General Information
All voluntary and paid coaches, managers, activity leaders and children's officers in UCD are required to hold, at a minimum, a valid Safeguarding 1 certificate and valid Garda Vetting completed through Ireland Active.
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.
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.
Applying for Garda Vetting (via Ireland Active)
Step 1: Request the UCD Sport Facility Code
Please complete this short form to receive the UCD Sport Vetting Facility Code, which you will need in order to submit your Garda Vetting application.
We ask for your name, UCD Sports Club, and role you are being vetted for (e.g., Coach, Trip Leader, Children’s Officer, etc.) so we can ensure that all vetting requests are linked to the correct club and role within UCD Sport.
Once you submit the form, the Facility Code will appear on the confirmation screen.
Step 2: Start Your Online Application
All Garda Vetting applications must now be completed online at the following link:
Please Note:
- You must upload photographic ID and a current proof of address (dated within the last 6 months).
- Select Children’s Sports Coach as your vetting role.
- Enter UCD Sport as the facility on the declaration form.
- Ensure the address on your application matches exactly the address on your proof of address.
- The NVB1 declaration form must be signed by hand before uploading.
Step 3: Verify Your ID With UCD Sport
Your application cannot progress until your identity is verified. You must either:
- Join a short Zoom drop-in ID verification session (these details will be communicated to those whose applications are submitted), or
- Attend the UCD Sport Office in person (top floor of UCD Sports Centre, opposite the Mezzanine Gym).
UCD Sport will validate your documents and approve your application for further review by Ireland Active. If everything is in order, Ireland Active will then forward your application to the National Vetting Bureau for processing.
Step 4: Complete Your Garda E-Vetting Form
You will receive an email directly from the National Vetting Bureau via (opens in a new window)evetting.donotreply@garda.ie. You will have 30 days to act on this email from the date it is received. This email includes a link to:
- Log into the Garda e-Vetting system
- Complete the online form with all required details
- Submit the e-Vetting form
The National Vetting Bureau will then carry out the necessary background checks.
Confirmation of Vetting
Coaches, managers, and leaders are only considered vetted once:
- The Athletic Union Council (AUC) receives confirmation of their vetting number from the National Vetting Bureau.
- 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 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.
Vetting Process & Help Guides
The following FAQs and Help Guides are available from Ireland Active:
-
(opens in a new window)FAQs - please review the list of accepted Proof of Address and Photo Identification before submitted your application