Sligo Rowing Club
Supervision Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Supervision Policy is to ensure a safe, supportive, and well-managed environment for all members of the Club, particularly children and young people (U18s). This policy outlines the standards for supervision during training, land sessions, competitions, travel, and all Club-related activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All coaches, volunteers, committee members, contractors, and Club officers
- All Club activities on water and land
- All members under the age of 18
- Any adult members involved in mixed groups
3. Principles
The Club commits to:
- Providing a safe and positive environment for all participants
- Ensuring adequate adult supervision at all times
- Following Rowing Ireland, Sport Ireland, and Children First child-protection legislation and guidance
- Prioritising the welfare and dignity of every participant
4. Supervisor Requirements
4.1 Coach and Volunteer Vetting
All adults supervising U18s must:
- Be Garda Vetted through Rowing Ireland
- Complete Safeguarding 1 training (and Safeguarding 2/3 where appropriate)
- Be registered Club coaches or approved volunteers
4.2 Ratio of Supervisors to Athletes
Minimum supervision ratios:
- Water sessions: 2 adults for up to 12 junior members
- Land training: 1 adult per 10 juniors
- Mixed-age groups: Juniors must always have at least two vetted adults assigned
There must never be a situation where one adult is left alone with one junior.
5. Supervision of Water Training
5.1 Launch/Boat Safety
- A coach launch with an appropriately qualified driver (RSB Safe Powerboat or equivalent) must be on the water when juniors or novices are rowing.
- The launch must carry: throw lines, knife, first aid kit, functioning mobile phone, kill cord, and lifejackets.
5.2 Athlete Requirements
- Juniors must never go on the water without coach approval.
- All rowers must be able to swim 100m in light clothing or have disclosed any limitations.
- Appropriate clothing and weather-safe gear must be worn.
5.3 Weather & Risk Assessment
Coaches must assess:
- Wind, currents, flow levels, temperature, and visibility
- Athlete competence and crew balance
- Equipment condition
Coaches may cancel or restrict sessions at their discretion.
6. Supervision of Land Training
- All indoor training must have a supervising coach or volunteer present.
- The gym/erg room must be adequately ventilated and inspected prior to use.
- Juniors must not train unsupervised in the gym or use weights without a qualified coach.
7. Drop-Off & Collection Procedures
- Parents/guardians remain responsible for juniors before and after the designated session time.
- Juniors must be signed out with the supervising coach when collected.
- Coaches should not leave until all juniors have been collected.
- If a parent is delayed, the coach must keep the junior in a public, supervised area.
8. Changing Rooms
- Adults must not enter changing rooms while juniors are changing unless absolutely necessary for safety and then only with another adult present.
- Separate changing times or spaces should be used for juniors when possible.
- Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in changing areas.
9. Travel, Events & Regattas
9.1 Supervision on Trips
- There must be a designated Trip Leader responsible for supervision and safety.
- Minimum ratio: 1 vetted adult per 8 juniors, with at least two adults present at all times.
- A written itinerary, emergency contacts, and consent forms must be completed in advance.
9.2 Transport
- Adults must not travel alone in a car with a single junior unless a parent has given explicit prior permission or in an emergency.
- For bus transport, juniors should not sit at the very back unsupervised.
10. Managing Injuries & Emergencies
- At least one coach present must have First Aid training.
- All injuries must be recorded in the Club’s Incident Log and reported to the Club Children’s Officer if a junior is involved.
- Emergency procedures must be displayed and all staff must know the location of first-aid equipment.
11. Behaviour & Conduct
Coaches and supervisors must:
- Treat all athletes with fairness and respect
- Avoid inappropriate physical or verbal contact
- Never communicate privately with juniors through personal social media
- Challenge and report bullying or unsafe behaviour immediately
12. Reporting Concerns
Any concerns regarding supervision, conduct, or child safety must be reported to:
- Club Children’s Officer
- Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
- Tusla or Gardaí if there is immediate risk
Confidentiality will be upheld as per Children First guidelines.
13. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed:
- Every two years,
- After any significant incident,
- Or following changes to Rowing Ireland or Sport Ireland safeguarding requirements.
