1. Introduction & Policy Statement
The Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants, particularly children and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all participants by protecting them from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
This policy outlines how AIPF, its clubs, and volunteers implement the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, the Children First National Guidance (2017), the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance (2023), and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Safeguarding Framework. It complements the AIPF Code of Conduct, the AIPF Complaints Policy & Procedure, and the AIPF Safeguarding Statement.
2. Legislative & Policy Context
This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:
• Children First Act 2015
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
• Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport (2023)
• National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016
• Data Protection Acts 1988–2018 and GDPR
• Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Safeguarding Framework
• AIPF Code of Conduct and Complaints Policy
3. Roles & Responsibilities
| Role | Key Responsibilities |
| AIPF Child Protection Officer (CPO) | Acts as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for AIPF. Responsible for receiving and managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring referrals to Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána, maintaining records, and supporting clubs. |
| Club Children’s Officer | Promotes awareness of safeguarding at club level, ensures all members adhere to the AIPF Safeguarding Policy, and acts as the first point of contact for club-level concerns. |
| AIPF Complaints Officer (designated) | Manages non-safeguarding complaints in line with the AIPF Complaints Policy and works with the CPO when concerns overlap. |
| AIPF Board of Directors | Holds overall accountability for safeguarding within AIPF, approves this policy, and ensures compliance with statutory and Sport Ireland requirements. |
4. Safe Recruitment, Vetting & Training
All individuals working with children or vulnerable adults must undergo appropriate recruitment, Garda Vetting, and safeguarding training through the FAI system.
All volunteers, coaches, referees, and staff working directly with children or vulnerable adults will:
• Complete Garda Vetting (via the FAI National Vetting Bureau link)
- Complete Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 training (and Safeguarding 2 or 3 for designated roles)
• Receive induction on the AIPF Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy
5. Code of Conduct
All members of AIPF, including coaches, volunteers, players, and parents, must abide by the AIPF Code of Conduct (2025–2026). This includes expectations around respect, inclusion, communication, and online conduct. Breaches are subject to disciplinary action, as covered by the Code of Conduct, or managed under the Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures as required.
6. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
AIPF recognises four types of abuse as defined in the Children First National Guidance: neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. All concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult must be reported to the AIPF CPO at cpo@aipf.ie. The CPO will decide whether the concern meets the threshold for reporting to Tusla or An Garda Síochána. If there is immediate danger, anyone may contact Tusla or An Garda Síochána directly.
Procedure for Responding to a Disclosure or Concern:
- Listen carefully and take the report seriously.
- Do not promise confidentiality; explain that the concern must be shared with those who can help.
- Record the information accurately using the AIPF Safeguarding Report Form (Appendix 1).
- Report to the CPO as soon as possible. The CPO will make the decision on referral to Tusla or An Garda Síochána.
- Support the person raising the concern.
Managing Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
Allegations or concerns involving AIPF staff, volunteers, or board members must be reported immediately to the CPO, who will inform the AIPF Chairperson. The safety of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount. If the allegation or concern is deemed to meet the threshold for referral to Tusla or An Garda Siochana, the CPO will refer the matter to the appropriate statutory authority while ensuring due process for the person accused. Any disciplinary process will be managed upon completion of the investigation by An Garda Siochanna or Tusla by the AIPF Board under the AIPF Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures.
7. Record Keeping & Confidentiality
All safeguarding reports, forms, and correspondence are confidential and stored securely by the CPO in line with GDPR. Records will only be shared with those who need to know for the purpose of safeguarding and statutory compliance. Records will be retained according to Sport Ireland data retention guidance.
8. Supervision, Communication & Online Safety
All activities involving children or vulnerable adults will be appropriately supervised. Communication with participants, including online or via social media, must be professional, age-appropriate, and transparent. AIPF prohibits private messaging between unrelated adults and children on social media platforms. Photography or filming at AIPF events must comply with AIPF media guidelines and have parental consent where required.
9. Transport, Trips & Events
All travel and events involving children or vulnerable adults must follow AIPF’s supervision and consent procedures. At least two adults should accompany groups, and consent forms must be signed by parents or guardians. The welfare and accessibility needs of participants must be considered in all planning.
10. Complaints & Disciplinary Linkages
Where a concern does not meet the threshold for reporting to statutory agencies but involves breaches of behaviour, the matter will be handled under the AIPF Code of Conduct. If a safeguarding element emerges during a complaint, the CPO must be notified immediately. The relevant board officer and CPO will coordinate responses as appropriate.
11. Risk Assessment Summary Table
The following table summarises identified risks and the procedures in place to manage them:
| Potential Risk | Procedures / Controls in Place |
| Inappropriate behaviour by adults towards children or vulnerable adults | Garda Vetting, Safeguarding Training, Code of Conduct, Supervision policy |
| Lack of awareness of safeguarding procedures | Mandatory training for all staff and volunteers; clear communication of policy |
| Online or social media misuse | AIPF Social Media Guidelines, monitored communications, parental consent for images |
| Poor supervision at events or training | Minimum adult-to-participant ratios; supervision policy; travel consent forms |
| Failure to report concerns | Mandatory reporting procedures, CPO oversight, training and support |
| Inadequate recruitment checks | Vetting and reference verification procedures |
| Inappropriate transport or trips | Consent procedures, two-adult rule, trip risk assessments |
12. Monitoring, Implementation & Review
The AIPF Board of Directors will review this policy annually or sooner if required by legislative or organisational change. Clubs must confirm adherence to the policy and maintain their own safeguarding registers.
Approved by: AIPF Board of Directors
Date of Approval: February 18th 2026
Next Review Date: February 2027
Appendix A: AIPF Safeguarding Report Form
Safeguarding Report Form
This form should be completed by any person who has a safeguarding concern, suspicion, or disclosure involving a child or vulnerable adult participating in AIPF activities.
It must be submitted as soon as possible to the AIPF Child Protection Officer (CPO) at cpo@aipf.ie. If there is an immediate danger to a child or vulnerable adult, contact An Garda Síochána or Tusla directly.
- Reporter Details
Name of person completing this form: _________________________________
Role/Position within AIPF or Club: _________________________________
Club/Team: _________________________________
Contact Number: _________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________
Date of completing this form: _________________________________
- Details of Person at Risk (Child or Vulnerable Adult)
Name: _________________________________
Gender: _________________________________
Date of Birth/Age: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (if applicable): _________________________________
Contact Details of Parent/Guardian: _________________________________
Relationship to Reporter: _________________________________
- Details of the Concern / Incident
Please describe as clearly as possible what you observed, were told, or suspect. Include dates, times, locations, persons involved, and any direct quotes from the child or individual if relevant.
Attach additional sheets if needed.
Description of Concern/Incident:
Names of any witnesses (if known): ______________________________________________
Details of any injury observed: _________________________________________________
Has medical attention been sought? Yes / No – If yes, provide details: ______________
- Actions Taken
Please record what actions have been taken so far (e.g., who was informed, support provided, etc.).
- Referral Information
Please indicate if this matter has been referred to any of the following and include dates/times.
| Agency / Person Informed | Date / Time of Contact | Contact Name / Reference No. |
| AIPF Child Protection Officer (CPO) | ||
| Tusla (Child & Family Agency) | ||
| An Garda Síochána | ||
| Parent / Guardian (if appropriate) | ||
| Other (please specify) |
- Declaration
I confirm that the information provided in this form is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I have acted in good faith in reporting this concern in line with the AIPF Safeguarding Policy.
Signature of Reporter: ___________________________________________
Date: ____________________
Received by (CPO Name): ______________________________________
Date Received: ____________________
Completed forms must be stored securely and sent to: cpo@aipf.ie
In cases of immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána or Tusla directly.