Statement of Intent
This Child Protection Policy is developed in accordance with the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Sport Ireland's Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport.
Ace Martial Arts is committed to creating a safe and positive environment where children can enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The welfare of children is paramount, and the academy has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in its activities. Child protection concerns will be responded to appropriately and promptly.
Definition of a Child
Under the Children First Act 2015, a child is defined as a person under 18 years of age who is not or has not been married.
Risk Assessment
As required by the Children First Act 2015, Ace Martial Arts has undertaken a risk assessment to identify potential risks of harm to children while participating in activities. Main risks identified include:
- Risk of harm during training due to the physical nature of BJJ
- Risk of inappropriate behaviour by staff, volunteers, other members or other children
- Risk during changing room use and facility access
- Risk through online communication
- These risks are reduced through a code of conduct, coach discussions and training.
Mandated Persons
Under the Children First Act 2015, certain persons are mandated persons with legal obligations to report child protection concerns to Tusla. In a sporting context, this may include coaches and certain staff members. Mandated persons at Ace Martial Arts understand their legal obligations and receive appropriate training.
Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
The Designated Liaison Person is the first point of contact for child protection concerns.
Role: Designated Liaison Person (DLP). Contact: Andrew Marsh, info.acemartialarts@gmail.com. Phone: +353 87 6094857.
The DLP receives training and is responsible for ensuring that reporting procedures are followed correctly.
Reporting Procedures
Emergency contact numbers: Tusla local duty social work team, Gardai 999 or 112 in emergencies, and Tusla Information Line 01 771 8500.
- Report concerns immediately to the Designated Liaison Person.
- The DLP will assess whether reasonable grounds for concern exist.
- If reasonable grounds exist, a report will be made to Tusla using the Child Protection and Welfare Report Form.
- In cases of emergency or immediate risk, An Garda Siochana will be contacted directly.
- All reports and actions will be documented and stored securely.
- Reasonable grounds include evidence consistent with abuse, concerns about possible sexual abuse, consistent signs of neglect, a child disclosure, admission by an adult or child of abuse committed, or an account from a person who saw a child being abused.
- Where child protection and welfare concerns arise, information is shared only on a need-to-know basis in the best interest of the child or young person with the relevant statutory authorities and with parents or guardians.
- Once a report is made in good faith to a DLP, the person who raised the concern will not face adverse consequences, even if Tusla determines that there are no grounds for further investigation.
Garda Vetting
All coaches, staff and volunteers who have access to or work with children undergo Garda Vetting through the National Vetting Bureau. No person will commence working with children until vetting has been completed. Vetting is renewed periodically as required.
Code of Behaviour for Adults
- Treat all children with respect and dignity.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
- Avoid being alone with a child and ensure two-adult supervision.
- Ensure any physical contact is appropriate to the sport, necessary, and has consent.
- Never engage in inappropriate or sexually provocative behaviour.
- Never use inappropriate language or make sexual comments.
- Never strike, hit, or physically punish a child.
- Never give alcohol, drugs or cigarettes to children.
- Act as a positive role model.
- Do not accept social media connections or friend requests from children.
Code of Behaviour for Children
- Treat coaches, staff and other children with respect.
- Play fairly and within the rules.
- Do their best at all times.
- Never bully or use bullying actions against another person, including damaging property, spreading rumours or telling lies about other young people or adults.
- Never use violence or bad language. Do not shout at or argue with coaches, leaders, teammates or opponents.
- Do not connect with coaches on social media or online.
- Talk with a coach or club manager if you have difficulties or do not understand something. Never keep secrets about a person who may have caused harm or upset.
- Do not take, or allow others to make you take, banned substances to improve performance.
- Report any concerns to a parent, coach or the DLP.
Expectations for Parents and Guardians
- Complete registration and consent forms.
- Provide emergency contact details and keep them updated.
- Inform the academy of medical conditions or special needs.
- Deliver and collect children punctually.
- Support the child's involvement positively.
- Report concerns to the DLP.
Complaints, Training and Review
Complaints about behaviour or breaches of this policy are dealt with seriously and may result in a verbal warning, written warning, suspension from activities, termination of membership or employment, or reporting to Tusla or An Garda Siochana.
All coaches and relevant staff will complete safeguarding training.
This policy is available on the website and displayed at the premises. All staff, coaches and volunteers receive a copy and are required to acknowledge it. The policy is reviewed annually and updated as required.
Relevant Legislation and Contact Information
Contact information: Ace Martial Arts, Blacklion, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 DE44. Email: info.acemartialarts@gmail.com. Phone: +353 87 6094857.
Tusla - Child and Family Agency: Information Line 01 771 8500, website www.tusla.ie. Sport Ireland: Phone 01 860 8800, website www.sportireland.ie.
- Children First Act 2015
- Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
- National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016
- Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
- Sport Ireland Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport
