The role of a GAA Children's Officer

The role of the club Children's Officer in the GAA is pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of young players involved in the sport.  

This position is a crucial part of the association’s safeguarding policies and procedures, focusing on creating a safe environment for children to participate in Gaelic games.   

The club Children's Officer is responsible for implementing and complying with the GAA Code of Behaviour (underage) policy which is aligned with national child protection legislation and standards.  

The role is multifaceted, encompassing safeguarding responsibilities, compliance with legal frameworks, and fostering a child-centred ethos.  

A Safeguarding Champion  

The Children's Officer's primary duty is to enforce the GAA's Code of Behaviour (Underage), which sets out the standards required for interactions involving players under 18 years of age.   

County board Children’s Officer Emlyn Hughes reflected on the importance of the role at club level: 

"Our role as Children's Officers is more than just enforcing safeguarding and child protection guidelines; it’s about making sure every child feels safe and supported when they come to play Gaelic games. This is about their enjoyment and personal growth as much as their athletic ability."  

Hughes himself has commented on the significance of the role, highlighting that the Children’s Officer acts as a safeguard for both the children and the volunteers within the GAA.   

"It is essential that children’s welfare is at the heart of everything we do in the GAA, and that’s what we continue to work towards.  

“It’s about creating an environment where children are encouraged to enjoy their sport in the knowledge that their welfare is our paramount consideration and providing reassurance to parents that this is our number one priority," Hughes explained.   

In addition to monitoring the provision of safeguarding workshops and maintaining records in relation to Garda vetting, the Children’s Officer must also respond to any reported concerns or breaches related to the GAA Code of Behaviour (underage).  

This may involve addressing any issues of alleged bullying or inappropriate behaviour within clubs, and ensuring that complaints are processed in accordance with the GAA's Code of Behaviour. The Children’s Officer is responsible for managing such complaints informally if it is deemed the proportionate response or alternatively, referring the matter to the club’s hearings committee, where a formal approach is deemed necessary.  

Hughes also differentiates between the Children Officer role and the role of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in clubs: “The Designated Liaison person, who by default is the club chairperson unless otherwise nominated and ratified by the executive, is responsible for dealing with concerns and allegations of abuse in line with GAA Guidelines.  

“It’s important for any potential Children Officers out there considering taking on this role to be clear that that this responsibility rests with the club DLP and not the Children’s Officer.” 

Part of the Children’s Officer role includes educating coaches, players, and parents about appropriate conduct and how to report any concerns.  

Maria Craig, Children’s Officer with the Naomh Conaill club, shares similar sentiments. “You do get the occasional phone calls - thankfully, not too many complaints - but it’s vital that parents know they have someone to turn to if something isn’t right,” she says.   

The Naomh Conaill club member views her role as both supportive and educational, emphasising the importance of open communication: “It’s about showing parents and coaches what the role involves and how we work to protect both children and adults involved in underage games.”  

The proactive nature of the position was on full display at a club safeguarding night, organised and facilitated by the Glenties club woman: “To see 29 people turn up - coaches, parents, managers - just shows the level of commitment to the future of our games,” she notes. 

A Shift Towards Modernisation  

The role itself has also evolved significantly, particularly following the introduction of the Children First Act 2015, which became GAA policy in 2017.  

Pauric Daly, a Children's Officer and County Safeguarding Tutor with over a decade of experience in the St Eunan’s club reflects on these changes. “The whole process of recruiting and training coaches is no longer optional, and this has been the case for a number of years now.  

“Safeguarding, Garda vetting, and coach education are mandatory for anyone working with players aged four to 18,” he explains.  

Daly also points out that modern technology has made compliance easier.  

“Gone are the days when we used paper forms for Garda vetting,” he says. “Coaches can now complete the process from the comfort of their homes, making it user-friendly and efficient.”  

Both Craig and Daly emphasise the role’s educational component. Daly, who as a Safeguarding Tutor, provides safeguarding workshops to clubs states: “One of my key phrases during safeguarding courses is, ‘You are not alone’. There’s always a structure of support within the GAA, whether it’s through club executives, game managers, or fellow coaches.  

“This structure is crucial in preventing minor concerns from escalating into significant conflicts.”  

Craig adds: “It’s about constantly driving home that safeguarding measures, such as Garda vetting and safeguarding training are absolutely non-negotiable. Just as your club membership is non-negotiable, so is the safety of our young people.”  

The County Children’s Officer agrees with these sentiments: “It is important that all of our members are clear that vetting is not just a GAA requirement; It is a requirement under Irish legislation and as such it is neither up for discussion nor negotiation. Club executives are responsible for ensuring that all members who require vetting, have it in place before they undertake activities with children and young people.” 

Cultivating a Child-Centred Approach 

The Children’s Officer also plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive and positive coaching culture.  

Daly describes his focus on “developing a child-centred coaching ethos,” which becomes particularly important as players advance into competitive age groups.  

“It’s about understanding the needs of all children in a coaching group,” he explains. “This can be challenging, especially as competitiveness increases at levels from U-12 and beyond.”   

Encouragingly, Daly has noticed younger coaches, often aged 16 to 20, embracing these principles and eagerly completing safeguarding and coaching courses.  

“In terms of coaching these days, I see loads of 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20-year-olds helping out teams and it's perhaps easier to get them on board with vetting and safeguarding courses and doing the foundation or the introduction to games coaching.” 

Craig highlights another aspect of inclusivity: encouraging a broader understanding of the Children’s Officer’s role among volunteers.  

“I don’t want people to take this the wrong way, but sometimes the younger generation often grasp the importance of the role quicker than some of those we may consider ‘old school.’ But once we explain why safeguarding is crucial, everyone understands its importance,” she said.  

Building Awareness and Trust  

A key part of the role involves raising awareness among parents, coaches, and players about safeguarding pathways.   

“Parents need to know how to voice concerns early, not when an issue has escalated,” says Daly.  

By attending pre-season meetings with coaches and interacting with stakeholders, he works to create an environment of proactive prevention rather than reactive conflict resolution.  

Interactive safeguarding workshops also serve as a cornerstone of this effort. These sessions, which detail legislative requirements and practical coaching advice, are essential for instilling confidence in volunteers.   

“It’s hugely reassuring for coaches to attend these safeguarding workshops,” says Daly. “It equips them with the tools to address potential issues and reassures them that they’re not alone in managing challenges.”  

Challenges and Progress 

Despite significant advancements, challenges remain.  

Craig acknowledges that full compliance is still a work in progress. “Anyone who helps out with underage players in any way must now be Garda vetted. That’s a big cultural shift for some, but it’s necessary to protect our players and coaches. In many ways, complacency can be our biggest enemy.”  

Both officers agree that maintaining engagement from all stakeholders is key. As Daly notes; “It’s part of the terms and conditions now. If you’re involved in any capacity with underage teams, you’re signing up to safeguarding protocols. It’s not optional nor should it be.”  

However, the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers keep them optimistic.  

“To see the energy and commitment of parents and coaches is brilliant,” says Craig. “Without them, there would be no underage games.”  

The work of Children’s Officers at club level is supported by the Ulster GAA Safeguarding team and the National Children’s Office in Croke Park. This year, for example, Catherine Hibbitt, GAA Safeguarding Coordinator in the National Children's Office has completed a number of random compliance audits in clubs throughout the country.  

A total of 15 of these audits took place in Ulster clubs during 2024, three of which were Donegal clubs. This is a feature of governance good practice that will continue in 2025. 

As the GAA continues to evolve, the role of the Children’s Officer will only grow in importance. Emlyn Hughes and Club Children’s Officers in Donegal, like their counterparts in other counties, are focused on nurturing a generation of players who feel safe, included, and empowered.  

“Our Club Children’s Officers play a vital role in ensuring our children and young people are safe and protected. The work that they do is often out of sight and done behind the scenes but should never be underestimated or taken for granted,” Hughes said. 

This work is vital in creating a culture of respect and protection that benefits everyone involved in the sport.