The Irish Amateur Boxing Association fully accept our obligation to protect the many young people taking part in the our sport. A Code of Conduct in relation to the sport of amateur boxing has been adopted and implemented by all units of the IABA since the Annual Connvention of 2002. It is of the utmost importance that young people stay involved in sport throughout their adult life. With this in mind, we strive to ensure that their experiences are both positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class or race, during their early years by providing the opportunities in a safe environment to take part under fit and proper supervision. Under our Rules and Constitution, each club, County Board, Provincial Council and National Boxing Council must appoint a properly trained and Certified Child Protection Officer. This Rule is strictly adhered to at all times.
Club Appointed Childern’s Officer
The Children’s Officer is a member of or has access to. the Club Management Committee and and is introduced to the young people in an appropriate forum. Every Club is required to designate a person to be responsible for dealing with any concerns about the safeguarding of Children. The IABA has designated the Children’s officer as the person responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to Health Services Executive or Health and Social Care Trusts or An Garda Siochana/PSNI.
Duties of each Club Children’s Officer include:
- Promote awareness of the code within the club, among young members and their parents/guardians.
- Influence Policy and Practice within the club in order to prioritise children’s needs
- Ensure that children know how to make concerns known to appropriate adults and agencies
- Encourage the Appropriate involvement of parents/guardians in Club Activities
- Report Regularly to the Club Management Committee
- Monitor changes in membership and follow up any unusual dropout, absenteeism or club transfers by children or Sports Leaders
- Ensure that the Children have a voice in the running of the club and ensure there are steps young people can make to address their concerns about their activities or experiences
- Facilitate parents’s information sessions at the start of the season
- Keep appropriate records on file of each member including any special needs of that child that should be known to leaders
- Ensure each member signs an annual membership form that includes signing up to the code of conduct
- Undertake training in relation to child protection
- Be familiar and able to carry out reporting procedures as outlined by the IABA
- Communicate with parents/agencies as appropriate
- Advise club administrators on issues of confidentiality, record keeping and data protection
- Report persistent poor practise to the National Child Protection Officer for IABA
Current IABA National CPO
Joe Hernon | Email Contact: childprotectionofficer@gmail.com