Terms & Conditions

1. Membership

Ógras is open to children between 7 and 19 years of age, subject to the rules and conditions set out in this document.
A parent/guardian must accurately complete the membership forms and provide any information required.
Membership of Ógras is subject to the consent and support of a parent/guardian.
The club may refuse or suspend membership in cases of serious or ongoing breaches of the club rules.

2. Irish – The Official Language of Ógras

Ógras is an Irish-only club, and Irish is the principal language of communication within the club.
All members are expected to make an effort to speak Irish at all times while attending Ógras activities.
A child does not need to have perfect Irish to participate in Ógras.
If a member has difficulty understanding or speaking Irish, they will be given help, support and encouragement.
Mocking, humiliating or criticising a child because of their level of Irish will not be tolerated.
Members will be encouraged to help one another and to create a positive, friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The purpose of this rule is to develop children's confidence and ability in Irish, not to punish a child who is not fluent in the language.
Every member must make an effort to speak Irish, while at the same time understanding that it is perfectly acceptable to make mistakes and ask for help.
In an emergency or when necessary for safety reasons, another language may be used to ensure that the child understands the instructions being given.
Ógras aims to create a safe, friendly and stimulating environment in which children can:

enjoy the Irish language and develop their confidence in Irish;
make friendships and new friends through Irish;
show respect for other people;
participate in a variety of activities through Irish;
and be proud of their ability in Irish, regardless of their level.

3. Behaviour and Respect

All members are expected to:

show respect towards other members, leaders and visitors;
listen to the instructions of the leaders;
not engage in bullying, intimidation, insults or harassment;
not fight or display aggressive behaviour;
not use abusive language or engage in inappropriate behaviour;
respect Ógras property and the property of others;
take an active and positive part in activities.

Bullying or behaviour that could cause another member to feel frightened or

uncomfortable will not be tolerated.

4. Safety and Child Protection

The safety and welfare of children is Ógras's highest priority.
Members must always comply with the safety instructions given by the leaders.
For safety reasons, parents/guardians must drop their children off and collect them at the door of the venue. Children are not permitted to enter or leave the venue alone without appropriate supervision.
A member may not leave the venue or the group without permission from a leader and, where appropriate, without the permission of a parent/guardian.
Any accident, injury, concern or safety incident must be reported to a leader as soon as possible.
Any concern regarding the protection or welfare of a child will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate child-protection procedures.

5. Health and Special Requirements

A parent/guardian should inform the club of any medical condition, allergy, special requirement or other information that could affect the child's safety or participation.
Emergency contact information should be kept up to date.
A child should not attend Ógras if they are too unwell to participate safely in the club or if they could spread an infectious illness.
Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the different needs of children where possible.

6. Attendance and Punctuality

Members should arrive on time and be ready to participate.
If a member is absent, the parent/guardian is encouraged to inform the club where possible.
Parents/guardians must ensure that their child is collected at the agreed time and place.
Ógras leaders will not be responsible for a child outside the official times and arrangements established by the club.

7. Parent/Guardian Conduct

Parents/guardians are expected to be respectful and supportive towards leaders, volunteers and other members.
A parent/guardian should not confront another child or a leader in an aggressive manner.
Any complaint or concern should be raised privately with a designated leader of the club.

8. Equipment and Property

Members must take care of the club's equipment and property.
A parent/guardian may be responsible for damage to property deliberately caused by their child, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Personal belongings should be marked with the child's name where possible.
Ógras does not accept responsibility for personal belongings that are lost or damaged, except where the club has a legal responsibility.

9. Phones, Devices and Technology

Members should not use phones, tablets or other devices during activities unless permission is given by a leader.
Photographs or videos of other members may not be taken or shared without appropriate permission.
Abusive, bullying or inappropriate material may not be shared through the club's devices or digital platforms.

10. Photography and Video Recording

Photographs or videos may be taken at Ógras events and activities in order to record or promote the club's activities.
A child's image will only be used for this purpose where the necessary permission has been obtained from the parent/guardian.
Parents/guardians will be given an opportunity to make a choice regarding the use of images of their child.

11. Social Media and Online Communication

Respect and good behaviour must be shown on any social-media platform associated with Ógras.
Bullying, threats, harassment or abusive comments about members, leaders or parents will not be tolerated.
Personal information about another child should not be shared online.

12. Money, Fees and Refunds

Where there is a membership fee or activity fee, it must be paid in accordance with the arrangements established by Ógras.
Parents/guardians will be informed in advance of any additional cost associated with an activity, trip or event.
Generally, membership fees and activity fees will not be refundable once the child has commenced attending the club or activity.
If an activity or event is cancelled by Ógras, a full refund will be provided or a partial refund, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation.
Where a child is unable to attend an event or activity for which payment has been made, Ógras may provide a full or partial refund, depending on the amount of notice given and the costs already incurred by the club.
Ógras will not be obliged to provide a refund where non-refundable costs already paid by the club cannot be recovered.
All refund requests will be considered fairly and according to the circumstances of each case.
Where a booking has been received and confirmed following payment for an event, the following criteria will apply to ensure that any costs incurred by Ógras are covered:

Cancellation more than 28 days before the event date: Full refund less a €5 administration fee.
Cancellation between 14 and 28 days before the event date: 50% refund less a €5 administration fee.
Cancellation less than 14 days before the event date: No refund will be provided.

13. Trips and Activities Outside the Usual Venue

Ógras may organise trips, events or activities outside its usual venue.
Parent/guardian permission may be required before a member participates in such an activity.
Members must comply with the safety and behavioural instructions relating to each trip or event.

14. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Personal information provided by parents/guardians to the club will be kept confidential and will be used for the club's administrative, safety and organisational purposes.
Personal information will only be shared where necessary and in accordance with legal requirements and relevant policies.
Parents/guardians should inform the club of any change to their contact information.

15. Complaints and Concerns

If a member or parent/guardian has a concern about any aspect of Ógras, they are encouraged to speak with a designated leader of the club.

Complaints will be dealt with fairly, respectfully and, where appropriate, confidentially.

Every child has the right to speak to a trusted adult if they feel unsafe, unhappy or uncomfortable.

16. Breach of Rules

Breaches of these terms and conditions will be dealt with in a manner appropriate to the age and circumstances of the child.
An effort will first be made to address inappropriate behaviour through explanation, guidance, support and discussion.
In cases of serious or ongoing behaviour, the parent/guardian may be contacted and, if necessary, the child's membership may be suspended or terminated.
No disciplinary measure should be used in a humiliating, abusive or discriminatory manner.

17. Acceptance of the Terms and Conditions

By registering a child as a member of Ógras, the parent/guardian confirms that they have read and understood these terms and conditions and agree to support the child in complying with them.

ÓGRAS – Membership Terms and Conditions