At Triathlon Ireland, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We are committed to ensuring that all children, young people and vulnerable adults can participate in triathlon in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.
This Safeguarding Section of the website brings together Triathlon Ireland’s policies, training, reporting procedures and guidance to support clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents/carers and event organisers in meeting their safeguarding responsibilities.
Safeguarding in triathlon is underpinned by:
- A child-centred approach
- Clear codes of conduct
- Robust reporting procedures
- Compliance with national (NI and ROI) safeguarding legislation
- Ongoing education and training
Safeguarding Policy Documents
Triathlon Ireland’s safeguarding policies are in place to protect our young and vulnerable members.
The rights of the child are paramount, and all children have the right to be protected from harm.
All clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers must adhere to these policies at all times. The documents hosted on this site are the most up-to-date versions and supersede any previously downloaded copies.
Triathlon Ireland policies are aligned with the Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport.
Policies include:
- Safeguarding Policy Statement
- Vetting Policy
- Safe Recruitment Policy
- Photography and Filming Policy
- Travel and Overnight Trips Policy
- Safeguarding Guidelines for Event Organisers
- Missing Children Procedure and Flow Chart
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Physical Contact Policy
- Guidance for Online Sessions
- Safeguarding Training Policy
Social Media Guidance:
- Juniors
- Coaches and Leaders
- Clubs
Reporting & Procedures:
- Reporting Procedures for Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Concerns
- Junior and Adult Accident / Incident Report Forms
Codes of Conduct
All individuals involved in triathlon are subject to Codes of Conduct, which must be signed annually where applicable.
Codes apply to:
- Coaches & TRI Leaders
- Photographers
- Race Officials
- Club Children’s Officers
- Designated Liaison Persons
- Event Safeguarding Leads
- Parents / Carers
- Junior Members
- All Members and Volunteers
Read More: Safeguarding Policy Documents
Club Children’s Officers & Designated Liaison Persons
It is compulsory for all clubs with a Junior Section to appoint:
- A Club Children’s Officer (CCO)
- A Designated Liaison Person (DLP) (Republic of Ireland only)
These roles are central to safeguarding within clubs and act as key points of contact for children, parents, volunteers and external agencies.
Safeguarding Requirements
Club Children’s Officers and Designated Liaison Persons must:
- Complete required safeguarding training
- Undertake Garda Vetting or Access NI
- Complete the appropriate Code of Conduct
Role of the Club Children’s Officer
The CCO:
- Acts as the voice of junior members
- Supports safe recruitment of coaches and volunteers
- Maintains safeguarding records and Form 11s
- Advises on safeguarding matters, risk assessments and best practice
- Reports safeguarding concerns to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
Role of the Designated Liaison Person
The DLP:
- Acts as the link between the club, Triathlon Ireland and statutory authorities
- Ensures safeguarding concerns are reported correctly and promptly
- Maintains up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and training
Read More: Club Children’s Officers & Designated Liaison Persons
Report a Concern
Safeguarding, poor practice, racism or discrimination concerns can be reported at any time.
Triathlon Ireland has introduced an online safeguarding reporting protocol to:
- Promote a positive, child-centred culture
- Support clubs to be safe and welcoming environments
- Ensure concerns are recorded, tracked and addressed appropriately
What should you report?
- Any child welfare or safeguarding concern (inside or outside sport)
- Poor practice or breaches of Codes of Conduct
- Racism or discrimination
How can you report?
- Speak to your Club Children’s Officer or Designated Liaison Person
- Report directly to Triathlon Ireland via the online report form
- Contact emergency services if a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger
Read More: Report a Concern – Safeguarding Contacts & Legislation
Garda Vetting & Access NI
Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults.
Who needs vetting?
- Anyone aged 16 or over who is undertaking relevant work/regulated activity with under 18’s or vulnerable adults. This includesCoaching or supervising juniors
- Holding a safeguarding role
- Regularly assists at junior sessions or events
Republic of Ireland
- Garda Vetting through Triathlon Ireland
- Vetting must be completed before beginning a role
Northern Ireland
- Access NI enhanced disclosure
- It is an offence for a barred person to work in regulated activity
Read More: Garda Vetting & Access NI
Setting Up a Junior Section
Clubs wishing to establish a junior section must follow specific safeguarding steps to ensure compliance and best practice.
Guidance is provided for:
- Republic of Ireland clubs (Children First compliance – legal requirement)
- Northern Ireland clubs (best practice guidance)
This includes:
- Appointing safeguarding officers
- Completing risk assessments and safeguarding statements
- Vetting, training and Codes of Conduct
- Parental consent and record keeping
Read More: Setting Up a Junior Section
Safeguarding for Junior Events
All events involving:
- Children under 18
- Vulnerable adults
- 15–17 year olds competing in adult events
must comply with Triathlon Ireland’s safeguarding requirements.
Event organisers should use the Safeguarding Guidelines for Event Organisers alongside the Event Management & Safety Plan.
Read More: Safeguarding Steps for Junior Events
Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding training is mandatory for those working with children and young people.
Courses Available
Republic of Ireland
- Safeguard 1 – Basic Awareness
- Safeguard 2 – Club Children’s Officer
- Safeguard 3 – Designated Liaison Person
Northern Ireland
- Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport
- Designated Safeguarding Children’s Officer
Refresher Training
Safeguard qualifications must be refreshed every three years.
Read More: Safeguarding Training
Children First & Club Compliance
Children First sets out what organisations and individuals must do to keep children safe.
Triathlon Ireland provides:
- The Triathlon Ireland Child Safeguarding Statement
- Club templates
- Guidance on completing risk assessments
- Support with compliance and reporting
Clubs must:
- Display their Child Safeguarding Statement
- Review and update safeguarding documentation regularly
- Confirm compliance with Triathlon Ireland
Read More: TI Child Safeguarding Statement & Children First Guidance for Clubs
Safeguarding Reporting Protocol
Triathlon Ireland’s updated reporting protocol allows concerns to be raised easily, confidentially and appropriately through an online form.
This supports:
- Early identification of issues
- Better support for clubs and members
- A safer, more inclusive triathlon community
Read More: Safeguarding – New Reporting Protocol
Need Support or Guidance?
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the Triathlon Ireland Safeguarding Team via the ‘Report a Concern’ page here or speak with your Club Children’s Officer.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Together we can ensure triathlon is safe, supportive and enjoyable for all.
For more information please contact Triathlon Ireland’s Lead Safeguarding Officer on safeguarding@triathlonireland.com.
Safeguarding FAQ
How do I report concerns?
Concerns can now be reported through an online form hosted on a platform called Globocol here https://ti.vissro.com/public/ticase.nsf/safeguarding-report
Who can report?
Anyone can report a concern through the form.
Can young people report?
Yes, all ages can use the form to make a report.
I’m under 18 and I just want to talk to someone about a concern I have or something that happened.
You can talk to your Club Children’s Officer or another adult you trust if you feel comfortable. You can make a report through the form and the Triathlon Ireland National Children’s Officer will reach out to you or you can call childline: Visit the Childline UK website HERE.Tel: 0800 11 11 Visit the Childline Ireland website HERE Tel: Free Phone: 1800 66 66 66 4.
What age is considered a junior?
Anyone under 18.
What is the definition of a vulnerable adult/adult at risk?
There are different definitions in NI and ROI outlined in legislation. See further information here.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes, however it limits what we can do with the information provided.
Why have Triathlon Ireland introduced this new protocol?
We want to ensure that our clubs are safe and child centred. We want to support our clubs to be a safe and fun place for juniors and vulnerable members. We want our junior members to be consulted and involved in their club and we want to support our coaches to create great environments for children which protect both the child and the coach. This system will allow us to track trends in our clubs and put support and resources in place as required.
What happens when I have made a report?
The Triathlon Ireland National Children’s Officer will review the report and make contact with you.
Can I still contact the Triathlon Ireland National Children’s Officer to discuss an issue?
Yes, you can still email or call the Triathlon Ireland National Children’s Officer.
Should I still report my concerns to the Club Children’s Officer?
Yes, if appropriate the Club Children’s Officer should be informed. It is likely the Triathlon Ireland National Children’s Officer will work with Club Children’s Officers to manage some of the concerns. However, confidentiality will be maintained where appropriate and to ensure that only those who need the information are made aware of it.
How do I report?
Complete the report form with as much information as possible. Report as soon as you have become aware of a concern. If a child or adult is in immediate danger or a hate crime has been committed, please contact the police or social care services immediately. Following this, complete the report form.
What kind of concerns should I report?
● Any Child Welfare or Safeguarding concerns whether in or outside of sport. ● Any disclosure of abuse made by a child relating to current or historical abuse. This might include, neglect, bullying, sexual, physical, emotional abuse or exploitation. ● Incidents of poor practice, for example a coach/leader/volunteer or any adult who shouts or uses inappropriate language in front of children or young people, not providing adequate supervision creating an unsafe environment, coaches who have not undergone safe recruitment working with children, unsafe sessions. ● Incidents of racism or discrimination. ● Any incident which puts or leaves a child or vulnerable person at risk of harm. ● Any incident which breaches our codes of conduct. If you have any further questions please contact the Triathlon Ireland Safeguarding team.
Page Updated on 12 January 2026
The safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidance published on this page are the most up-to-date versions and supersede any previous versions either downloaded or printed. Users are advised to refer to this page regularly for updates.