Safeguarding Courses: Creating a Safe and Positive Environment for Young Players

One of the key goals in youth sport is to provide a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where children can grow, learn, and develop both physically and socially.

Promoting a child-centered approach means putting the needs of young people first—while also identifying and eliminating any practices that could negatively impact their experience in sport.

To support this, the Irish Sports Council (now Sport Ireland) has introduced a structured Safeguarding Training Programme for clubs, which includes three key stages:

1. Safeguarding 1: Child Welfare & Protection Basic Awareness Course

This 3-hour course is mandatory for all coaches, Children’s Officers, and Designated Liaison Persons (DLPs). It provides essential knowledge on how to implement best practices to protect and promote the welfare of children in sport. 

2. Safeguarding 2: Club Children’s Officer (CCO)

Anyone taking on the role of Club Children’s Officer must complete both Safeguarding 1 and this additional 3-hour workshop. The course helps officers understand their responsibilities and develop a child-centered ethos within the club. It also provides an Action Planning document to support their role.

3. Safeguarding 3: Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

The Designated Liaison Person is responsible for handling concerns or reports of child protection issues. They must also complete both Safeguarding 1 and this dedicated 3-hour workshop. While one person can act as both CCO and DLP, best practice suggests keeping the roles separate, where possible.

The DLP is the key point of contact with TUSLA and/or An Garda Síochána for reporting any concerns or allegations. Every club should clearly list their DLP's contact details and responsibilities in their child protection policies.

Training & Support

Safeguarding courses are offered by your Local Sports Partnership (LSP).  For group bookings or queries for club courses ran by Leinster Hockey, reach out to the LHA Administrator at admin@leinsterhockey.ie.

Safe Sport App

Sport Ireland has launched a free Safe Sport App, designed to provide quick, accessible guidance on safeguarding and child protection in sport. It’s a helpful tool for coaches, parents, and anyone working with young players.

 - Click Here

Local Sports Partnership Courses - Click on links below

Upcoming Safeguard Courses 2025

Please note that to do the Children's Officer course, you must have completed the Basic Awareness Course.  All participants must be 18 years of age (or older).

Updated  22/07/2025