Welfare and Protection Measures
We are keenly aware of our responsibility to our athletes, coaches, officials/staff, and spectators.
Our policy details for the protection and welfare of each class of event attendee are below. Please familiarise yourself with these and remember that all rules are for the benefit of the participants first.
1. Spectators
2. Coaches
3. Officials/Staff
4. Participants
Our policy details for the protection and welfare of each class of event attendee are below. Please familiarise yourself with these and remember that all rules are for the benefit of the participants first.
1. Spectators
- We want to ensure our spectators have a great experience at our events. This involves ensuring that the event has ample seating, facilities, fire procedures and security. We require our spectators to follow the rules set in place for our events.
- No Spectators allowed in Team Areas. Flouting this rule will result in removal from our event.
- Spectators must respect the enjoyment of other spectators. Please keep your area tidy, there is no food or drinks allowed in the seating. Use rubbish bags provided. Do not stand in the aisles, or obscure the view of spectators with limited mobility.
- Make use of the Fan Viewing Area; this area is designed to give you a closer, front view of the teams you are supporting. You must queue on time to enter this area, you cannot enter the area while the routine is in motion, you must leave the area as soon as your team is finished. You must follow the guidance of the staff in charge of this area including entering and exiting the correct way, and respecting that the rules are in place for a reason. Not following rules will result in the barring of your entrance to this area.
- Complaints should be made to the Head Steward who can be found at the Turn Stiles and will relay your complaint to the proper head of department to be dealt with.
- Spectators may not approach the Judging Officials or the Score Tally/Registration/Warmup Desk. These areas are for use by the official coaching staff and event staff only; there is no access for spectators and unfiltered access to these areas would cause a delay in the event, put all athletes and staff in danger and blur the boundaries we are pushing to install.
- Spectators may record their own teams from the Fan Viewing Area. Anyone making professional recordings must be issued with a Photographer's Pass. 1 will be issued per club.
- Spectators should familiarise themselves with the nearest emergency escape, and the location of the Head Steward and First Aid Response. Spectators should report any form of abuse, mistreatment or incident to the Head Steward.
2. Coaches
- All coaches should be Garda Vetted (or alternative vetting if from another country). This policy will become mandatory from 2024 with proof being required upon online registration.
- Coaches must ensure all over 18s are Garda Vetted (or alternative vetting if from another country). This policy will become mandatory from 2024 with proof being required upon online registration.
- All coaches must be trained to the level at which the team is competing. This policy will become mandatory from 2024 with proof being required upon online registration.
- Coaches must carry identification at all times and will be required to present their ID every time they enter a designated area. We understand the rush that happens on competition day. But if you are unprepared, that is your issue and not the issue of event staff.
- Coaches must ensure that athletes are the correct age for the division for which they have been rostered.
- Coaches must try their best to inform their club parents of the rules which pertain to the event. Event disruptions caused by the spectators of a club will cause a sanction to that club. You will be informed that this may happen, and given a chance to correct the situation before any sanction is issued. Sanctions will include 2 point deductions for each team in the club, or teams being removed from the roster and any prizes already won will be removed.
- Anyone making professional recordings must be issued with a Photographer's Pass. 1 will be issued per club.
- Coaches should familiarise themselves with the nearest emergency escape throughout the building at any time, and the location of the Head Steward and First Aid Response. Coaches should report any form of abuse, mistreatment or incident to the Head Steward.
3. Officials/Staff
- All officials and staff should be Garda Vetted (or alternative vetting if from another country). This policy will become mandatory from 2024 with proof being required upon online registration.
- Officials must record any incidents including abusive behaviour towards them or against any minor, participant or other Official or Staff member. This will be handed to the relevant authorities including, Cheer Sport Ireland, An Garda Siochana, or Tusla, if necessary. The intent is to protect all attendees.
- Officials/Staff will treat all with respect and courtesy. Any escalation of tension toward any spectator, participant, or other offical/staff member will be recorded and handed to the relevant authorities including, Cheer Sport Ireland, An Garda Siochana, or Tusla, if necessary. The intent is to protect all attendees.
- Officials/Staff have the right to feel safe, and be able to perform their duties without interruption.
- Officials/Staff should familiarise themselves with the nearest emergency escape throughout the building at any time, and the location of the Head Steward and First Aid Response. Officials/Staff should report any form of abuse, mistreatment or incident to the Head Steward.
4. Participants
- All participants must be entered on a roster in time for cut off of the entry deadline. Any substitutions must be from the roster already submitted and must agree with the rules of the division, ie ages etc
- Participants must be supervised at all times within the event venue.
- Minors must be collected after performing, or after viewing their playback, and must continue to be supervised after their performance.
- Minors should not be left alone and should participate in a buddy system when using facilities not supervised (ie toilets).
- Participants should avoid using the public toilets, use the toilets that are dedicated only to the participants, officials and staff. No minor should be left alone when using the facilies.
- Participants must suitably trained for the routine they are performing.
- Participants must be supervised by coaches with Garda Vetting or appropriate alternative (EG Police Background Check).
- Upon registration on the event day, the coach listed on the roster must take the team to warmup, confirm the names on the official roster and ensure there are no unlisted parents/coaches/spectators attempting to gain entry without being on the roster. This is paramount for the safety of our athletes.
- If arranging a meeting place, this should be in the team area, not in the public foyer. Minors must not be directed to meet with a coach unless the parent or supervisor hands over the athlete and collects that athlete again at another designated meeting point.
- Participants should familiarise themselves with the nearest emergency escape throughout the building at any time, and the location of the Head Steward and First Aid Response. Participants should report any form of abuse, mistreatment or incident to the Head Steward or their designated Club Liaison.