Coach compliance
Garda vetting guidance for padel coaches and safe activity.
Garda vetting applies where a role involves relevant work or activity with children or vulnerable people. Coaches, clubs, and programme organisers should use the approved organisation route and check the current PFI process before the role begins.
Role checks, approved routes, and private records.
Garda vetting is an administrative safeguarding process. Coaches and clubs need to know when vetting matters, who starts the application, and how evidence should be protected.
When it matters
Vetting is relevant where a necessary and regular part of the role gives access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable people.
How it is started
Applicants normally receive the vetting invitation or form through the relevant organisation and complete identity and application steps through that route.
What PFI can confirm
PFI can confirm the current sport-specific route, who initiates an application, and how clubs should record completion.
How vetting should be handled
The National Vetting Bureau explains that vetting is carried out on behalf of registered organisations, not for individuals on a personal basis. Sport Ireland also directs clubs and individuals to the relevant National Governing Body process for sport-related vetting.
Key vetting points
- Whether the role is relevant work or activity with children or vulnerable people
- Which organisation initiates the application
- Identity and role information needed for the application
- How completion is confirmed to a club, venue, programme, or PFI
- How records are stored, reviewed, and renewed
What careful vetting practice looks like
Vetting should be handled as a private administrative process, with clear roles and careful record handling before a coach begins relevant activity.
Confirm the role first
Check whether the coaching role involves relevant work or activity with children or vulnerable people.
Use the right route
Applications should move through the approved organisation route, not through a coach trying to secure personal vetting independently.
Protect the evidence
Vetting evidence should stay private and administrative. Public coach profiles should not display document details.
Useful links and next steps
Use these links to check the source route, move to the next relevant coaching page, or contact Padel Federation Ireland.