Code of Ethics

The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland published a joint Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in 2000. This major joint publication recognised the commitment of both Councils to ensure that young people are safeguarded in their participation in sport in the island of Ireland.

The Code has been adopted and implemented by governing bodies of sports, clubs, local sports partnerships and community/voluntary groups on an on-going basis since 2000. It has been encouraging to see the common sense approach to the adoption of the code at grass roots level, which has resulted in protection for young people and leaders.

If young people are to stay involved in sport throughout their adult life, they need to be equipped with the fundamentals to remain involved with sport and physical activity. Equally we need to ensure that their early experiences are positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class, race, etc. It is encouraging to see adults, both volunteers and professionals, contribute to these positive experiences by
acting as role models in all dealings with young people. In particular the work of Children's Officers at club and national level is instrumental in implementing the Code. We need to build on this valuable work to ensure that all young people see sport and physical activity as an important and valuable aspect of their lives that they will sustain throughout their adulthood.

The review of the Code in 2005 ensures that the policies and procedures that we implement at all levels in sport are up-to-date and in line with relevant documents, current best practice and legislation throughout the island of Ireland. We thank the committee for its wor throughout 2005 and we hope that this will help all sporting organisations to protect and maintain the welfare of all young people through sport.

Code of Ethics Information Day 26th March 2011

On 26th March in Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth a Code of Ethics in Children's Sport Information day was held. The participants who attended were National Children's Officers and Designated Person's from National Governing Bodies, ISC tutors who deliver Code of Ethics workshops and other interested agencies.

Mr. John Sweeney Clare Sports Partnership coordinator was the master of ceremonies for the day

Mr. Colm O'Gorman (Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland) gave the Keynote address.

Mr. John Laffan is the Executive Director of the Office for Internet Safety then followed with Using the Internet and Associated Communications Tools and Keeping Children and Young People Safe.ppt (size 419.3 KB)

Ms. Martina McGrath Principal Social worker HSE and Ms. Sandra Claxton Information and Advice Officer HSE then addressed the participants on HSE Role in Child Protection Systems, Practices and Procedures.ppt (size 173.6 KB).

Ms. Kellie Turtle Childline Northern Ireland, spoke on Understanding bullying and supporting young people.ppt (size 1.6 MB).

Detective Sergeant Michael Lynch is attached to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit (DVSAIU) at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with specific responsibility for the Sex Offender Management & Intelligence Unit. Michael addressed the participants on "The Garda Role in Child Protection".

Mr. Paul Stephenson has worked for the NSPCC for over 9 years. Paul spoke on Reducing the Risk of Sexual Abuse in Sport.PPT (size 2.5 MB).

For more information on the information day or details on the Irish Sports Council's Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport contact bpriestley@irishsportscouncil.ie or telephone (01) 860 8800

Code of Ethics - Information Day 2008 (18th October)

The Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport Information Day took place on Saturday 18th October at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Northwood Park, Dublin. Over 90 participants from across the island of Ireland attended the event which featured key note addresses from leading authorities from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Director of Coaching Ireland, Michael McGeehin was the master of ceremonies which began with Nicola Carr (Trinity College Dublin) presenting on "Service User's Perceptions of the Irish Child Protection System".

Charney Weitzman (Information and Advice Person Children First) then followed with a "National Review of Compliance with Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children" before Paul Stephenson (NSPCC Northern Ireland) presented the first of two presentations; "Safeguarding Standards".

Martin Whyte (MBW Transactional Communication) then addressed delegates on "Transactional Communications" with Gabriel Daly (Beauchamps Solicitors) highlighting the "Current legislation in the Republic of Ireland"

Paul Stephenson (NSPCC Northern Ireland) presented his second presentation "Safeguarding Legislation in Northern Ireland"and was followed by Tom Clarke (Access NI)

The information day was then concluded by Inspector Pat Burke (Garda Central Vetting Unit) who provided an "Overview of the Garda Vetting".

For more information on the information day or details on the Irish Sports Council's Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport contact bpriestley@irishsportscouncil.ie or telephone (01) 860 8800