Vetting and Safeguarding
Our Club Children’s Officer Team oversees the implementation of Garda Vetting and Child Safeguarding within the club in accordance with the GAA Code of Behaviour (Underage).
You can read more about the GAA’s vetting procedure here and read our club policies and procedures here.
Who needs Garda Vetting and Child Safeguarding
In line with the regulations of the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Associations, any individual in a position of responsibility—such as coaching, managing, or training underage teams that include players under 18 years of age—must be vetted and safeguarded as a legal requirement. This also applies to those involved in organising underage activities, refereeing underage games, acting as FLOs, club officers, or photographing children’s games.
At CLG Phort Laoise, we extend this policy to all coaches and mentors of adult teams, as juvenile members may play up to adult level. Ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection remains a top priority within our club.
For more information email our club Children’s Officer at childrensofficer.portlaoise.laois@gaa.ie
Garda Vetting Procedure
The Garda Vetting System is now part of Foireann. The steps are briefly outlined below.
Step 1 - Log in to Foireann
If you do not have an account with Foireann you will need to create one. Select Portlaoise as your club.
Step 2 - Complete the Gaelic Games Vetting ID Validation Form
- Log into your Foireann account.
- Navigate to the Qualifications and Vetting tab.
- Click Apply to be Vetted.
- Review your profile details to ensure they are correct.
- Select your club and/or association under which you wish to be vetted.
- Choose the role you are applying for vetting.
Next, follow the on-screen instructions to submit your ID documentation (photo ID and proof of address) and upload all required documents. Once submitted, your application will be sent to the Children’s Officer for validation before being forwarded to the National Vetting Bureau for processing.
Step 3 - Complete the National Vetting Bureau Vetting Application Form
You will receive an on-line NVB Vetting Form to complete.
FAQ's
I have Garda vetting and/or Child Safeguarding at another institution, will that suffice for Portlaoise?
- Vetting must be processed via CLG Phort Laoise / Portlaoise GAA.
- If a member holds Sport Ireland Safeguarding Certification from attending an LSP course or another National Governing Body (NGB) safeguarding training, they must complete the Gaelic Games Online Safeguarding Refresher before beginning their role. This ensures alignment with GAA safeguarding standards and compliance with club requirements.
My Garda Vetting and/or Safeguarding has not been issued yet/has lapsed, can I commence/continue to work with children while awaiting acceptance/renewal?
No, you cannot commence or continue working with children if your Garda Vetting or Safeguarding certification has not been issued or has lapsed. All individuals involved in roles with underage players must have valid and up-to-date vetting and safeguarding in place before engaging in any activities with children. This is a strict legal and club requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all underage members.
I am working with children in multiple codes, which association do I apply for Garda Vetting under?
An agreement between the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association allows for the mutual recognition of vetting conducted by any of the three bodies. This means that a coach or volunteer who has been vetted by the LGFA or Camogie Association will have their vetting disclosure accepted by the GAA, and vice versa. This ensures a streamlined vetting process across all Gaelic Games Associations while maintaining safeguarding standards.
How often does Garda vetting need to be renewed?
How do I know when my Garda vetting needs to be renewed?
You can check the validity of your Garda Vetting and Safeguarding in your Foireann Profile under ‘Qualifications and Vetting’.
How often does Child Safeguarding need to be renewed?
Your Child Safeguarding Certification is valid for three years. To renew it, you can complete an online refresher course, provided you have attended a Safeguarding 1 face-to-face course within the last three years.
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Garda vetting is available to individuals aged 16 and over. If an applicant is under 18, a Parent/Guardian Consent Form must be completed by their parent or guardian. Additionally, the applicant must use the email address of their parent/guardian when submitting the application.
All applications are processed through Foireann under the ‘Qualifications and Safeguarding’ tab.
