CLUB WELFARE

In our roles, we are totally committed to the enjoyment of rugby by young people by creating an inclusive and equal environment that promotes safety, fairness and fun.​ We are here to provide Safeguarding advice and assistance and we are the main point of contact for all Safeguarding matters.

 

What are the CWO’s Responsibilities?

 

To achieve a safe environment, there are certain policies and procedures the CWO Team and the club in its entirety adheres to, as Safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole club.

 

• We operate to the parameters set out in the IRFU Safeguarding Policy. All coaches receive a copy of this policy once their appointment is approved by the Club Executive each year. Additional copies are available by emailing the CWO Team or also from the Club website.

• We attend workshops, information sessions and undergo Safeguarding Training, to adhere to the Safeguarding Policy, its guidelines and any further information or requirements put in place by the IRFU.

• We ensure that all volunteers, who are in regular contact with age-grade players, are registered members of the Club, have valid Garda Vetting and are approved by the IRFU, have completed a relevant Safeguarding Course and are appointed by the Club Executive Committee each season for involvement with Age-Grade Rugby.

• We work with Age-Grade Coaches, Directors of Youth and Mini Rugby, relevant volunteers and committee members, helping them to understand their role and responsibilities in relation to Safeguarding.

• We support the IRFU Codes of Conduct to ensure that all members of and visitors to our Club experience a healthy playing environment for all.

• We encourage and promote the ethos behind “The Spirit of Rugby”.

• We ensure that the Club Action Plan and Risk Assessment is completed and submitted to the Branch Welfare Officer annually.

• We have a strict Anti-Bullying Policy which we ensure is followed.

• We respond accurately and promptly to queries from the IRFU or Statutory Authorities, regarding the welfare of Age-Grade Players, who are members of the club.

 

What responsibilities fall outside of the CWO’s remit?

 

• We are not responsible for creating training policies for age-grade players.

• We are not responsible for season planning for games for age-grade players.

• We are not responsible for the planning of each training session, what content it should cover and appropriate timings.

• We are not responsible for team selection and grading for upcoming games.

 

The aforementioned responsibilities fall into the remit of the coaching teams. Where their roles and the role of the CWO intersect is to ensure the policies are in compliance with IRFU Club Welfare guidelines so that all children enjoy their time and feel valued within the club, which promotes future retention and participation.

 

We have a dedicated Club Welfare Noticeboard at the top of the main staircase in the clubhouse where you can find Welfare and Safeguarding information and contact details for ourselves, Leinster Branch and IRFU Safeguarding Personnel.

 

We wish everyone the very best for the forthcoming Season.