Toomevara

Founded 1885

Co. Tipperary

Club Policies

Club Constitution



The Club Constitution is the single most important document in the club and every club must adopt this in accordance with rule 3.5 of the GAA’s Official Guide (Treoraí Oifigiúil).

The club constitution provides a means whereby the GAA Club can be operated and managed by the Executive Committee of the club. The Constitution provides for control of the assets of the Club and the operation of activities within the Club regarding, membership, management structure, sub-committee structure, club property, AGM etc.

A club can make certain alterations to the constitution, but these must be passed by the County Committee.

To read the Toomevara GAA Club Constitution please click here

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Child Protection Policy

The Gaelic Athletic Association and Toomevara GAA Club are committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who wish to participate in our Gaelic Games and activities. With this in mind and as part of the GAA Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport, Toomevara GAA Juvenile Club has drafted a Club Child Protection Policy, which you can find below.

Child Protection Policy and Code of Best Practice and Conduct

Contents

1. POLICY STATEMENT
2. STANDARDS EVALUATION
3. DESIGNATED PERSON
4. CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER
5. COMMUNICATION (TEXTING)
6. REPORTING INCIDENTS
7. AREAS OF GOOD PRACTICE
8. THE VARIOUS CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

1. POLICY STATEMENT
Children are the most important members in our club.
We at Toomevara G.A.A. Club aim to promote the participation of children in our club by creating a culture of safety and fun.
“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence. They must be kept safe from harm and they must be given proper care by those looking after them”
(Article 19: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland has adopted and is committed to the European Code of Sport Ethics which defines fair play as:
“much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption.”
(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993)
The Children’s Act (2001) is based on a clear and consistent set of principles designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children.
Children have the right to be safe. All coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedent over all other considerations.
All club members, through their actions reflect the principles and guidelines contained in the ‘Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport inIreland.’. We promote the aims and ideals of our Association, adhere to its policy and nurture our Gaelic culture.

2. STANDARDS SET BY TOOMEVARA GAA CLUB WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH ENSURING THE FOLLOWING:-
Awareness of the issues which lead to children being harmed
Safe recruiting procedures for coaches/volunteers, careful selection
Provision of Irish Sports Council approved Child Protection awareness workshops for coaches and administrators
Application of codes of behaviour for coaches/volunteers
Application of codes of behaviour for children/young people
Application of codes of behaviour for parents
Application of good and safe working/playing practices
Establishment of procedures for dealing with child protection issues /recording of complaints/accidents, report books detailing facts, witnesses, circumstances etc.
Procedures relating specifically to bullying, away trips and photography
Identification and maintenance of parental responsibility
Availability of information – each parent should receive a copy or have access to the Child Protection Policy
Regular review and monitoring of Child Protection procedures by the management committee
All children are treated equally; the club will promote anti-discriminatory practices.
The policy applies to all those involved in Shamrocks GAA Club as coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents/guardians and children.

3. DESIGNATED PERSON (with respect to Child Protection)
The ‘contact person’ or Designated Person within Toomevara GAA Club is:
Name:
Address:
Telephone number:
The name of designated person shall be made known to all in the club. He/She is the person to whom child protection concerns will be addressed. If the concern is about the designated person, please report to theCountyChairman.
The club has procedures in place for dealing with concerns or allegation of abuse or neglect either within the club or externally but the first point of contact for the child, parent/guardian or coach is the designated person. However, any individual has the right to contact Social Services or An Gardaí directly if they have concern about a child’s welfare.

4. CLUB CHILDREN’S OFFICER (YOUTH OFFICER)
The Children’s Officer (CO) is the
Name:
Address:
Telephone number:
The Children’s Officer is the link between youth mentors, members and management. It is essential that this communication line is clear and working. CO may be assisted by others whose details, along with the club chairperson’s, are prominently displayed in e.g. club changing rooms, offices, and pavilion. The Children’s Officer’s function is to engender a child-centred club ethos, promote ethics and good practice, influence club policy and report to the management committee and designated person.

5. GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATION, IN PARTICULAR TEXTING.
What is the GAA proposing re texting information for underage players etc?
Toomevara GAA Club strongly recommends that when we pass on information regarding games, training or other activities for our under age players that we do so via group texts and that these group texts should preferably be sent to the parents of under age players. Coaches and /or the Club Rúnaí should obtain these relevant contact numbers when an under age player is being registered. This recommendation only applies to underage players i.e. under 18 year of age.

Are there any exceptions to the proposal on texting?
If, for whatever reason, a parent/guardian insists or requests that the information is sent directly by the club to their child and gives this request in writing the club may, if they so wish, accede to this request. However, if the club accedes to the request the information can only be sent as part of a group text and cannot be communicated individually to the under age player.
Toomevara GAA Club would regard the individual texting of an under age player by their coach or mentor as being inappropriate and unnecessary. We do not wish to compromise the role of the coach and its best not to communicate by mobile in such instances where the coach would have the personal mobile telephone number of a child and the child or young person could equally have access to the coaches telephone number as well.

How do we interpret an underage player?
An under age player is a person who is eligible to play in a game or event for persons under 18 years of age. Legislation in Ireland also defines a child as any person under 18 years of age and parents/guardians therefore have a particular level of responsibility for their child’s welfare while they remain under 18 yrs of age. We use the terms child and young person frequently when we refer to under age players.

Can we text county underage development squads and minor squads?
The recommended group text mechanism is still preferred but if you have parental/guardian permission to group text under age players you may avail of this option.

What if an underage player is on the club’s senior panel?
The same recommendation applies and parental/guardian permission must be sought if you wish to directly communicate with the young person as part of a group text scheme.

6a. GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ACCIDENTS
In the event of an accident the following procedure will be followed:
Contact parents/guardians in the event of all accidents.
Fill in 2 copies of the Accident Form for ALL accidents. One copy to incident book/folder, other to designated person for filing/further action.
For more serious accidents:
Contact emergency services/G.P. if necessary
Record detailed facts surrounding accident, witnesses etc.
Complete accident form/book as above
All serious accidents should be reported throughCountySecretarytoCrokePark

6b. GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS/INCIDENTS
Record all incidents reported or observed on an incident form, forward to the designated person.
Ensure confidentiality – a ‘need to know basis’
The designated person is responsible for report security
Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse 2

7. GOOD AND SAFE WORKING/PLAYING PRACTICES
Toomevara G.A.A. Club will ensure:
Promotion of a healthy lifestyle by practice and example
Proper supervision of children within the club with adequate numerical and gender coach : child ratio
Use of safe recommended equipment
Supervision of equipment used
A clearly defined, fenced play area that is safe from vehicular traffic
Public Liability Insurance covering all members of the club
Only children of similar age will train/play together, no children training/competing with children two or more age groups older than their own age group
First aid assistance and first aid equipment is available in case of accident, with accident/incident books documented where necessary
N.B. All accidents will be reported to parents/guardians
Transport will be provided and supervised by volunteers in possession of driving licences and roadworthy vehicles only. Prior parental permission is essential as per registration form
A safe environment for members
Ongoing training and information for Leaders
Implementation of policy and procedures in line with guidance from the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport
Facilitation of open discussion on member protection issues
Support to members who report allegations of abuse
Suspected abuse information is treated confidentially
Coaches to be made aware of any special needs (disability) relating to a child and respond accordingly
Appropriate action is taken if members breach standards of reasonable behaviour
The establishment and maintenance of a coaching register
The setting of standards of good practice
The Designated Officer has knowledge of child protection procedures and responsibility in reporting concerns
That parents/guardians are kept informed and have access to the club’s policy guidelines for away trips/overnight stays and use of photography/videos
The implementation of good and safe working practice is developed to the mutual benefit of the member, local area and community

Toomevara G.A.A. Club has the right to:
Expect leaders to comply with its Code of Conduct
Expect all children to maintain standards of reasonable behaviour
Take appropriate action if members breach the Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy
Expect all members to undertake appropriate training when advised to
Expect leaders will not abuse children physically, emotionally or sexually
Take appropriate action in the event of accusations
Acquire pre-employment checks on all coaches
Maintain records on individuals in line with advice from data protection agency, i.e. only hold records on individuals that they have justifiable reason for holding
Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse
Adhere to An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael’s Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR CHILDREN
Children are expected to:

Enjoy their GAA activity
Keep within the defined area of the playing/coaching area
Behave acceptably and listen to the coach
Respect GAA personnel and equipment
Refrain from using bad language and racial/sectarian references
Refrain from bullying and rough/dangerous play
Respect other children and adults
Keep safe
Report inappropriate behaviour and risky situations
Play fairly
Respect officials and accept decisions
Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat
Respect opponents and team mates
Not cheat
Not use violence

Children have the right to:
Safety
Be listened to
Respect
Privacy
Enjoyment of sport in a safe environment
Referral to professional help if necessary
Protection from abuse
Equality and fair involvement
Experience competition and a healthy desire to win
Be believed
Ask for help
Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with by the immediate coaches and reported to the designated person where deemed necessary. Persistent misbehaviour will result in dismissal from the club. Parents/guardians will be informed.
Dismissal can be appealed with final decisions taken by the club committee.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Parents/Guardians are expected to:
Complete and return club registration form for Toomevara G.A.A. Club.
Deliver and collect children punctually
Ensure child is properly attired for weather conditions
Ensure proper kit is worn at all times
Detail any health concerns or special needs pertaining to the child on the consent/registration form, particularly respiratory problems, and allergies. Any health concerns should be notified to the coach before a match/training
Inform the coach beforehand if the child is to be collected early
Encourage the child to play to his/her best, fairly
Show good example
Encourage all children’s efforts, listen and be positive
Behave responsibly on sidelines
Appreciate and respect the coach
Be realistic
Ensure child’s hygiene and nutritional requirements are met
Promote child’s participation for fun

Parents/Guardians have the right to:
Know the child is safe
Be informed of problems or concerns relating to the child
Be informed if the child is injured
Have consent sought for issues such as trips
Contribute to decisions within the club
Complain if there is concern about the standard of coaching
Have access to any policies or procedures
Any misdemeanour or breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with individually by a club official. Persistent misbehaviour will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend if their presence is detrimental to child welfare.
The ultimate action would be regrettably asking the child to leave the club.

Toomevara GAA Club, January 2014


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Smoke Free Policy

GAA Smoke Free Policy Statement

(Including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping)

Toomevara GAA is committed to reducing the use of tobacco smoking due to its proven harmful health effects by adopting the GAA’S Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping).

Aim: To protect the health of all individuals involved with the club as well as visitors to the grounds by keeping them safe from all smoke related harm.

Rationale: Toomevara GAA recognises that second-hand smoke is severely harmful to health, in particular to the health of children. There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke. The Smoke Free Policy will help change social norms around tobacco use, encourage people to consider quitting and reduce the initiation of smoking tobacco or e cigarettes/vaping amongst young people.

Smoking tobacco is one of the world’s biggest public health threats killing more than 7 million people globally a year. Around 890,000 of these deaths are due to exposure to second-hand smoke (WHO, 2019). In the Republic of Ireland, there are almost 5,500 smoking related deaths each year and one in every two long-term tobacco users will die from a tobacco related disease (HSE, 2019). In Northern Ireland smoking tobacco has been identified as the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death with 2014 data revealing approximately 16% or 1 in 6 of all deaths were attributable to smoking tobacco (Public Health Agency, 2015).

The club has therefore introduced a Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarette/Vaping). It applies to the entire GAA club grounds, both internally and externally including:

  • Buildings and residences,
  • Doorways and entrances,
  • Walkways, parkland, roads and car parks,
  • Pitches and sports facilities (including spectator spaces),
  • Balconies, terraces, outdoor seating and club/bar facilities
  • Cars parked on club grounds
  • Bicycle sheds and bus shelters on club grounds
There are NO designated smoking areas.

This policy applies to all members, officials, coaches, players, parents, contractors, visitors and volunteers. We believe that we are setting a positive example for the community with genuine concern for everyone’s health. 

Timing: This policy will commence on the 01/08/2023

Enforcement and non- compliance: The club will use Smoke Free signs both internally and externally to promote the policy. Committee members will monitor compliance in the club grounds.

‘Vaping’ includes the use of electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes or other such electronic delivery systems intended to simulate smoking, whether they deliver a nicotine dose or not.

The following strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the Smoke Free Policy:

  • Assume that the person is unaware of the Smoke Free Policy
  • A committee member or club representative will approach the person breaching the policy and politely ask them to refrain from smoking and remind them about the Smoke Free Policy
  • If the offence continues a senior member of staff will intervene
Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed six months after its introduction and then on an annual basis thereafter by an Executive Committee representative.  This will ensure that the policies adherence is sustained, effective and up to date.

Toomevara GAA is committed to following the GAA’S Smoke Free Policy (including Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping)

Club Chairperson _____Denise Haverty_____________________________                                       

Healthy Club Officer ____Maura Cleary____________________________

Date _____________26/07/2023_______________________________


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Inclusion Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

• The Club recognises the importance of affording equity, equal opportunity and fair treatment to all present and potential members.

• The Club aims to ensure that all people irrespective of their age, gender, ability, disability, race, religion, ethnic, origin, creed, colour, nationality, social status or sexual orientation have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in Gaelic Games at all levels and in all roles. That is, as a beginner, participant or performer, and as a coach. Official, referee, manager, administrator or spectator.

• It is the aim of the club in its relationships with its members, employees, job applicants and in the provision of its services, not to disadvantage any individual by imposing any conditions or requirements which cannot be justified. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action being taken.

• Direct discrimination is defined as treating a person less favourably than others are or would be treated in the same or similar circumstances.

• Indirect discrimination occurs when a requirement or condition is applied which whether intentional or not, adversely affects a considerably larger proportion of people of one race, sex, marital status than another an cannot be justified on grounds other than race, sex or marital status.

OBJECTIVES – The clubs Inclusion policy has the following objectives:

• To adopt a planned approach to eliminating perceived barriers which discriminate against particular groups. This will include widening the traditional approach and include communities experiencing disadvantage, poverty and health inequalities.

• To ensure that no-one working or wishing to work for or on behalf of the club receives less favourable treatment on the ground outlined in the Policy Statement above.

• To give clear guidance to individuals working within the club, either employed or as volunteers, on the commitment to equal opportunities.

• To ensure that all those who participate in Gaelic Games, at all levels and in roles receive fair and equitable treatment.

• To ensure that the format and content of all competitions, regulations and assessments provide equality for all, except where specific situations and conditions properly of reasonably prevent this.

• To ensure that all materials prepared, produced and distributed by or on behalf of the club promote a clear image of the profile of all those who involved in the games.

RESPONSIBLY

The Club expects all those acting on behalf of the association to adhere to this policy. In pursuance of this policy the Club Executive Committee reserve the right to discipline any of its members or employees who practice any form of discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, ability, race, religion ethic origin, creed, nationality, social status or sexual orientation.

DECLARATION

This document has been approved by the Club Executive Committee and serves as the working equal opportunities document of TOOMEVARA GAA CLUB

CHAIRPERSON Signed: __Denise Hayes _ Date: _____August 2023__ CLUB

SECRETARY Signed: ___Patrick Hanley___ Date: ____August 2023_____


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Critical Incident Response Plan

Critical Incident Response Plan

During a critical incident it is important to source help and support as quickly as possible for yourself or for anyone the club might be concerned about. If you are seriously concerned about someone, please contact 999, or advise someone seeking support to contact their GP.

Lead liaison person:                                             Alternative Lead Person:

Name: John Cleary                                                           Name: Denise Hayes

Contact No: (086) 8281844                                                          Contact No: (087) 6487323

Support team:                                                                           Contact No:

Denise Haverty                                                                                 (087) 6487323

Bernard Hackett                                                                              (087) 6138959

Mike Fitzgerald                                                                                (086) 0494711

Niamh Manley                                                                                  (086) 8274961

Aidan Cahill                                                                                       (087) 1253969

Maura Cleary                                                                                     (087) 6541826

Social Media/Media Liaison:                                     Contact No.

Aidan Cahill                                                                                       (087)1253969

Useful GAA Contacts:

Contact | Name | Contact Details
County Health &
Wellbeing Chairperson | Cora
Moloney | (087) 6388039
County Chairperson | Murtagh Brennan | (0504) 22702
County PRO | Jonathan Cullen | (086) 8098669
Community & Health Department, Croke Park | Stuart
Moloney | 01- 8658600 Email:community.health@gaa.ie
Local Supports

Accident & Emergency                       Nenagh Hospital – (067)31491

Gardai/PSNI                                        Nenagh Garda Station – (067)50450

Out of Hours Doctor                            Shannondoc – (061) 459500

Samaritans:                                          116 123

Useful Websites                                  www.yourmentalhealth.ie

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/nosp/resourceofficers/

Northern Ireland:

Samaritans:                                         116 123

Lifeline:                                               0808 808 8000

Useful Website:                                                https://www.mindingyourhead.info/

Important Action Points

Review the plan and its content at least twice a year or after an incident

•Keep the plan up-to-date regarding personnel

•Keep the contact list on your phone in case it becomes necessary to activate the plan

•Send a copy of the plan to stakeholders after each major amendment.

Date of Issue:                                      26/07/2023

Person Responsible for Review         John Cleary








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