How do you register your gym/club so it becomes affiliated with WI?

To register your gym/club you must have:

• Have a committee with a minimum of four (4) members.
• Your club name must include the word “weightlifting” in the title. (Eg. 123 Weightlifting Club).
• Upload all the required documents that relate to your club application.
• Have a Weightlifting Ireland L1 certified coach in your gym/club.
• Upon review of your documentation & successful approval – your club profile will be activated on JustGo.
• Club Affiliation memberships expire 12 months from approval date.

What are the benefits for my gym/club to be affiliated with WI?

• Membership discount with Affiliated membership rate.
• Access to Garda Vetting services for your coaching and volunteer staff.
• Discount on selected IWF equipment and suppliers.
• A Weightlifting Ireland map point and contact information to your gym on our website “Find a Club” page : HERE
• Opportunity to host Weightlifting Ireland competitions & coaching events.
• Gym/club name advertised & published at all WI competitions & events via our social channels.

What documentation do I need to upload with my club application?

There are a number of documents that you must prepare and upload with your club application. Templates for these documents & further support is available from our Club Resource Pack (linked below).

Here are the mandatory requirements to get your club application approved:

1. Club Constitution
2. Insurance Cover Letter
3. First Aid Certification
4. Health & Safety Statement
5. Club/Child Risk Assessment
6. Club Logo
7. Registration Fee

If you fail to provide evidence of any of the above mentioned documents, this will slow down the club review process. If your club provides services to young people (U18) and vulnerable adults you will also need to provide the following additional documents & information:

1. Club Children’s Officer (CCO)
2. Child Safeguarding Safety Statement
3. Child Risk Assessment
4. Disability Inclusion Policy (highly recommended)

What about Safeguarding?

Weightlifting Ireland is committed to safeguarding the youth involved in our sport, and in our affiliated clubs.

The Children First Act 2015 now requires that all clubs that provide services to young people (U18) and vulnerable adults must have a Child Safeguarding Statement.

As part of this Safeguarding Statement each club must also have Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment and all clubs must appoint a ‘relevant person’ who is the first point of contact for the club regarding Child Safeguarding. This person will be known as the Club’s Children’s Officer (CCO).

Templates for these documents & further support is available from our Club Resource Pack (linked below).

Do you provide services to young people (U18) and vulnerable adults?

If you are coaching or plan to coach U18s or vulnerable adults in your gym/club, you will need the following:

• Weightlifting Ireland L1 Coaching Certificate
• Safeguarding Training (L1, L2 or L3)
  • The club’s designated (CCO) Club’s Children’s Officer should have Safeguarding L1 & L2 training.
  • We will not accept applications if the club coach is also listed as the CPO in the same club – this is not best practice.
• Garda Vetting
  • This service is provided by us, free of charge

You can find more information about Safeguarding & Garda Vetting on our dedicated “Safeguarding” page : HERE

Ok, so how do I get the club affiliated?

1. Go to our “Club Templates” folder to find all the relevant documents you will need for your club application.
2. Download, review and edit each document (that is relevant to your club) with your club logo, accurate information, dates and signatures.
3. Once your edits are completed, save the documents in PDF format, ready to be uploaded during the application process.
4. Follow the link here or go to the “Club Application” page to start the online club application process.