Club Policy & Code of Behaviour

Adopted in line with GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage), GAA Safeguarding Policy and County Board Directives.

By registering myself and/or my children/family members as members of Fr. Daltons C.L.G, I/we acknowledge we have read, understand and agree to abide by the clubs's policies and codes outlined below.

1. Club Ethos & GAA Core Values

Fr. Daltons C.L.G is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all members from Nursery to Adult level.

The club upholds the core values of the GAA:

Respect – for teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers and facilities.
Integrity – honesty, fairness and ethical behaviour on and off the field.
Loyalty – pride in and commitment to club and community.
Fair Play – adherence to rules and positive sportsmanship.
Player Welfare – the safety, wellbeing and dignity of every participant is paramount.

2. Formal Safeguarding Statement

Fr. Daltons C.L.G adopts and implements the GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage), the GAA Safeguarding Policy and all relevant County Board directives.

The welfare of the child is the primary consideration in all club activities.
All mentors working with underage players are Garda vetted.
All mentors have completed required safeguarding training.
The club has appointed a Children’s Officer and Designated Liaison Person.
All child welfare concerns will be dealt with in line with GAA and statutory procedures.

3. Membership & Registration

Membership subscriptions must be paid when due.
Registration forms must be completed accurately, including full medical information.
Parents/Guardians must notify the club of any changes to contact or medical details.
Participation in hurling carries an inherent risk of injury.

4. Supervision & Attendance (GAA Best Practice)

Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring children arrive safely to and are collected promptly from all activities.
The club’s duty of care applies only during scheduled activities under the supervision of appointed mentors.
Parents/Guardians of ALL Nursery and ALL younger under age grades are expected to remain with their child for the duration of the activity, or nominate another appropriate adult to assume responsibility.
If a Parent/Guardian must leave the grounds, they must inform the mentor in charge and ensure suitable collection arrangements are in place.
The club does not assume responsibility for children outside scheduled activity times.

5. Player Code of Behaviour (Underage)

Respect mentors, teammates, opponents and match officials.
Play fairly and follow the rules of hurling.
Wear an approved helmet with full face guard at all times during training and matches.
Remove all jewellery before participation.
Follow safety instructions at all times.
Refrain from bullying, intimidation, discriminatory behaviour or abusive language.
Accept referees’ decisions respectfully.

Bullying in any form (physical, verbal, social or online) will not be tolerated.

6. Parent / Guardian Code of Behaviour

Encourage effort, enjoyment and participation.
Respect referees and officials at all times.
Do not engage in sideline coaching.
Treat all players and volunteers with dignity and respect.
Raise concerns through appropriate club channels.

Abusive, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

7. Coach & Mentor Responsibilities

Prioritise player welfare at all times.
Provide a safe and structured environment.
Promote fair play and inclusion.
Avoid favouritism or inappropriate behaviour.
Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
Follow GAA concussion and injury protocols.

8. Health & Safety Policy

Protective Equipment:

An approved helmet with full face guard is mandatory at all times.
No jewellery may be worn during training or matches.

Injury & First Aid:

Supervising mentors will administer first aid within their level of training.
Emergency services will be contacted where necessary.
Parents/Guardians consent to emergency treatment if they cannot be contacted promptly.
All injuries will be recorded appropriately.

Concussion Protocol:

Any player suspected of concussion must be removed immediately.
No return to play on the same day.
Return to play must follow GAA graduated return-to-play guidelines.

9. Anti-Bullying Policy

Fr. Daltons C.L.G operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

Physical aggression
Verbal abuse
Social exclusion
Cyberbullying
Discriminatory comments

All incidents will be addressed in accordance with GAA safeguarding procedures.

10. Photography, Video & Social Media Policy

Video Recording:

Video recording of underage matches or games is prohibited in line with County Board policy.

Club Photography:

Authorised club officials may take photographs for legitimate club purposes.
Images will primarily be shared via the secure ClubZap platform.
Publication on social media requires prior parental consent.
Images will never compromise the safety or dignity of a child.

Parents & Social Media:

Parents may take photographs of their own child only.
Parents must not post images or videos that include any other child without explicit parental consent.
The club may request removal of content that breaches safeguarding standards.

11. Complaints & Discipline Procedure

Fr. Daltons C.L.G is committed to fair and transparent procedures when dealing with complaints or alleged breaches of this Code.

Concerns should initially be raised with the Mentor in charge or the Children’s Officer.
The Children’s Officer’s role is to receive concerns, ensure child welfare is prioritised and refer matters appropriately. The Children’s Officer does NOT impose disciplinary sanctions.
Disciplinary decisions, including any suspension, may only be made by the Club Executive/Committee in accordance with GAA rules and natural justice principles.
Any individual subject to a complaint will be informed of the concern and given an opportunity to respond.
Where a safeguarding concern arises, the matter will be handled strictly in line with GAA Safeguarding Policy and, where required, referred to statutory authorities.

The club reserves the right to implement precautionary measures, where necessary, to protect player welfare while a matter is being reviewed.

12. Key Contacts

Underage Secretary: Eilish Reilly – 0879313494
Children’s Officer: Yvonne Malynn – 0879025374
Designated Liaison Person: Denis O’Roarke – 0878240829
Address: Fr. Dalton Park, Mullaghcloe, Ballymore, Co. Westmeath

Fr. Daltons

Founded 1981

Fr. Daltons

Westmeath

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