Child Transport Policy
Policy Statement
Team transport is a central element of any team trip to an event and at times away games. Like most similar clubs, Klub Kildare could not operate without the goodwill of volunteers and parents ensuring that children are transported to, and from matches from time to time in a private car. We acknowledge our coaches and volunteers help out through a genuine desire to see children play for the club; unfortunately, the harsh reality we must face and protect ourselves from is the fact that a small minority of people join a sports club as an opportunity to gain access to children. These adults create an air of acceptability about their role, therefore justifying their close contact with children. Developing credibility is an essential part of any abusers ‘grooming process.’ An abuser will “groom” the environment i.e. creating a justifiable reason for getting the child alone.
One specific area of protection we must ensure appropriate safeguards are in place is with regards to transport of children.
Managers and Coaches Transporting Children
The following should be noted regarding transport of children by managers and is considered in conjunction with the general safeguarding requirements stipulated by the club and the FAI. The club do not state that coaches/ volunteers can never transport a child by themselves, however the club recommends individuals recognize the risks and put in place appropriate measures to reduce these risks to themselves and the club.
Easy rules to remember when a manager or coach is organizing player transport:
It is good practice to receive informed written consent (text is fine) from parents/guardian about who will be transporting their child, why and how long the journey will take
If for any reason a player is transported alone by a manager or coach (emergency circumstances etc…) a risk assessment should be conducted
Only fully garda vetted and safeguarded coaches or volunteers affiliated with the club should transport children other than their own
Attempt to always have more than one child in the car
Alternate drivers, if possible, on an ongoing basis (it should not be a regular normalised event, where possible the coach should look to arrange alternative modes of transport for a player where the request for transport is regularly required.)
The manager/coach should have a point of contact/mobile phone
A person other than the planned driver should talk to the child about transport arrangements to check they are comfortable about the plans
The manager/coach must ensure that they have a valid full drivers licence, insurance and at all times abides by all traffic laws and rules of the road to carry other passengers in that particular vehicle
Parental Arrangements
If parents make personal arrangements between themselves this is not the responsibility of the club unless there are concerns about a parent’s ability to drive for example due to the consumption of alcohol or if the coach is informed of an issue by the child directly for example.
Booking Team Transport
If teams’ avail of bus or coach transport and it is essential that all aspects of the transport arrangements are checked out and agreed in advance. Safety should be considered a priority always, regardless of the cost.
The following should be considered:
All vehicles used for transport should be well maintained, roadworthy, have the proper safety equipment and should be properly taxed and insured.
Hired transport should be fully accessible for people with disabilities.
When travelling on buses, coaches or cars, passengers must remain seated always and wear seat belts. • Alternative access to transport should be available in case of emergency.
Vehicles should be equipped with a First Aid Kit and a fire extinguisher and manager, and coaches of the group should be familiar with how to use them.
When hiring a bus or coach, information should be sought regarding the company’s safety standards, reputation, and reliability.
June 2025