Resources

E-Vetting in the GAA

Please read the information and guidance below before commencing this process. The online vetting form can be found here.

Vetting in the GAA

The GAA has a long established principle of vetting any person who, on our behalf, works with children or vulnerable adults in our Association. This principle is enshrined in rule through our Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport and has become part of the overall recruitment and selection process for those who wish to work with us in the GAA, in a voluntary or paid role.

Vetting services for the Association are currently overseen by the National Childrens Office in Croke Park.

Who needs to be vetted?

In the GAA any person who carries out a role of responsibility such as coaching, managing or training underage teams or indeed adult teams that contain any player under 18 yrs. of age must be vetted. It also applies to organising underage activities or refereeing underage games. Thereafter, each club shall decide if other roles merit a person being vetted.

Any person who was working with children in the GAA prior to the commencement of the Act and was not previously vetted for that role may continue in that capacity but must apply as a matter of priority to be vetted by the GAA under what is termed ‘retrospective vetting’. This term and these conditions are allowed for in the Act.

What if the applicant is under 18 yrs. of age?

GAA vetting services are available to any person over 16 yrs. of age fulfilling a role of responsibility with children or vulnerable adults. A parental consent form ( NVB Parent/Guardian Consent Form) must be completed, this is available here, for applicants between 16 and 18 yrs. of age.

Is it an offence if you are not vetted?

It is now a criminal offence, for a person acting on behalf of the GAA, or for the GAA as an Association to permit any person to commence working with children on behalf of the Association without that person first obtaining a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of the role for which they have been recruited. It is also a breach of GAA rule if you are working with children or vulnerable adults on behalf of the Association and have not been vetted.

How can you be vetted through the GAA?

Vetting for a member of the GAA involves 3 easy to follow steps as follows:

Step 1 – The initial application vetting process at Club level

You must in the first instance complete the GAA E-Vetting ID Form . This form compels you to provide proof of your identity to the Club Children’s Officer, who must verify that they have received the ID verification as required. Contact details for the Club's Children Officer can be found here. The ID verification may be retained by the Club Children’s Officer for the duration of the e-vetting process or it may be attached by you at Step 2 to the On Line Vetting application Form.

The primary purpose of this form is for you to provide your name, address, club, role for which you applied, and to present your ID (e.g. copy of your passport plus a utility bill showing your current address) plus a valid email address for future reference. The full list of documents which are accepted for verification can be found here.

Click here for the GAA E-Vetting ID Form.

Step 2 – Completing the Vetting Application form

The GAA on-line E-Vetting Application Form is available to download.

Once you complete the GAA on-line E-Vetting Application Form the information provided is forwarded to the NVB by the GAA and you will receive an on-line NVB Vetting Form to complete.

The details entered will be emailed back to you, for your own records. Our Club Secretary will also receive an email informing him/her that you have applied as a member of the club, to be issued with the NVB Vetting Application Form.

Click here for GAA on-line E-Vetting application form.

Step 3 – NVB Vetting Application form

The NVB will issue you with the NVB Vetting Application form. This will be issued to the email address you provided in Step 2.

Completing this form is a confidential matter between you and the NVB. All sections of the form including current and previous addresses, email address and contact telephone numbers, information on convictions and prosecutions (if any), plus other information will be required when completing the form.

Once all sections of the form have been answered this then completes your application process for E Vetting in the GAA and within a short period of time you shall be contacted by the GAA to informing you as to the outcome of the vetting application.

You will be notified when the vetting process has been completed.

All Vetting queries should be forwarded to evetting@gaa.ie

The Club Children’s Officer assists in promoting a child and youth centered ethos in the Club.

The key role of the Club Children’s Officer is to ensure the implementation and promotion of the relevant Child Welfare and Protection Codes and Guidelines for good practice in the Club, 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 (https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/egrtzng1vvowbrcdklsi.pdf) is the agreed good practice reference and policy document that is central to guiding the Children’s Officer in their role.

The Children’s Officer oversees the implementation of Garda Vetting checks, as appropriate, within the Club. (see Garda Vetting link for information re Garda Vetting and links to the appropriate forms).

  • Club Children’s Officer
  • Aidan Mullins
  • Phone: 087 2339866
  • Jerome O'Sullivan
  • Phone: 086 2327905

Coaches Code Of Conduct

The Nemo Rangers code of conduct for under-age is based on the national GAA code of behaviour for underage 2016 and is available (in full) for review at GAA.ie. Success in any sport requires loyalty, respect and discipline; at Nemo Rangers we encourage these attributes in a positive fashion as stated in the GAA code of behaviour for underage ‘Our Games – Our Code'

Young players can benefit greatly from sports in terms of personal development and enjoyment. Our players are encouraged to realise that as a result of their participation in our Gaelic Games that they also have a responsibility to treat other players and officials with fairness and respect. With rights there will always be responsibilities. Young Players and Coaches, who work with them in our Association’s are required to ‘sign up’ and abide by this Code of Behaviour.

PLAYERS ARE ENTITLED TO:

Be safe and feel safe. Have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment. Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity. Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner. Be afforded appropriate confidentiality. Participate in games and competitions at levels with which they feel comfortable. Make their concerns known and have them dealt with in an appropriate manner. Be protected from abuse. Be listened to. Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club Children’s Officer with any concerns or question’s they may have Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.

BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE DEALT WITH AS FOLLOWS:

Initially should be discussed by Selectors and appropriate action taken. Repeat / serious breaches will be discussed with the Underage Committee and appropriate action will be decided. Damage to club property including the Building and/or its contents, fixtures & fittings, safety equipment will be deemed as a serious offence and could result in club suspension as well as liability to right any damage caused by payment in monetary terms to the value of the cost of repairs. Suspensions in this regard can be dealt with by the management committee of the Club. Breaches of the “players code of conduct” attendance at games and training will be penalised as followed:- First offence - notified for next game but will not be started. Second offence - will be notified as usual but will not be played. Subsequent Offences will be dealt with at Under-Age Committee level. Should a player furnish an acceptable excuse after the game, the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman can lift the suspension or other penalty. Each suspension begins on the day of the meeting following the offence. Players are also asked to note that any grievances that they may have concerning any item, should be brought to the attention of the Under-Age Committee through the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman

ROLE OF COACH:

Promote the RESPECT (see link outlined above) campaign amongst your players, fellow coaches, parents and supporters. Do not smoke while working with underage players. Develop an appropriate working relationship with children based on mutual trust and respect. Challenge Bullying in any form whether physical or emotional. Bullying is not acceptable behaviour be it from a young person, coach, parent/guardian, spectator or match official. Coaches should encourage players at all times and when necessary offer direction and constructive feedback Children learn best through trial and error. Children and young people should not be afraid to risk error so as to learn. The use of any form of physical punishment is prohibited as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour, unless it is by way of restraint. Avoid incidents of horse play or role play or telling jokes etc. that could be misinterpreted. Never encourage players to consume non-prescribed drugs or take performance enhancing supplements.

AVOID COMPROMISING YOUR ROLE AS A COACH

Some activities may require coaches to come into physical contact with underage players in the course of their duties. However, coaches should; Avoid taking coaching sessions on your own. Only deliver one to one coaching, if deemed necessary, within a group setting. Avoid unnecessary physical contact with an underage player and never engage in inappropriate touching of a player. Be aware that any necessary contact should be determined by the age and development of the player and should only take place with the permission and understanding of the player and in an open environment in the context of developing a player’s skills and abilities.

BEST PRACTICE

Ensure that all of your players are suitably and safely attired to play their chosen sport. e.g. helmets (Hurling and Camogie), goggles (Handball), shin guards, gum shields (Football). As a coach always be punctual and properly attired. Be accompanied by at least one other adult at coaching sessions, games and in underage team dressing rooms. In the case of girls teams at least one female coach should be present at all times. Set realistic – stretching but achievable – performance goals for your players and teams. Rotate the team captaincy and the method used for selecting teams. Keep a record of attendance at training and at games by both players and coaches. In the case of an injury during a game, ensure the referee has noted the name of the player and the type of injury for the official match report. Keep a record of any injuries and actions subsequently taken. In the case of an injury during training, ensure to report the name of the player and the type of injury at the next underage meeting. Ensure that another official/referee/ team mentor is present when a player is being attended to and can corroborate the relevant details. Make adequate provision for First Aid services. Do not encourage or permit players to play while injured. In the case of head injuries, ensure players are not allowed back on to the field of play if there is any chance of concussion. If in doubt leave the player out. Be aware of any special medical or dietary requirements of players as indicated on the medical consent/registration forms or as informed by parents/guardians. Ensure that all dressing rooms and the general areas that are occupied by your players and other Club personnel, prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any match are kept clean and are not damaged in any way. Be willing to keep the necessary and emergency medication of players in a safe and accessible place in accordance with the wishes and permission of the parents/guardians. Do not administer medication or medical aid unless you are willing to do so and have received the necessary training to administer such aid. Use mobile phones, if deemed appropriate, only via a group text or email system for communicating with the parents/guardians of players. Any exception to this form of group texting can only be proceeded with following written permission from parents/guardians. Do not engage in communications with underage players via social network sites. Encourage parents/guardians to play an active role in organising and assisting various activities for your teams and your Club. If it is necessary to transport a child/young person in your car, ensure that they are seated in a rear seat with seat belts securely fastened and that all drivers are adequately insured. With the exception of their own child a coach should not transport a child alone, except in emergency or exceptional circumstances. Any issues/concerns of parents can be brought to the attention of the Clubs Children’s Officer and/or the Underage Committee Chairman.

The Nemo Rangers code of conduct for under-age is based on the national GAA code of behaviour for underage 2016 and is available (in full) for review at GAA.ie. Success in any sport requires loyalty, respect and discipline, at Nemo Rangers we encourage these attributes in a positive fashion as stated in the GAA code of behaviour for underage ‘Our games, Our code’.

Young players can benefit greatly from sports in terms of personal development and enjoyment. Our players are encouraged to realise that as a result of their participation in our Gaelic Games that they also have a responsibility to treat other players and officials with fairness and respect. With rights there will always be responsibilities.

Young Players, and those who work with them in our Associations are required to ‘sign up’ and abide by this Code of Behaviour.

PLAYERS ARE ENTITLED TO:

Be safe and feel safe. Have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment. Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity. Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner. Be afforded appropriate confidentiality. Participate in games and competitions at levels with which they feel comfortable. Make their concerns known and have them dealt with in an appropriate manner. Be protected from abuse. Be listened to. Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club Children’s Officer with any concerns or question’s they may have. Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.

ROLE OF PLAYERS:

Play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves. Respect fellow team members regardless of ability, cultural or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Support fellow team members regardless of whether they do well or not. Represent their team, their Club and their family with pride and dignity. Show Loyalty and respect to players and selectors of Nemo Rangers Hurling & Football club Accept the discipline of sport and accept selectors and referees decisions. Know that posting of disrespectful /abusive comments/inappropriate images of/by players/mentors/parents on social media is unacceptable Know that racial or verbal abuse of a team mate or opposition player/ referee / selectors is not acceptable and is punishable by suspension Attend punctually at the time and place notified Attend all games and training sessions for which they have been notified. Excuses for non-attendance will be accepted provided: That the excuse is valid and That the excuse is given to the selectors in good time prior to the event. It is a matter of courtesy that parents reply to match notifications sent by the respective coaches. It also allows for the smooth organisation of team affairs. Know that consistent disruptive behaviour that could have a negative impact on the squad during training sessions/matches is unacceptable. Know that the Club can be fined for players/mentors urinating in Public at matches, these fines are passed on to the respective individuals for payment (normally €100) Know that the club demands respect for selectors and club property, also proper conduct on the premises itself is expected as well as conduct when entering and leaving the club. This also applies to hosting clubs property on away matches. Be conscious of the cost of replacing club gear, equipment and property removed from the club. Assistance should be given to selectors after games and training sessions to gather up gear. Please Note: Club colours must be worn for all matches (Green Socks and White Club Nicks (Green Skirts, for Camogie) Know that teams play to numbers where possible. Respect all Coaches, Officials, Parents and their opponents. Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. Shake hands before and after a game as part of the Give Respect Get Respect initiative, irrespective of the result.

BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE DEALT WITH AS FOLLOWS:

Initially should be discussed by Selectors and appropriate action taken. Repeat / serious breaches will be discussed with the Underage Committee and appropriate action will be decided. Damage to club property including the Building and/or its contents, fixtures & fittings, safety equipment will be deemed as a serious offence and could result in club suspension as well as liability to right any damage caused by payment in monetary terms to the value of the cost of repairs. Suspensions in this regard can be dealt with by the management committee of the Club. Breaches of the attendance at games / training will be penalised as followed: First offence - notified for next game but will not be started. Second offence - will be notified as usual but will not be played. Subsequent Offences will be dealt with at Under-Age Committee level. Should a player furnish an acceptable excuse after the game, the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman can lift the suspension or other penalty. Each suspension begins on the day of the meeting following the offence. Players are also asked to note that any grievances that they may have concerning any item, should be brought to the attention of the Under-Age Committee through the Under-Age Secretary or Chairman.

ROLE OF PARENTS / GUARDIANS

Parents/guardians can play an important role in complementing the work of the coaches, Parents should note though that The Club is held responsible for Parents Conduct, (verbal as well as actions) at matches. Being registered on time every year to help assist the club in planning for the new season Informing coaches of any change in contact details / Medical conditions from those on the annual Registration Form Making sure children are correctly attired, ie have the necessary playing gear etc for all training sessions and matches and no earrings / jewellery etc.. Being punctual for training sessions and matches Contacting coaches if not attending training sessions or matches Discussing your child's medical conditions and also medical procedures in the case of emergency (asthma attack, allergy etc.) Attending games and assisting in organising club activities Respecting players, mentors, officials and the rules of the game Parents should not enter the playing area of the pitch unless invited to do so by either the team mentors or the referee Parents should encourage the team at all times and refrain from any form of criticism. Encouraging their children to practice their skills, to attend coaching sessions, to play by the rules, to make friends, to give of their best and to accept winning and losing in the true spirit of sportsmanship Refraining from exerting undue pressure on the children Refrain from asking ‘how much did you lose by’. It is more important that you are positive about your child’s team for each upcoming match. Any issues/concerns of parents can be brought to the attention of the Clubs Children’s Officer and / or the Underage Committee Chairman.

What is Concussion?

Concussion is a brain injury and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the player’s head or body. Concussion typically results in an immediate onset of short lived signs and symptoms. However, in some cases, the signs and symptoms of concussion may evolve over a number of minutes or hours or even days. Concussion must be taken extremely seriously as there is potential for catastrophic brain injury with children and adolescents at most risk.

Click on links for more information below: