Emerald Diamond International (EDI) and the Irish American Baseball Society (IABS) are committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all children and vulnerable adults who participate in our baseball programs, events, and related activities. We model our safeguarding policies on Ireland’s Children First Act and the policies and best practices of Little League Baseball International, the Gaelic Athletic Association, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

We will take all necessary steps to protect children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, and degrading treatment, and we will respect their rights, wishes, dignity, and feelings. We do this by:

• Recognizing that all children and vulnerable adults have the right to be protected from harm.
• Ensuring that all coaches, staff, and volunteers are carefully selected and undergo an annual criminal background check, as required by law.
• Ensuring that all coaches, staff, and volunteers complete appropriate safety and safeguarding training, including training provided by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
• Requiring coaches, staff, and volunteers to accept responsibility for ensuring the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in their care.
• Prohibiting retaliation for any “good faith” report of abuse, neglect, or safeguarding concerns.
• Limiting one-on-one contact with minors and vulnerable adults in accordance with standards set by Little League Baseball International and applicable safeguarding guidance.
• Responding swiftly and appropriately to any safeguarding concern to protect the welfare of participants in our programs and related activities.
• Ensuring that all partner organizations, contractors, and affiliates adhere to similar safeguarding policies and best practices.
• Reviewing the effectiveness of our safeguarding procedures and policies on an ongoing basis.

Definition of Vulnerable Adult

For the purposes of this policy, a vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm, abuse, or exploitation due to age, disability, illness, mental health challenges, or other circumstances that increase their vulnerability.

Reporting and Response Procedures

Any coach, volunteer, staff member, participant, or parent who has a concern, suspicion, or allegation of abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior involving a child or vulnerable adult must report it promptly and in good faith to the designated safeguarding officer or organizational leadership of EDI or IABS. All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially, sensitively, and in accordance with applicable laws and safeguarding guidelines. Where required, concerns will be reported to appropriate authorities. EDI and IABS will cooperate fully with any investigation and will take immediate steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those involved.