Commitment

Skerries Athletics Club is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all adult members, coaches, officials, volunteers, and participants.

Every adult has the right to enjoy athletics in a positive and inclusive atmosphere, free from harm, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.

Adults Are Entitled To:

• Be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
• Take part in athletics in a safe and supportive environment.
• Have their personal privacy and boundaries respected.
• Equal opportunities to participate, regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, religion, or background.
• Raise concerns and have them taken seriously.
• Be supported if they are at risk of harm.

Adults Should Always:

• Respect others, both within the club and at events.
• Act as positive role models, showing fairness, inclusion, and good sportsmanship.
• Communicate respectfully, in person and online.
• Prioritise safety at training, competitions, and events.
• Keep relationships appropriate and professional.
• Follow club rules, safeguarding guidance, and Athletics Ireland  Athletics policies.
• Report any safeguarding or dignity concerns promptly.

Adults Should Never:

• Bully, harass, discriminate against, or abuse anyone.
• Use intimidation, exclusion, humiliation, or aggressive behaviour.
• Engage in inappropriate physical, verbal, emotional, financial, or sexual behaviour.
• Exploit their role or position for personal gain.
• Ignore or dismiss safeguarding or dignity concerns.
• Share personal information about members inappropriately.
• Endanger the safety or well-being of themselves or others.

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are unacceptable. They include behaviours such as:

• Repeated intimidation, exclusion, or humiliation.
• Offensive jokes, comments, or unwanted attention.
• Physical threats or unwelcome touching.
• Online abuse or inappropriate messages.

All complaints will be taken seriously, treated confidentially, and addressed promptly.

Recognising Concerns

• Bullying or harassment.
• Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.
• Discrimination.
• Unsafe coaching or training practices.

Procedure for Raising a Concern

Step 1 – Immediate safety first

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 / 112.

Step 2 – Report your concern

• Contact Elaine Halpin (acting CWO) or Club Chairperson Nigel Roy
• If unavailable, speak to a committee member or the Chairperson.
• You can request the above to contact you by emailing skerriesac@gmail.com.

Step 3 – Provide key information

• Who the concern is about.
• What happened (facts only).
• Date, time, and location.
• Names of witnesses (if any).
• Any immediate actions taken.

Step 4 – Club action

• The CWO will record concerns confidentially.
• They will decide next steps, which may include:
• Internal review.
• Referral to Athletics Ireland Safeguarding Team.
• Referral to statutory agencies.

Step 5 – Follow-up

• You may be asked for more details.
• The club will update you where appropriate, while respecting confidentiality.

Confidentiality

• Concerns will only be shared with those who need to know.
• Records will be stored securely in line with GDPR.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

• Minor breaches may result in verbal or written warnings.
• Serious or repeated breaches may lead to suspension or termination of membership.
• Suspected criminal behaviour will be referred to the Gardaí.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required following a safeguarding or dignity incident.

Key Contacts

• Club Chairperson: Nigel Roy or Chairperson@skerriesac.com
• Emergency services: 999 / 112