GAA Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting – What You Need to Know
Why Do I Need Garda Vetting?
If you coach, manage, mentor, referee, supervise, or help organise activities for players under 18, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement.
Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016, nobody may undertake relevant work with children unless vetting has been completed before starting the role.
In Gaelic Games, this applies to:
- Coaches & Managers of underage teams
- Mentors and Supervisors
- Match Officials for underage games
- Camp Coaches & Assistants
- First Aiders & Physios working with children
- Children’s Officers
- Photographers at underage games
- Anyone regularly working with or supervising children
This protects:
- Our children
- Our volunteers
- Our club
- The Association
You cannot begin or continue in a juvenile role until your vetting is fully completed and accepted.
What Has Changed in 2026?
There is now a mandatory face-to-face identity validation meeting with the Club Children’s Officer.
This change was introduced by the Garda National Vetting Bureau to strengthen child protection and prevent identity fraud.
Online validation alone is no longer sufficient.
The Vetting Process – Step by Step
Step 1 – Get the Forms
Download the NVB1 and NVB1 ID Validation forms from your Foireann account
- Log into or create a Foireann account
- Go to 'Profile' in the menue bar
- Select 'Qualifications & Vetting' tab
- Click 'apply to be Garda Vetted'
- Download each form using the white link boxes (one for each form)
- Do not complete the forms until you meet with the Children's Officer.
- Full guide with pictures here.
Step 2 – Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting
Contact the relevant Children’s Officer to arrange a short meeting.
At this meeting you must bring:
- Your Photo ID (passport / driver's licence / national ID card)
- Proof of Address (dated within the last 6 months) - list of accepted proof of address here.
- Your NVB1 and NVB1 ID Validation forms
The Children’s Officer must see the original documents and validate them in person.
If you are under 18, you must attend with a parent/guardian and also bring an NVB3 Parental Consent form
Step 3 – Upload Documents to Foireann
Even though documents are checked in person, they must still be uploaded to Foireann for secure storage.
Your children's officer will guide you on how to do this.
Make sure to have your Foireann and Tobar log in details to hand at the meeting
Step 4 – Validation & National Review
The Children’s Officer validates your application on Foireann.
It is then reviewed by the GAA National Children’s Office.
Step 5 – Complete Online E-Vetting
You will receive an email from the National Vetting Bureau. This typically takes a few day to arrive following National Children's Office review.
Important: Check your spam/junk folder.
You must complete and submit the online form.
Note: You have 30 days to complete the form. After this time, if you have not completed the form, you must restart the process. Once you click the link in the e-mail, you will have 2 hours to complete the form before it times out.
Step 6 – Confirmation
Once processed, your vetting certificate will be issued.
Vetting is valid for three years.
You will receive confirmation via email and it will appear in your Foireann account under Qualifications & Vetting.
You may only commence your role once your vetting is fully accepted.
How Long Does It Take?
Completing the club process: a few days
Garda processing time: typically 10–14 working days
At busy times (start of season, camps) it may take longer (up to 6 weeks in some cases).
Please apply early.
Important Points to Remember
- Vetting is specific to the GAA/LGFA/Camogie/Handball — it cannot be transferred from another organisation (e.g. a school or other non-GAA sporting organisation)
- Renewals are treated as new applications
- You cannot start while your application is “in progress”
- Proof of address must be dated within 6 months
- Mobile phone bills and Revolut statements are not accepted
- You should link your Tobar (GAA learning) account to Foireann. This will ensure your records are visibile to the club.
Data Protection
All forms are stored securely by the Club Children’s Officer in line with GAA and GDPR requirements.
Hard copies are retained only for the required inspection period and then securely shredded.
Who Do I Contact?
If you need to start or renew your vetting, please contact:
Club Children's Officer:
Greg Daniel
childrensofficer.clane.kildare@gaa.ie
LGFA Children's Officer:
Doreen McMahon
childrensofficer.clane.kildare@lgfa.ie
Camogie Children's Officer:
Cathy Nolan
childrensofficer.clane.kildare@camogie.ie
Hurling Children's Officer:
Fiona McInerney
childrensofficer.clane.kildare@gaa.ie
If you are unsure which applies to you, contact:
childrensofficer.clane.kildare@gaa.ie
Final Reminder
Garda Vetting is not optional.
It is:
- A legal requirement
- A GAA safeguarding requirement
- A condition of working with children
If you have any questions, please speak to a Children’s Officer. We are here to support you through the process.
Clane GAA
Founded 1884