Triathlon Ireland Club Child Safeguarding Statement
Club Information
MSC Triathlon Club, based in County Donegal, provides sporting activities and opportunities for young people through participation in the club’s activities and events.
Principals to safeguard children from harm
MSC Triathlon Club is committed to safeguarding children and by working under the guidance of our NGB and club Safeguarding Policies our club members and volunteers, working with our young people, throughout the organisation, seek to create a safe environment for young people to grow and develop within triathlon. The following set of principles should be adhered to:
Importance of childhood - The importance of childhood should be understood and valued by everyone involved in sport.
Needs of the child - 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.
Integrity in relationships - Adults interacting with children in sport 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.
Fair Play - All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. The principles of fair play should always be emphasised, and organisers should give clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.
Quality atmosphere & ethos - Children’s sport should be conducted in a safe, positive, and encouraging atmosphere.
Competition - Competition is an essential element of sport 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.
Equality - All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, gender, religion, social and ethnic background, or political persuasion.
Risk Assessment
Below is a summary of our risk assessment which indicated areas of potential harm and policy/procedures in place to mitigate these risks. This Risk Assessment was undertaken in October 2025
Risks Identified (as defined in the Children First Act 2015)
Policies/Procedure in Place to mitigate risks
Club & Coaching Practices
Risk of harm by a member of staff/volunteer.
Risk of harm of a child by a visitor to the service.
Risk of harm of a child on outings/trips.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
Vetting Policy (Garda vetting & Access NI)
Safe Recruitment Policy
Codes of Conduct
Safeguarding Policy for Junior Events
Physical Contact Policy
Event Management and Safety Plan
Reporting Procedures for Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Concerns.
Travel and Overnight Trips Policy.
Missing Children Procedure and flow chart
Complaints & Discipline
Risk of harm through lack of awareness of complaints not being dealt with seriously.
Complaints Policy
Disciplinary Policy
Reporting Procedures
Risk of harm through lack of knowledge of how to report or concerns not reported.
Safeguarding Training Policy
Reporting Procedures for Safeguarding and Code
of Conduct Concerns.
Online Reporting Portal
Use of Facilities
Unauthorised access to designated children’s play & practice areas & to changing rooms.
Unauthorised exit from children’s areas.
Photography, filming or recording in prohibited areas.
Missing or found child on site.
Children sharing facilities with adults.
Safeguarding Policy for Junior Events
Safety Guidelines for Club Sessions
Photography and Filming Policy
Event Management and Safety Plan
Missing Children Procedure and flow chart
Photography and Filming Policy
Recruitment
Risk of harm due to recruitment of inappropriate/unqualified people.
Lack of clarity of role.
Vetting Policy
Safe Recruitment Policy
Codes of Conduct
Communication
Risk of harm of a child through the use of unauthorised photography
Unauthorised photography & recording of activities.
Risk of harm of online abuse through social media.
Lack of awareness of ‘risk of harm’ with members and visitors.
No communication of Child Safeguarding Statement or Code of conduct to members or visitors.
Photography and Filming Policy
Social Media Guidance for Juniors
Social Media Guidance for Coaches and Leaders
Social Media Guidance for Clubs
Guidance for Coaches and Clubs for Online Sessions
Code of Conduct Posters
General Risk of Harm
Risk of harm of bullying of a child by a member of staff/volunteer/peer.
General behavioural issues.
Harm not being recognised.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Codes of Conduct
Safeguarding Training Policy
Procedures
This Child Safeguarding statement was developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015 The Children First: National Guidance, and TUSLA’S Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice and in line with the National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children and the Department of Health ‘Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’ and the Children (NI) Order 1995. In addition to our risk assessment Triathlon Ireland have further procedures that support our intention to safeguard young people while they are availing of activities in Triathlon Ireland.
Procedures for reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Statutory authorities.
Procedures for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.
Procedures for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers against a child availing of our activities.
Procedure for appointing a relevant person
Policy regarding safeguarding training.
The Mandated/ Relevant Person for Triathlon Ireland is Niamh O’ Gorman Contact: e.niamh@triathlonireland.com p.+353 873627106
The Club Children’s /Safeguarding Officer for MSC Triathlon Club is Grainne Kelly
Implementation
Implementation of our Safeguarding policies is an ongoing process. Our club is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our activities. This statement is published on the club website, has been provided to all club members and is readily available on request. This statement will be reviewed on the (insert date < 24 months- must be updated sooner if personnel change).
