Shannon Athletic Club
Allergy Awareness and Anaphylaxis Policy
| Policy owner | Shannon Athletic Club Committee
| Approved by | Club Committee
| Date approved | 08/05/2026
| Review date | Annually, or sooner if required
| Version | 1.0
| Approved by | Club Committee
| Date approved | 08/05/2026
| Review date | Annually, or sooner if required
| Version | 1.0
1. Introduction
Shannon Athletic Club (SAC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all members, including children and adults with allergies, medical conditions and dietary requirements.
The club recognises that allergies can range from mild reactions to severe and potentially life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. This policy outlines the club’s approach to allergy awareness, risk reduction and emergency response during club activities.
The club recognises that allergies can range from mild reactions to severe and potentially life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. This policy outlines the club’s approach to allergy awareness, risk reduction and emergency response during club activities.
2. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
Promote awareness and understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis.
Support the safe participation of members with allergies.
Clarify responsibilities of parents/guardians, coaches, volunteers and committee members.
Ensure appropriate procedures are in place in the event of an allergic reaction.
Promote safe handling of food, medication and club activities involving children and young people.
Promote awareness and understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis.
Support the safe participation of members with allergies.
Clarify responsibilities of parents/guardians, coaches, volunteers and committee members.
Ensure appropriate procedures are in place in the event of an allergic reaction.
Promote safe handling of food, medication and club activities involving children and young people.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all Shannon Athletic Club activities, including training sessions, competitions, trips, fundraising events, meetings and social activities.
It applies to all members, coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents/guardians and visitors involved in club activities.
It applies to all members, coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents/guardians and visitors involved in club activities.
4. Policy Statement
SAC is committed to taking reasonable steps to reduce allergy-related risks and support members with allergies or medical conditions.
The club aims to create an environment where individuals with allergies can safely participate without unnecessary exclusion while recognising that responsibility is shared between the club, parents/guardians and members themselves.
The club aims to create an environment where individuals with allergies can safely participate without unnecessary exclusion while recognising that responsibility is shared between the club, parents/guardians and members themselves.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Parents/guardians are responsible for:
Providing accurate and up-to-date medical information during registration.
Informing the club of any allergies, medication or emergency procedures.
Providing required medication such as antihistamines, inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors where prescribed.
Checking medication expiry dates and replacing medication when necessary.
Ensuring their child understands their allergy and emergency procedures appropriate to their age.
Coaches and volunteers are responsible for:
Being aware of members with allergies.
Following agreed care or emergency plans.
Knowing how to access emergency contacts and medication where applicable.
Responding appropriately in an emergency.
Reporting incidents or concerns.
The Club Committee is responsible for:
Supporting allergy awareness and safe practices within the club.
Reviewing this policy regularly.
Promoting appropriate training and communication where possible.
Providing accurate and up-to-date medical information during registration.
Informing the club of any allergies, medication or emergency procedures.
Providing required medication such as antihistamines, inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors where prescribed.
Checking medication expiry dates and replacing medication when necessary.
Ensuring their child understands their allergy and emergency procedures appropriate to their age.
Coaches and volunteers are responsible for:
Being aware of members with allergies.
Following agreed care or emergency plans.
Knowing how to access emergency contacts and medication where applicable.
Responding appropriately in an emergency.
Reporting incidents or concerns.
The Club Committee is responsible for:
Supporting allergy awareness and safe practices within the club.
Reviewing this policy regularly.
Promoting appropriate training and communication where possible.
6. Medical Information and Consent
The club will request relevant medical information during registration and may seek additional information where necessary.
Parents/guardians should:
Provide details of allergies, triggers, symptoms and treatment.
Provide emergency contact information.
Inform the club of any changes in medical circumstances.
Provide consent for emergency medical treatment where required.
Relevant information will be shared only with those who need to know for safety and welfare purposes.
Parents/guardians should:
Provide details of allergies, triggers, symptoms and treatment.
Provide emergency contact information.
Inform the club of any changes in medical circumstances.
Provide consent for emergency medical treatment where required.
Relevant information will be shared only with those who need to know for safety and welfare purposes.
7. Food and Allergy Awareness
Where food is provided during club events or activities, the club will aim to consider known allergies and dietary requirements.
The club encourages:
Awareness of common allergens.
Safe food handling practices.
Avoidance of sharing food between members.
Careful consideration where severe allergies, including nut allergies, are known.
Parents/guardians may be asked to provide suitable food alternatives where necessary.
The club encourages:
Awareness of common allergens.
Safe food handling practices.
Avoidance of sharing food between members.
Careful consideration where severe allergies, including nut allergies, are known.
Parents/guardians may be asked to provide suitable food alternatives where necessary.
8. Medication and Adrenaline Auto-Injectors
Members prescribed medication for allergies should have their medication available during club activities where appropriate.
This may include:
Antihistamines.
Inhalers.
Adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPen or Anapen.
The club will encourage relevant coaches or volunteers to receive awareness training regarding allergic reactions and the use of adrenaline auto-injectors where practical.
Medication should be clearly labelled, accessible in an emergency and stored in line with parent/guardian instructions.
This may include:
Antihistamines.
Inhalers.
Adrenaline auto-injectors such as EpiPen or Anapen.
The club will encourage relevant coaches or volunteers to receive awareness training regarding allergic reactions and the use of adrenaline auto-injectors where practical.
Medication should be clearly labelled, accessible in an emergency and stored in line with parent/guardian instructions.
9. Recognising Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
An allergic reaction may include symptoms such as:
Itching, rash or swelling.
Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Dizziness or collapse.
Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
Sudden severe reactions known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate action.
Itching, rash or swelling.
Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Dizziness or collapse.
Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
Sudden severe reactions known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate action.
10. Emergency Procedures
In the event of a suspected severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis:
Call 999 or 112 immediately.
Administer prescribed medication if trained and authorised to do so.
Contact parents/guardians or emergency contacts.
Keep the individual calm and under supervision.
Record the incident and report it to the club committee.
Any use of an adrenaline auto-injector should be followed by immediate medical assessment.
Call 999 or 112 immediately.
Administer prescribed medication if trained and authorised to do so.
Contact parents/guardians or emergency contacts.
Keep the individual calm and under supervision.
Record the incident and report it to the club committee.
Any use of an adrenaline auto-injector should be followed by immediate medical assessment.
11. Trips, Events and Competitions
For outings, competitions or events, coaches and activity leaders should:
Ensure emergency contact information is available.
Know where medication is stored.
Be aware of nearby medical facilities where practical.
Consider allergy risks when planning activities involving food.
Ensure supervising adults are aware of any relevant medical information.
Ensure emergency contact information is available.
Know where medication is stored.
Be aware of nearby medical facilities where practical.
Consider allergy risks when planning activities involving food.
Ensure supervising adults are aware of any relevant medical information.
12. Training and Awareness
SAC will promote awareness of allergies, anaphylaxis and safe practice among coaches, volunteers and committee members.
The club may encourage attendance at relevant first aid, safeguarding or allergy awareness training where appropriate.
The club may encourage attendance at relevant first aid, safeguarding or allergy awareness training where appropriate.
13. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Medical information relating to allergies or health conditions will be handled sensitively and in line with data protection requirements.
Information will only be shared where necessary for safety, welfare or emergency response purposes.
Information will only be shared where necessary for safety, welfare or emergency response purposes.
14. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually by the committee, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance or club activities.
The club will continue to promote safe and inclusive participation for all members.
The club will continue to promote safe and inclusive participation for all members.
15. Approval
This policy was approved by Shannon Athletic Club Committee.
Contact Information
Designated Contact Person: Joanne Begley
Email: info@shannonac.ie
Phone: 0872349130
Email: info@shannonac.ie
Phone: 0872349130
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