Child Protection

The Racquetball Association of Ireland is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its participants. Every individual in racquetball should at all times, show respect and understanding for participants’ rights, safety and welfare. All members should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organization. In working with young people or vulnerable adults, our first priority is their welfare. The Racquetball Association of Ireland is committed to providing an environment that will allow participants to perform to the best of their ability, free from abuse, neglect, bullying and intimidation.

 Safeguarding

Garda Vetting

Children's First Act 2015
​Under the Children First Act 2015 (ROI) and the Children (NI) Order and Cooperating to Safeguarding Children and Young People 2017, all coaches are required to complete safeguarding training. Coaches in the Republic of Ireland are required to attend a Safeguarding 1 Basic Awareness workshop. This can be applied for through your Local Sports Partnership. (Search – Local Sports Partnership/safeguarding) and in Northern Ireland, Sport NI also provide the required training (contact your local council sports development officer for advice on accessing training).
​
​Documents:

• Child Safeguarding Statement
• RAI Code of Ethics for Children in Sport
• Safeguarding Guidance for Children & Young People in Sport
• ​​RAI Anti-Bullying Policy
• Hosting Young People Policy
• RAI Photography Policy
• ​Child Safeguarding Incident Report Form
• Code of Conduct for Coaches
• Code of Conduct for Junior Athletes
• ​Code of Conduct for Parents
• Roles & Responsibilities
• Template : Risk Assessment of Harm for Club
• Template : Children Safeguarding Statement for Club

National Children's Officer 
Name: Sean Lyng
Phone: 087 1880421
Email : [email protected] 

​Designated Liaison Person
Name: Antonia Neary
​Phone: 086 0533748
Email : [email protected]

Who is required to be vetted?
Garda vetting is now required by law for all persons who will have unsupervised access to/work with children/vulnerable adults on a regular basis.
Regular basis is defined as where the same individual supervises/has contact with children at least once a week, 4 times a month or over-night.
Individuals who must be vetted are those applying for positions including but not limited to the following:

• Club/National Children’s Officer, Club Junior Coach, National Junior Team Coach, Junior Development Officer, All members of the RAI Executive Committee
• Parental supervision where the same individual parent supervises children one or more times a week,  4 times a month or over-night.
• Committee member(s)/Team Manager /Chaperone with access to children/vulnerable adults one or  more times a week, 4 times a month or over-night.
• Club/National Junior tournaments/event’s organizer ·
• Other personnel as may be considered

When is an individual required to be vetted?
All the above required positions must be successfully vetted before an individual is legally allowed to take up their chosen position(s).
It is now an offense to coach/have regular contact with children/vulnerable adults without being vetted before commencing the activities/events. 
Garda Vetting approval from other organisations does not cover you for Racquetball Ireland, therefore you must reapply for vetting through Racquetball Ireland.

Vetting young people under the age of eighteen
Any individual under eighteen years of age in Ireland and applying for any of the required positions must  undergo vetting prior to taking up the position(s).
​Any person under eighteen years of age completing a vetting  application must obtain the permission of their parent/guardian and complete a parent/guardian consent form.

How often? Re-vetting individuals
All individuals vetted from 1st January 2015 will be required to undergo re-vetting after three years or as determined by Racquetball Ireland as required by future circumstances. All individuals must undergo re-vetting every three years.
Garda Vetting Process - What do I need to apply?

E-Vet I.D Verification form
Identification documents that includes applicants current address and at least one form of photographic (see form).

How to apply for vetting?

1. Print and Fill in the NVB1 Invitation Form
2. Get form signed by I.D Verifier.  Note: A Verifier can be any member on the current Racquetball Association of Ireland Committee, Racquetball Ireland Coach Developer, no Garda to sign form.
3. Return the NVB1 form to the current Liaison person stated at the end of the form.
4. An invitation is a link sent by e-mail, allowing applicants to complete their vetting application. Please Note: The link is active for 30 days.
5. The applicant must complete the form in one sitting and has a maximum of one hour to complete each page in the application.
6. The completed and reviewed application is sent to the NVB (National Vetting Bureau) for processing.
7. Once application process is completed, a disclosure is sent back to Racquetball Ireland.
8. Once Racquetball Ireland open the disclosure,  an email is sent to the applicant saying the vetting application is complete.
9. The applicant is then notified whether it is a successful application or a further inquiry is required.
10. The disclosure is made available to applicant on request.

E-Vetting Form
Download Application Form Garda Vetting Invitation Form (NVB 1)  
RAI Garda Vetting Policy
Further Information
For more information please see vetting.garda.ie/Help/FAQ

​Garda Vetting Liaison Officer
Name: Jimmy Gannon
Phone: 086-3448951
Emails:

• ​[email protected]
• [email protected]

​Updated: 8th July 2025