Garda Vetting

Protecting Children and Vulnerable Persons in Irish Wrestling

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.) is committed to providing a safe and secure sporting environment for children, young people and vulnerable persons participating in wrestling.

Garda Vetting is an essential part of the Association’s safeguarding and safe recruitment procedures.

Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, individuals undertaking relevant work or activities with children or vulnerable persons must undergo Garda Vetting before commencing those duties.

The I.A.W.A. administers Garda Vetting applications for its affiliated clubs through the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB).

Important: Individuals must not commence relevant work with children or vulnerable persons until the required Garda Vetting process has been completed and the appropriate I.A.W.A. authorisation has been given.

1. Download Garda Vetting Forms

Start with the Garda Vetting Form in the download box at the top of this page. This is the I.A.W.A. eVetting Invitation and Identification Validation Form.

Supporting Documents

Use these alongside your application:

• Identity Document Schedule (PDF) — check which documents to bring for validation.
• Parent/Guardian Consent Form (NVB3) (PDF) — also required for applicants aged 16 or 17.
• I.A.W.A. Garda Vetting Policy and Procedures (PDF)
• GNVB Updated Identity Validation Guidance (PDF)

Applicants must not use outdated forms or previous identification checklists.

2. Who Requires Garda Vetting?

Garda Vetting is required for individuals undertaking relevant work or activities involving children or vulnerable persons, as defined by the legislation.

Within I.A.W.A.-affiliated clubs, this may include:

• Wrestling coaches and assistant coaches.
• Individuals regularly supervising children.
• Club Children’s Officers and Designated Liaison Persons whose duties involve relevant work.
• Team managers and personnel responsible for young athletes.
• Individuals undertaking regular coaching or supervision at training camps.
• Volunteers whose duties fall within the legal definition of relevant work.
• Other club personnel identified as requiring vetting following an appropriate role assessment.

Whether vetting is legally required depends on the actual duties involved.

All individuals applying for Garda Vetting through the I.A.W.A. must hold current I.A.W.A. membership.

Garda Vetting is not a substitute for safeguarding training, appropriate supervision or safe recruitment procedures.

3. Updated Garda Vetting Requirements – Effective 1 August 2025

The Garda National Vetting Bureau introduced updated requirements concerning identity verification, consent documentation and validation procedures.

These requirements apply to I.A.W.A. vetting applications and affiliated clubs.

Completion of the NVB1 Form

Applicants must:

• Complete all required sections.
• Provide accurate personal and contact information.
• Clearly identify their role within the club.
• Sign the form using a handwritten signature.
• Use a current form accepted by the I.A.W.A.
• Provide the required identity and address documentation.

The role stated on the application must accurately reflect the duties being undertaken.

In-Person Identity Verification

All applicants must have their identity documents validated in person.

The applicant must present original identity and address documents to an I.A.W.A.-authorised Garda Vetting Validator.

The Validator must:

• Meet the applicant in person.
• Examine the original identification documents.
• Confirm that the documents correspond with the applicant.
• Complete the required identity validation checks.
• Record their name, club, position and validation date.
• Sign the relevant validation documentation.
• Prepare the required copies for submission to the I.A.W.A.

Photographs or scanned copies sent by an applicant are not a substitute for the required in-person identity validation.

4. Club Garda Vetting Validators

Every I.A.W.A.-affiliated club is required to appoint an authorised Garda Vetting Validator.

The Validator is responsible for confirming applicants’ identities and ensuring that the appropriate documentation has been completed before submission.

Validator Requirements

Club Validators must:

• Be registered with the I.A.W.A.
• Complete the I.A.W.A. Garda Vetting Validator training.
• Complete their own required Garda Vetting.
• Be authorised by the I.A.W.A. to undertake identity validation.
• Follow the current GNVB and I.A.W.A. validation procedures.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and data protection standards.

A Club Children’s Officer, coach or committee member may undertake this role only where they have met the relevant I.A.W.A. training and authorisation requirements.

Clubs wishing to appoint additional Validators should contact the I.A.W.A. for further information.

Validator training enquiries: iawagardavetting@gmail.com

5. Identification and Proof of Address

Applicants must provide acceptable documents to establish their identity and current address.

The required documents are specified in the current I.A.W.A. Identity Document Schedule.

Examples of identity documents may include:

• Valid passport.
• Accepted driving licence or learner permit.
• Recognised national identity card.
• Other documentation accepted under the current schedule.

Examples of address documentation may include:

• An acceptable bank or building society statement.
• An approved utility bill.
• Correspondence from an appropriate government department.
• Other documents permitted by the current schedule.

Not every bank statement, digital financial service statement or utility bill will be accepted.

Applicants must consult the current Identity Document Schedule before attending their validation appointment.

6. Applicants Under 18 Years of Age

Garda eVetting is available to eligible applicants aged 16 and 17, subject to additional consent requirements.

Applicants under 18 must:

• Complete the required vetting invitation documentation.
• Obtain the appropriate parent or guardian consent.
• Submit the completed NVB3 Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
• Provide their parent or guardian’s email address and contact information as required.
• Present acceptable identification and address documentation.
• Complete the applicable identity validation process.

The online eVetting correspondence for under-18 applicants is issued through the parent or guardian arrangements specified by the GNVB.

Applicants under 16 cannot use the standard Garda eVetting application process.

7. Garda eVetting – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Complete the I.A.W.A. Vetting Form

Download and complete the current I.A.W.A. eVetting Invitation and Identification Validation Form.

Ensure all required sections are completed accurately and the form is signed.

Applicants under 18 must also complete the appropriate parent or guardian consent documentation.

Step 2 – Have Your Identity Validated

Arrange to meet your club’s authorised I.A.W.A. Garda Vetting Validator.

Bring:

• Your completed vetting invitation form.
• Original photographic identification or other accepted identity documentation.
• Acceptable proof of address.
• Parent or guardian consent documentation, where applicable.

The Validator will examine the original documents, complete the validation section and prepare the required documentation.

Step 3 – Post the Documents to the I.A.W.A.

The completed and validated documentation must be posted to:

I.A.W.A. Garda Vetting Unit
15 The Haven, Tower Cross
Mornington, Co. Meath
A92 H9Y2
Ireland

Ensure that all required documents are included before posting.

Step 4 – Receive Your eVetting Invitation

Once the I.A.W.A. has reviewed and accepted the documentation, the eVetting invitation process will be initiated.

The applicant, or the parent or guardian where applicable, will receive an email containing a secure link to the online application.

The invitation link expires after 30 days.

Applicants should complete the application promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 5 – Complete the Online Application

Follow the instructions in the email and complete the online eVetting application.

You will be required to provide personal information, including previous names and address history.

Check all information carefully before submitting the application.

The completed application is returned electronically to the I.A.W.A. for review.

Step 6 – I.A.W.A. Review and GNVB Processing

The I.A.W.A. Liaison Person reviews the submitted application and forwards it to the Garda National Vetting Bureau.

The GNVB conducts the required checks and issues a vetting disclosure to the I.A.W.A.

The I.A.W.A. reviews the disclosure, makes the appropriate recruitment or role-related decision and provides the applicant with access to their disclosure as required.

Applicants must await confirmation from the I.A.W.A. or their club that they are authorised to undertake the relevant role.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Garda Vetting applications contain sensitive personal information.

All I.A.W.A.-affiliated clubs and authorised Validators must ensure that applicant information is handled securely and confidentially.

Clubs must:

• Restrict access to authorised personnel.
• Use vetting information only for legitimate purposes.
• Maintain secure storage arrangements.
• Follow the applicable I.A.W.A. records retention policy.
• Securely dispose of records when their retention period expires.
• Comply with relevant data protection requirements.

Vetting disclosures must only be accessed and used by individuals authorised to handle that information.

9. Important Information for Clubs

Clubs are responsible for ensuring that individuals undertaking relevant work have completed the appropriate vetting and recruitment procedures.

Club management should maintain accurate records of authorised coaches, volunteers and safeguarding personnel.

Where an individual changes role or their responsibilities change significantly, the club should consult the I.A.W.A. to determine whether additional vetting or recruitment checks are required.

Clubs must also ensure that their designated Garda Vetting Validator remains appropriately trained and authorised.

10. Garda Vetting Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply directly to the Garda National Vetting Bureau?

No. Garda Vetting applications must be processed through a registered relevant organisation, such as the I.A.W.A.

Can I start coaching children while waiting for my vetting results?

No. Individuals must not commence duties involving relevant work until the necessary vetting and authorisation procedures have been completed.

Does Garda Vetting replace Safeguarding 1 training?

No. Garda Vetting and safeguarding education are separate requirements.

Can I send photographs of my identification instead of meeting a Validator?

No. The I.A.W.A. requires in-person identity validation by an authorised Validator.

How long do I have to complete my online application?

The eVetting invitation link is valid for 30 days.

Can I track my application?

Yes. Applicants can use the tracking facility provided through the GNVB eVetting system.

11. Further Information and Contacts

I.A.W.A. Garda Vetting Unit
Email: iawagardavetting@gmail.com

Garda National Vetting Bureau
vetting.garda.ie

National Vetting Bureau frequently asked questions
vetting.garda.ie/Help/FAQ

I.A.W.A. website
www.irishwrestling.ie

Our Commitment to Safe Wrestling

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association is committed to maintaining high standards of safeguarding, safe recruitment and responsible governance throughout its affiliated clubs.

By ensuring that coaches, volunteers and other relevant personnel complete the appropriate Garda Vetting procedures, we help create safer sporting environments for children and vulnerable persons.

Safe Recruitment. Responsible Clubs. Protecting Irish Wrestling.