Important: This is general information, not legal advice or a determination that any club or person is compliant. Check current legislation and your governing body's rules.
Short answer: providers of relevant services must prepare a written Child Safeguarding Statement based on an assessment of potential harm. Tusla expressly identifies sports clubs among the organisations that can fall within these obligations.
What the statement covers
Section 11 of the Children First Act requires the statement to describe the service and the principles and procedures used to keep children safe from harm, as far as practicable. It must incorporate the risk assessment and identify procedures addressing the matters listed in section 11(3).
Publication and review
The Act requires the completed statement to be provided to staff, displayed prominently and supplied on request to parents or guardians, Tusla or members of the public. It must be reviewed at intervals of no more than 24 months and as soon as practicable after a material change.
Use the official material
Tusla provides current development guidance, a sample template and a compliance review form. Tusla notes that its template is a sample rather than a universal standard form. Clubs should combine that material with their NGB's safeguarding policy and obtain advice where their status or obligations are unclear.
A credential tracker can help schedule reviews and record actions, but it does not create, approve or certify a Child Safeguarding Statement.
Official and primary sources
- Irish Statute Book — Children First Act 2015, section 11
- Tusla — What is a Child Safeguarding Statement?
- Tusla — CSS development and implementation
Sources were accessed and checked on 12 August 2026.