General Information
As part of our training programme the Athletic Union Council offers a number of Safeguarding 1 courses which has been developed by Sport Ireland. This course is targeted at all coaches, activity leaders, managers and club Children's Officers.
In UCD all voluntary and paid coaches, managers, activity leaders and children's officers are required to hold at a minimum a valid Safeguarding 1 certificate, and have valid Garda Vetting through Ireland Active.
It is the clubs responsibility to ensure that all coaches, managers, activity leaders and children's officers have the required qualifications in place before they commence their role.
Keeping Children Safe / Junior Member
Although the vast majority of student club members will be over 18 years of age, every year a small number will register in UCD that are 17 years old. In order to create a happy and safe environment for all club members (including those aged 17) and coaches, the AUC has in place a number of procedures to ensure that it complies with best practice in child safety. Full details of the procedures are provided in the UCD Sport, UCD Sport and Fitness, and UCD Student Centre - Keeping Children Safe Policy.
Useful Documents
Safeguarding 1 - Basic Awareness
The course provides a good basic understanding of child protection legislation and educates participants on the implementation of best practice in protecting the welfare of children involved in sport.
See our Training & Development section for Safeguarding course dates for 2025-26.
- The course must be refreshed every 3 years. The initial course must always be a face to face course.
- Just before the 3 years has passed the individual can complete the Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 Online Refresher.
- Once the individual completes this online course they must save the digital certificate, this certificate, along with the original certificate, must be uploaded as part of submitting the coaching pack or code of conduct for sports club committee members (Children's Officers).
- The individual will need to submit both as evidence for the next 3 years to the AUC if still involved with a UCD club in any of the aforementioned roles.
- Before the total 6-year period has passed the individual will need to attend the face to face course again. Do not let your Safeguarding 1 certificate expire, complete your training again BEFORE the 3 year period expires.
Garda Vetting (via Ireland Active)
Vetting is required for all coaches, team managers, leaders and children's officers, whether they are paid or a volunteer.
All Garda Vetting applications must now be completed online at the following link.
To begin your Garda Vetting application, you will need a Facility Code. Please contact Paula Cashman at (opens in a new window)paula.cashman@ucd.ie to request this before starting your application.
Once your application form is complete, you must verify your ID before approval. This can be done by:
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Arranging a short Zoom call, or
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Dropping into the UCD Sport Office, located on the top floor of the UCD Sports Centre (across from the Mezzanine Gym).
Vetting Validity
Vetting is valid for three years. Before your vetting expires, you must re-apply to ensure continuous eligibility to work or volunteer with a UCD club.
Confirmation of Vetting
Coaches, managers, and leaders are only considered vetted once:
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The Athletic Union Council (AUC) receives confirmation of their vetting number from the National Vetting Bureau, and
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A vetting disclosure is returned via Ireland Active and reviewed by the AUC.
Only those who have a valid vetting number and have been deemed suitable by the AUC may work or volunteer with a UCD club.
For more information on Garda Vetting, Safeguarding, and the recruitment or payment of coaches, please refer to the Club Operations Manual.
Vetting Process & Help Guides
The following FAQs and Help Guides are available from Ireland Active:
Please Note:
- All applicants will need to provide photographic ID and current proof of address (dated within the last six months as of application date).
- Please choose Children's Sports Coach as the role you are being vetted for.
- Please enter UCD Sport as the facility on the declaration form.
- Please ensure the address you enter on your application exactly matches the address on the proof of address that you upload to your application. *
- The declaration that you will be required to complete and upload must be completed using a pen.