Safeguarding legislation in both Northern Ireland and Ireland is based on a clear and consistent set of principles, with the shared goal of promoting the welfare of young people. Young people have the right to be safe, and all coaches must ensure that this principle takes precedence over all other considerations.
Any Rowing Ireland member who interacts with participants under the age of 18 must complete a Safeguarding Course. Rowing Ireland offers Safeguarding One training online with a Sport Ireland–accredited tutor. These three-hour workshops are held on Tuesday evenings from 6–9 PM, cost €15, and the certification is valid for three years.
Upcoming course dates are 22nd (now full) and 29 September 2026, 6-9pm. Places are limited, so early registration is advised through the Rowing Ireland website: https://www.rowingireland.ie/safeguarding/ Please note, once sign up is completed, and fee is non-refundable.
If you have previously completed the Safeguarding Course but your certification has expired (after three years), you can complete a free online refresher through Sport Ireland here: Safeguarding 1 Online Refresher Course
