Club Children’s Officer
The appointment of the Club Children’s Officer is an essential element in the creation of a quality atmosphere in any club.
The Officer will act as a resource to members with regard to children’s issues and also ensure that children have a voice in the running of the club and can freely talk of their experiences.
Government guidelines advise that a Children’s Officer should be appointed by all clubs and this should be done in accordance with recommended selection and recruitment procedures. The appointment of this person should be carried out in consultation with juvenile members and their parent/guardians.
Young Munster RFC embraces these guidelines, and our Club Children’s Officer Position in addition, incorporates the following functions:
- Promotes the Code of Ethics & Good Practice • Influences policy and practice to prioritise children’s needs • Ensures that children know how and whom they can report their concerns to within the club. Information disclosed by a child will be dealt with in accordance with the Department of Health and Children’s Guidelines “Children First”
- Encourages the participation of parents/guardians in club activities
- Co-operates with parents to ensure that each child enjoys his/her participation in Rugby
- Acts as a resource with regard to best practice in children’s Rugby • Reports regularly to the Club Management Committee
- Monitors changes in membership and follow up any unusual dropout, absenteeism or club transfers by children or coach/volunteers A Club Children’s Officer does not have the responsibility of investigating or validating child protection concerns within the club and has no counselling or therapeutic role. This responsibility lies with the HSE and Garda.
The current list of Children’s Officer for this season can be found in the tab Club Officers