1. Tyrone GAA 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012 Children’s Officer In The GAA

2. The Club and County Children’s Officer The appointment of a Children’s Officer at both Club and County level is an essential element in the creation of a quality atmosphere and in establishing a child and youth centred ethos at both Club and County level Not only is the appointment deemed essential it is also a mandatory requirement. The Officers fulfil a key role at Club and County level and are members of the relevant Club Executive and County Committees.  Congress 2011  Official Guide 3.11  Club Constitution 7.2  County Conventions 2011 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

3. The County Children’s Officer Key Role 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012 …….to oversee the implementation and promote an awareness of ; Our Games – Our Code When working with underage players (GAA Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport) and the joint Code of Behaviour with the co-operation of Clubs in the County and with Club Children’s Officer.

4. The Club Children’s Officer The Club Children’s Officer shall assist in promoting a child and youth centred ethos in the Club. In their work the CCO shall be the link between the children/young people and the adults within the Club. 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

5. The Club Children’s Officer Key Role To ensure the implementation and promotion of the relevant Child Welfare and Protection Codes and Guidelines for good practice in their clubs so as to ensure that young people can participate, enjoy and benefit from our Gaelic Games in safe and enjoyable surroundings. Our Games – Our Code is the agreed good practice reference and policy document that is central to guiding the Children’s Officer in their role. 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

6. Club Children’s Officer Responsibilities Promote awareness of Our Games – Our Code and the joint Code of Behaviour Identify the need for Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshops Promote an Anti Bullying ethos in the club Ensure receipt of youth membership form including parental consent as required Support the implementation of the RESPECT initiative. Influence policy and practice in order to prioritise the needs of underage players Promote consultation and participation of young people in Club activities and planning Ensure the young people are heard in matters of importance to them Encourage parental / guardian participation Take the lead in developing good practice in recruitment and selection Oversee implementation of Access NI checks within the Club Monitor significant trends /developments re participation of young people and report accordingly 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

7. Our Games – Our Code when working with underage players What Next……. Draft Development Plan setting out key targets to be achieved by the County & Club Children’s Officers / County Executive and Club. Club Audit Checklist to assist clubs in identifying good practice and areas for development in their clubs looking at all aspects of child welfare and protection. GAA Tackling Bullying (Pilot delivery April / May formally adopted at national level October 2012) 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

8. Always Remember In our work with children and young people the GAA will always be guided by the core principle that: ‘The welfare of the child shall be the paramount consideration’ Children Order (NI) 1995 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

9. Links……..\..\Documents\GAA\Club_and_County_Child rens_Officer.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\Club_and_County_Child rens_Officer.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\Code_of_behaviour_3rd _edition.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\Code_of_behaviour_3rd _edition.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Code_of_Best_Pra ctice_in_Youth_Sport_100110204341.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Code_of_Best_Pra ctice_in_Youth_Sport_100110204341.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Guidelines_for_De aling_with_Allegations_of_Abuse_100111102 607.pdf..\..\Documents\GAA\GAA_Guidelines_for_De aling_with_Allegations_of_Abuse_100111102 607.pdf 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

10. Íoslódáil Cód Iompair GAA Code of Behaviour Poster GAA Tackling Bullying Poster Postaer ar Bhulaíocht Gaeilge 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

11. Ulster GAA Club Officer Development Course Saturday 18 th February Loreto Convent School Omagh 9.30am to 1pm Registration required Includes workshop on the role of Designated Officers in Child Protection 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012

12. 14/11/2015Kathryn Anderson February 2012 Childrensofficer.tyrone@gaa.ie Childrensofficer.tyrone@gaa.ie +44(0)7909006255