Adapted from the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation Safeguarding Policy
Our Commitment
The East Coast Rowing Council (ECRC) and its affiliated clubs are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons. We seek to create a safe environment for young people to participate in all rowing events and activities. Our safeguarding framework is grounded in the Children First Act 2015 and accompanying national guidance.
Legal Foundation
The Children First Act 2015, which commenced on 11 December 2017, defines relevant services as activities providing educational, research, training, cultural, recreational, leisure, social, or physical activities to children. Coastal rowing constitutes a relevant service under this definition, creating specific obligations for child protection across all ECRC affiliated clubs.
Young People Policy
The ECRC is committed to providing an environment that will allow all participants to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation. Given the inherent risks of water sports, the organisation ensures that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary harm to young participants.
Participant Wellbeing
All members, coaches, and officials are expected to demonstrate respect and understanding for members' rights, safety, and welfare. The ECRC follows the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport as published by Sport Ireland.
Key Procedures
The ECRC has established the following safeguarding procedures in line with ICRF guidance:
- Allegation management — clear procedures for addressing any reports of abuse or misconduct
- Safe recruitment — protocols for vetting staff and volunteers who work with children
- Training — ensuring coaches, officials, and club officers can identify indicators of harm
- Statutory reporting — procedures for reporting child protection concerns to Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána
- Designated persons — each affiliated club is expected to appoint a Club Safeguarding Officer
Garda Vetting
All persons working in a regular and unsupervised capacity with children in ECRC affiliated clubs are required to hold current Garda Vetting clearance. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that vetting is completed and kept up to date. For more information, see the ICRF Garda Vetting guidance.
Social Media
The ECRC expects all members and affiliated clubs to adhere to responsible social media practices. This includes protecting the online safety of young people and refraining from direct online contact with underage athletes outside of official club channels.
Non-Discrimination
The ECRC prohibits discrimination on any grounds, including gender, family status, age, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or Traveller community membership. Equal opportunity applies to all participation, membership, appointments, and volunteering roles.
Reporting a Concern
If you have a safeguarding concern relating to an ECRC event or affiliated club, please contact your Club Safeguarding Officer in the first instance. You may also contact the ECRC directly at eastcoastrowingireland@gmail.com or the ICRF Safeguarding contact at cposouth@coastalrowing.net.
In cases of immediate risk to a child, contact An Garda Síochána or Tusla directly.