Irish Flying Disc Association Child Protection Policy (Last updated: September 2019)

Introductory Statement The IFDA commit to fully comply with the Sport Ireland Code of Ethics and Best Practice for Childen’s Sport in Ireland and the National Children First legislation.

This policy applies to all those involved in IFDA activities including, but not limited to, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteers, members, parents and young people.

The IFDA is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the organisation should at all times show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Association club and the guidelines contained in the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children & Young People in Sport.

We will strive to equip young people with the fundamentals to get involved in and remain in sport and physical activity, whether that is or another sport. We will ensure that their experience with ultimate is positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class, race etc. We will strive to make physical activity and spirit of the game an important part of their lives that they will sustain through adulthood.

People This policy will apply to all IFDA community members and to all adults and children participating in sport under the IFDA. This includes parents, coaches, teachers as well as all children participating in the sport.

Laws and Policy In order to promote the best practice in children’s sport, the IFDA and associated clubs will be in compliance with the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children & Young People in Sport. The following principles and practices are adapted to Ultimate and other . 1. Principles We recognise the following principles of children playing sport in Ireland.

1.1 CHILDHOOD AND THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD The importance of childhood should be understood and the right to happiness within childhood should be recognised and enhanced at all levels of sport. The child’s involvement in sport should always be enjoyable. Sports training for children should have a child centred approach. All children’s sport experiences should be guided by what is best for children. This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people. The stages of development and ability of children should guide the types of activity and level of intensity in ultimate.

We recommend that any leaders in a club with children in it attend a Code of Ethics course to better understand the needs of the child.

The safety of children is the responsibility of adults in leadership positions. All people involved in the leadership of sports for children should be appropriately selected and approved through the Garda vetting system. The National Selection Board will take application forms and ask for references for all leadership staff for national teams.

1.2 INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS Adults interacting with children in sport (referred to as Sports Leaders in this Policy) are in a position of trust and influence. They should always ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect, and the self-esteem of young people is enhanced. All adult actions in sport should be guided by what is best for the child and carried out in the context of respectful and open relationships. Physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect of any kind or threat of such abuse is unlawful and unacceptable within sport, as in society in general.

1.3 FAIR PLAY and SPIRIT OF THE GAME The IFDA supports the view that all children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. In this context the IFDA undertakes to adopt the definition of fair play as set out in the European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe (1993).

“Fair play is defined as much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and sportsmanship. Sports ethics is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, the use of unfair strategies whilst respecting the rules, doping, misuse of nutritional supplements, violence (both physical and verbal), sexual harassment and abuse of children, young people and women, trafficking in young sportspeople, discrimination, exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption.”

Responsibility for sports ethics Spirit of the Game, which is taught and instilled in all athletes, promotes this sense of fairplay. Leaders will give guidance around expected behaviour in the following areas that emphasise the importance of participation, hard work, and gracious treatment to all opponents. Leaders are expected to keep up to date with any rules changes from the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) and discuss changes to rules with the Spirit Director of the IFDA.

1.4 QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND ETHOS Children’s sport should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. Standards of behaviour for leaders and children in sports organisations should be as important as the standards set for sports performance. Standards of excellence should extend to personal conduct.

1.5 COMPETITION Competition is an essential element of ultimate frisbee and should be encouraged in an age appropriate manner. A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place. Competition can make a significant contribution to children’s development but should always be fun, enjoyable and satisfying. Through such competition children learn respect for opponents, officials and rules of ultimate.

Too often competitive demands are placed on children too early, which results in excessive levels of pressure on them. This is one of a number of factors, which contribute to high levels of dropout. It should always be kept in mind that the welfare of children comes first and competitive standards come second. While under eight is a very different age group to under eighteen the same general principle should apply.

As adults we need to strike a balance between a young person’s desire to win and a young person’s right to participate, irrespective of ability. Remember that success is not the same as winning and failure is not the same as losing.

1.6 Equality Statement All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion or any perceived differentiation. Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus allowing them to participate to their full potential alongside other children (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport 2000)

The IFDA recognises the additional vulnerability of some children and the extra difficulties they may face when seeking help.To address this vulnerability coaches are encouraged to seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents / guardians and the children themselves.

1.7 LEGISLATIVE BASIS While our Child Protection Policy is not a legal document it is based on the Children First Act 2015, Child Care Act (IRL) 1991 and the Children (NI) Order 1993, as well as subsequent related legislation, such as Children’s Act 2001, Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Act (NI) 2003 and the Protection for Persons Reporting Act (IRL) 1998. Furthermore Ireland is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which acknowledges the right of the child to protection from all harm. Article 31 of the UN Convention on Rights of the Child recognises the “right of the child to engage in play and to have the chance to join in a wide range of activities.” In order to promote this charter and in response to consultation with young people the Office of the Minister for Children (IRL) includes in its strategy the objective that “children will have access to play, sport and recreation and cultural activities to enrich their experience of childhood.” The Office of the Minister for Children appointed an Ombudsman for Children in 2004, while Northern Ireland appointed the Commissioner for Children and Young People in 2003.

This Policy is intended to provide guidelines for those working with young people in sport. It is not a definite legal interpretation of the legislation. While it is not a legal document, failure to comply may have legal implications or consequences.

2. People in Ultimate

2.1 Adults Leaders in Ultimate Any adult involved in ultimate for children should have a role that is clearly defined. This is particularly important for coaches who act as role models for children. Adults involved in ultimate have a duty of care to children, whether voluntary or professionally, to ensure their health, safety and welfare in ultimate. This unique position will allow adults to create special relationships with children, of which these have the potential to help children develop and express themselves in an open and secure way.

It is essential that adults have the competence and ability to deal with children in a fair, empathetic, and ethical way. Adults in leadership positions should be selected by appropriate recruiting methods that require garda vetting and reference checks. Sports leaders should also participate in Code of Ethics courses run by local Sports Partnerships. Coaches of national teams should attend such courses as per the requirements outlined in the National Team Policy Document.

Sports Leaders should ● Discuss any child protection concerns with the IFDA Designated Liaison Person and work with the DLP to report the issues to Tusla and/or the Gardai where necessary ● Teach spirit of the game ● Be positive during sessions and competitions, praise and encourage effort as well as results ● Put the welfare of young person first, strike a balance between this and winning / results ● Encourage fair play and treat participants equally ● Recognise developmental needs, ensuring activities are appropriate for the individual

● Plan and prepare appropriately ● Have experience relevant to working with young people or hold up-to-date qualifications and be committed to the guidelines in this Policy ● Involve parents where possible and inform parents when problems arise ● Keep record of attendance at training and competitions ● Keep a brief record of injury(s) and action taken ● Report any concerns in accordance with this Policy’s reporting procedures

Sports Leaders should not ● Use alcohol or drugs before coaching, during events, or trips with young people ● Use any form of corporal or physical punishment on a child ● Take children to their home ● Take training sessions alone ● Spend time alone with children away from others ● Take children on journeys alone in cars, on buses, trains or other modes of transport ● Engage in any rough games or physical contact that could be inappropriate ● Engage in extreme fitness testing without the presence of another adult ● Undertake any form of therapy in the training of children

2.1.1 Recruitment of Sports Leaders and Coaches

Clubs should follow the steps below when recruiting and selecting leaders for their clubs. The National Selection Board (NSB) should also follow the same guidelines when selecting leadership for any teams which may have under 18s or vulnerable adults. ● List the tasks, skills, and competencies required of leaders (captain, coach, administrator etc.) of the team ● Make all vacancies openly available ● References for each applicant should be sought before they are appointed to the role. ● Each applicant must be garda vetted before they commence their roles, if their role involves working with under 18 year olds or vulnerable adults.

Any leaders of national teams should comply with the guidelines set out in the National Policy Document. This will be checked by the NSB and the High Performance Director. All clubs should strive to achieve the same standards set out in the National Policy Document.

2.2 Children Involved in Ultimate Interaction between children should always be that of mutual respect in accordance with Spirit of the Game. Adults are responsible for creating an environment in which quality, open relationships are valued and where the integrity of each individual is respected. Children are expected to follow the Spirit of the Game rules as best they can. Rules of play may be adjusted to be made appropriate to the age group.

Children are entitled to ● Safe practices ● Participation in Ultimate and other flying disc sports ● Be happy and to enjoy Ultimate and other flying disc sports ● Participate in the running of their club and to give their opinions ● Be afforded appropriate confidentiality ● Be taught the rules of the game and the meaning of Spirit Of The Game (SOTG) and encouraged to follow the rules at all times

2.3 Parents in Ultimate Frisbee Parents should be involved in ultimate as they can help promote the physical well being of their child. They should be informed about how ultimate is played, what the training, tournaments, and season consist of, the risks associated with it, and the concept of spirit of the game and self-refereeing.

Parents should ● Know who the leaders of the club are and have contact details for these leaders ● Attend parents’ meetings ● Encourage their children to play by the rules of Spirit of the Game ● Behave responsibly on the side-line ● Liaise with coaches in relation to times/locations of sessions, medical information etc. ● Focus on their children having fun and participating in ultimate rather than performance

As a best practice model parents should be ● Encouraged to help with the running of the club ● Encouraged to act as chaperones for trips and trainings ● Informed of any problems or concerns relating to their children, unless doing so will put the child at risk of harm

2.4 IFDA Responsibilities The IFDA is responsible for overseeing the adoption and implementation of this policy by all its affiliated members.

● Ensure that this policy is adopted and agreed to by member clubs and national teams ● Appoint a National Children’s Officer who is a member of the IFDA committee ● Appoint a Designated Liaison Person and relevant person in accordance with the Children First Act 2015. ● Ensure that there are effective investigation and disciplinary actions in place ● Ensure that complaints that are made are directed to the National Children’s officer ● Review the child protection regulations regularly through discussion with members, sports councils and statutory authorities ● Examine and take action in response to reports of unusual incidents as reported from clubs

2.5 ULTIMATE AND FLYING DISC CLUBS To ensure that best practice is being followed, all ultimate clubs should work closely with the IFDA to implement this Policy at club level. Each club should ● Adopt and implement this policy as an integral part of its policy on children in the club ● Promote the voice of the child, in particular through meetings and the AGM. One parent/guardian should have one vote for all their children under 18 years of age, where relevant ● Adopt and consistently apply a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting children’s coaches ● Clearly define the role of committee members, coaches, and managers ● Appoint at least one Children’s Officer. In the event that a club caters for both boys and girls, one Children’s Officer of each gender would ideally be appointed. The Children’s officer will also act in liaison with the Statutory Authorities in relation to the reporting of allegations or suspicions of child abuse ○ The Children’s Officer should not be the coach or captain of the team ● Develop effective procedures for responding to and recording accidents

The IFDA is committed to ensuring that club leaders are competent to provide safe and rewarding experiences for those in their care and that training for coaches is advertised and made available. The IFDA is committed to ensuring that adequate adult supervision of all club activities involving children is provided.

2.6 CHILDREN’S OFFICERS Club Children's Officers should be appointed in each club. Their primary aim is to be a link between the children and adults in the club. They are also there to establish a child centred approach during training when necessary. Master’s clubs will not be required to have a Children’s officer and clubs are not required to have a Designated Person as well as a Children’s Officer as suggested by the Irish Sports Council due to the small size of clubs in Ireland. Clubs must have a Children’s Officer in order to be allowed to enter to national competitions in Ireland. Clubs without a designated Children’s Officer should not be allowed to compete.

The Children's Officer should be a member of or have access to the club committee and will perform the following role: ● Have knowledge of the IFDA Child Protection Policy and statutory guidelines ○ Undertake training in relation to child protection ● Hold parents information evenings to inform them of the policies of the IFDA and the club and to encourage them to participate in trainings and tournaments ● To work with the National Children’s Officer ● To work closely with the club committee ● To ensure that the children have a voice in the running of their club and ensure that there are steps young people can take to express concerns about their playing experiences. ● Keep records on each member on file, including junior members, their contact numbers and any special needs of the child that should be known to leaders ● Ensure that the club rules and regulations include

○ complaints, disciplinary and appeals procedures ○ an anti-bullying policy ○ safety statement ○ rules in relation to traveling with children ○ supervision and recruitment of leaders

Children’s Officers should not: ● Be team coaches or captains ● Be a child themselves ● Be in any other position of power over children in the club

2.7 National Children's Officer The National Children's Officer holds a position in the IFDA Committee, but is not involved in the day-to-day running of the organisation.

The role of the National Children's Officer involves: ● Acting as a point of contact about the IFDA Child Protection Policy, provide advice for the organisation ● Promoting the values, attitudes and structures which make ultimate enjoyable for children ● Circulating all relevant information and resource materials, on children's sport to clubs ● Communicating with Club Children's Officers to ensure the distribution of the IFDA Child Protection Policy and the promotion of related education programmes, materials, events and governing body related codes ● Liaising with all clubs to examine the rules, regulations and structures to ensure that they are child centred, e.g., equal playing time, appropriate competition structures, modified equipment to allow a sense of achievement and success, use of protective gear, bullying policy etc. ● Assisting in the development of a system of record keeping which maintains confidentiality while allowing for appropriate information to be passed to relevant authorities where necessary

● Ensuring that an individual case record is maintained of the action taken by the organisation, the liaison with other agencies and the outcome ● Ensuring records are kept in confidence in a secure location and access is on a ‘need to know’ basis ● Ensuring affiliated clubs and groups are aware of their reporting requirements Assisting the administration on issues of confidentiality, record keeping and data protection.

3. Disciplinary Policy Each club/organisation, on receiving a complaint, should appoint a disciplinary committee to resolve problems relating to the conduct of its members. This should include bullying. The complaint should be in writing to the Children’s Officer and should be responded to within 5 working days. The committee should consist of a representative from the Club Committee, the Children’s Officer and an ordinary registered members of the club.

If the complaint involves suspected abuse or a criminal offence the children’s officer may be consulted and the disciplinary committee disbanded. The statutory authorities will then be informed The disciplinary committee should review any relevant paperwork and hold any necessary meetings with all parties to proceed with complaints into any incident of suspected misconduct that does not relate to child abuse. It should, as soon as possible, inform the Club Committee of the progress of the disciplinary process. This should be done within 10 working days

The disciplinary committee should furnish the individual with the nature of the complaint being made against them and afford them the opportunity of providing a response either verbally or in writing, but usually at a meeting with the disciplinary committee.

Written confidential records of all complaints should be safely and confidentially kept and club procedures should be defined for the possession of such records in the event of election of new officers.

Where it is established that an incident of misconduct has taken place, the disciplinary committee should notify the member of any sanction being imposed. The notification should be made in writing, setting out the reasons for the sanction. If the member is under 18 years of age, correspondence should be addressed to the parents/guardians. Any sanctions taken should be made in accordance with the IFDA disciplinary policy.

If the member against whom the complaint was made is unhappy with the decision of the disciplinary committee they should have the right to appeal the decision to an appeals committee (independent of a disciplinary committee). Any appeal should be made in writing within an agreed period after issue, usually 10 days of the decision of the disciplinary committee. The appeals committee should consult with the Children’s Officer in relation to issues of child welfare and codes of conduct

The appeals committee should have the power to confirm, set aside or change any sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee

If any party is not satisfied with the outcome the matter can be referred to the IFDA. However efforts to resolve the issue at local level should be exhausted before the IFDA is engaged in attempts to resolve the matter.

3.1 The Use of Sanctions

Sanctions should be fair and consistent and should be progressively applied if necessary. Sanctions should be used in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy and should never be used as retaliation. The following guidelines should be put in place in relation to sanctions: ● Rules should be stated clearly and agreed ● Warnings should be given when rules are broken ● Players should not be sanctioned for making errors when playing ● Physical activity should not be used as sanctions ● If you impose sanctions on children, these should be clearly explained to the child and their parent/guardian. It is important to follow up by making them feel like a valued member of the group again

3.2 Breach of Policy A breach of this policy may result in a club or individual being brought to an investigation with the IFDA. All breaches of the policy should be dealt with at a local level as much as possible. Non-compliance with the policy at a club level may result in investigation by the IFDA and the IFDA Disciplinary policy will be followed. Appropriate club sanctions will be laid out.

4. Supervision Guidelines These guidelines are in accordance with the National Team Policy Document.

4.1 Transport There is additional responsibility when it comes to transporting children.

Drivers should ● Follow all rules of the road ● Avoid being alone with a child in the car ● Have central drop off and collection points where possible ● Ensure parents/guardians are aware of the travel arrangements for children and have contact details for the driver and Club Children’s Officer.

4.2 General Supervision There should always be an appropriate adult to child ratio at trainings and at tournaments. Ideally there is adult supervision of the same gender.

For national teams we define three levels of adult. 18 years and over are adults and no longer children, but cannot supervise a national team alone. 23 years and over are young adults and are allowed to supervise junior level teams in Ireland. 25 years and over are adults who are allowed to travel abroad with the team. All national teams must be in compliance with the supervision guidelines in the National Team Policy.

For club training and tournaments the IFDA will consider anyone over the age of 18 an adult who can be held responsible for any children.

The following supervision guidelines should be followed: ● Adult to child ratios for under 12s should be 1:8, for over 12’s it should be 1:10. ● Privacy of children should be protected. Children should be provided with a changing area that is separate from the rest of the club. Leaders should not enter changing rooms of the opposite gender. ● In the case of an emergency leaders should ensure that other adults are also present. ● If a child suffers an injury or accident the parents/guardians should be informed immediately. ● Adults should not share a room with children and if absolutely necessary there should be more than one child in the room with the adult ● Children who are sharing rooms should share with the same gender, age group etc. ● Alcohol, smoking and other illegal substances / activities are forbidden to participants. Leaders should act as role models. ● If absolutely necessary to travel alone with a child, permission must be sought (in writing) from parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child. Itineraries should be sent out to parents in advance of trips with emergency contact details and exact locations ● All trips should have a designated person to be held responsible for the safety and security of the team

4.2.1 Hosting Within Ireland parents should have access to details of where their children are staying on trips. If there is hosting the names and numbers of the hosts should be provided to the parents and parents should also provide their contact details to the hosts.

5. Safety The following practices should be followed: ● Activities being undertaken should be suitable for the ability, age, and experience of the participants ● Equipment should be of the highest possible standard. Discs should not have cracks or holes and the appropriate line markers and cones should be used ● First aid should be available at all sessions ● First aid qualified people should be part of every team ● Injuries should be recorded and the action taken noted. There should be a review of the accidents that have occurred in the club at the end of the year and steps should be taken to ensure that these are reduced.

5.1 Protection of Children The IFDA recommends that all clubs follow the guidelines laid out in Chapter 5 of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. In summary the IFDA requires that clubs do their best to ensure the following: ● The use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco should be actively discouraged as they are incompatible with a healthy lifestyle ● That the use of alcohol before coaching or leading sessions is prohibited ● That children playing on national teams adhere to the National Policy Document ● That team leaders familiarise themselves with the causes of psychological stress, burnout and dropout from children in sport to actively work to ensure that none of these things happen ● That bullying is combatted and managed appropriately if it happens ● That children are free from abuse in training and competition ● That sports leaders are familiar with the signs of abuse in children ● That sports leaders follow appropriate steps in reporting child abuse to the Statutory Authorities ● The child should be aware that if they disclose information that makes you think they have been, are, or could be at risk of being harmed, that you are not allowed to keep that confidential and must raise it with the IFDA’s DLP. ● That information that is of a sensitive nature and that has been given in confidence is only shared on a need to know basis 5.2 Combating Bullying

All clubs/organisations should have an anti-bullying policy, which includes the following measures:

● Raising awareness of bullying as an unacceptable form of behaviour ● Creating a club ethos which encourages children, Sports Leaders and parents/guardians to report bullying and to use the procedures of the complaints mechanism of the organisation to address this problem ● Providing comprehensive supervision of children at all training and tournaments ● Providing a supportive environment for victims of bullying ● Obtaining the cooperation of parents/guardians to counter bullying

5.3 Confidentiality Statement The IFDA recognises the legal principle that the welfare of the child is paramount means that consideration of confidentiality should not be allowed to override the right of children to be protected from harm. Everyone in our organisation, including children, must be aware that they can never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a ‘need to know’ basis.

6. Further Information The IFDA has derived its policies from the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. Further support can be taken from the website and appendices.

6.1 Appendices The IFDA is committed to continual monitoring and development of this Child Protection Policy in the light of changing circumstances.

The following Appendices form part of the Child Protection Policy of the IFDA Irish Flying Disc Association Child Safeguarding Statement IFDARecognising, Responding, Reporting Child Welfare Concerns