Parents/Guardians are expected to:

• Complete and return the Junior Athlete Parental Consent (Form 11) pertaining to their child’s participation with Sligo Junior Triathlon Club
• Register your child as a Junior member of Triathlon Ireland
• Have club fees paid in full before sessions commence
• Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from coaching sessions
• Any child not in possession of the fundamental requirements (swimsuit, hat, goggles, towel, runners, shorts/tracksuit, t-shirt and water) will not be permitted to participate
• Ensure their child is properly and adequately attired for the weather conditions of the time, including shorts, T-shirt, socks, tracksuit, sweat-tops, hat, gloves etc.
• Ensure bike is in good working order, tyres pumped, brakes working effectively
• Bike helmets must be worn during cycling sessions at ALL times, no helmet/no cycling
• Detail any health concerns pertaining to the child on the consent form, in particular breathing or chest conditions. Any changes in the state of the child’s health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions
• To inform the coach prior to departure if child is to be collected early from a coaching session
• Encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best i.e. focus on effort rather than performance
• Always behave responsibly
• Show appreciation & support for volunteer coaches, leaders and club administrators
• Be realistic
• Ensure their child’s hygiene and nutritional needs are met
• Accept the official’s judgement at competition
• Acknowledge the importance and role of the club coaches who provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in the club
• Promote their child’s participation in playing sport for fun
• Remember children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours
• Not ignore or dismiss complaints expressed by a child
• Not treat the club as a minding service

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

• Know their child is safe
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children
• Be informed if their child is injured
• Have their consent sought for issues such as trips
• Contribute to decisions within the club
• Complain if they have concerns about the standard of coaching

Misdemeanours and breach of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with immediately by a club official.  Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend sessions if their attendance is detrimental to the child’s welfare.

The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may mean the

Club officials regrettably asking the child to leave the club.

I agree to:

• Ensure the safety of all children by careful supervision, proper pre-planning of coaching/ playing sessions, using safe methods at all times
• Actively encourage all children not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability
• Emphasise fun and participation
• Not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour
• Always be positive and to promote the objectives of the club at all times
• Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind to go unchallenged or unrecorded if appropriate. Incidents and accidents to be recorded in the club incident/accident folder. Parents will be informed
• Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse to the designated person
• Keep records of attendance at training sessions
• Where possible, not take sessions alone
• Administer minor first aid in the presence of others and where required refer more serious incidents to the club “first aider”
• Have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required
• Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information
• Be a role model (disciplined / committed / time keeping) and remember, children learn by example
• Refrain from smoking and the consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
• Never ask anyone to keep secrets of any kind
• Ensure that all those working with young people do so under the guidance of the coach
• As a coach keep my knowledge updated through various courses run by Triathlon Ireland
• Protect myself from false accusation by…
  • Not spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others.
  • Avoid taking children alone in a car on journeys, however short.
  • Never taking children to my home.
  • Not administering First Aid involving the removing of children’s clothing unless in the presence of others.
  • isdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person.  Persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from the club.

Misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person.  Persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from the club.

Dismissals can be appealed by the coach/ volunteer, with final decisions taken by the club appeals committee.

Sligo Triathlon Club Safeguarding Statement 2026

STC-Safeguarding-Poster 2026