Support

See below a range of information that may be helpful to your club

Reach out and share the load:

Mikeysline

A Highland-based grassroots charity offering vital support for people of all ages facing loneliness, depression or thoughts of self-harm.

07786 207755 | mikeysline.co.uk

Visit the website

Counselling for Shinty

Free, confidential counselling sessions for anyone aged 18+ involved in shinty.

shinty@in-sightservices.com | 07774 243921

Referrals need basic information: name, club, date of birth, email and phone number. Enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, with the first appointment offered within 7 days.

Get support

SAMH

The Scottish Association for Mental Health offers a free wellbeing toolkit to help people ground themselves and check in on their mental health.

Use the toolkit

NHS Highland - Parent Hub

A new resource for parents and carers, tackling issues affecting young people across Highland such as substance use, mental health and bullying. Clubs are encouraged to share this widely.

Access the Parent Hub

Shinty Chaplaincy

Join the 22 clubs who already have someone in their community for players and coaches to reach out to when needed. Contact your Regional Development Officer to explore setting this up in your club.

Contact

MEMBERSHIP & INSURANCE FORMS

2026-Individual-Membership-Form

Adult – Basic Cover – Schedule of Insurance 2026

Adult – Enhanced Cover – Schedule of Insurance 2026

Evidence of PL & PI Insurance – Catagory A club 2026

Evidence of PL & PI Insurance – Catagory B club 2026

Guidelines. U-16 Team Playing consent form for uploading

Occasional Cover – Schedule of Insurance 2026

Shinty-Helmet-Faceguard-Waiver-Document 2026

Youth – Basic Cover – Schedule of Insurance 2026

Youth – Enhanced Cover – Schedule of Insurance 2026

Scottish Sports Concussion Guidelines

You should not register players until the 2026 Club Membership form is fully completed on JustGo and the CA have the confirmation via email.

Current player membership & insurance expires on 31 December 2025, please ensure players are registered for 2026 prior to any training of friendly matches commencing.  Players can be re-registered after 7th December 2025 for the 2026 season, those not re-registered for 2026 will not be covered by insurance for training or friendlies from 1st January 2026.

Insurance Update – Following discussions with Sportsguard, there is now an option to take out Enhanced Cover on the Personal Accident Policy for both Adult and Youth Members. This Enhanced Cover includes increased Sum Insured on some of the benefits as well as some additional benefits which are not included in the Basic Cover.

The Camanachd Association recommend that you take out the Enhanced Cover which has the widest benefits, though the choice is that of the individual/club.

Please be aware that that your insurance choice cannot be upgraded to Enhanced throughout the year.

Video tutorial - How to upload the Helmet & Faceguard Opt Out

Video tutorial - How to upload the Club Affiliation Form

Video tutorial - How to re-register players

Video tutorial - How to add a new member

If you're still looking for something or need any help - please e-mail admin@shinty.com and cc aarron.macleod@shinty.com.

COVER

The Camanachd Association provide members with access to a policy that has been devised specifically for shinty to meet their insurance needs, at a reasonable cost. The Policies are provided by Sportsguard who are specialists in Sports Insurance.

All registered Clubs must have the Public Liability cover in place.

All players must have the personal accident cover.

Membership and Insurance Documentation is found in the Membership tab.

Please note that our insurance policies are subject to compliance with Camanachd Association rules and regulations.

Any youths leaving school and going into a workplace will have to contact the Camanachd Association to request they would like to purchase adult senior insurance cover if they wish to have any of the benefits that are covered with Adult Insurance.   

CLAIMS

When making a claim, in the first instance, please email Astie Cameron with the name of the claimant and their Camanachd Association membership number. From there, the Camanachd Association will pass the information on to the insurer, who will then contact the claimant direct.

For further queries regarding claims please contact Sportsguard on 01604 644277.

HELP FOR CLUBS

The Camanachd Association have a CA Clubmark Accreditation Scheme It is administered by the Development Team who will meet with individual clubs to guide and support them through the process.

A template for Club Values are also available to download.

sportscotland’s Help For Clubs is an online resource to assist all sports clubs in developing their structures, organisation and programme. The resource is split into 6 main sections summarised below:

sportscotland

SportScotland have a range of resources available through their website, click to find out more.

Find help for your club

FUNDING

sportscotland have produced a web page which details the many different sources of funding available to Clubs.

To view the resource, click here.

The Scottish Sports Association have provided information on Local Giving

Mowi Youth Development Fund

For a number of years, Mowi, shinty’s longest standing sponsor has run a Youth Development Fund. The fund aims to enhance participation at accredited or accrediting member clubs by offering a maximum grant award of £500. This funding is available to accredited member clubs proposing new or improved initiatives to develop shinty for children and young people up to the age of 18. Keep your eyes peeled on Camanachd Association channels for its launch this year.

SAFEGUARDING

The Camanachd Association is committed to ensuring that participation in shinty is a positive and safe experience at any level.

Everyone that takes part in our sport should be able to do so in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment, free from bullying, harm or abuse.

What is safeguarding?

The term safeguarding is used to denote measures to protect the well-being and human rights of children (under 18 years old) and protected/vulnerable adults from abuse, harm and neglect.

Who needs safeguarding?

Safeguarding applies to everyone, and it is each person’s responsibility to make sure that the most vulnerable people within our society are protected from harm.

Children and young people may require more safeguarding support and consideration.

The Camanachd Association has developed guidance around safeguarding and safe recruitment. The information on this page provides the Policies, Guidance & Procedures to ensure of a safe sport.

Policies and Procedures - Child Wellbeing & Protection in Shinty. Responding to Concerns

The Camanachd Association is commitment to ensure everyone who participates in shinty can do so in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

The Camanachd Association is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all members, especially children and young people in its care. It recognises the responsibility to promote wellbeing and safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. Our Safeguarding Policy takes into account the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland (2014) and the principles of “Getting it Right for Every Child” (GIRFEC). The Camanachd Association is fully committed to a rights-based approach within our sport. Staff and volunteers will work together to embrace difference and diversity and respect the rights of children and young people. To that end we recognise and implement the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Please find our CHILD WELLBEING AND PROTECTION IN SHINTY policy here and view all other polices below.

BYELAW 6: CHILD PROTECTION & PROCEDURES – CA BYELAW 6

For Details on Safe Recruitment and PVGs, please visit the dedicated page

The Camanachd Association and its entire member clubs are fully committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all their members so they can participate in shinty in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, all club members or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and appropriately. We are a TELLING Organisation. This means that anyone who knows that bulling is happening is expected to TELL your Club Child Protection Officer. The Camanachd Association and its member clubs are fully committed to playing their part to educate on how to treat each other with respect.

The Camanachd Association recognises that anti-bullying is every member’s responsibility and that we should safeguard all children in shinty activities organised by staff or volunteers. All members have a right to protection from bullying, and the Camanachd Association policy will be inclusive and take full account of the needs protected groups, children’s rights and other who may be particularly vulnerable.

The Camanachd Association recognises the information provided by Respect me, Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service.

Camanachd Association Anti-Bullying Policy

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN SHINTY
A Code of Conduct has a number of important functions. It:
• Sets out what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable
• Defines standards of practice expected from those to whom it applies
• Forms the basis for challenging and improving practice
• Helps to safeguard staff by encouraging them to adhere to agreed standards of practice
• Sets out for children and parents the standards of practice which they and the organisation should
expect from those who work/volunteer with children

The Camanachd Association supports and requires all members to observe the following standards of practice, including verbal and non-verbal actions when in involved in activities with children.
All concerns about breaches of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and responded to in line with
current Camanachd Association Disciplinary Procedures and/or Procedure for Responding to Concerns.

Codes of Conduct should be discussed and prominently displayed within clubs and venues.
Codes of Conduct should be discussed and talked through to ensure all persons who sign them fully understand the responsibilities set out within them and the consequences of breaching them.
Signed Codes of Conduct should be stored securely in line with data protection.

Code of Conducts: BYELAW-5

Reviewing how Child Wellbeing and Protection Concerns have been managed is an important part of good practice and risk management.

Review of Management of Concerns

These Disciplinary Rules and Procedures shall apply to all Clubs, Affiliated Associations their players, members and persons connected with the Clubs, and Affiliated Associations. They shall also apply to all other members of the Association and persons connected with the Association.

BYELAW-8-2025

Rules for Disciplinary Procedures 2025

If you have any concerns in shinty at any time, please contact Child Protection Officer.

Camanachd Association Child Protection Officer:  Will Cowie

Email: will.cowie@shinty.com

Mobile: 0793525206

 

The Camanachd Association work closely with agencies such as Sport Scotland, Children First, Police Scotland and NSPCC to protect players at all levels from harm.

Police Scotland:

In an emergency call 999

To report a crime or concern call 101

Children First:

Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport | Children First

https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/for-professionals/child-wellbeing-and-protection-in-sport/

Telephone: 0141 419 1156

Email: cwps@childrenfirst.org.uk

Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is Scotland’s long standing, national commitment to provide all children, young people and their families with the right support at the right time, so that every child and young person can reach their full potential.

GIRFEC is both an approach and framework used by services across Scotland to improve and uphold the wellbeing of children and their families.

https://www.gov.scot/policies/girfec/

Wellbeing (SHANARRI)

Using the GIRFEC principles, the approach to considering children’s wellbeing should be rights-based, strengths-based, holistic and adaptable enough to take account of stage of development and the complexity of each child or young person’s individual life circumstances.

Practitioners and organisations should consider each of the eight wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) in collaboration, with children, young people and their family.

Safe – growing up in an environment where a child or young person feels secure, nurtured, listened to and enabled to develop to their full potential. This includes freedom from abuse or neglect.

Healthy – having the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, access to suitable healthcare, and support in learning to make healthy and safe choices.

Achieving – being supported and guided in learning and in the development of skills, confidence and self-esteem, at home, in school and in the community.

Nurtured – growing, developing and being cared for in an environment which provides the physical and emotional security, compassion and warmth necessary for healthy growth and to develop resilience and a positive identity.

Active – having opportunities to take part in activities such as play, recreation and sport, which contribute to healthy growth and development, at home, in school and in the community.

Respected – being involved in and having their voices heard in decisions that affect their life, with support where appropriate.

Responsible – having opportunities and encouragement to play active and responsible roles at home, in school and in the community, and where necessary, having appropriate guidance and supervision.

Included – having help to overcome inequalities and being accepted as part of their family, school and community.

In practice, the eight indicators can be interconnected and overlapping. When considered together, they give a holistic view of each child or young person. They enable the child or young person, and the adults supporting them, to consider strengths, as well as any obstacles they may face to growth and development.

CHILD WELLBEING AND PROTECTION IN SPORT

About

The Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport course is for coaches and sports volunteers. It is the recognised course for Safeguarding training in sport and has been developed and certificated by sportscotland and Children 1st.  It comprises of an eLearning session, (module 1), which must be completed first, followed by a 3-hour face-to-face or virtual course, (module 2).

CHILD WELLBEING AND PROTECTION OFFICER

This workshop is aimed at people taking a lead on child wellbeing and protection in sport (e.g. child wellbeing and protection officers, team managers etc.).  The prerequisites for attendance are:

  • completion of Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport training (online module and face to face session) and
  • a minimum attendance age of 18 years old.

FIND A COURSE

Courses through SportScotland & Other Governing Bodies-

Further information about course dates and how to apply for a course can be found here

 

Camanachd Association Organised Courses will be advertised on our Social media channels & communicated to clubs directly.

If you wish to recieve more information on safeguarding courses, please contact Alaina MacLennan. alaina.maclennan@shinty.com

All people undertaking regulated work with a protected group, children or adults, is required to become a member of the PVG scheme.

It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that everyone over the age of 16 who works (paid or voluntary) with children (under 18) are suitable to do so and should follow the Camanachd Association Safe Recruitment Policy

 

For more information, guidance and policies, please go to our Safe Recruitment and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) webpage:

– Safe Recruitment and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) – Shinty.com

Safe Recruitment and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)

All people undertaking regulated work with a protected group, children or adults, is required to become a member of the PVG scheme.

It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that everyone over the age of 16 who works (paid or voluntary) with children (under 18) are suitable to do so and should follow the Camanachd Association Safe Recruitment Policy.

The information on this page provides the resources, forms and guidance clubs require to complete the safe recruitment process which includes the completion of PVG checks.

Changes to the PVG Process in the Camanachd Association – 2024

Disclosure Scotland, who oversee the PVG process, have requested all Sport Governing Bodies further develop the procedures currently used in the application of PVG. Due to this the Camanachd Association have made changes to our PVG process.

Part of safer requitement is ensuring that people who undertake regulated work with a protected group (e.g. children) within the club, require a PVG.

It is an offence for clubs, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, to employ someone who is barred from working with children whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. The only way to find our whether an individual is listed or is being considered for listing, therefore barred from working with children, is through a criminal records check.

The club must have a named Child Protection Officer (CPO) in place. The CPO must be a registered member of the Camanachd Association and have attended the relevant training courses.

The CPO role includes acting as the club PVG processor. All clubs with children must adopt the Camanachd Association Policies:

To get started with the new process, Clubs must complete the following:

  • Sign and return the PVG processing Contract & Suitability Agreement (signed by CPO & Club Chair/President)
  • Sign and return the ID checker Agreement (Signed by CPO/ID Checker)
  • Adopt the necessary policies referenced above

All forms to be returned to Alaina MacLennan, Welfare Officer at the Camanachd Association, alaina.maclennan@shinty.com

  1. The club recruits the applicant using the Clubs Safer Recruitment Process.
  2. The club CPO sends applicant online link.
  1. The Camanachd Association receive the application and notify the Club CPO to meet with the applicant to verify their ID.
  2. The CPO completes the ID Verification Form  and submits to Camanachd Association.
  3. The Camanachd Association submit the PVG application to Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS).
  4. Disclosure Scotland (DS) send an email link to the applicant to create/ log into their ScotAccount and complete their application and update any details if incorrect – check junk/spam mail for email link.
    • Links expire within 14 days and require a resubmission after this time. Please note the link may take up to two weeks to be sent.
  1. DS undertake disclosure checks and issue PVG Certificate to applicant.
    • The individual receives the PVG certificate. This is to allow the applicant time to review the information returned and to contact DS directly if there are any errors on the certificate.
    • The Applicant is Required to Share the results (Digitally) with the Camanachd Association so a Suitability Decision can be made.
  1. DS share the results to the Camanachd Association. The Camanachd Association assess the PVG Certificate and any information returned and make a Suitability Decision (Clubs may be involved in this step, depending on the information received).
  2. The Camanachd Association inform the Club of suitability decision and further actions.
  3. Association informs the Club of suitability decision and further actions.

Expired Links: If the applicant does not complete the PVG application using the link within 14 days, the link becomes invalid. The Camanachd Association then must re-submit the request (repeating Step 5 onwards) to VSDS to issue a new link. If you miss your link, please contact your club CPO or Will Cowie, Welfare officer at the Camanachd Association, will.cowie@shinty.com

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Club CPO/ID Checker with the appropriate ID to verify for application.

2 forms of ID must be checked and verified. One form of photographic ID and one form of address ID. These must be separate documents.

  • Where an applicant has no photographic ID, you are required to check at least 2 forms of address ID and an additional ID document, e.g. birth certificate or marriage certificate.

Examples of ID for verification:

  • Photo ID: Current Passport, Current Drivers Licence (Full or Provisional), National Entitlement Card, Employee ID card, Young Scot Card, Photographic Membership card, Student ID Card
  • Proof of Address: Phone Bill, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Bank Letter, University or School Letter, Benefit Agency Letter, UK Driving Licence, Credit Card Statement, Council Letter, NHS Letter, UK Electoral Register Office Letter
  • Other acceptable ID: Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, NHS Card.

The Club CPO/ID checker will verify the applicants ID and submit the online ID checker form.

The Camanachd Association are now required to assess any PVG information and make a Suitability Decision of applicants to carry out Regulated Roles for affiliated Clubs and Associations.

To do this we will follow the Safe Recruitment Policy – PVG and Suitability Decison Making Procedures

The Suitability Decision Making Process – Flow Chart

The Camanachd Association may need to include the Club/ Association in the Suitability Decision.