Policy in place since 2023. Reviewed and updated 1 August 2026. Next review due no later than 1 August 2028.
1. Policy statement
Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Ireland is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe and positive environment in which children can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and to protect them from harm. This policy applies to all coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, members, parents and guardians involved with the club.
We operate under the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Sport Ireland safeguarding guidance. This policy supports our Child Safeguarding Statement, which is displayed on our website and at our training venue.
2. Designated Liaison Person
Our Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Luis Henrique “Ique” Linck Miller, Head Coach (085 115 1123, info@graciejiujitsu.ie). The DLP is the point of contact for any concern about the protection or welfare of a child at the club, and is responsible for reporting concerns to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in line with Children First.
3. Reporting a concern
Anyone who has a concern about the safety or welfare of a child at the club should bring it to the DLP without delay. The DLP will deal with concerns promptly, sensitively and in confidence, and will report to Tusla any concern that meets the threshold of reasonable grounds under Children First guidance.
A concern may also be reported directly to Tusla (tusla.ie) or, where a child is in immediate danger, to An Garda Síochána. It is not the role of anyone at the club to investigate suspected abuse; our role is to recognise, respond and report.
4. Recruitment, vetting and training
All coaches and regular volunteers who work with children are Garda vetted through the National Vetting Bureau before working with children, and re-vetted in line with current requirements. All coaches working with children complete Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 (Child Welfare and Protection Basic Awareness) training. Records of vetting and training are held by the Head Coach.
5. Code of behaviour for coaches
- Coaches are never alone one-to-one with a child. Training takes place in an open matted area visible to parents and guardians.
- Coaches use age-appropriate teaching, language and physical demonstration, and treat every child with respect.
- Physical contact in coaching is confined to what is necessary to teach technique safely, and is explained to the child first.
- Coaches do not communicate privately with children by phone, text, email or social media. Communication is with parents and guardians.
- Coaches never use physical punishment, aggressive behaviour or language that belittles a child.
6. Parents, guardians and spectating
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and watch every children’s class. We encourage parents to remain at the venue during their child’s class, particularly for the Kids BJJ 4 to 8 group.
7. Collection of children
Children remain in the training venue under coach supervision until collected. Parents and guardians must collect children from the training area, not from outside the building. If a child has not been collected at the end of class, a coach will remain with the child (in sight of others, never alone behind closed doors) and contact the parent or guardian. Parents should tell the coach in advance if someone else will be collecting their child.
8. Photography and filming
Photography and filming are not permitted during children’s classes. Any club photography (for example, grading photos) takes place only with the advance consent of parents or guardians. This rule is part of our Terms and Conditions of membership.
9. Anti-bullying
Bullying of any kind is not accepted at the club, whether physical, verbal or online. Coaches supervise all classes and act on any bullying behaviour. Children and parents should raise any concern with the coach or the DLP, and every concern will be taken seriously.
10. Complaints
Any complaint about the conduct of a coach, member, parent or guardian in relation to a child should be made to the DLP. Complaints are dealt with promptly and fairly. Where a complaint concerns the DLP, it may be made to any other coach, or directly to Tusla or An Garda Síochána.
11. Review
This policy has been in place since 2023 and was reviewed and updated on 1 August 2026, together with our Child Safeguarding Statement and risk assessment. It will be reviewed at least every two years, or sooner if legislation, guidance or our service changes.
Adopted on 1 August 2026 by Luis Henrique “Ique” Linck Miller, Head Coach.