Player & Child Welfare
The welfare of players and children is central to everything we do in Claregalway GAA & LGFA. This page brings together key information on player welfare, injury and benefit funds, child safeguarding and Garda vetting in one clear and accessible place.
Player Welfare
The player is central to the GAA and LGFA and to all of their activities. The skill and dedication of our players at all levels have captured the imagination of the public since the founding of the Associations and have been fundamental to their ongoing success.
Claregalway GAA & LGFA takes the welfare of its players extremely seriously and is working towards establishing best practices in all facets of player welfare in accordance with Association policy.
A number of best practices are already in place including AED availability at Knockdoemore and Lakeview and a number of people within the club trained in first aid and AED use.
The GAA has also produced a new Strategic Plan which helps guide the Association’s priorities and direction.
Player Injury & Benefit Funds
Claregalway GAA and LGFA players and coaches/mentors may be covered by injury or benefit fund arrangements operated by their respective National Governing Bodies. As these are separate schemes, members should make sure they are reviewing the correct set of rules, cover limits, deadlines and claim procedures for the code they are involved in.
To qualify for cover, you must be a fully paid-up member of the club and the injury must have been sustained in an official Claregalway GAA or LGFA match or supervised training activity.
On the GAA side, injury notifications are now submitted via Foireann in the first instance. Players, or parents/guardians for underage players, can register the claim there and it is then validated through the relevant process.
On the LGFA side, the Association provides its own Injury Fund process, including a Preliminary Claim Form and a Full Injury Claim Form, together with guidance on when each is used.
Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant scheme details and to begin the correct process as soon as possible after any injury so that deadlines and documentation requirements are met.
Child Welfare
As a club with significant numbers of children partaking in various activities, Claregalway GAA is fully committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people. We do our utmost to take all practicable steps to safeguard children from any discernible forms of abuse, harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and we respect their rights, wishes, and feelings.
Children’s Officers
Children’s Officers: Peter Woods / Thelma McBrien / Amanda Fahy
Email: ChildrensOfficer.claregalway.galway@gaa.ie
Designated Liaison Officer
Designated Liaison Officer: Peter Woods
Email: ChildrensOfficer.claregalway.galway@gaa.ie
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. The GAA – Code of Behaviour is the agreed good practice reference and policy document that is central to guiding the Children’s Officer in their role.
The Children’s Officers also oversee the implementation of Garda Vetting checks, as appropriate, within the Club.
We would ask everyone involved with the club to support and cooperate with the Children’s Officers in their important duties.
If you are –
- a juvenile member who is worried about your treatment within the club
OR
- an adult member or parent who has any concerns about the welfare of a child
you are urged to contact the Children’s Officers. You can be assured you will be dealt with professionally and in the strictest confidence.
Garda Vetting
For the most up-to-date guidance, requirements and process details for Garda Vetting in the GAA, please use the official GAA safeguarding and vetting page below.
