Cycling Ireland Code of Conduct

CYCLING IRELAND Code of Practice and Safeguarding Procedures for Young and Vulnerable Cyclists Table of Contents Description Page(s) Policy Statement 2 Glossary 3 Core Values 4 Code of Behaviour for Young/Vulnerable Cyclists 6 Code of Behaviour for Cycling Ireland Officials 7 Code of Behaviour for Parents 10 Club Recruitment Process - Check List 11 Information for Members Regarding Requests for Disclosures 12 Guidelines for Squad Sessions/Training Camps 15 Anti-bullying Policy 17 Guidelines on use of Photographic & Filming Equipment 19 Website Guidance for Clubs 21 Child Welfare and Protection Procedures 23 Appendix A: Parents’/Guardians’ Acknowledgement 26 Appendix B: Consent Form for Overnight Stay 28 Appendix C: Disclosure/Application Form for Cycling Leaders 30 Appendix D: Confidential Reference Form 32 This Code should be read in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council/Sports Council Northern Ireland Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport (2005 version). Contacts Area Name Role Phone/email National Orla Hendron National Safeguarding/ 086 2500754 Child Protection Officer [email protected] National Pádraic Quinn Garda Vetting Officer 087 2537653 [email protected] Connacht Ian Gourlay Safeguarding/Child Protection Officer 086 8145611 [email protected] Leinster TBC Safeguarding/Child Protection Officer Munster TBC Safeguarding/Child Protection Officer Ulster Patrick McAleavey McAleavey - Lead Safeguarding Officer 028 38832565 [email protected] 1 Cycling Ireland Code of Practice Policy Statement Cycling Ireland is committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every member of Cycling Ireland should, at all times, show respect and understanding for members’ rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation and guidelines contained in this Code and the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as issued jointly by the Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council Northern Ireland. Cycling Ireland’s first priority is the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and we are committed to providing an environment which allows participants to perform to the best of their ability free from bullying and intimidation. We shall take all practicable steps to protect them from discernable forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings. The environment will be one that is safe and has the welfare of participants at the forefront. Cycling Ireland recognises that it has a duty of care, to protect all young people (and vulnerable adults) and safeguard their welfare, irrespective of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity. This Code provides principles and guidelines to be adopted when dealing with young people and vulnerable adults. Cycling Ireland Code of Practice 2 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations Use in this Document All policies and procedures described refer to vulnerable adults as well as children insofar as this is possible. The following terms and abbreviations are used in this document: Cycling And Cyclist : PSNI: Refers to cycling activity at all levels, including leisure and Police Service Northern Ireland. competitive activities, and to all cycling disciplines: BMX, Cyclo- Cross, Mountain Biking (Cross Country and Downhill), Road Garda (Garda Síochána): Racing, Time Trials, Track Cycling etc. The police service in the Republic of Ireland. Child: ANI: Anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child/young AccessNI the vetting service in Northern Ireland. person. Affiliated Club: All policies and procedures described refer to vulnerable adults as All cycling clubs in Ireland which are affiliated through well as children insofar as this is possible. membership of Cycling Ireland. All Affiliated clubs are bound by Cycling Ireland’s Code of Practice and Safeguarding for Young and Lead Children’s/Safeguarding Officer: Vulnerable Cyclists (“The Code”). Lead Safeguarding Officer for Cycling Ireland or the nominated deputy/deputies. Youth: Those aged 16 and under. Children’s/Safeguarding Officer: Children’s/Safeguarding Officers are appointed within Junior: clubs/organisations to act as a resource for children and to Those aged 17 - 18. represent them at committee level. Vulnerable Adult: Designated Person: A vulnerable adult is someone who is aged 18 years or over who: A person responsible for reporting allegations/suspicions of child ‘is or may be in need of community care services by reason of abuse to the Statutory Authorities. This person will also be mental health or other disability, age or illness’ and ‘is or may be responsible for dealing with any concerns about the protection unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or of young people. Where there is no named Designated Person herself against significant harm or exploitation’. the Children’s/Safeguarding Officer fulfils this role. A vulnerable adult may be a person who: Parent: • Is elderly or frail; The term parent is used as a generic term to represent parents, • Has learning disabilities; carers and guardians. • Suffers from mental illness (e.g. dementia, personality disorder); • Has a physical disability; Safeguarding: • Is a substance misuser; This term emphasises the proactive approach of Cycling Ireland • Is homeless; in relation to child protection in that by putting policies and • Is in an abusive relationship. procedures in place and outlining good practice we will protect (It should be noted that disability or age alone does not signify that an our young participants, vulnerable adults and our members. adult is vulnerable.) Statutory Authorities: Statutory Authorities who promote the welfare and protection of children and young people and who have a legal responsibility for the investigation and/or validation of suspected child abuse, i.e. in the Republic of Ireland it is An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive and in Northern Ireland it is the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Social Services. 3 Cycling Ireland Code of Practice Core Values in Cycling for Young People and Vulnerable Adults The work of Cycling Ireland is based on the following principles that will guide the development of cycling for young people. Young people’s experience of cycling should be guided by what is best for the young person and their personal, physical and social development. The stages of development and the ability of the young person should guide the types of activity provided. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal. 1. Integrity in relationships 4. Fair Play Adults interacting with young people in cycling activities should Fair play is the guiding principle of the Code of Practice and do so with integrity and respect for the child. There is a danger Safeguarding for Young and Vulnerable Cyclists (“The Code”). that all sporting contexts can be used to exploit or undermine All children’s cycling should be conducted in an atmosphere of children. fair play. Fair play incorporates the concepts of friendship, All adult actions in cycling should be guided by what is best for respect for others and always taking part with the right spirit. the child and in the context of quality open working Fair play is a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind is unacceptable within cycling. 5. Competition A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. However, competitive demands placed on children can result in excessive levels of pressure on them. This can contribute to a high level of drop out from the sport. Leaders should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child- centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place. This Code of Practice will, insofar as is possible, have equal application to vulnerable adults. 2. Quality atmosphere and ethos Cycling for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. Cycling Ireland believes that a child-centred ethos should be adopted by all those involved in the promotion and development of youth activities. 3. Equality All children should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children with disability should be involved in cycling activities in an integrated way, thus allowing them participation opportunities to develop their potential alongside other children. Cycling Ireland Code of Practice 4 A Multi-Disciplinary Approach Cycling Ireland firmly believes that our young cyclists should be encouraged not only to participate in the different cycling disciplines such as road, track and off road but also in other sports. By doing so they will: • learn transferable skills; • have a healthier lifestyle; • learn about proper diet, training, and general fitness; • be more motivated; • learn self discipline; • learn to work as part of a team; • be encouraged to remain within the sport. No-one under the age of 18 should be forced to commit solely to any discipline unless it is on the understanding that: • It is for an agreed period of time in order to qualify for a major event which the

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