Safeguarding.
Creating Safe Sporting Environments
The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA ÉIREANN) is committed to providing sporting environments in which children and young people can participate safely, enjoyably and with appropriate support.
The welfare of children and young people involved in obstacle sport must always be taken seriously.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
OCRA's approach to safeguarding is guided by applicable Irish child protection requirements and recognised safeguarding guidance for sport.
We expect appropriate safeguarding practices to be followed across OCRA activities involving children and young people.
This includes:
- Training
- Clubs
- Coaching
- Competitions
- Team Ireland activities
- Travel
- Volunteering
- Photography and media
- Online communication
- Other OCRA programmes involving young people
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Adults working with children and young people have a responsibility to create safe and respectful environments.
Depending on their role, this may include requirements relating to:
- Safeguarding education
- Garda Vetting
- Appropriate supervision
- Safe recruitment
- Codes of Conduct
- Appropriate communication
- Reporting concerns
- Maintaining professional boundaries
Coaches and Volunteers
Coaches, volunteers and others working with young athletes may be required to complete appropriate safeguarding education and vetting before undertaking relevant roles.
Safeguarding forms part of the OCRA coaching pathway and should also form part of club and volunteer development.
Clubs
Clubs providing activities for children and young people are responsible for ensuring that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place.
This may include:
- Safeguarding policies
- Child Safeguarding Statement
- Risk assessment
- Appropriate safeguarding roles
- Garda Vetting where required
- Safeguarding training
- Procedures for reporting concerns
- Codes of Conduct
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Safeguarding concerns relating to an OCRA activity should be raised as soon as reasonably possible.
Concerns can be submitted through OCRA's contact process and should include enough information to allow the matter to be directed appropriately.
A safeguarding concern should not be treated as an ordinary sporting complaint where there may be a risk to a child.
Where there is a child protection concern, statutory reporting routes through Tusla and An Garda Síochána remain available.
Where a child appears to be in immediate danger, the priority is their immediate safety.
Respecting Young Athletes
Children and young people should be able to participate in sport without:
- Abuse
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Humiliation
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Unnecessary pressure
- Unsafe sporting practices
Young athletes should be listened to and treated with dignity and respect.
Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians also play an important role in creating a positive sporting environment.
They should:
- Encourage participation and development
- Respect athletes and officials
- Follow applicable Codes of Conduct
- Raise genuine welfare concerns
- Support safe communication and travel arrangements
- Help children understand appropriate sporting behaviour
Safeguarding Resources
OCRA will provide or link to appropriate safeguarding resources for:
- Coaches
- Clubs
- Volunteers
- Parents and guardians
- Young athletes
- Event organisers