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Starting Up

If there is a club in your area we recommend that you join them rather than start anLogo-Blocks.jpgother one, as this will help to maintain and improve the high standard that is present among the current clubs.

To be insured under UK Athletics policy, a club must have at least one Level 2 coach present at all club activities.  There is a fair degree of effort involved in obtaining a level 2 - another good reason to join an existing club if possible.  See details on coaching courses.

If you have a group who would like to go ahead with a new club, then please contact Stef on 028 9060 2707, or email info@athleticsni.org to receive an application pack.

Club Development Guide for Belfast based clubs (Belfast City Council link)
 

Items we require in order for you to affiliate are:

  • Details of your coaches (At least one fully qualified Level 2 coach is mandatory)
  • Club Constitution (a sample one will be provided)
  • List of Office Bearers (at least secretary, treasurer & chairman, secretary must have email)
  • Photo or drawing of proposed club kit (please get this checked out before going ahead with a kit order, as kits need to be unique to each club).
  • £100 affiliation (annual club registration fee)
  • £8 per competing athlete turning 16 or over before 31st Dec + list of names (annual athlete registration fee).
  • £3 per competing athlete turning 13 - 15 before 31st of Dec + list of names (annual athlete registration fee).

Safe Recruitment

  • Clubs must ensure that all qualified coaches are Access NI checked through Athletics NI
  • Clubs must ensure that there is a Welfare Officer at the club if there is a junior section or athletes Under 18 years old, the contact name and details to be sent to Athletics NI
  • Clubs should encourage all volunteers to be Access NI checked through Athletics NI within 6 months of taking up their position
  • Clubs should make all members aware of their Welfare Officer, contact details should be distributed to all young members
  • Clubs should ensure that all volunteers within their club working with young children have attended safeguarding training within 6 months of taking up their position

Once you have returned these items to the athletics office the details will be checked for kit clashes etc and you will then become an affiliated club.

Good practice in child protection is important to Athletics Northern Ireland, Athletics NI recommends any coaches working with young athletes should attend a Safeguarding course. If you have any coaches looking to attend a Safeguarding course please check out our Workshop section within Education on this website and also Sport NI website for future courses.

Visit the Athletics NI Child Protection Section for more information