New guidelines will protect children in sport from abuse

A NEW set of guidelines to protect children involved in sport from physical or sexual abuse has been published by the Government.

The sports section of the Department of Education, which coordinated the project, has produced 10,000 copies of a booklet entitled Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland as well as 100,090 leaflets summarising its main recommendations for adults and sports bodies.

The document deals with aspects of the relationship between adults and children within sporting contexts and, while primarily aimed at enhancing the level of security and enjoyment on offer to children, it is also intended to serve as an aid to those involved in children's sports at any level.

The guidelines were produced over 10 months by a committee chaired by Dr Breda McLeavey, a senior clinical psychologist with the Southern Health Board. It included representatives of several sports bodies, the Department of Education and groups involved in child welfare.

On the key area of child abuse prevention, the document identifies the main indicators of different types of abuse as well as of neglect while laying down recommended procedures for dealing with such cases.

Sporting bodies are advised to inform the local health board and the Garda of any reported incidents rather than, as has occasionally happened, attempt to hold an internal inquiry into the matter. Parents, meanwhile, are encouraged to become involved in their children's sporting activities.

"These guidelines are aimed at helping sports leaders and children to feel secure," said Dr McLeavey. Sexual abuse was a significant factor in prompting the report, but it was not the only factor. "We have attempted to look at the whole area of children's sport and lay down core values. These are the most important things in the document and, if they are upheld, then everything else follows on naturally," she said.

These core values include advice on the fair treatment of children, education and training in sport and the needs of children. Also central to the document's contents, however, is the recommendation that adults responsibility for children in sport, whether on a professional on voluntary basis, should undergo a selection and screening process".

This process, it says, should include the obtaining by all coaches of at least introductory or Level One qualifications from the National Coaching Development Programme, while bodies engaging individuals to do paid work with children should seek Garda clearance.

In all circumstances, it is made clear, parents should be kept informed, and should inform themselves, about the personnel who are in regular contact with their children.

"It is sad that we have to be aware that there are people out there who go into situations with the intention of harming others, but overall I feel that this is a positive move which will encourage people to come into sports," said Mr Bernard Allen, the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, after the launch yesterday.

"Rather than curb it, by setting out clear guidelines this document will help to promote volunteerism which ... is the basis for youth sport in this country," he said.