Policies

Clutch Academy — how we operate.

Day-to-Day Procedures

Every Clutch Academy coach carries contact numbers for parents or designated childminders of every participant. A roll will be taken at the start of every session. Parents must supply either a signed consent form or electronically agree to the Clutch Academy Consent Form before their child participates.

Photographs & Videos

Photographs and videos may be captured during Clutch Academy sessions for use on our website and social media platforms. These visual assets will never be sold or shared with third parties. Media consent is collected at the point of booking — you will be asked to indicate your preference when registering your child. If you wish to update your media consent at any time, please contact us at info@clutchacademy.ie.

Accidents & Injuries

Minor cuts, bruises or bumps will be assessed and treated on-site using a First Aid kit. Parents or childminders will be informed on collection. In the case of more serious injuries, the coach will assess the injury on site, parents and childminders will be contacted immediately, and emergency services called if required. In the event a parent or childminder cannot be contacted, the Clutch Academy director will take responsibility for further action. An accident report will be completed and registered for all injuries.

Property

In order to avoid damage to personal property, we advise not to bring or leave anything valuable to sessions. Clutch Academy cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused to personal property through the playing of sport or misplaced items. Labelled items help us return anything left behind. Please note: glasses and jewellery are not recommended during basketball as they may be damaged and cause minor injury.

Coach Code of Conduct

Coaches should have, as their priority, the children's safety and enjoyment of the sport they are participating in. All Clutch Academy coaches are Garda vetted and hold relevant coaching qualifications. Coaches must follow our code of conduct to ensure both the children's and their own safety at all times.

Player Code of Conduct

We ask all participants to uphold the following: I will not use inappropriate language or display inappropriate behaviour towards anyone. I will always show good sportsmanship before and after sessions, whether I win or lose. I will always encourage my teammates and show them support, even when they make mistakes. I will make sure no player is left out or treated differently. I will respect my fellow players and my coaches.

Parent & Guardian Respect Policy

All interactions with our staff and coaches should be conducted respectfully. Disrespectful language, aggressive behaviour or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. We welcome feedback and are committed to resolving concerns promptly and professionally. Clutch Academy reserves the right to refuse service if a parent or guardian's behaviour is disruptive or disrespectful.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

Please adhere to designated drop-off and pick-up times. Children should not be left unattended before a session begins. Staff are not responsible for tracking or retrieving personal belongings. For St Olaf's NS — sessions for 1st–6th class take place at Naomh Olaf GAA Club, Sandyford. Collection is from the GAA club, not the school.

Cancellations

If a session is cancelled due to weather or circumstances outside our control, parents will be contacted as early as possible. In this case, athletes may attend one of our Basketball Academy sessions free of charge as a make-up. We cannot issue refunds for cancelled sessions.

Attire

Participants should wear or bring sports shoes — basketball shoes are preferred but not essential. Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather. A personal water bottle is recommended. There are no snack breaks during academy sessions (excluding camps) — just water breaks.