Tyrone GAA
Children’s Officer In The GAA
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
The Club and County Children’s Officer
The appointment of a Children’s Officer at both Club
and County level is an essential element in the creation
of a quality atmosphere and in establishing a child and
youth centred ethos at both Club and County level
Not only is the appointment deemed essential it is also
a mandatory requirement. The Officers fulfil a key role
at Club and County level and are members of the
relevant Club Executive and County Committees.
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Congress 2011
Official Guide 3.11
Club Constitution 7.2
County Conventions 2011
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
The County Children’s Officer
Key Role
…….to oversee the implementation and promote an
awareness of ;
Our Games – Our Code
When working with underage players
(GAA Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport)
and the joint
Code of Behaviour
with the co-operation of Clubs in the County and
with Club Children’s Officer.
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
The Club Children’s Officer
The Club Children’s Officer shall
assist in promoting a child and
youth centred ethos in the Club. In
their work the CCO shall be the
link between the children/young
people and the adults within the
Club.
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
The Club Children’s Officer
• Key Role
To ensure the implementation and promotion of
the relevant Child Welfare and Protection Codes
and Guidelines for good practice in their clubs so as
to ensure that young people can participate, enjoy
and benefit from our Gaelic Games in safe and
enjoyable surroundings.
Our Games – Our Code is the agreed good practice
reference and policy document that is central to
guiding the Children’s Officer in their role.
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Club Children’s Officer
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Responsibilities
Promote awareness of Our Games – Our Code and the joint Code of Behaviour
Identify the need for Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshops
Promote an Anti Bullying ethos in the club
Ensure receipt of youth membership form including parental consent as required
Support the implementation of the RESPECT initiative.
Influence policy and practice in order to prioritise the needs of underage players
Promote consultation and participation of young people in Club activities and
planning
Ensure the young people are heard in matters of importance to them
Encourage parental / guardian participation
Take the lead in developing good practice in recruitment and selection
Oversee implementation of Access NI checks within the Club
Monitor significant trends /developments re participation of young people and
report accordingly
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Our Games – Our Code
when working with underage players
What Next…….
• Draft Development Plan
setting out key targets to be achieved by the County &
Club Children’s Officers / County Executive and Club.
• Club Audit
Checklist to assist clubs in identifying good practice and
areas for development in their clubs looking at all
aspects of child welfare and protection.
• GAA Tackling Bullying
(Pilot delivery April / May formally adopted at national
level October 2012)
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Always Remember
In our work with children and young people the GAA
will always be guided by the core principle that:
‘The welfare of the child shall be the
paramount consideration’
Children Order (NI) 1995
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Links……
• ..\..\Documents\GAA\Club_and_County_Child
rens_Officer.pdf
• ..\..\Documents\GAA\Code_of_behaviour_3rd
_edition.pdf
• ..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Code_of_Best_Pra
ctice_in_Youth_Sport_100110204341.pdf
• ..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Guidelines_for_De
aling_with_Allegations_of_Abuse_100111102
607.pdf
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Íoslódáil Cód Iompair
GAA Code of Behaviour Poster
GAA Tackling Bullying Poster
Postaer ar Bhulaíocht Gaeilge
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Ulster GAA Club Officer Development Course
Saturday 18th February
Loreto Convent School Omagh
9.30am to 1pm
Registration required
Includes workshop on the role of Designated
Officers in Child Protection
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012
Childrensofficer.tyrone@gaa.ie
+44(0)7909006255
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Kathryn Anderson February 2012