Recruitment and Selection of Coaches, Mentors and Other Volunteers

All DRP coaches who work with children and young people must:

  • Undergo Garda vetting
  • Must attend relevant child safeguarding training as approved by the GAA / LGFA
  • Must obtain a minimum coaching qualification (Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games)

The following recruitment and selection guidelines are put in place as a support mechanism so as to ensure that those recruited adhere to the best possible standards that we have adopted in ensuring that our Games are played and promoted in an enjoyable, safe and developmental environment. The guidance may be amended by the club executive where necessary.

Guidance on Recruitment and Selection

It is essential that all adults who are undertaking a role of responsibility with children and young people, whether in a paid or unpaid capacity, should undergo the above vetting and training prior to commencing their role. The recruitment of adults to work with underage teams should be co-ordinated by a senior and experienced member of the club, with the advice or involvement of the Children’s Officer. All such recruitment should be done confidentially.

It should be noted that at DRP, coaches are usually appointed to be part of a coaching team at a certain age group, and are therefore expected to work in a positive way with their allocated coaching team.  The club reserves the right to refuse any applicant a position on (or remove any existing coach from) all or any coaching team if they consider them unsuitable or if in the opinion of the club their addition would (or is) negatively impact on the coaching team or their ability to coach the particular player group.

The following steps may be used when recruiting and choosing coaches and other personnel to take up coaching, team management and support positions.  This is more likely to be required at adult team positions.

  1. ADVERTISEMENT: Where a specific role (e.g. adult team manager) becomes vacant, the club will in the first place seek expressions of interest from within the existing Club coaching pool. At the club’s discretion expressions of interest may also be invited from further afield e.g. from the wider club membership, from established coaches from within / beyond Co. Sligo, or from the wider public.
  2. ROLE CLARIFICATION: The role and responsibilities envisaged e.g. manager, coach, and the team’s age group should be clearly known and stated at the outset. Any specific levels of experience or qualifications (e.g. Award 1) required should also be clarified at the outset.
  3. ROLE ASSISTANCE: Where necessary the various supports that can be made available via the club for the role may be communicated to potential applicants.
  4. APPLICATION FORM: If necessary, and most likely when there are multiple applicants seeking the same position, applicants may be requested to complete an application form for consideration prior to any appointments.
  5. REFERENCES: If necessary, and most likely when unknown applicants apply for a position, these applicants may be asked to submit references. These may refer to the person’s character and if applicable to their previous background in sports and in Gaelic Games. References should be verified.
  6. MEET THE APPLICANT: A senior representative of the Club may request to meet with each applicant to ensure that they are aware of the role(s) and they may use the occasion to clarify any issues that may arise and identify any coaching or up-skilling needs as appropriate.
  7. APPLICATION ASSESSMENT: A 3-person (typically) sub-committee comprising of experienced club members / coaches appointed by the club executive will carry out an assessment of all applications received and will make a recommendation to the club executive on who in their opinion is the best applicant for the position.
  8. APPOINTMENT: The club will meet with the successful applicant to confirm appointment and develop a plan for the year ahead and to set out review and performance monitoring requirements. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified once the position has been filled and confirmed.
  9. VETTING AND POLICE CHECKS: Appointment will be subject to having completed Garda Vetting and/or Police Checks, as appropriate.
  10. CHILD SAFEGUARDING TRAINING AND COACHING QUALIFICATION: Appointment will be subject to having completed recognised Child Safeguarding Training as promoted by the GAA and at a minimum the Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games, and ideally the Award 1 courses.
  11. CODE OF BEHAVIOUR (UNDERAGE): Appointed coaches will be required to sign the Club’s Code of Behaviour for Coaches.