closely with our governing body. In order to promote the best practice in children’s sport, we shall comply with the guidelines of the Code Of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport, which are:
• Adopt and implement the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland as an integral part of our policy on children in the club.
• Have a constitution approved and adopted by club members at an AGM /EGM.
• Permit all members over 16 years of age to vote, where possible. One parent/guardian should have one vote for all their children under 16 years of age, where relevant.
• Ensure that the Club Management Committee is elected or endorsed by registered club members at each AGM.
• Adopt and consistently apply a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting Sports Leaders.
• Clearly define the role of committee members, all Sports Leaders and parents/guardians within the club.
• Appoint at least one Children's Officer, who has attended specific Children’s Officer Training, as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland.
• Designate the Club Chairman to act as liaison with the Statutory Authorities in relation to the reporting of allegations or suspicions of child abuse. Any such reports should be made according to the procedures outlined in this Code/Children First /Our Duty to Care.
• Ensure best practice throughout the club by disseminating its code of conduct, including the disciplinary, complaints and appeals procedures in operation within the club to all our members. The club's code of conduct will also be posted on any facilities used by the club.
• Have in place procedures for dealing with a concern or complaint made to the Statutory Authorities against a committee member or Sports Leader or other members of the club. Any Sports Leader who is the subject of an allegation, which has been reported to the Statutory Authorities, will stand aside while the matter is being examined. S/he will be invited to resume full duties immediately if s/he is vindicated.
• Ensure that relevant Sports Leaders report to the Club Management Committee on a regular basis.
• Encourage regular turnover of committee membership while ensuring continuity and experience.
• Develop effective procedures for responding to and recording accidents.
• Ensure that any unusual activity (high rate of drop-out, transfers, etc.) is checked out and reported by the Club Chairperson to the Governing Body of Sport.
• Ensure that all club members are given adequate notice of AGMs and other meetings.
• Ensure that all minutes of all meetings (AGMs/EGMs/Committee) are recorded and safely filed. 
• Create a forum to ensure that opinions of the young people are listened to.
• Ensure all adults involved in the club have the opportunity to attend child protection awareness training.