CHILD WELFARE CODE of PRACTICE

Club Children’s Officer/s

The appointment of Club Children’s Officers is an essential element in the creation of a quality atmosphere in any club. They act as a resource to members with regard to children’s issues and also ensure that children have a voice in the running of the club and can freely talk of their experiences.

Government guidelines advise that a children’s officer should be appointed by all clubs and this should be done in accordance with recommended selection and recruitment procedures. The appointment of this person should be carried out in consultation with juvenile members and their parent/guardians.

The League/Club Children’s Officer should have the following functions:

• To promote the Code of Ethics & Good Practice

• To influence policy and practice and to prioritise children’s needs

• To ensure that children know how and whom they can report their concerns to within the club. Information disclosed by a child should be dealt with in accordance with the Department of Health and Children’s Guidelines “Children First”

• To encourage the participation of parents/guardians in club activities

• To co-operate with parents to ensure that each child enjoys his/her participation in soccer

• To act as a resource with regard to best practice in children’s soccer

• To report regularly to the Club Management Committee

• To monitor changes in membership and follow up any unusual dropout, absenteeism or club transfers by children or coach/volunteers

Club/League Children’s Officers do not have the responsibility of investigating or validating child protection concerns within the club and have no counselling or therapeutic role. This responsibility lies with the HSE and Gardai.

Midleton FC have appointed LEONARD O’DRISCOLL as our Children’s Officer and he can be contacted at 087-2308127.