Welfare

Young people’s involvement in sport is a key component to their physical and emotional development. Sixty percent of Athletics Ireland members are under the age of eighteen. As a sport we must ensure that children’s early experiences are positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class and race.

Our coaches & volunteers deliver these positive experiences each week as role models in their dealings with young people. In particular, the work of the Club Children’s Officers is instrumental in implementing our safeguarding statement, the Ardee & District A.C. Code of Ethics.

We will continue to build on this excellent work to ensure that all young people see their involvement in athletics as a valuable and rewarding part of their lives, for all of their lives.

Sports Ireland’s Ethics – Safeguarding Guidance for Children & Young People in Sport – Click on the following link to read more…

Safeguarding Guidance for Children & Young People in Sport

View Ardee & District Athletic Club’s Constitution, Codes of Conduct, Privacy Policies and more…:

Ardee & District Athletic Club Constitution

Ardee & District Athletic Club Privacy Statement

Ardee & District Athletic Club Privacy Policy

Ardee & District AC Disciplinary Policy

Ardee & District AC Code of Conduct (Coaches, Officials & Volunteers)

Ardee & District AC Code of Conduct (Athletes & Parents of Young Athletes) 

Ardee & District AC – AAI Safeguarding Statement 2023.

Ardee & District AC – Risk Assessment Document 2023.

Ardee & District AC (Sports Ireland) Safeguarding Self Assessment.

Ardee & District AC (National Governing Bodies of Sport) Safeguarding Self-Assessment.

Ardee & District Athletic Club host the Ardee & Reaghstown Area Community Games…:

Community Games Safe Guarding Statement

Community Games Risk Assessment

Child Safeguarding Contact:

CCO (Club’s Children Officer):  Bernie Balfe  /  Email: berniebalfe@gmail.com

DLP (Designated Liaison Person):  Ben Corcoran  /  Email: corcoran.ben@gmail.com

A frequently asked question…..  Can my child run in the local 5k or fun run/walk?  –  The answer is Yes but only with a parent/guardian’s consent and supervision at all times if 14 years or younger; further, if your child is also an athletic club member they cannot wear their club colours/singlet and we respectfully ask underage runners/walkers not to impede the competitive athletes on the starting line.  See Ruling by the AAI (Athletic Association of Ireland):

“Juveniles can partake in races greater than that of their age group, but can only do so with parental/guardian consent and they CANNOT wear athletic club colours/singlets:  Age Groups – Up to 11yrs – 1.5k / 12-13yrs – 2k / 14-15yrs – 3k / 16-17yrs – 4k / 18yrs + 10k / The minimum threshold for a 5k is 15yrs (U16s) and for a 10k is 18yrs +.”

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