top of page

CLUB WELFARE

 CLUB WELFARE OFFICER 

The Club Welfare Officer (CWO) is a person appointed by a Club to implement the directions of the National Safeguarding Officer and the Branch Welfare Officers and to follow the IRFU Safeguarding Policy for Age Grade Players. This position is the equivalent of Designated Liaison Person as per ‘Children First Guidance’. In Coolmine RFC, We have 2 Club Welfare Officers, Karen Carolan (Club Welfare Officer and Designated Liaison Person) and Etain Delaney (Nevin) (Deputy CWO and DLP). 

For CWO and Deputy CWO Identification, click below.
 

CHILD WELFARE

While we look after all matters between us, we split the paperwork where possible into Youths (Karen) and Minis (Etain).

In general, our role is to ensure that all age-grade players within our Club feel safe while
training, playing and touring. We are here to provide advice and assistance to players, parents and coaches, should the need arise, and we are the main point of contact for all Safeguarding matters (formerly known as Child Protection).

 

We are not counsellors or psychologists but we are trained in Safeguarding and Welfare and are always here to listen, no matter how large or small the issue may be.


In order to achieve this, there are some policies and procedures which we adhere to and ensure that the Club is following strictly.

 

  • We operate to the parameters set out in the IRFU Safeguarding Policy. All coaches receive a copy of this Policy upon application to the Club. Additional copies are available by emailing the CWO Team or also from the link below.

  • We attend workshops, information sessions and undergo Safeguarding Training, in order to adhere to the Safeguarding Policy, its guidelines and any further information or requirements put in place by the IRFU.

  • We ensure that all volunteers, who are in regular contact with age-grade players, have completed their Garda Vetting, have signed the IRFU Self Declaration of Intent, are approved by the IRFU and have completed a Safeguarding Course

  • We work with Age-Grade Coaches, Youth and Mini Co-ordinators, relevant volunteers and committee members, helping them to understand their role and responsibilities in relation to Safeguarding.

  • We communicate with Age-Grade players, their parents and other volunteers, providing them with advice and information about all aspects of Club Welfare and in particular, the Safeguarding Policy.

  • We ensure that all players, coaches, parents and spectators adhere to their respective codes of conduct to ensure a healthy playing environment for all.

  • We encourage and promote the ethos behind “The Spirit of Rugby”.

  • We ensure that the Club Action Plan and Risk Assessment is completed and submitted to the Branch Welfare Officer annually.

  • We have a strict Anti-Bullying Policy which we ensure is followed.

  • We respond accurately and promptly to queries from the IRFU or Statutory Authorities, regarding the welfare of Age-Grade Players, who are members of the club.

 

We have a dedicated Club Welfare Noticeboard at the top of the main staircase in the
Clubhouse, where you can find Welfare and Safeguarding updates, Codes of Conduct and
Contact Details for both ourselves and also Leinster Branch and IRFU Safeguarding Personnel.

 


If we can be of any assistance during the season, please don’t hesitate to contact us at
cwocoolminerugby@gmail.com

PLAYER WELFARE

PLAYER WELFARE
RETURN TO RUGBY 

Concussion

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT 

Coolmine Rugby Club subscribes to the IRFU policy on Concussion Management and takes its responsibilities in this regard seriously with all coaches and staff briefed on protocol in managing players under their care with suspected concussion.

 

All coaches when attending courses at any level within the IRFU must first present a certificate that they have completed the online module of Concussion Management for the General Public here.

Eyewear in Rugby
  • Concussion can have a significant impact on the short and long term health of player if not managed correctly.

  • Concussion MUST be taken extremely seriously.

  • Any player with a suspected concussion MUST be removed immediately from training/play and not returned.

  • All games MUST cease until this is undertaken in a safe manner.

  • Players with a suspected concussion MUST be medically assessed.

  • They MUST not be left alone and MUST not drive a vehicle.

  • There is no such thing as a minor concussion or ‘knock to the head’.

 

Coolmine Rugby supports all efforts by the Leinster branch and the IRFU to drive awareness amongst players, coaches and parents of the affects of concussion and how it should be properly managed.

 

The following links will guide you through concussion, what it is, how it affects the player and how it should be treated and managed.

If you have child or member of the family playing rugby with Coolmine Rugby club you MUST familiarise yourself with this information.

EYEWEAR IN RUGBY

MOUTHGUARDS

Mouthguards or gumshields are typically worn in contact sports to protect the mouth from injury. The purpose of a mouthguard is to distribute the impact of a contact situation evenly throughout the mouth, potentially reducing the chances of injury. 

Previous studies have indicated that the wearing of mouthguards reduces the incidence of 

hard and soft oral injuries, jaw fractures and neck injuries.

Mouthguards in Rugby

World Rugby has approved a game-changing amendment to the laws of the game that will enable the wearing of Raleri rugby goggles at all levels of the game, reaffirming the sport’s commitment to inclusivity.

In line with the international federation’s vision of ‘a sport for all’, approval by Council follows a comprehensive law trial, launched in 2014 after World Rugby identified the need to develop a product that paves the way for greater participation in a safe environment. The IRFU joined the trial in 2016.

In partnership with Italy-based eyewear specialists Raleri, a design was developed to facilitate the inclusion of prescription lenses beyond contact lenses into a device that does not increase the risk of injury to the wearer or to players coming into contact with the wearer. World Rugby also recognises the potential to enable those with limited or no sight in one eye to participate in the sport more comfortably, as demonstrated by the incredible story of Italy international Ian McKinley. 

Anyone interested in the approved goggles should visit www.raleri.com

bottom of page