Club policies

Through the IRFU and related Branch, Mullingar Rugby Club provides rugby activities to young people through participation in mini and youth coaching and competitions and participation programmes in related schools and/or the community. The club is committed to the enjoyment of rugby by young people. It values and encourages the participation of parents, coaches and volunteers in rugby for participants under 18-years of age. The club will adhere to the IRFU safeguarding poliry, which strives to respectthe dignity and rights of Age Grade Players.

The club will strive to promote, create and maintain safe environments for Age Grade Players. It will endeavour to maintain the keyvalues of Respect, Inclusivity,Integrity, Excellence and Fun.A detailed safeguarding poliry can be found here, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-policy/ and is available through the Club Welfare Officer; Carmel Daly. The Sports Councils’Code of Ethics/Safeguarding Guidance should be used where the IRFU has not published specific guidelines, in particular with regard to the principles to safeguard children from harm, https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/safeguarding-guidance-for-children-and-young-people-in-sport.

The club carried out a risk assessment for any potential harm to a child while involved in rugby. These risks were categorised under the following headings Recruitment, Club and Coaching Practices, Reporting Complaints, Facilities, Communication and General Risk of Harm. The assessment reviewed the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring and gives the required policy, guidance and document links required to manage these risks. The written risk assessment and the procedures for managing these risks is available in the full version of this statement printed and displayed in the clubhouse.

Our child safeguarding statement has been developed in line with requirements of the IRFU and under the Children First Act 2015 and in Northern lreland, the Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards. In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the club adheres to the following procedures that are in place as part of the IRFU Safeguarding Policy and our intention to safeguard children:

• Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to workwith children, htEr://www.irishrugby.ie/plalringthegame/development/safeguarding/recruitment.php
• Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm, http://www.irishrugby.ie/plalzingthegame/development/safeguardine,/training.php
• Procedure for the reporting of child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla (lreland) and Gateway (Northern Ireland) through the National Safeguarding Officer and appointed Mandated Person within IRFU: Anne Marie Hughes . The CIub Welfare Officer Carmel DaIy is the Relevant Person as per Children First Act. Other staff and volunteers within the club may hold the role and responsibility of a Mandated Person as per Schedule 2 of the Act but have not been appointed by the club/IRFU. They are always expected to act as a Mandated Person and when making a report in their professional capacity that involves rugby should always inform the IRFU Mandated Person that such a report has been made by them.
• Procedure for the management of allegation of abuse or misconduct against workers/volunteers of a child availing of our service and can be found in the case management poliry, http://wwwirishrugblr.ie/playingthegame/develooment/safeguarding,/concerns.php
• Procedure for appointing a relevant person for the purposes of the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement .
• Procedures to minimise risk of harm of a child have been put in place and are available in the IRFU Safeguarding Poliry, https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/soirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/safeguarding-poliqv/

All procedures listed are available on the IRFU website, http://www.irishrugby.ie/safeguarding.

The club management expects those involved within age-grade rugby to adopt and supervise the implementation of these safeguarding principles and standards. The club recognises that implementation is an ongoing process. It is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policy and procedures to keep children involved in rugby safe from harm. We will do this through the implementation of the Club Safeguarding Action Plan and IRFU safeguarding audit, https://dlgfc3vd0ojo3m.cloudfront.net/irfu/wp-content/uploads/202 L/08/31120516/Club-Safeguarding Action-PIan.pdf

A link to the IRFU Safeguarding Poliry is included in relevant club documentation and is available here, https://www.mullingarrfc.ie/. Coaches and volunteers have received a copy of the poliry and signed adherence through the Declaration of Intent The Child Safeguarding Statement and related safeguarding policies are available to all parents/guardians and members of the public though the IRFU website and is available on request from the CIub https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/ Welfare Official.

The club will work with the Branch Spirit of Rugby Officer on the implementation of the poliry and are available to assist

Club Welfare Ofificers and related personnel and to deal with club queries. They can be contacted at: o Leinster:StephenGore-stephen.gore@leinsterrugb.v-ie Club Welfare Officers have completed relevant safeguarding training. Their ID templates are on display within club grounds and/or club websites. The club has completed the necessary risk assessment and published the child safeguarding statement. The club follows the safeguarding club action plan, the anti-bullying statement, uses the club pavement signs and Spirit of Rugby ‘Let Them Play’ video clips. Coaches and volunteers have also received training in vetting and safeguardingthrough the IRFU. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed in September 2023, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

For queries please contact the Relevant Person, Carmel DaIy, 0851588838, cdaly34@gmail.com

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The IRFU is committed to tackling bullying. Incidents of bullying behaviour are breaches of the IRFU Codes of Conduct.

All club members should:

• Respect everyone, no matter their background or abilities
• Unite as a team to stand against bullying
• Give support to those who need it
• Be brave and speak up when you see bullying
• You can make a difference

Is it bullying? Is it:

• Mean
• On purpose
• Over and over again

Together, we can tackle bullying, on & off the pitch.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in rugby. Don’t be a bystander.

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All clubs offering rugby to children & young people need to:

• Adhere to the IRFU Safeguarding Policy
• Appoint a Club Welfare Officer (CWO)
• Make clear what the club ethos is
• Ensure coaches have been safely vetted & recruited
• Give coaches the opportunity to attend relevant training
• Ensure that everyone has access & adheres to the Codes of Conduct
• Ensure appropriate ratio of suitably qualified or experienced coaches to players
• Reinforce that activities should be fun & inclusive, focus on playing & skills development
• Guide coaches to take the time to listen to the views of players
• Strive to create a physically & emotionally safe environment
• Ensure players & coaches are properly registered on RugbyConnect
• Signpost to/seek guidance from expert organisations if needed

All coaches working with children & young people need to:

• Adhere to the IRFU Safeguarding Policy
• Sign the Declaration of Intent
• Complete the vetting process before starting
• Attend relevant training, including safeguarding
• Plan & prepare for each training session & match
• Ensure activities are fun & inclusive
• Have a good attitude & respect for the ethos, laws & traditions of rugby
• Actively listen to players, so that they can express their thoughts & feelings
• Encourage players to solve problems & make their own decisions
• Turn mistakes into a positive learning experience for players
• Be fair when dealing with players, particularly with selection & inclusion
• Keep up to date with age appropriate sports information

1. ¹Updated July 2025
2. ²We use the term ‘coach’ when someone is ‘working’ with a team, however you may have other names or roles such as ‘helper’, ‘assistant’, ‘manager’, etc., but nonetheless you are taking some responsibility for supporting the development of children and young people.

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When I play rugby:

• I will always try to have fun
• I will always try my best
• I will be a good teammate
• I will listen to my coaches
• I will play by the rules

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• Play for fun & enjoyment
• Play within the laws of the game
• Always accept the referee’s decision
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated
• Play with control & don’t lose your temper
• Never bully or take advantage of another player
• Rugby is a team sport & all players are equally important
• Thank your opponents & officials at the end of the match
• Win with humility & accept defeat with dignity

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• Praise good play by both teams
• Teach young players the value of teamwork
• Always accept the referee’s decision
• Treat all players as you would like your child to be treated
• Take an interest and actively listen to your child
• Winning and losing are not the only aspects of the game
• Support your child in their sport in anyway you can
• Respect our volunteer coaches and officials
• Young players learn by making mistakes

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• Remember that although Age-Grade Players play organised rugby they are not ‘miniature internationals’
• Be on your best behavior and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches
• Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity
• Verbal abuse of Age-Grade Players or Sports Leaders cannot be accepted in any shape of form
• Age-Grade Players or Sports Leaders are not fair targets for ignorant behavior
• Encourage Age-Grade Player to play by the Laws of the Game
• Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved
• Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby

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The setting up of any online platform or account and use as such (including crests brands etc) by members in the name of Mullingar Rugby Football Club (and derivative’s thereof) without the approval of the Club committee is not allowed, this includes but is not limited to:

• Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Tiktok, etc) Video and photo sharing websites or apps (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Flickr, Vine, etc)
• Blogs and micro-blogging platforms (e.g. Tumblr, Wordpress, Blogger, etc)
• Live broadcasting apps (e.g. Periscope, Meerkat, Facebook Mentions, etc)
• Podcasting (e.g. iTunes, Stitcher, Sound cloud, etc) Geo-spatial tagging (e.g. Foursquare, etc)
• Online encyclopaedias (e.g. Wikipedia, etc)
• Instant messaging (e.g. SMS, Skype, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, etc)
• Online voting or polls
• Public and private online forums and discussion boards Any other online technologies that allow individual users to upload and share content.

If you wish to engage as representative or the Club on-line contact the Club Communications Officer: Mobile; 086 8626763, email info@mullingarrfc.ie and your request will be endorsed or brought before the general committee for approval.

Guidelines For Social Media Participation

• These guidelines apply to all Mullingar players, officials, parents, supporters and volunteers who create or contribute to blogs, wikis, social networks, virtual worlds or any other kind of Social Media. Whether you log into X (Twitter), Yelp, Wikipedia, MySpace, Facebook, Facebook Pages, Closed Team Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat or comment on online stores – these guidelines are for you. All of these are considered to be Carriage Services and it is illegal to misuse them.
• We expect everyone who participates in online commentary to understand and to follow these simple but important guidelines. These guidelines might sound strict but please keep in mind that our goal is simple: to ensure that all members of our community participate online in a RESPECTFUL way that protects and promotes all participants, your club and indeed Irish Rugby’s reputation, and of course follows the letter and spirit of the law.
• Postings should be family friendly and feature positive news. Do not post information in any format that may harm the reputation of any person or the reputation of your club. Ask yourself whether you would be happy to have the post directed at you – if not, don’t post it!
• Never use a public forum or social media outlet to criticise another participant. Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated and any such communication or online contact should be reported to the club communications officer immediately.
• Watch your language – avoid swear words and profanity and remember that your sense of humour may not be shared by others. You should not make comments based on religion, politics, sex, sexuality or racial issues.
• REMEMBER that your comments can be seen by anyone, as these are viewed as being in the public domain, and a comment is not easy to erase once you commit to making it public. As a consequence, you can be held accountable for anything you post. It is important to note that people who publish false or misleading comments about another person in the public domain maybe liable for defamation. Our club have a Conduct Review Panel which have had to deal with individuals who choose to operate outside of these guidelines.
• When disagreeing with the opinion of others keep it appropriate and polite.
• It is inappropriate for adult officials to communicate on a one-on-one basis with players under the age of 18 via social media outlets.
• Adult officials should not have players under the age of 18 years as their “friends” on social networking sites if the primary reason for the relationship is not rugby and they have a position of trust in relation to that young person. Any team-based site must provide the Club Communications Officer with access privileges.
• Officials should carefully consider what they post as some comments can be seen by friends of friends. This also applies to comments left on other people’s pages and the sharing of photographs. Consider your position as a role model in this area. No age Grade player that is *under 18 may be identified directly or indirectly in any visual medium including video photos etc. - In the event of a player under the age of 18 showing an official a text, instant message, image, email or posting that is considered being inappropriate for a child to have, the official must inform a club official or the *CCWO (Club Child Welfare Officer – 085 158 8838) immediately.
• Treat others as you would like to be treated. • Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish is widely accessible and will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully. Google and Microsoft have long memories!
• Rugby Club participants (players and officials) who send inappropriate electronic communication or post inappropriate online content or comments regarding another player, official or third party will be subject to disciplinary action by the Club Conduct Review Committee or Executive Committee (Chair: Club Welfare Officer).

General Committee Mullingar Rugby Football Club

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Top tips for staying safer online:

• Don’t accept ‘friend requests’ from people you don’t know
• Make sure your profile is private with only friends being able to see it
• Be careful with the personal information you include in your profile
• Remember, nothing you post is ever really private, it can be shared by others
• If you wouldn’t say something in a crowded room, don’t post it online
• Think about how your words could make someone else feel
• Never give out passwords - always keep your passwords to yourself
• Remember, people may not always be who they seem to be
• Don’t respond to unwanted emails or messages

Parents:

• Keep informed about mobile phone and internet safety
• Talk to your child about the benefits and pitfalls of social media

Go to Parents’ Guide to A Better Internet for lots of useful information.

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Traveling to and from venues is part of fulfilling fixtures. In order to ensure the safety of all involved, clubs must ensure that suitable policies and procedures are in place. To put players and parents at ease, organisers should ensure all arrangements are in place and communicated to all involved before the event. Parents should be informed of the mode of transport

Considerations:

• Ensure all arrangements are suitable for the journey to be undertaken
• Vehicles must be roadworthy and appropriate and the driver to understand that he/she is responsible for the vehicle during the trip
• Ensure parental consent is obtained prior to journeys being undertaken
• All journeys to take place under the supervision of the team management

Passanger Cars

Although this is the most frequently used option it is important to ensure that the safety of all players are not jeopardised at any stage

• Prior to the trip, parents should be informed if this form of transport will be used and consent obtained for their child to travel this way. This can be done seasonally using parental consent form
• Vehicles must be roadworthy, safe and have appropriate insurance cover
• Drivers must have a suitable drivers licence
• All passengers must use seat belts and booster seats (where necessary) for the duration of the journey
• All drivers are responsible for the safety of the passengers and must be aware of their legal responsibilities
• Club members or parents should be asked to be involved if this mode of transport is used • One passenger per seat at all times
• Inform parents of the time of departures as well as estimated time of arrival

Bus/Coach hire

• When renting, make sure you deal with a reputable company
• Make sure the vehicle is suitable and compiles with the rules of the road

Air Travel

• Group to travel together at all times and not to be split up.
• Players to be informed of legal requirements and behavior appropriate for air travel
• Assist and guide all players through security and passport control when required
• Adult player ratio to be sufficient to assist and deal with emergency situations
• Adults to ensure all players are on board and in their seats before occupying their own seats
• Ensure players know position of the nearest adult in group and as well as emergency exits
• In the event of delays or cancellation the management and adults will be responsible for the well being of players

Sea Travel:

• Ensure all players know what freedom/liberties they will have while at sea
• No player to be allowed on deck without supervision
• All players to be under supervision at all times
• Discuss emergency arrangements with players prior to departure
• Discipline to be maintained at all times
• Assist and guide all players through security and passport control, if required
• Ensure players have enough to keep them busy and avoid boredom Booster Seats: From 2006, the law in Europe requires all children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles to be carried using an appropriate child restraint until either they have reached the age of 12 years or are 150 cm in Republic of Ireland and 135 cm in Northern Ireland

Hosting a match or event at your club

To ensure players, management and spectators enjoy the experience when involved with a match it is important for clubs, when hosting fixtures, to ensure all arrangements are in place and that all involved are informed of these arrangements before the event

Administration:

• Obtain permission from the Branch to play the fixture
• Inform the Club Management Committee of the match and of the facility requirements for the match
• Request Match Official(s) from the Branch Referee Association with sufficient notice
• Inform the visiting team of any arrangements or club protocol regarding their visit in the week leading up to the match
• Inform match official(s) in good time regarding postponement(s) or cancellation(s)
• In the event of a competitive match the Youth Coordinator to inform the Fixture Secretary of the result of the match within the agreed time

Medical:

• An individual with first aid experience/ training should be in attendance
• If possible have a doctor present at the match
• The doctor should identify himself to the match official
• Inform the nearest hospital accidental and emergency department about the match
• If possible have an ambulance at the match, if not, ensure one can be contacted and arrive at the club in very little time
• Ensure ambulance access to the playing area
• A spinal board, hard neck collar and first-aid kit should be available in every medical room
• Ice bags to be available on the side line
• Medical room to be available with appropriate equipment

Facilities:

• Ensure the clubhouse facilities are open to supporters and club officials
• Changing facilities must be open and clean for all participants
• Toilet and showers to be clean and available
• Post match refreshments should be sufficient, depending on the fixture and protocol involved for the match or competition
• The playing area should be clean, safe and marked for the match. Touch line flags and post protectors should be in place before the start of the match
• Inform both teams of the area allocated to the coaches, medical staff and replacements during the match
• Ensure no spectators are in the playing enclosure during the match

Hosting Touring Sides

Written consents must have been exchanged between the two Unions before leaving Ireland or in the case of hosting before the match is played

• Consent from the IRFU and Branch (whom the host club is affiliated to), regarding the match and conditions of the match.
• Consent from the Club Executive for the match to take place as well as the facility requirements and protocol involved
• Written application for match official(s) (from Branch Referee Association) informing them of the match
• Clarification of laws (prior to the visit) to be applied in the match
• Schedule and other requirements of the visitors to be supplied by the visiting team prior to arrival
• Medical requirements to be in place for the match When visitors being billeted:
• Establish with visiting group what will be required/ involved regarding the visit, accommodation and other requirements
• Only members from the host club to be approached regarding accommodation requirements
• Meet with interested parties (hosts) to discuss requirements; suitability (Club Child Welfare Policy to apply), duration and conditions/ protocol for billeting • Publish a list with information and contact details of the host families
• Where possible ensure visiting players stays with their opposite numbers from the host club
• Limit the number of nights’ accommodation that will be required
• Arrange most of the activities/ function at the club to ensure involvement for all
• Inform all involved, regarding Club policy on age grade players and their safety
• Have a plan available in case of an emergency When going on tour (World Rugby regulations 15 to apply)
• Meet with players and their parents to discuss plans and conditions for the tour.
• Clarify the conditions (duration, mode of travel and accommodation, adult/player ratio for supervision, medical and insurance) of the tour before application being submitted • Establish a plan in the event of an emergency
• Written consent by the parents/ guardians for players to go on the tour.

Written application to the Club Executive, Branch and IRFU for permission for the tour at least one month before the planned trip. Application forms can be found here

The following information should be supplied:

• Matches scheduled for the tour
• Number of players and management to travel as part of the tour
• Proposed financial arrangements
• Code of Conduct for the tour party
• Details of insurance, medical and the travel agent involved
• Written approval of the Union (to be visited) has been sought or been given

Overnight Stay

Accommodation: Hotels/Hostels:

• Ensure accommodation and arrangements are appropriate to the age group involved
• Inform parents/guardians of room list and supervision arrangements prior to departure
• Inform all members of the squad and management of the policy and/or restrictions regarding billing items to rooms
• Be aware of individual dietary requirements, food allergies etc of traveling party
• Establish clear policy regarding movement of individuals outside of the hotel, trips into town/city etc.
• Emphasise the “ambassador” role of the squad in maintaining a positive image of the club and the IRFU, with regard to other guests, hotel staff and property

Billeting:

• If being billeted ensure consent of parents/guardians prior to departure
• Ensure the host families are members of the club being visited
• Host club to ensure all host families have been vetted and are suitable
• Contact details of host families to be supplied to visitors prior to departure

For more information on Overnight stays and hosting see Sport Ireland’s Code of Ethics here

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1. Purpose

Mullingar Rugby Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful and private environment for all members using the Club gym.

This policy sets out the Club’s expectations regarding photography, videography and the use of mobile phones or other recording devices within the gym.

2. Gym access

The Mullingar Rugby Club gym is strictly for use by current, authorised Club members who have the appropriate gym access.

Members must not permit non-members to enter or use the gym unless specifically authorised by the Club.

3. Photography & videography in the gym

• Photography and videography within the gym should be limited to personal use and must be carried out with consideration for the privacy of other gym users.
• Members must not intentionally photograph, video or livestream another gym user without their consent.
• Where a member wishes to photograph or record themselves while using the gym, they should take reasonable steps to ensure that other gym users are not unnecessarily captured or identifiable in the recording.
• The Club recognises that it may not always be possible to completely avoid another person appearing incidentally in the background of a photograph or video. An incidental appearance, where the individual is not the subject of the recording, will not in itself constitute a breach of this policy.
• However, members should use common sense and consideration for others and, where practical, reposition themselves or their recording device to avoid unnecessarily capturing other gym users.

4. Social media & online sharing

• Members should take particular care when sharing photographs or videos recorded in the gym on social media or other public platforms.
• Content should not be shared where another gym user is clearly identifiable and has not consented to being included, particularly where the individual is the subject of the photograph or video.
• Members are asked to respect the privacy and wishes of other gym users and to remove or refrain from sharing content if another member raises a reasonable concern about appearing in it.

5. Changing rooms & private areas

Photography or recording in changing rooms, toilets, showers or other areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited at all times. This applies regardless of whether another person is visible in the recording.

6. CCTV

• CCTV is operational within the gym area.
• CCTV is in place for purposes including security, safety, protection of members and Club property, and the prevention and investigation of incidents.
• Members should be aware that their use of the gym may be captured by the Club’s CCTV system.
• CCTV footage will be managed in accordance with applicable data protection requirements and the Club’s CCTV and data protection procedures. Access to CCTV footage will be restricted to authorised persons and footage will be retained and accessed in accordance with the Club’s applicable policies and legal obligations.
• The presence of CCTV does not give members permission to photograph or record other gym users.

7. Club photography & videography

• Photography or videography undertaken by approved Club photographers or videographers for authorised Club purposes is permitted.
• This may include Club promotional material, social media content, events or other activities approved by the Club.
• Any such photography or videography will be undertaken in accordance with the Club’s relevant consent, safeguarding and data protection procedures.

8. Reporting a concern

• Any member who believes that they have been deliberately photographed or recorded without their consent should report the matter to a member of the Mullingar Rugby Club Executive Committee.
• The Club will consider concerns regarding privacy and recording and take appropriate action where necessary.

9. Breach of policy

• Members who deliberately photograph, record or livestream another gym user without their consent may be asked to stop recording and, where appropriate, delete the relevant content.
• Serious or repeated breaches may be dealt with under the Club’s membership or disciplinary procedures and may result in the suspension or withdrawal of gym access.

10. Member responsibility

• All members are expected to use common sense and consideration when using mobile phones and recording devices in the gym.
• The intention of this policy is not to prevent members from taking occasional photographs or videos of themselves, but to ensure that everyone using the gym can do so without feeling that they are being deliberately photographed or recorded.

If in doubt, ask for consent.

Mullingar Rugby Club — Respect. Privacy. Community.

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